life destinations can indulge in more than 60 treatments. Kids haven’t been forgotten here: A Ritz Kids program features programs for ages 5 to 12 including tennis, basketball, fishing, treasure and scavenger hunts, pool and beach games, and arts and crafts (full-day and half-day programs are available). And while the resort property is stunning, it’s worth taking time to explore Key Biscayne with a catamaran cruise, deep-sea fishing tour, sailing, windsurfing, biking or golfing on the Crandon Golf Course, which has received kudos from Golf Digest. Key Biscayne is also the site of the 500-acre Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where visitors can tour the Cape Florida Lighthouse (the oldest one in South Florida). The 109-step climb to the top is worth
and did we mention that the guacamole is prepared tableside and the country’s only tequilier (a tequila specialist trained in the Tequila region of Mexico) offers pairing suggestions from 108 tequilas? For a super casual venue, head for the Dune Oceanfront Burger Lounge, where it’s all about burgers and beyond: the menu includes Kobe Beef Sliders, an Ahi Tuna Burger, and the Oregonzola Burger, along with a hefty selection of Champagnes and wines (there’s a live deejay on Sundays). Rum aficionados will enjoy RUMBAR, where they’ll have their pick of 54 rums, cachaças (distilled liquor made from sugarcane) and piscos (grape brandy) from 18 countries including Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Anguilla, Antigua, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Nicaragua. The Hemingway/Havana-inspired gathering spot has comfy leather furniture for those extended conversations (guests visiting Thursday through Saturday are treated to the sounds of the four-piece Latin band Grupo Nostalgia). Searching for sushi? You’ll find it in the Lobby Lounge, along with panoramic
views of fountains, gardens and the Atlantic Ocean (it’s also a great spot to enjoy tea, exotic coffees, modern martinis and light fare). When you’re ready to work off some of that delicious food, head for the 11-court tennis center for a workout (it’s the largest tennis facility of any Ritz-Carlton in the world and has been ranked one of “The 50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts” by Tennis magazine). The resort’s fitness center also offers spinning, Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi, available in private studios or on an outdoor terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There’s also “Pool-ates,” a form of Pilates in the pool (developed specifically for the resort) and a guided walk to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. Or perhaps a spa visit is more to your liking, where guests
contact The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is located at 415 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, Fla. For more information, call 305-365-4500 or visit ritzcarlton.com.
the effort—it’s the ultimate for unmatched views from Coral Gables to South Beach. When it’s time to call it a night, the resort’s newly renovated guestrooms and suites beckon with a palette of warm sunset colors and decor reflective of the ocean. For the ultimate in pampering, reserve one of the 64 rooms or suites on the RitzCarlton Club Level. Here, guests have exclusive access to a private lounge with dedicated concierge service, and five daily complimentary culinary and beverage presentations. The Club Level also offers a private lounge area in the oceanfront gazebo (with yet more food served). Get ready to put on The Ritz. O J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 3
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