Hyatt to Open Luxury Lake Lodge Resort in Mississippi National Forest

Nestled on the picturesque 1,200-acre spring-fed lake, Okhissa Lake Lodge will provide a nature-inspired retreat that will capture the essence of outdoor and recreational living

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance today announced the planned debut of Okhissa Lake Lodge as the first Destination by Hyatt brand hotel in Mississippi. Expected to open in 2027 on Okhissa Lake in Franklin County, the hotel will invite guests to experience 190,000 acres of the Homochitto National Forest in Mississippi through one-of-a-kind outdoor programming, amenities, as well as dynamic culinary offerings.

Nestled in southwest Mississippi near Jackson, Okhissa Lake Lodge will provide a 200-room lodge including cabin suites, a 1,000-person conference center, swimming pool with hot tub, relaxing spa, restaurants, as well as a boardwalk overlooking the marina.

“We’re looking forward to creating a strong relationship with Scenic Rivers as we introduce the Destination by Hyatt brand to Mississippi and expand our brand presence in exciting new locations that are important to our guests and World of Hyatt members,” said Rika Lisslo, vice president, development – Americas, Hyatt. “Ohkisssa Lake Lodge will embody the spirit of the Destination by Hyatt brand by incorporating nature-inspired elements that reflect the outdoor and recreational lifestyle of Franklin County, offering travelers a fresh and captivating destination experience.”

“Supporting this project has been a top priority of mine since entering the Senate and I am thrilled that we are one step closer to seeing this project come to fruition. Okhissa Lake Lodge will provide well-paying jobs and economic development to Southwest Mississippi, and allow more people to experience our state’s exceptional hospitality.” U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.)

"Scenic Rivers is delighted to welcome Hyatt to the Scenic Rivers Region of Southwest Mississippi. Over the past several years, we have developed a strong relationship with the Hyatt team as this project has progressed, and their commitment has been exceptional. We are eager to showcase the Okhissa Lake Lodge, operated by Hyatt, to a global audience in the near future. This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our state and federal representatives, as well as local officials. Together, we share a unified vision for advancing rural economic development across counties and cities in Southwest Mississippi." Joseph Parker, Executive Director Scenic Rivers Development Alliance

“The Scenic Rivers Development Alliance (SRDA) has formed strong regional bonds. Hyatt is a perfect fit for the strong regional SRDA brand in Southwest Mississippi. The Hyatt flag on this lodge and conference center will make this part of Mississippi a must stay and visit place.” Lane B. Reed, Mayor of Meadville, Mississippi

“Southwest Mississippi has been blessed with an abundance in relation to outdoor recreation and opportunities. The Hyatt brand and strength will serve to open the door to the Scenic Rivers Region of Southwest Mississippi,” said Patrick W. Larkin, President of the Franklin County, Mississippi Board of Supervisors.

“The Board of Aldermen and I are thrilled with the announcement of Hyatt as the operator of the Lodge and Conference Center,” said Linda Green, Mayor of Bude, Mississippi.

To learn more information about the Destination by Hyatt brand, please visit: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/brands/destination-by-hyatt.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, and Alua Hotels & Resorts®; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About Destination by Hyatt

The Destination by Hyatt brand is a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. Ranging from upper-upscale to luxury, each property is purposefully crafted to be a place of immersive discoveries, authentic design, and warm and welcoming service. As an honored host, each Destination by Hyatt location connects guests to both people and place—offering a sense of belonging that invites all to make our destination yours. For more information, visit destinationbyhyatt.com. Follow the Destination by Hyatt brand on Instagram: @destinationhotels, Twitter: @Destination, and Facebook: Destination Hotels.

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