THERE ARE PLACES WHERE ONE PAUSES—TO TAKE IN EXQUISITE VIEWS OF clear, lambent lakes and landscapes so breathtaking you want to linger longer because life feels close to perfect.
Reynolds Lake Oconee’s main through-way into the private community, aptly named Linger Longer Road, is the precursor to its vast, striking beauty and to what has become known as “the rhythm of Reynolds.” Nestled between Atlanta and Augusta, approximately 85 miles and 80 miles, respectively, its location offers a refined, slower pace that is an easy drive to major cities.
“Our private community was founded in 1988, and we’re coming up on our 40th anniversary in a couple of years,” says Jason Plazola, general manager of Reynolds Lake Oconee. “Reynolds Lake Oconee began with one golf course, a clubhouse restaurant—The Preserve—that was the beginning of it all.”
An auspicious beginning to what has become a world-renowned luxury community with over 4,000 members, 3,500 homes and a diverse range of amenities comparable to the most luxurious resort developments in the world. Currently, the community is more than 60% developed, and its future is flourishing.
Plazola’s tenure at Reynolds is an impressive one, as is his background in resort operations on both the East and West coasts. Overseeing the majority of Reynolds Lake Oconee’s operations over the last decade, from food and beverage and hospitality to concierge and real estate services, he’s been at the forefront of Reynolds’ phenomenal growth and success.
“There are seven 18-hole golf courses, with an eighth, Fenmoor Golf Club, under construction, slated for a fall 2026 opening,” Plazola says. “There’s been a tremendous evolution in our golf community—and beyond golf—to an active lifestyle. Part of wellness here is also social engagement, and our members have access to an enormous range of dining, events, paddle and racquet sports, music and cultural concerts, and obviously, Lake Oconee is a huge part of that lifestyle.”
From its beginnings, the groundwork was laid to create a lifestyle where wellness wasn’t just a practice; it was intentionally interwoven into daily life. “To this day, we have collectively created life as it was meant to be,” says Tyler Mayer, director of wellness at Reynolds Lake Oconee. “One of the things that struck me when I came on board was how intentionally the community was laid out to support this unique blend of personal and active lifestyles. The vast acreage we have isn’t just beautiful; it’s purposeful. The neighborhoods flow naturally into trailheads and lake paths, fitness facilities and recreational activities. At any given time, our members can bump into wellness rather than having to go out and seek it or drive to it.”
Plazola agrees, stating: “There are a few special places in the world that are unique in that they attract folks from all over the world—not just one specific demographic. Our members hail from Georgia, the Southeast and from everywhere—all over the country and internationally. Our motto, linger longer, threads through every aspect of life here, and that was intentional from Reynolds’ inception.”
Mayer oversees wellness operations and a staff of industry professionals to help members begin, maintain and exceed their own definition of what living well means. His expertise is extensive. After managing the wellness operations of large-scale luxury developments and commercial gyms across the country, he joined Reynolds four years ago. Mayer says his passion has always been about helping people feel and function at their best. “When I arrived, I saw a community of people passionate about living fully, and I knew I wanted to bring the next thoughtful practices to support that lifestyle,” he says. “Movement is medicine and getting out in nature is healthy; there’s a harmony, a rhythm to it. I consistently explore new protocols, functional movement strategies and recovery approaches because that’s a large component of wellness. Whether it’s water workouts on the lake, paddleboarding, kayaking, seasonal outdoor wellness events, boating, hiking, biking, tennis, pickleball, strength training, golfing, member-led cycle groups—whatever it is, our members are engaged.”
Those members embrace a lifestyle comprising elegant endeavors, since so many chose the community for its ideal location, temperate climate, spectacular surroundings, state-of-the-art wellness centers, world-class golfing, expert instructors and outdoor adventure programs. “Our members are accustomed to and expect top-tier experiences, and we cater to those expectations,” Plazola says.
Cultural and educational events within the community’s “Linger Longer Living” series encourage enrichment of the soul through concerts, food and wine tastings, educational lectures and hands-on experiences. Celebratory special occasions throughout the year create unforgettable memories.
Wellness—in every form imaginable—is most assuredly a way of life at Reynolds. Mayer describes their wellness facilities as “soulful spaces,” each having its own personality. “I love how members gravitate to the spaces that suit their lifestyle or their current state of mind,” he explains. “We feature indoor and outdoor pools, lake views and a full slate of group fitness options, with over 530 classes a month. Collectively, these amenities create what I refer to as a wellness ecosystem.”
The 30,000-square-foot Lake Club showcases awe-inspiring lake views with a dual fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool spa. Members and their guests can gather at Kathy’s Café (one of 11 community eateries) for a bite after a workout. The newest facility, Richland Pointe, features Technogym’s 12-station personalized fitness program for circuit training, an infinity pool, treatment rooms and studios for fitness classes. For family fun, The Landing offers waterslides, recreational fields, spaces for socializing, sports courts—including award-winning tennis courts—and a playground.
Twenty-one miles of walking trails, five marinas and a roster of outdoor activities round out wellness options. Reynolds’ on-site Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds offers sporting clay courses, shooting ranges, archery, fishing, off-roading, zip-lining and even falconry.
Adjacent to the club and right outside the gates, a 250-room Ritz-Carlton and spa offers members and their guests the ultimate in luxury stays and member-specific events.
Perhaps one of Reynolds Lake Oconee’s crowning achievements is golf—on a grand scale. The Kingdom, a complement to its pristine courses, is a 16-acre facility offering elite instruction by PGA instructors and club fitting. “The Kingdom is one of two in the entire world, here and in California,” Plazola says. “We have custom club fitting and two PGA Tour trailers on-site for the building and construction of clubs. Here, you don’t have to wait for your new clubs to be shipped; you can walk away with a set of clubs built to your own personal specifications.”
As our interview ended, I asked Plazola and Mayer what their personal takeaways were from witnessing a community which seems to have no room for improvement.
“At times, we just shake our heads at what we have here and offer to our members,” says Plazola. “But seriously, we’re just scratching the surface; there’s so much more to come. As we develop more homesites over the next five to 10 years, we look forward to adding more amenities and exceeding our members’ expectations—always, above and beyond.”
Mayer adds: “It’s ever-evolving. Reynolds isn’t a program; it’s a lifestyle adopted by the natural rhythm of our community. Every trail, every class, league or lesson encourages members to live life as it ought to be, and that’s intentional. Our goal is to create meaningful experiences that support their journey—every single day.” *
Brigitte Surette is a freelance writer, editor and copywriter. Visit brigittesurette.com to learn more.
