Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Full-Service Luxury on 1,350 Private Acres
The Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort sprawls across 1,350 acres on the southern end of Amelia Island—a self-contained world of golf courses, pools, restaurants, and 3.5 miles of private beach. After multiple stays and countless conversations with guests, I've developed a nuanced view: this resort delivers exceptional value for families and golf enthusiasts, but it's not for everyone. Here's what you need to know before booking.
👍 What We Love
- Massive property feels like a private island retreat
- Three excellent golf courses on-site
- Extensive kids programming (Camp Amelia)
- Nature Center with wildlife encounters
- Multiple pool complexes including adult-only option
- Direct beach access with complimentary chairs
- Bike rentals included with resort fee
👎 Room for Improvement
- $45 daily resort fee adds up quickly
- Property is spread out—shuttles needed
- Standard rooms feel dated compared to Ritz
- Far from downtown Fernandina (15-20 min drive)
- Some restaurants inconsistent quality
- Can feel crowded during peak seasons
Room Types & Accommodations
The Omni offers everything from standard hotel rooms to multi-bedroom villas. Room quality varies significantly depending on which building you're in and how recently it's been renovated.
Standard Guest Rooms
From $299/nightThe entry-level rooms in the main hotel building offer 375 square feet with either one king or two queen beds. Views range from parking lot (avoid) to marsh and ocean (request specifically). These rooms are functional but not luxurious—think upscale Holiday Inn rather than true resort elegance. Renovations have improved things, but don't expect Ritz-level finishes.
Ocean View Rooms
From $399/nightWorth the upgrade. Same room size as standard, but waking up to Atlantic views transforms the experience. Higher floors in the oceanfront building deliver the best vistas. Request a balcony room—not all ocean view rooms have them.
One & Two Bedroom Villas
From $499/nightThe real sweet spot for families. These condo-style units scattered across the property offer full kitchens, living areas, and washer/dryers. The tradeoff: they're further from the main hotel amenities and require shuttle rides or bikes to reach pools and restaurants. Villas near the beach are premium priced but worth it.
Suites & Premium Accommodations
From $699/nightOne-bedroom suites in the main building offer separate living areas and upgraded furnishings. The Presidential Suite runs $2,000+ nightly. For most guests, the villas offer better value for the space.
Pools & Beach Access
This is where the Omni genuinely excels. The pool complex rivals many standalone water parks, and the private beach access is a major differentiator.
The main pool area features a zero-entry lagoon pool that kids adore, plus water slides that keep them occupied for hours. Adults can escape to the quieter infinity pool reserved for guests 21+. Both areas have poolside food service and bars.
Beach access is where staying on-property pays off. The resort maintains 3.5 miles of private beach with complimentary chairs and umbrellas (first-come, first-served). Beach attendants are genuinely helpful, and the sand is noticeably less crowded than public beaches up the island.
Golf at the Omni
For golfers, the Omni is essentially three courses with a resort attached. The 54 holes of championship golf justify the trip for serious players.
Oak Marsh Course
$150-250/roundThe signature Pete Dye design weaves through salt marshes and maritime forest. It's visually stunning and strategically demanding—elevated greens, dramatic bunkering, and ocean breezes that affect every shot. The signature 15th hole requires a precise carry over marsh. Considered the most challenging of the three courses.
Oyster Bay Course
$125-200/roundMore player-friendly than Oak Marsh but still a quality track. Designed by Rees Jones, it features wider fairways and more forgiving rough. The back nine runs along the Intracoastal Waterway with spectacular views. Best choice for mid-handicappers.
Ocean Links Course
$125-200/roundThe most links-style layout with rolling terrain and minimal tree interference. Wind becomes your main opponent. Several holes offer glimpses of the Atlantic. The fastest greens of the three courses.
Golf packages that bundle accommodations with rounds offer significant savings—sometimes 30-40% off rack rates. The practice facility is extensive, and instruction is available for all skill levels. Book tee times at least two weeks in advance during peak season.
