Nestled in the historic heart of Winter Park, The Alfond Inn, a staple of luxury and culture backed by Rollins College, has just unveiled a significant expansion that marries its rich past with a future-forward vision.
A decade since its opening, the Inn has grown from a boutique hotel into a cornerstone of community and culture. Its philanthropic foundation, laid by Rollins College benefactors Ted and Barbara Alfond, ensures that net profits fund The Alfond Scholars program. This mission now extends into the new wing, where art from the Rollins Museum weaves between the state-of-the-art amenities.
The recent $36 million expansion marks a new chapter. It introduces a 30,000-square-foot wellness spa, replete with seven treatment rooms, alongside a modern fitness center. These join a café which promises cozy evenings with its forthcoming wine and beer selections, and new event spaces that beckon both celebration and business.
The expansion boasts 71 additional guest rooms, bringing the total to 183, each a sanctuary reflecting the Inn's commitment to elegance and comfort. Art installations, like the 10,000 sculpted flowers, narrate a story of beauty and depth, continuing the legacy of the Alfonds.
The new wing's Café, event spaces, and a planned fitness center membership for locals, integrate The Alfond Inn into the daily rhythm of Winter Park residents. This growth is not just in scale but in the soul—enhancing its role as a haven for both travelers and locals.
With its roots in the 1885 establishment of Rollins College and a history intertwined with the growth of Winter Park itself, The Alfond Inn stands as a testament to the vision of Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman, who saw potential in these 600 acres of Florida land. From its early days as an arts colony to its present status as a hub of hospitality and culture, the Inn is a reflection of the community's journey from depression to development, a beacon of progress and preservation.
As The Alfond Inn enters its second decade, it continues to embody the ethos of Winter Park—where the charm of brick-lined streets meets the sophistication of contemporary art, where history is not only remembered but also created anew.
The co-founder of Murdock Solon Architects, Kelly Murdock, had the wonderful experience of working with the artist Carson Fox to bring unique, exclusive pieces to the The Spa at The Alfond Inn. Carson Fox's artistry is deeply rooted in her childhood fascination with nature—a sanctuary where she found a sense of control and wonder. Her work today revisits these themes, using nature's forms to explore broader symbolic meanings and the passage of time. Flowers, with their ephemeral beauty and memorial significance, become vibrant wall installations in her hands, while tree rings tell stories of time and personal history. Her sculptures—whether mimicking grasses, coral, or rock formations—are crafted from brightly colored resin, designed to provoke awe and highlight the splendor of the natural world. carsonfox.com