Oceanside Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

September 28, 2017

“I followed my heart and it led me to the beach.” – Unknown

The beach conjures all manner of thoughts, feelings, and memories – an almost spiritual renewal when bare feet push into the warm, soft sand. I simply need to be in close proximity to the water to experience its fiercely restorative properties.

Oceanside properties occupy a special category of luxury destinations, each replete with the same innumerable charms and characteristics found in the grains of sand that fill our memories with texture and reflection. In this instance, I had the pleasure of discovering the inimitable Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

Click Here to view a short YouTube video showing the property.

The Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is located in the heart of South Beach and the Art Deco District, just east of City Center near Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road; and a smooth stone’s throw from the beach. May I interest you in this view? (Photo courtesy of the hotel)

The Entry and Lobby

I am not generally captivated by a hotel lobby, but the entry of the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is worth discussing briefly. It’s simply lovely, reflecting the Art Deco history and theme of the property. Here is an image of the striking lobby wall and sitting area, courtesy of the hotel:

Accommodations

The property features an astonishing 375 guest rooms, including 58 poolside lanai rooms, 41 suites, 67 Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms and suites, and one seriously fab Ritz-Carlton Suite. I enjoyed an elevated expansive suite, featuring lavish ocean views. Here is a sample of one of the rooms, courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach:

The Ritz-Carlton Club Level

For lovers of the Ritz-Carlton, the brand’s famous Club Level is among the most grand amenities of any luxury hotel brand. The Club Level offers a fashionably luxurious space to rest, recharge, and enjoy the best of what the hotel has to offer.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has recently refreshed its Club Level, and the results are predictably extravagant. Here are some images of the Club Level, courtesy of the hotel:

Water

How do you like your water? It’s your choice to get wet in the midst of light winds and swaying Palm Trees, or against the stunning backdrop of beachfront architecture and velvet-lit waters. I recommend a generous dose of both.

Spa

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach recently engaged in a dramatic refresh of its Spa. The Spa features “14 treatment rooms, relaxation pods, the ESPA product line, signature destination treatments and the innovative Timeless Capsule.” I unfortunately did not have the time to enjoy the Spa, but here are some images, courtesy of the hotel:

Dining

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach features a number of inspired Dining options, including Tatel Miami and Bistro One LR; which treated us to a spectacularly scrumptious tasting dinner. We enjoyed Foccacia with a Citrus Goat Cheese, Shrimp with Tomato Gazpacho, Tuna Tartare with an Argentinian Malbec, Charred Octopus with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes, and a Filet of Mediterranean Sea Bass with a Russian River Chardonnay. Just wow.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bar Harbour

Approximately 20 minutes to the north, you’ll find the Ritz-Carlton, Bar Harbour rising high above Bar Harbour Beach. The property is elegantly designed in clean lines of stone and glass, abounding with natural light and inspired art. I highly recommend a visit to this property for dinner or cocktails. Here are a few images from my visit:

Closing Thoughts

The beach calls us all, in one way or another. South Beach is more than a beach, it’s a glittering symbol of all that we desire when we seek recreation and new experiences that we will forever cherish.

There is no better space than the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach to find your South Beach experience; to listen to your heart as you walk toward the dazzling panorama of sand, wind and water. So slip off your sandals, press your shades close to your eyes, and feel the sand wash over your feet and the wind brush your face. And in this moment of bliss, turn and look toward the direction from which you came. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, and all of its treasures, await your return.