ORLANDO (APRIL 14, 2016)– Beginning a new chapter in its 12-year heritage, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate breaks ground in spring 2017 for an extensive $40 million expansion project. The luxury golf resort and spa opened in 2004, quickly becoming the cornerstone of the budding ChampionsGate community. Continuing growth in the area, the significant redevelopment includes: 10,000 square feet of additional pool deck and recreational space, installation of Orlando’s only resort wave pool, a new property villa building and a redesign of Trevi’s Restaurant that will include an outdoor garden terrace and bar. The expansion will also include the addition of 81,000 square feet of expanded event lawn and conference center space and enhancements to the resort’s two Greg Norman-designed International and National golf courses. Upgrades further establish the resort as an all-in-one luxury reprieve for families and groups alike, bringing unprecedented resort amenities to the ChampionsGate area.

“We have poured a lot of energy and planning into the transformation of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate and are proud to reveal expansion plans,” said Robert Stanfield, general manager of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. “We are excited to begin this significant renovation project and further extend an unparalleled level of quality to our guests.”

Projects and expansions include:

Golf Course Refresher (fall 2016): Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate’s International Course is set to close this June, during which time the National Course will remain open. The project will yield improved playing conditions through the flattening of all par-3 tees and the complete reconstruction of 18 greens and all green-side bunker complexes to original look and feel. Resurfacing the original FloraDwarf grass, the fairways and tees will include sprigging of Champions Bermuda, resulting in more consistent greens, faster conditions, higher tolerance to cold and traffic, elimination of future over seeding and exceptional quality and playing conditions for years to come. The National Course rejuvenation will take place in late spring of 2017 and include sprigging of Champions Bermuda, bunker renovations and restoration of greens back to original size and feel. The newly renovated International Course will remain open and ready for play.

Resort Recreational Area (spring 2017): Expanding the resort’s already impressive 15-acre recreational area, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate plans to add 10,000 square feet of tiered deck space and seating, including an additional fire pit, a refreshing full-service outdoor bar featuring terraced seating, 16 new private pool-side cabanas, 400 additional lounge chairs and expansion of the kid’s pool area and water slides. Additionally, the luxury waterscape playground will feature Orlando’s only resort wave pool.

Osceola County Conference Center (fall 2017): Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate will expand its resort ballroom space, adding 81,000square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, as well as a new market-style restaurant. The restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, grab-and-go items, specialty coffees, organic salads and a full bar offering extensive wines by the glass and craft beers. In a nod to the Osceola County heritage, the Osceola Conference Center space will feature six flexible breakout rooms named Poinciana, Seminole, Heritage Park, Partin, Lanier and Allendale, all featuring a sleek fresh design. The new outdoor event space features high performance pavers, a charming terrace with a fireplace, promenade, patio space, event gardens and grand lawn – ideal for sizable outdoor functions and special events. The new Great Room is designed especially for destination weddings and special events.

New Villa Building (fall 2017): An additional villa building at ChampionsGate will feature 93 spacious, upscale guest rooms that can be converted into two-, three-, or up to 23 four-bedroom suites. The new three-story villa building will consist of 24 king-bedded deluxe and premium balcony rooms, 19 rooms with double queen beds and 50 studio suites with double queen beds and kitchenettes. This brings the resort’s total room count to an impressive 813 guest rooms and suites, plus 49 two- and three-bedroom luxury villas.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate’s striking new upgrades are just the beginning of a multi-faceted enhancement to the luxury destination, as the downtown ChampionsGate area is adding a posh three-building shopping complex with notable retailers and restaurants.

An upscale, yet relaxed golf resort and spa, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate reflects understated elegance, sensible luxury and natural beauty, offering everything a guest could possibly want. Two championship Greg Norman-designed golf courses, the world headquarters of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, three outdoor heated pools, an 850-foot lazy river, a full-service Mokara spa and more are all found at the luxury 720-room resort. The resort features seven diverse, taste-tempting dining experiences, from savory sushi and sake at Zen to divine bourbon, crafts and cuts at David’s Club; an upscale sports bar, housing a 10-foot video wall, simultaneously airing guests’ favorite sporting events on four super-sized screens.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate consistently delivers a sophisticated, individualized luxury experience that discerning travelers have come to expect from Omni Hotels & Resorts. A departure from the fast-paced life, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers a remedy for vacation fatigue and “tourist overdose” – relaxation. For more information on Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate’s renovations, call (407) 390-6664 and visit www.omnihotels.com/hotels/orlando-championsgate.