Courtyard/SpringHill Suites in Fernandina Beach – A staycation or a relaxing meal by the pool . . .

Press Release
August 27, 2021

As many residents are looking towards Labor Day and searching for a quick staycation, whether it be lodging and/or a relaxing meal and drinks by the pool, look no further than the new Dual-branded Courtyard/SpringHill Suites by Marriott on Amelia Island, Florida (SpringHill Suites Courtyard) that opened this past June. This island gem offers the perfect local escape.

The all-new hotel boasts 135 OR 105 rooms including suites, a resort-style pool deck with in-pool seating, a courtyard with fire pit area and poolside bar, a fitness room, 6,086 sq. ft. of meeting space and a location within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can expect fun experiences like special-catered history packages where they get tours of the island, yoga packages, cooking classes and more.

This hotel is the first of its kind to be built on the Atlantic Coast barrier island, the hotel fuses two extraordinary brands within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio under one roof and is the ideal destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable island getaway. The properties are situated just across from the Atlantic Ocean, Main Beach Park, Fort Clinch State Park and only two miles away from historic Fernandina Beach, an area studded with boutiques and a plethora of locally owned restaurants.

Guests can expect to be completely immersed in Amelia Island’s culture-rich history while enjoying nearby excursions, such as walks in Fort Clinch State Park, shark tooth hunting, wildlife viewing and boat excursions to Cumberland Island. Filled with lush hiking and biking trails and natural preserved park beaches, Amelia Island offers the best of Florida’s shores combined with southern hospitality.

Guests can also relax on the property’s resort-style pool deck with in-pool seating, multiple dining options with full bars, and a fitness room featuring a Peloton bike. And for those eager to hit the links, the hotel has partnered with the prestigious Amelia River Golf Club to create an exclusive package with access to the course’s expansive riverside greens.

The spacious pool area is also home to Tides Pool Bar & Grill. According to the General Manager, it all has a story: She points out that the restaurant was developed with input from local historian Nick Deonas. “The name and the menu are influenced in part by the island’s legacy as a shrimping and seafood destination. It’s really a confluence of local and personal cultures.”

Chef Niko Anagnostou was particularly inspired by his wife, Brandee, who is Filipina and developed a concept that marries southern staples with traditional Filipino fare. Guests also have the option to dine at The Bistro, featuring Southern coastal cuisine, for a nourishing breakfast or for a casual lunch or dinner.

Aside from his culinary talents, Chef Niko is an avid outdoorsman and is well-known around Amelia Island as “The ‘Yaking Chef,” a kayak fisherman that is! He has been an islander for 14 years and has led many teams at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, as well as assisted with re-opening The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Island property.

Chef Niko’s menu at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Tides Pool Bar & Grill will be comprised of southern inspired foods as well as Filipino dishes as a nod to his wife, Brandee including:

• Lumpia
  A Filipino spring roll. Inspired by Niko’s mother in law Letty and good friend (and boss) Olivia’s recipes. This dish is a mixture of beef, pork and specialty seasoned shredded vegetables. These delicious bites are hand rolled and fried to order until crispy, served with a garlic citrus soy sauce and sweet chili sauce.
• Tuna Poke
  A fresh Hawaiian Big Eye tuna with a nice twist of watermelon, radish, avocado, sprouts, and cucumber. All the above marinated in a garlic citrus soy sauce served in a coconut with crispy plantains!
• Peanut Butter Bourbon Milk Shake
  Blend of vanilla and peanut butter ice creams with Bullet Bourbon and peanut butter whiskey topped with crushed peanuts, vanilla whipped cream, and mouth-watering, hazelnut chocolate drizzle.
• Shrimp Boat Bloody
  Chef Niko’s signature bloody Mary will surprise you with a southern flair. He has integrated the local distillery’s, Marlin and Barrel, Pepper Vodka, Zing Zing mix, horseradish, pickle juice, garnish with a poached shrimp, pickle and olive.