USA, Amelia Island, Florida. February 08, 2021

Since opening in 1991, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has remained at the forefront of Northeast Florida luxury with warm hospitality, nature-driven experiences and award-winning amenities. In honor of its 30th anniversary this year, the iconic barrier island resort will debut transformation that reflects the destination of unspoiled coastal beauty and Southern charm, an epitome of the classic beach vacation.

The renovation includes upgraded rooms and suites, refreshed meeting and event spaces, three new restaurants, and renewed resort experiences. The resort is also celebrating its 30th anniversary, traditionally known as the Pearl Anniversary, celebrated with a gift of pearls. In celebration of this noteworthy year, the resort announces a "Year of the Peal" campaign featuring pearl-themed programming and partnerships.

"For three decades, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has added new amenities and refreshed guest experiences." said General Manager Greg Cook. "It's only fitting that on the 30th anniversary, the resort will unveil a new chapter with beautiful, newly-designed rooms and suites that embrace the coastal beauty of our remote barrier island along with three new restaurants led by a talented group of chefs that celebrate the destination's local, fresh cuisine."

RESORT RENOVATION

Expertly designed by Wimberly Interiors, transformed guest room and suite interiors provide a framework to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island's surroundings and cater to the needs of the modern traveler. The design draws upon the breathtaking natural surroundings of the low country sea and skies. Horizon ocean views and spectacular sunsets over moody grey-green salt marshes - a jewel-like setting - the landscape will be translated in the space with hue, patterns and textures. References abound from the journey into the property, through to the view across the ocean. The sophisticated palette is grounded in the rich neutral tones of the land and accented with the colors of the sand, sea and lush Spanish Moss and Live Oaks.

The pièce de résistance of the design are multiple large-scale custom panoramic photographic artworks by Jorge de la Torriente, who captures the seamless connectivity of the Low Country sky to the sea during different times of the day. Local artisan crafts, such as the treasured sweetgrass baskets, are captured and used as woven textures in the furniture and rugs and accented patterns throughout the design. Nautical and treasure-inspired details celebrate the islands history and location with metal tones and accents in public and private areas.

The resort's 446 resort guest rooms and suites will undergo a dramatic visual and functional transformation catering to the needs of the modern traveler including Smart TVs, bed side charging stations and newly redesigned living areas provide more space for guests to relax in the newfound comfort of coastal luxury. Seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor spaces, each guest room is equipped with private balconies boasting stunning ocean or coastal views. Guestroom bathrooms have also received a luxe overhaul complete with dual vanities, enlarged showers and suites with free-standing bathtubs.

The three specialty suites located on the eighth floor - the Amelia Suite, the Atlantic Suite and The Ritz-Carlton Suite - will debut elevated décor such as bespoke furniture and nature-inspired photography and artwork.

CULINARY REFRESH

In 2020, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island unveiled Coquina, an al fresco restaurant with a terrace lounge and ocean view bar. Set to a backdrop of ocean breezes, Coquina offers diners access to an innovative, oceanfront restaurant with a culinary presentation focused on seafood and coastal dishes inspired by the island's Eight Flags heritage. Gorgeously casual, this restaurant delights the senses with dinner served beneath lit palapas overlooking the resort's dune-lined beaches. Coquina's menu embraces the dynamic flavors inspired by the island's time as a Spanish territory including ceviche made from freshly caught fish and shareable tapas. A full bar overlooking the ocean features signature cocktails and flavorful sangrias.

Born from the relaxed spirit of days spent on the island's waterways, the stylish new Tidewater Grill presents guests can instantly familiar, casual atmosphere for lunch, dinner, and drinks. Featuring a menu of American grill classics, coastal favorites, and a celebrated collection of regionally brewed beers, Tidewater Grill is the ideal place to trade stories of a day on the water - the best of times with the best of friends.

Inspired by the culinary traditions of the resort's celebrated restaurants, First Drop invites guests to savor an authentic artisanal beverage experience. Featuring locally roasted coffee, this new counter-service option also offers fresh juices, handcrafted milkshakes and smoothies, as well as carry-away selections and select small bites including breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, pastries, candy, and snacks.

These new culinary venues will join the resort's renowned restaurants: Salt, offering AAA Five Diamond dining that showcases innovative, contemporary American cuisine and Coast, highlighting local seafood specialties.

SEASIDE TRADITIONS: RENEWED RESORT EXPERIENCES

Redefining the luxury experience in the era of social distancing, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has debuted new offerings that will continue into 2021 and beyond. While parents can "work from home" in the privacy of their luxury guest rooms or suites, kids can take part in remote learning and participate in the new Ecology Field Trip Package. The five-day, four-night educational program will engage children in earth-science studies including marine ecology and biology activities to learn about the unique barrier island the five-star resort sits on. Children will adventure on activities such as native dune exploration, excursions to sample and study complex water systems, microscopic analysis of sand dwellers and coastal biosphere.

For those in need of a relaxing getaway, the resort also debuted Personal Wellness Retreats that includes 2 ½ hours of mindfulness training that can be used to adapt to stress, anxiety, loneliness and insomnia related to COVID-19. The sessions are taught by Liam and Radha Gillen using meditation, deep breathing and relaxation into a powerful tool for healing. The retreats are held in a private studio and begin at $800 plus gratuity and include a $250 Spa credit and a healthy lunch at Coast restaurant.

YEAR OF THE PEARL

In 2021, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will be celebrating the Year of the Pearl to commemorate its 30th anniversary. Expect a full year of celebrating this milestone at a resort that is truly a gem of luxury experiences, with pearl-inspired takes on events, programming, menus and more all year long.

The resort invites guests to visit the website to commemorate their favorite memories at the resort, including past vacations, events and celebrations with the ‘30 Reasons to fall in love with The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island' campaign. Select storytellers will be invited to relive their past experience and all submissions will be presented on June 25, 2021, the official anniversary date. One storyteller will be presented an exclusive Mikimoto pearl necklace or cufflinks.

To celebrate the milestone anniversary all year long, the resort is also offering The Year of Pearl Package that includes:

· Knotted 54" coin pearl necklace with freshwater coin pearls, white or grey

· Overnight accommodation on The Ritz-Carlton Club level or Ocean Front Suite

· Commemorative Year of the Pearl pastry amenity

· Breakfast for two in Coast restaurant

· $100 credit for restaurant, spa and boutiques

· Complimentary parking

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island's renovation and 30th anniversary, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland or call your professional travel agent.