SWEET SIXTEEN

A memorable stay at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale

Written by Jeffrey Cohen

Our daughter recently celebrated her 16th birthday, a special occasion for any child, and one she had been looking forward to for some time. To mark the occasion, my wife surreptitiously planned a surprise party for her at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, the labyrinthine details of which are to be found in this issue’s From the Editor. Suffice to say, a great time was had by all: the opportunity to indulge your daughter in a spectacular way doesn’t arise too often, so we went for it.

Fort Lauderdale, as many of our readers are doubtless aware, is a long, sprawling city offering numerous resorts between the ocean and the intercoastal waterway. The Ritz-Carlton occupies pride of place across from Ft. Lauderdale Beach, with views of both bodies of water. At the same time secluded yet close to the centers of entertainment, the hotel is perfectly situated. The premier destination for sophisticated luxury in the area, the exterior of this 24-story tiered, and glass-walled structure is designed with sweeping curves, somewhat reminiscent of a luxury liner.

Recently refurbished, The Ritz-Carlton offers 192 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, a magnificent Club Lounge, substantial meeting spaces and an almost 30-thousand square foot oceanfront sundeck complete with a pool and private cabanas. This latter detail would prove essential to the success of our daughter’s surprise party.

Just an hour-and-a-half flight from Indianapolis with a twenty-minute cab ride to the hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale is an easy trip for a weekend getaway. Arriving thirsty and eager to get on with the festivities, my family and I were escorted to our oceanfront suite. Decorated in subtle nautical tones with ample light from the floor to ceiling windows and with top-notch appointments in every aspect, we could not have wished for a more luxurious base for the next few days’ activities.

With the exception of one brief excursion into town, our entire vacation was spent divided between the beach, the pool and Burlock Coast, the hotel’s main restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring a pre-prohibition cocktail bar, Burlock Coast became a firm favorite with the grownups, while also offering a wide variety of mocktails for the kids. Drawing inspiration from the Prohibition era, the restaurant, under the guidance of executive chef and Hell’s Kitchen runner-up Paula DaSilva, presents food that is creative and thoughtful. Set along the waterfront, the focus is on fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and a playful, rum-focused cocktail menu; a marketplace and café highlight artisanal items including local coffee and bread. Weekday evenings feature themed dining events, and brunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday, including a magnificent paella for four. It was here one evening that our son, an adventurous eater, tried grilled octopus for the first time, while my wife and daughter enjoyed the impeccable beef tenderloin.

A sumptuous breakfast buffet is the reward for getting out of bed.

While we were at the pool on the first day, Chef Paula came out to ask if we would like to hold our daughter’s birthday party in one of the private dining rooms. And so it was that once our surprise guests had arrived, the entire gang dined in the exclusive Rum Room. Here we were treated to several off-the-menu items specially prepared by the chef, as well as rum-based cocktails and local craft beers (for the adults). For our sustenance outside of regular meal hours, the daily marketplace café and island-style retail store provided us with everything we needed. I could swear the staff at the Ritz-Carlton must be mind-readers as well as service professionals, such was their ability to anticipate our every need.

The tranquil, serene guest rooms provide a luxurious respite.

Most days were spent (apart from my daily workout at the fitness center) relaxing by the ocean-view pool under the shade of a private cabana. With light meals and refreshments from the poolside bar, we were idly content to do nothing in particular. More strenuous activities included playing pool in the lobby, endless card games at night on sofas in the lounge area and the occasional game of outdoor ping-pong. As a special treat, my wife enjoyed a morning at the hotel’s luxury spa, where guests can receive signature treatments highlighting the rebalancing powers of citrus, the nourishing elements of the ocean and the detoxifying powers of a native cleansing ritual. The younger ones availed themselves of the nail salon and boutique.

On the final evening of our stay, my wife and I left the children to their own devices for a couple of hours and took a leisurely stroll on Las Olas Boulevard, a somewhat more modest version of Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue. Here, refreshed by the occasional glass of rosé and light nibbles, we enjoyed the ocean breeze and late afternoon light before returning to the fray.

The modern, airy dining room at Burlock Coast offers stunning views.

A refreshing lime daiquiri at Burlock Coast

Tuna Poke at Burlock Coast is the perfect appetizer.

Throughout our stay, our extended group was treated to the very finest in hospitality, and I am sure we must have been quite demanding at times. The Ritz-Carlton is famous for its customer service, and I can state without reservation that every member of the expert and knowledgeable staff went above and beyond to cater to our needs and wishes. Our daughter’s birthday was exactly the special event we had hoped it would be, and so much more. I could not imagine a more perfect setting or a warmer welcome. Let us hope it will not be another 16 years before we return.