Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
Decorated in West Indies colonial style, the Ritz-Carlton has a look that’s straight out of Bermuda, with impressive flower-laden landscaping. That’s 44 acres of tropical gardens to be precise, plus a 20,000-square-foot destination spa, stellar service, and a world-class tennis center under the direction of tennis pro and octogenarian Cliff Drysdale. The Ritz Kids programs (ages 5 to 12) is similarly impressive. The 1,200-foot beachfront, one of Florida’s nicest, offers everything from pure relaxation to fishing, boating, or windsurfing. There’s even a “Photography Concierge,” who offers a free, 45-minute photo shoot experience exclusively to resort guests. No sitting fee, no hourly rate, but to get the resulting photos you must purchase them. Four restaurants serve a wide array of cuisines, from burgers to Mexican fare (the latter even has a “tequilier”—a sommelier for agave-based liquors). The only downside? Rooms are spacious, with large balconies, but have bland, uninspiring decor. The hotel’s remote island location, 17-minutes and worlds away from downtown, makes it a favorite for those (John Travolta, Brad Pitt, visiting politicos, among others) who want to avoid the hubbub.
Decorated in West Indies colonial style, the Ritz-Carlton has a look that’s straight out of Bermuda, with impressive flower-laden landscaping. That’s 44 acres of tropical gardens to be precise, plus a 20,000-square-foot destination spa, stellar service, and a world-class tennis center under the direction of tennis pro and octogenarian Cliff Drysdale. The Ritz Kids programs (ages 5 to 12) is similarly impressive. The 1,200-foot beachfront, one of Florida’s nicest, offers everything from pure relaxation to fishing, boating, or windsurfing. There’s even a “Photography Concierge,” who offers a free, 45-minute photo shoot experience exclusively to resort guests. No sitting fee, no hourly rate, but to get the resulting photos you must purchase them. Four restaurants serve a wide array of cuisines, from burgers to Mexican fare (the latter even has a “tequilier”—a sommelier for agave-based liquors). The only downside? Rooms are spacious, with large balconies, but have bland, uninspiring decor. The hotel’s remote island location, 17-minutes and worlds away from downtown, makes it a favorite for those (John Travolta, Brad Pitt, visiting politicos, among others) who want to avoid the hubbub.
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