LAKE OKHISSA — Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced plans to open a new lodge in partnership with the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Tuesday at Lake Okhissa. The lodge is expected to open in 2027 according to a press release from Hyatt Hotels. 

The lodge will have 200 rooms, a 1,000 person capacity conference center, a swimming pool, spa, restaurants and a boardwalk overlooking a marina in Franklin County. Scenic Rivers owns 141 acres fronting Berrytown Road, US98 and Lake Okhissa.

In total, Lake Okhissa covers 1,075 acres and is owned and managed by the United States Forest Service. The lake was restocked and reopened after needed upgrades were made in 2023.  Homochitto National Forest District Ranger Shaun Williamson said he looked forward to a continued relationship with Scenic Rivers. The new lodge will not affect the forest’s prescribed burn program.

“I hope that it is successful,” Williamson said. “I look forward to continuing a good relationship with Scenic Rivers. We will continue to plan based on all parameters such as wind direction to lessen effects of the prescribed fire on our neighbors.”

Riska Lisslo, Vice President of Development for Hyatt Americas, said the company is excited to bring a Destination by Hyatt experience to Mississippi. Destinations by Hyatt work to connect guests with people with place.

“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,” Lisslo said. “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.”

In a press release, Patrick Larkin, Franklin County Board of Supervisors President, said the Hyatt brand will serve as a way to open the door to the Scenic Rivers Region of Southwest Mississippi. Lane Reed, Meadville Mayor, said the lodge would make the region of southwest Mississippi a must stay and visit place according to a press release. Linda Green, Bude Mayor, said she and the board of aldermen were thrilled with the news in a press release.

Joseph Parker, Executive Director of Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, said the group was delighted to welcome Hyatt to 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,” Parker said. “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.”

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