Dining Options
Eight restaurants and bars on property mean you never need to leave—though you'll want to for Fernandina's excellent dining scene. Quality ranges from excellent to mediocre.
Oceanside (Fine Dining)
The flagship restaurant delivers ocean views and elevated coastal cuisine. Fresh catch preparations are standouts; steaks are good but overpriced. Reservations essential. Budget $80-120/person with wine.
Verandah Restaurant
The best breakfast on property. Shrimp and grits, crab cake benedict, and an extensive buffet option. Gets crowded—arrive by 8am or wait until after 10am.
Marché Burette
Grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and groceries for villa guests. Overpriced (resort markup applies) but convenient. The coffee is surprisingly good.
Poolside & Beach Bars
Standard resort fare—burgers, wraps, frozen drinks. Nothing special but serviceable when you don't want to leave the pool. Expect $15-20 for basic items plus mandatory gratuity.
Family Activities & Camp Amelia
Families are the Omni's core demographic, and it shows. The programming rivals dedicated family resorts.
Camp Amelia operates daily for kids ages 4-12 with half-day ($75) and full-day ($125) options. Activities rotate through nature hikes, beach exploration, arts & crafts, and pool games. The staff-to-child ratio is excellent, and my conversations with parents consistently praise the program. Advance registration required during peak seasons.
The Nature Center is an underrated gem. Free for resort guests, it houses local wildlife including snakes, turtles, and birds. Naturalist-led programs include marsh walks, beach seining, and nighttime ghost crab hunts. Kids leave with genuine appreciation for coastal ecosystems.
Other family highlights: kayak and paddleboard rentals, bike trails through the property, tennis courts, mini golf, and fishing charters departing from the marina.
Omni vs. Ritz-Carlton: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Omni Amelia Island | Ritz-Carlton Amelia |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Rate | $299/night | $599/night |
| Resort Fee | $45/night | $50/night |
| Golf Courses | 3 on-site | 1 on-site |
| Room Quality | Good (varies) | Excellent |
| Beach | 3.5 miles private | Private beach access |
| Best For | Families, Golfers | Luxury seekers, Couples |
| Location | South end (isolated) | Mid-island |
Bottom line: The Omni offers more activities and better value for families. The Ritz delivers a more polished luxury experience at nearly double the price.
Ready to Book the Omni?
Check current rates and availability. Golf packages offer the best value.
Check Rates on Booking.com Compare All Hotels🏆 Final Verdict: 4.5/5
The Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort delivers exceptional value for families and golf enthusiasts. The sprawling property, extensive amenities, and private beach access justify the rates—especially when booking golf packages. It's not the most luxurious option on the island (that's the Ritz), but it offers more activities and better bang for your buck. The $45 resort fee stings, but the included bikes, beach chairs, and fitness center soften the blow. Book an ocean view room or villa, plan your restaurant reservations in advance, and you'll have a memorable Florida vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Omni Amelia Island worth the money?
Yes, especially for families and golfers. The extensive amenities, three golf courses, and private beach access deliver strong value compared to similar full-service resorts. The $45 resort fee is annoying but includes bikes, beach chairs, and fitness center access.
How far is Omni from downtown Fernandina Beach?
About 15-20 minutes by car. The resort is on the southern end of Amelia Island, while downtown Fernandina is at the northern end. You'll want a car if you plan to explore the island's restaurants and shops.
Does Omni Amelia Island have a private beach?
Yes, the resort has 3.5 miles of private beach access with complimentary chairs and umbrellas for guests. It's significantly less crowded than public beaches on the island.
What's included in the Omni resort fee?
The $45/night resort fee includes bike rentals, beach chair and umbrella access, fitness center, Nature Center admission, self-parking, and WiFi. Golf, spa treatments, and dining are additional.
Is Omni or Ritz-Carlton better on Amelia Island?
It depends on your priorities. The Omni is better for families (more activities, Camp Amelia) and golfers (3 courses vs 1). The Ritz-Carlton offers a more refined luxury experience and is closer to downtown. The Omni is roughly half the price.