Lake Lanier Islands Resort® Receives Esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection Distinction

BUFORD, Ga. - Aug. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lake Lanier Islands Resort®. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. On the heels of the news that Lake Lanier Islands has been recognized with a 2014 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence, the Southern lakeside destination is proud to announce its latest achievement: the distinction of becoming a member of the highly revered Southern Living Hotel Collection (SLHC). As an extension of the magazine devoted to celebrating the “best of life in the South”, The Southern Living Hotel Collection is a carefully selected compilation of Four- and Five-Star independent resorts, hotels and inns in 11 states that are dedicated to offering the finest in authentic Southern travel, hospitality and experience. Lake Lanier Islands Resort is honored to be included among such distinguished destinations as the renowned Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina and the historic Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“We are both delighted and humbled by this honor from the editors at Southern Living Magazine,” said Bradley Anderholm, Chief Operating Officer for Lake Lanier Islands Resort. “Boasting more than 15 million devoted readers and a history that spans nearly 50 years, Southern Living is the venerable authority on the subject of Southern hospitality. At the Islands, we strive to not only be a provider of Southern hospitality to all of our guests – whether here for a family vacation, weekend wedding by the lake, or company retreat – but also a source of experiences that in turn create memories that keep our guests coming back for more, year after year. As we prepare to launch our tenth year under the management and vision of the Williams Family, this distinction as a member of the Southern Living Hotel Collection tells us that we are doing something very right.”

At the heart of the resort, the Legacy Lodge and Conference Center lays claim to 216 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, rejuvenating spa, two restaurants, Legacy Kids Club, state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the lake, full-service business center, and 22,000 square feet of IACC-certified flexible meeting and event space. Having recently completed Phase I of a $1.4 million renovation to the outdoor pool in time for summer guests, Phase II is expected to be realized before December 2014. Upon completion, the Legacy Pool Pavilion will feature a heated saltwater pool with bench seating encompassed by a soaring stone and timber pavilion with retractable ceiling and walls for an enjoyable indoor swim in the cold months and an open air swim complete with lakeside breezes in the heat of spring and summer in the South. The extended patio provides enough space for 200 people to lounge poolside, and includes an expansive firepit with superlative views of the water. Poolside service and regularly scheduled activities serve to enhance the experience. Rounding out the list of accommodation choices at the Islands are the luxury lakeside Legacy Villas and newly renovated “home-away-from-home” LakeHouses.

Of course, the Resort’s crown jewel – Lake Sidney Lanier – is one of the United States’ most popular man-made lakes, encompassing 38,000 miles of surface area and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia. Popular excursions like fun in the sun on the beach and boardwalk at LanierWorld, zip lining through the trees with Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, horseback riding on a lakeside trail from the Equestrian Center, and renting a boat and ski equipment from Harbor Landing make the Resort a terrific choice for families vacationing or “staycationing” in the South. Tranquility – the Spa and the picturesque 18-hole course at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club are major draws for visitors looking to relax or play, and with more than 20 wedding venues to choose from, the Resort is rapidly gaining favor with brides- and grooms-to-be as a highly sought-after Destination Wedding site. Never ones to rest on their laurels, the visionary executive team at the Islands is already planning ahead for the holiday season, which will include the debut of the LanierWorld Winter Experience in November 2014 – when the resort will bring a fun-filled “flurry” of arctic activities to the Deep South.

About Lake Lanier Islands Resort®

Operated by Islands Management Company, LLC since 2005, Lake Lanier Islands Resort® is steadily securing a solid standing for their unique vision of the future of this luxury North Georgia retreat, their unswerving dedication to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, and their signature brand of Southern Hospitality. For more information, call (770) 945-8787 or pay a virtual visit to the Islands’ at http://www.lakelanierislands.com.

About the Southern Living Hotel Collection

Members of the Southern Living Hotel Collection are vetted according to the same criteria that the Southern Living editors use to determine editorial coverage. The Collection is by invitation only. Each hotel in the Collection provides a memorable experience through impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, high-quality facilities and the finest amenities. For more information about the Southern Living Hotel Collection or to make a reservation at a Collection member visit:  www.SouthernLivingHotelCollection.com, or like the Southern Living Hotel Collection on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/southernlivinghotelcollection or on Twitter at:  https://twitter.com/slhotels.