The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Collection is known for unforgettable experiences at top world destinations. Unparalleled service, wonderful amenities, and top-notch restaurants make a getaway at any of their locations worth remembering for all the right reasons. In need of some warm Florida sunshine, I make my way to their Amelia Island resort.
Refined Service
My car has barely come to a stop under the hotel’s archway, when my door opens by a smiling doorman welcoming me to the Ritz-Carlton. Making my way into the hotel lobby, not one, but two doormen hold open the front doors for me. Providing gracious service is an everyday practice at any Ritz-Carlton hotel and arriving here is making me feel happy.
Guest Rooms and Amenities
There are 446 well-appointed oceanfront guest rooms featuring modern furnishings and a private balcony. When not in your fabulous room, play on their private championship golf course or onsite tennis facilities. When it’s time to unwind, head down to their award-winning spa, relax on the gorgeous beach, or jump in their heated indoor or outdoor pools. Oh, there’s also a bubbling whirlpool to enjoy.
The Lobby Bar
Just opened on Christmas Eve 2016, The Lobby Bar is an inviting place to sip on a cocktail and dine on fresh sushi and sashimi. Part lounge and part restaurant, I find this place hard to resist, so I quickly find a seat. I devour their signature Amelia Island roll – shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and eel sauce. You can order a wide range of specialty cocktails, tableside infusions, and a variety of Sake.
Rejuvenating Spa
As I open the door into the spa, a grapefruit scent accompanied by the babbling sounds of a fountain instantly set a relaxing tone. When I meet my specialist I instantly knew I was going to be in good hands. It felt like I was meeting a friend who was ready to take good care of me.
The Honey Butter Wrap is a head to toe pampering experience giving the whole body well-deserved attention. This luxurious treatment begins with a honey sea salt scrub followed by a hydrating mask. A warm hair scalp conditioning along with a scalp massage is next. Followed by paraffin for both hands and feet. After a Vichy shower, a full massage is given. After 120 minutes of this signature treatment, I’ve turned into a brand new woman!
Heavenly Dinner at Salt
Choosing the Chef’s Adventure Menu allows me to sit back and let Chef Rick Laughlin and the sommelier work their magic. Chef Laughlin checks on my likes, dislikes, and allergies. Then he whips up culinary creations just for me. The sommelier pairs a wine to match each course.
Three hours of tasting incredible textures and flavors were worth every single bite. My favorite course was the crusted Tripletail fish on bread pudding and lobster sauce. The delicious lobster sauce was far and away, the greatest I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. This gustatory delight ranks in the top five meals I have ever eaten.
As my time winds down at Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton, I will be leaving with a lasting memory of this special weekend away.