At a Glance
The Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne is the kind of resort where you can happily spend most of your vacation without leaving the premises.
Review
Few guests (especially those with children) leave the property after checking in at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. Once guests set foot in the soaring lobby, complete with spectacular Atlantic views, they typically spend the rest of the visit taking advantage of the two sizable pools, expansive grounds and beachfront areas. It’s known for its tennis center, one of the largest facilities of any Ritz-Carlton, and for having sailboats, paddleboats, kayaks and surfboards available to guests. The staff is also happy to arrange activities nearby, including snorkeling, biking, golf, fishing and Jet Skiing, which all adds up to make the property feel more like a Caribbean resort than a Miami hotel.
The 402 spacious rooms have British colonial–inspired furnishings and yellow-gold floral curtains and many have ocean views (which are spectacular and should be requested). Dining choices include Rumbar beachfront tiki bar with occasional live music, Cantina, a Mexican restaurant under a palapa on the water and the more elegant Cioppino, an Italian restaurant that serves a sizeable Sunday brunch. The hotel also offers complimentary car service to restaurants in Key Biscayne on weekend nights. Key Panty is a coffee and snacks shop just off the lobby with offerings for kids (cupcakes, ice cream) and their parents (wine, specialty cheeses). A favorite activity is filling up a picnic basket with goodies and then taking a bike ride around the area, stopping in a shady spot for lunch.
The 20,000-square-foot, award-winning spa is one of Miami’s best, featuring not only treatment rooms and glamorous relaxing areas but also the Complete Wellness and Fitness Center that includes personal training and classes.
Who Should Stay
Families and couples who want the easy flight access to Miami for a Caribbean-style vacation, but not have to deal with the South Beach scene.
Written by
