Dec. 04–The Omphoy Ocean Resort in Palm Beach has officially changed its name under new management and after some property improvements, a hotel spokesman said Thursday.
As of Monday, the 134-room luxury resort at 2842 S. Ocean Blvd will be known as Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa, said General Manager Abe Liao, who came aboard when Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants assumed management Aug. 1.
In the months after, the San Francisco-based hotel and restaurant management company has made improvements to bring it up to Kimpton’s standards, he said. These include an on-demand yoga channel and yoga kits in guest rooms, mini-bars stocked with healthy and organic options, and free bike and beach cruiser rentals.
Guests also receive a daily complimentary evening wine reception.
The revamped hotel offers a “truly alternative experience for those seeking serenity with an edge,” said Liao, who has worked for Kimpton for 10 years. “We have an aggressive approach to personalized service.”
The Tideline is Kimpton’s fifth Florida property, along with the EPIC in downtown Miami, the Surfcomer and The Angler’s in South Beach and the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.
“Florida is one of our big target [development] markets,” said Liao, noting that Kimpton was looking at multiple deals that could see future expansion in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Miami among other key tourism markets statewide. “We’d love to have additional presence.”
The biggest physical change for Tideline is an expanded spa that’s being built in a former meeting space, Liao said. The spa is expected to open in early February.
The 5,900-square-foot spa will offer body scrubs, facials and massages in seven treatment rooms. It also will offer hair salon and nail services and other wellness options.
Another new addition is Executive Chef Todd Wiss, who has a specialty in locally inspired cuisine and craft cocktails. Wiss most recently worked at the Firefly restaurant at Kimpton’s Hotel Madera in Washington, D.C.
“The community has been very welcoming to us,” Liao said of the transition from Omphoy to Kimpton, noting that ownership remains the same.
In April 2011, billionaire Jeff Greene took over ownership of the Omphoy through a limited liability company after its previous owner was slapped with a $60 million foreclosure lawsuit, according to the Palm Beach Daily News.
Greene reportedly purchased the mortgage note for $42 million.
When the Omphoy opened in summer 2009, it was the newest beachfront hotel on the tony island in almost two decades. It sported an Asian-inspired design that emphasized water and natural elements, with waterwalls and reflecting pools. It also had a restaurant led by celebrated Miami chef Michelle Bernstein.
West Palm Beach-based Obadon Hotel Group developed Omphoy on the site of the former Palm Beach Hilton.
The Tideline has special grand opening rates from $319 per night through April 30, with some blackout dates applicable.
For information, go to tidelineresort.com.
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