Key to Paradise on Key Biscayne

Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

By Phyllis Steinberg

What could be more romantic than a proposal under the stars with a view of the Atlantic Ocean and a string quartet playing in the wing?

At the new Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, which opened in July, 2001, it could be a  wedding in the romantic oceanfront wedding gazebo, a lavish wedding in the resort’s 10,000 square foot ballroom, or event an intimate moonlight ceremony directly on the beach.

The possibilities are endless at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton. No, I didn’t get married there, but my husband and I celebrated my birthday in a big way at this plush resort nestled on an island oasis just five miles from downtown Miami and easily accessible by a scenic causeway.

This 402-room deluxe oceanfront resort is located amidst 12 acres of tropical gardens. My spacious guestroom had a feather bed and down comforter with Caribbean-inspired furnishings. My room overlooked the ocean and swimming pools. Need I say more?

The recreation choices at the resort were endless. There was an early morning Tai Chi class, yoga on the beach, nature strolls to historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, water aerobics, snorkeling and windsurfing. The 72-par Crandon Golf Course is just five minutes away.  

But spas are my personal passion. I heard that the new Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne  had a 20,000 square-foot spa. So, after being massaged and buffed into oblivion at spas in Europe, the Rocky Mountains, Las Vegas and even on a mountaintop in Sedona, I was determined to try out this new oasis for pampering.

It may have been hundreds of years since early explorer Ponce deLeon sailed off the Florida coast and discovered the area now known as Key Biscayne, but time has not dimmed the quest for The Fountain of Youth. The spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne had an awesome menu of age-defying therapies, including a Fountain of Youth Ocean Balance treatment that pampers guests with stretching techniques and rhythmic movements while floating in the Atlantic Ocean

The Spa embraces a health through water philosophy with wellness and beauty treatments that utilize a holistic approach. I looked at the brochure of services. There were 60  to choose from. I wanted to try something unique and different, but there were so many choices! I finally opted to begin with an for the Aromatic Pine Scrub, a gentle exfoliation of sea salts with mineral and trace elements, combined with pine essential oils. My therapist said the treatment would stimulate my skin and improve circulation. It did and I felt like a pampered princess. I was ready for more treatments!

While I was in the waiting room waiting for my next spa service, walking out right in front of me, as big as life, was movie star, Andy Garcia. I tried to pump the staff about him but apparently the Ritz-Carlton has a policy of not discussing celebs who frequent their hotels. Oh well, where else but the plush Ritz-Carlton would a celebrity want to hang out?

The Oceanic Detox was the next choice on my spa menu.  It featured a seaweed body mask designed to eliminate impurities and toxins, while nourishing and hydrating the skin. Following the mask, a mint and seeweed body cocktail was applied to may skin making it feel soft and supple. The nice thing about the Ritz-Carlton spa is the therapist stays with you in the room for the entire treatment. Often, I have been in spas, where they wrap you up in a mask and leave you alone in the room and you may be uncomfortable and need something and there is no one around. I asked about it after the treatment and they said it is the Ritz-Carlton spa policy to stay with patrons for the entire duration of the treatment. A nice touch! Also, a 60 minute spa treatment is 75 minutes in length at the spa. When I asked about this wonderful feature I was told that the extra time allows personal-one-on-one time between the guest and therapist before and after the treatment so the guest can luxuriate in the full effects of wellness, through body, mind and spirit. I could handle that!

The spa design reflected a West Indies Colonial style with a warm palette of colors, soft lighting and mahogany woods, iron grillwork, and furniture inspired by handcrafted pieces made in the 1700s. Floor to ceiling windows and skylights add to an airy ambience that envelops the spa. I felt like I was in a heavenly retreat not made for mere mortals.

The spa has 21 treatment rooms including five facial rooms, a couples suite, Vicky steam shower and hydrotheraphy suite.

And for those who opt for a “Spa Escape”, a six hour treatment featuring a signature facial, personalized massage, manicure, pedicure, shampoo, styling, and healthful lunch served on the ocean terrace, it is available for $525 and can be customized for ladies and gentlemen. I plan to save up for that one and come here again next year for my birthday.

For more information or reservations, call (800) 241-3333 or visit The Ritz-Carlton web site at www.ritzcarlton.com

To contact Phyllis Steinberg, phone 954 563 2862 or email PhyllisSteinberg@cs.com