BUFORD, Ga. — Rooted in family leadership and driven by a culture of continual improvement, Lanier Islands Resort is building on its past while setting an ambitious course for the future.
The lakeside destination, which marked the 50th anniversary of its launch on the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier in 2025, celebrated a year of leadership transitions, new venues, signature events and statewide recognition. Resort officials say those developments are laying the groundwork for even more enhancements as the calendar turns to 2026.
Under the stewardship of the Williams family, with third-generation leader Matthew Bowling serving as president, the resort welcomed several hospitality industry veterans to its executive team in 2025.
New leaders included Robert Holsten as general manager; Nishant Chaudhary, formerly of Chateau Elan Resort & Winery, as director of food and beverage; Hakan Hendekli as director of rooms; Lisa Jo Meredith as director of human resources; Will Battle as director of finance; and Kristie Prantil as director of marketing.
“Honoring the enduring innovation and principles of my grandfather, Virgil R. Williams, we will continue to evolve for the benefit of our guests,” Bowling said. “He stepped out in faith and fearlessness when he assumed management of this property from the state of Georgia, and that same spirit continues to guide us.”
Throughout 2025, Lanier Islands Resort expanded its event offerings with the debut of the Chapel on Lanier and Lakeside Garden, increasing its total number of indoor and outdoor venues to 14. The new spaces serve as a memorial tribute to two beloved members of the Williams family.
The resort also introduced its Lanier Islands Resort Gives Back free summer concert series and hosted its first lantern festival, The Lights Fest, which drew more than 4,500 attendees.
A longtime holiday favorite returned as well, with the revival of the six-mile Magical Nights of Lights tour after a five-year hiatus. Since its return, the attraction has recorded record-breaking attendance, offering guests multiple post-show destinations that include indoor and outdoor entertainment, dining and winter activities. The event runs through Jan. 4, 2026.
In addition to programming growth, the resort earned a series of accolades in 2025. Legacy Golf Course was named among the top five public golf courses in Georgia by GolfPass. The resort also received its first ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award, was recognized by Georgia Business Journal readers as a Best of Georgia Vacation Destination, and once again earned top honors from The Knot and WeddingWire for its wedding venues and services.
Looking ahead, Lanier Islands Resort plans to complete a nearly $3 million refresh of guest rooms at Legacy Lodge in 2026. Additional investments include a $2.5 million renovation of the Legacy Golf Course clubhouse and the creation of Georgia’s only lighted par-3 golf course.
Resort leaders also plan to expand curated, year-round events, with the return of Magical Nights of Lights and The Lights Fest, as well as the launch of new offerings such as a fall songwriter series.
Located 45 miles north of Atlanta at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, the resort continues to position itself as a four-season destination for travelers across Georgia and the Southeast. More information is available at LanierIslands.com, and updates can be found on Facebook at @lanieris.