Flee the cold at the Ritz in Naples, FL

by Tom Johansmeyer on

It snowed today. It was cold and wet, and my feet were drenched by the time I got home. It sucked. My soggy, frigid feet felt even worse when my mind turned to a pair of Ritz-Carlton resorts in Naples, FL. The golf resort and the beach resort ooze luxury, and the airport is accessible from most major airports. JetBlue, admittedly not my favorite airline, puts Naples in reach (via Fort Meyers) from several cities in the northeast, and Delta can fly you in from anywhere, though you may make a quick stop in Atlanta.

So, why does all this matter?

I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, and it was one of the few times in my life I’ve actually felt relaxed. I’m not a golfer-at all-but I understand the courses are fantastic. Called Tiburon, they 36 holes are named for Greg Norman, whose nickname is the English equivalent (Shark).

A heads up from course pro Roger James: the second and seventeenth holes on the “Black” course (as opposed to “Gold”) are the toughest. I’m happy to take his word for it.

Over at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, on the other hand, I felt right at home in the spa. The beach is probably the big draw, but it’s not really my style. Soak in the salt bath for a while, as I did, and you’ll feel like nothing outside that tub matters. Follow it up with a massage, and you’ll probably book an extra night at the hotel.

So, on a day like today, I couldn’t think about anything but sitting on that hotel room balcony with a glass of wine next to me and a cigar in hand. If you need a fast getaway for the nasty winter months, remember that there are some corners of Florida that cater to adults.

Ritz-Carlton announces Ritz-Carlton Reserve for global travelers

by Meg Massie on

Looking to expand the company’s luxury brand to the far corners of the planet, the Ritz-Carlton has officially announced the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort in Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand.

These new resorts will be built in beautiful, remote destinations, with the guest suites designed for peaceful relaxation and seclusion, while resort amenities will feature all the luxury that is associated with the Ritz-Carlton name.

The Phulay Bay resort was designed by Thai architect Lek Bunnag, giving the property a modern style with local flavor. The guest rooms have gorgeous views of the Andaman Sea as well as private plunge pools and sheltered outdoor baths and rainforest showers. Public amenities at the resort include an infinity pool, fitness center, spa, casual and fine dining, cooking and batik painting classes, and an event space perfect for wedding of up to 80 guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve is now taking reservations for Phulay Bay for 2009. Visit www.ritzcarltonreserve.com for more information. Future resorts are planned for Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and The United Arab Emirates.

Inauguration package to Washington D.C.: Ballroom, hotel room, parade, bling and more

by Jamie Rhein on

With Barack Obama’s election win finalized, here’s one subject to consider. How does a person snag a place at the inauguration festivities? Cinderella needed a fairy godmother to get her to the prince’s ball. Although you don’t necessarily need a fairy godmother, it could help if you want to go high end. Consider this option.

For $50,000, the “politically correct” inauguration package at the Ritz Carlton can be yours. What will this cool cash get you–never mind that you might have seen more than that disappear from your financial portfolio, if you have one, in the last months?

You can get:

  • a 4-night hotel stay at the Ritz Carlton (duh) during the inauguration festivities
  • two front row seats to the Inaugural parade
  • two tickets to one of the official Inaugural balls
  • a “Heart of the Nation” pendant made of white gold, diamonds, rubies and blue sapphires
  • a 24-hour on call driver who’ll tootle you around town in a hybrid car
  • a fancy dinner
  • clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Hmm. politically correct? In this economy? Part of the price tag cost is donated to charity. Oh, in that case. . .

(Deal found in this article in the Wall Street Journal. The Ritz Carlton website doesn’t list the package, but here are more details at Elite Traveler. The photo is from glass)