AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (October 17, 2008) – Amelia Island, Florida received three top rankings in the recent Conde Nast Traveler’s 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards. The destination was named among the Top 10 North American islands for the second consecutive year, finishing in the #6 spot ahead of Hilton Head, S.C. and Sanibel, Fla. The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, a 25-room, oceanfront boutique hotel, held the #2 position in the rankings for Top Hotels in the US. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, a 444-room beachfront resort, was also named #15 among Top U.S. Mainland Resorts, up from its #21 ranking in 2007.

“We’re thrilled to see Amelia Island so well represented again in the Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Gil Langley, President of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This kind of recognition from such discriminating travelers speaks volumes about Amelia Island’s enduring appeal and the commitment of the island’s tourism partners.”

Readers in the survey evaluated their favorite island destinations on activities, atmosphere/ambience, beaches, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, and scenery. Out of a possible 100 points, Amelia Island scored a 71.6, making it the highest ranked island in Florida. The top hotels category rated properties based on food/dining, location, overall design, rooms and service, while the resorts category also focused on activities and facilities as well.

The awards are based on the results of the Readers’ Choice Survey, in which more than 32,000 travelers voted this year. Winners were announced on October 15 in New York and will be published in the November issue, available on newsstands starting October 21.

Photo: Amelia Island Tourist Development Council