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LIFE STYLE
Miami Dreaming: A Look at the Ritz Carlton South Beach [by Nancy Hatch Woodward] This last year has been a long one. You worked day and night to make it a successful time, and you are ready for some marvelous rest and relaxation. This time you want something more, a holiday that really rewards you for all your hard work. And a little sun this time of year would be nice as well. So, close your eyes and imagine this: a pristine beach, private cabanas, a tanning butler, fabulous food, and a five-star hotel. It can all be yours at the Ritz Carlton South Beach in Miami, FL.*
The Ritz is a place for people who are
mate luxury, consider the Ritz-Carlton Suite,
facial, foot and hand treatment, and hair styl-
searching for elegance and the very best in
located on the 11th floor. It offers more than
ing and makeup application for women or a
luxurious pampering. Here is what awaits
800 square feet of total grandeur, with a
stimulating scalp treatment for men ($500).
you: “From personal concierge staff who are
master bedroom that has views from three
wired into the latest restaurants, nightclubs,
sides and an elevated Roman tub. It also
Dine in one of the hotel’s three restaurants,
concert and museum openings to personal
boasts some of the hotel’s finest artwork.
including upscale dining and casually chic oceanfront-lounge dining. The DiLido Beach
butlers that are just a phone call away, every A day at the beach is just steps away. Chairs
Club is a must visit. The only oceanfront
are complimentary for all guests, and um-
dining in South Beach, it “mixes the heritage
Fly into Miami International Airport. First-
brellas ($15) or cabanas ($30) are also avail-
of the Southern Mediterranean rim and the
class flights from New York City start at
able. For those looking for water fun, rent a
North African coast with the diverse and
$1,021 and from Los Angeles $803. Economy
wave runner for $425 for one person, or hitch
dimensional South Beach environment to
class starts as low as $207. After a short
a ride for $65/person for 30 minutes. Try
create a unique culinary experience that is
cab ride, you arrive in paradise. The hotel,
your hand at kayaking ($35/hour) or parasail-
“Sun cuisine,” a term and cuisine created by
located directly on the beach, is a complete
ing ($60/person for 10/13 minutes).
Executive Chef Thomas Connell and carried
guest wish is our command.”
restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapi-
out by Chef Bernardo Espinel.” Entrees begin
dus-designed landmark hotel in the city’s
Absolutely check out the pool, where you will
historic Art Deco district. To stimulate your
be greeted by a tanning butler who circulates
senses, the Ritz has acquired a multi-mil-
the pool during the weekend, equipped with
The Ritz Carlton is surrounded by a myriad of
lion-dollar original art collection featur-
tanning products to apply for you at your
wonderful places to visit. Rent your own car
ing Latin American and European artists
request. The weekends also offer entertain-
or use the hotel’s limousine service ($100/
which can be seen throughout the hotel.
ment poolside with a water ballet every
hour). The Ritz can also provide you with a
And when you want to take it down a notch,
Saturday at 5 p.m. Enjoy a private cabana,
personal shopper. You can stay on Lincoln
their 16,000-square-foot spa, with its sleek
equipped with king-size, terrycloth-covered,
St., a 12-block pedestrian mall filled with
stainless steel water wall, has 14 treatment
four-poster beds, retractable drapes, Ro-
charming boutiques, art galleries, outdoor
rooms, a couple’s site with a whirlpool, and
man blinds overhead and enormous plush
cafes. Try the Conch Ceviche, local conch
signature treatments.
pillows--perfect for private sunbathing or
prepared in lemon yuzu sauce at Doraku, a
intimate cocktail soirees. Daytime cabana
Japanese restaurant (entrees start at $14),
Guestroom designs are inspired by state-
guests are treated to lunch and spa treat-
or check out the Herb and Truffle Roasted
rooms on luxury yachts and include such
ments for two that can be utilized poolside
Farm Chicken at Pacific Time (entrees
amenities as twice-daily housekeeping atten-
or inside the Ritz-Carlton Spa. Prices range
$50+). Or just meander through the Art Deco
tion, 24-hour room service, morning paper,
from $200-$850 for two.
Historic District, which features more than
complimentary shoeshine, and European
at $20.
800 historic buildings from the 1920s, as well
toiletries. Whether your room looks directly
Speaking of spas, what could be better than
as a variety of architectural styles. If you are
out over the Atlantic Ocean or across the
heading to the spa and indulging yourself in
looking for something a bit more up to date,
South Beach area, you will enjoy luxurious
one of their signature spa treatments? If you
there is the Museum of Contemporary Art,
100% cotton linens, plush terry bathroom
are getting ready for a night out on the town,
which in February will present Ellen Galla-
and generous-sized towels, and a sumptuous
try the Avant SoBe, which includes the Le
gher: Murmur and Deluxe, drawings, prints,
marble baths. For those looking for the ulti-
Renovateur Body Polish, an extensive Carita
collages, and film animations by New York
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