This post is brought to you by one of our Staycation Guide Travel Partners: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
Everyone has high expectations when visiting a luxury resort and rightfully so! However, rarely are those expectations exceeded.Our recent visit to The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne can be described as one of those encounters when everything, everyone, every detail completely exceeded our (already high) expectations. If you think enjoying a luxury getaway is not possible with children, think again!
Admittedly, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne already had a piece of our hearts before we ever stepped on the property. Years ago my husband and I spent our newlywed days living in a small apartment just one street over from this pristine property. Each day on our commute home we passed the grand entrance. Our evening beach strolls led us past the iconic hotel hundreds of times. I even used to escape to the resort coffee shop just to bask in the ambiance, dreaming one day to return as a guest.
While we no longer live in that little apartment on Key Biscayne, arriving at The Ritz-Carlton transported me back to the fond memories of our family’s earlier days before kids! It felt like coming home. To bring our son along with us on our visit felt like a beautiful “full-circle” moment.
Luxurious Island Paradise
You can
enjoy a luxury getaway with your family, without traveling far. The Island Paradise of Key Biscayne is a 5 mile barrier island minutes from downtown. You will feel yourself exhale as you drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway. You’ll exhale a little deeper when you enter the gated property. You will be in full-on vacation mode as soon as you enter the magnificent lobby where you are greeted by the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton. The exceeding of your expectations begins.
Our room was nothing short of spectacular! Atlantic Ocean views, luxurious Frette linens, two balconies, 1.5 bathrooms, a large living room and a bottle of champagne with a personalized welcome note – not to mention a welcome basket of cookies made to look like a massive hot air ballon. A nod to the fact that we were traveling with children (or that they knew I have an insatiable sweet tooth?) Either way, expectations exceeded. The sunrise balcony views rivaled all I’ve seen.
Amenties Galore
When you visit this property you truly are immersed in the quality of service consistent of The Ritz-Carlton brand. You have island-life seclusion coupled with endless amenities. Included in your daily resort fee is:
- Use of Beach Chairs and Umbrellas
- Daily Beach Activities including Stand Up Paddle Board, Floats and Kayak
- Access to Kid’s Activities
- Daily One Hour Fitness Class (up to two guests)
- Spa Access to Soaking Tub, Sauna and Steam Room
- Complimentary interactive photo session with the Photography Concierge
- and more!
Our room had access to the Club Lounge. This gives the added convenience of private concierge service and four meal presentations throughout the day exclusively for Club Lounge guests.
Naturally I visited the locally inspired spa. It also exceeded my expectations. I received the Tequesta Ritual which was 100 minutes of total relaxation. The treatment included a body scrub, mud experience, scalp massage, and concluded with an aromatherapy massage. Stop whatever you’re doing and book your experience right now! You will not regret it. They offer more than 60 treatments in their 20,000-square-foot spa which includes a sauna, steam room and soaking tub. There’s bound to be something to help you unwind.
For the Kids
The resort offers daily programs for kids including sports, crafts, and a Scavenger Hunt. The zero-entry pool complete with waterfall is perfect for wading with your little ones.
There is also an area with miniature chairs, a playhouse, and a ping pong table. During our visit we saw a Dad start a pick-up soccer game with a handful of kids on the open lawn in the middle of the property. Kids are welcome and thoughtfully considered at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. They even offer a special American Girl Doll add-on complete with a bed and mini robe for the dolls to enjoy the luxurious experience too!
Family-Friendly Dining
You can enjoy fresh guacamole or a scoop of gelato poolside or opt for a sit down meal at 3 different on-site restaurants. I would be remiss to not mention our outstanding experience at Lightkeepers. This oceanfront restaurant, aptly named to recognize those who kept watch over the Florida Coast, is topnotch.
We were personally greeted by the Chef and the Sommelier paired wines with our meal – all while our 9 month old slept in the stroller beside us. The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is family-friendly at its finest!
I could tell you all about the churrasco, the lobster Mac-and-cheese, or the giant crab cake appetizer. However, the real star of the show was, surprisingly, the sweet chili crispy Brussel sprouts. We failed to listen to our waiter’s strong initial recommendation but we are grateful he took matters into his own hands and ordered them for us anyways. Lesson learned: listen to the experts and it will go well with you!
Check out their Sunday Brunch or plan a date night to take advantage of their Miami Spice Menu.
Plan Your Visit
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne truly offers everything you could ever need and more. With 3 restaurants, a coffee shop, a rum bar, a state-of-the-art tennis facility, a 20,000-square-foot spa, and a handful of boutiques including Lilly Pulitzer, why would you ever want to leave?
I assure you, you will not want to leave!