In Northern Florida, just past Jacksonville lies Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, the ultimate luxury accommodations meet the perfect beach. Amelia Island is an area heavily dominated by both Georgia and Florida residents. One of the busiest times of the year on the island is when the Universities of Georgia and Florida meet on the football field to play what used to be known as the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party.
Living in the Orlando, Florida area, Amelia Island is a short 2-hour drive down I-95. Over the years, I’ve escaped to Amelia Island on numerous occasions. When I want to unplug, relax, spend time with close friends and family, Amelia Island is always at the top of my list.
The last trip I took to Amelia Island was extraordinary. I was lucky enough to partner with the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island and surprise my wife with a weekend birthday celebration. This trip was all about celebrating my wife, and thanks to the staff at Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, it was a fantastic celebration.
I’ll be honest with you, on this trip, I never touched a golf club. I know what you’re thinking. Rob, this is Golf Aficionado. You have to talk about golf. I guess you’re right. I mean, the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island is home to The Golf Club of Amelia Island, which I might add I’ve had the pleasure of playing multiple times. For those just dying to hear more about golf, please read our article dedicated to the course.
Back to the perfect beach getaway…
As I mentioned, we were celebrating my wife’s birthday, which happens to fall on November 30th. I know, not the ideal time for a beach getaway, or is it? We ended up hitting the island smack in the middle of recovering from Thanksgiving to prepping for Christmas. By the time we finished our 2-night stay, the resort had fully transformed into a holiday wonderland.
The Accommodations
One thing I know about my wife, she loves a good fire. When I saw we could book a room with a private patio that included a fire pit, I pounced! Having the first-floor room with a terrace was very special. The giant Christmas tree in the middle of the courtyard was within view from the room and put us in the holiday spirit. The fresh ocean air, waves crashing, fire pit roaring, it was magical.
The Food
We had some fabulous meals. Our favorite spot ended up being the sushi bar in the lobby. On our short 2-night trip, we ended up eating there twice. After all these years, I know my wife well. Not only does she love a good fire, but she can’t get enough good sushi!
On the night of her big day, I couldn’t think of a better restaurant to celebrate the occasion than Salt. As you might imagine, the whole theme of the restaurant is gourmet salt. I highly recommend spending time in the salt gift shop sampling as many different salts as possible before actually eating at the restaurant.
Salt features a diverse menu, and you can influence the meal by going with something seasoned with your favorite salt. The experience starts right away with the bread service. You’ll be able to choose three different salts to accompany the bread. Choose wisely.
The Service
What made this trip special was the staff of the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island. So friendly, and every time they found out we were celebrating my wife’s birthday, they made such a to-do and genuinely just made her feel special. I joke with her all the time. During the trip, she had to blow out birthday candles three different times.
From the attentive service at breakfast to the friendship we formed with our waitress at the sushi bar every time we turned around, we couldn’t have been more impressed by the staff and their willingness to help.
The Ritz Carlton Effect
The worst part of this experience was that it completely ruined lodging for my wife. About halfway through the trip, she turns to me and, in all seriousness, says, “Rob, I don’t think I can ever stay in another hotel brand.” Unfortunately, my bank account is still trying to figure out how to meet her high demands.
Most people will go through life never spending a night at a Ritz Carlton. Unfortunately for them, they’re missing out on such a fantastic experience. Having had the experience myself, I can better understand just that. Staying at a Ritz Carlton property is an experience.
The staff will go above and beyond, and you’re going to have exceptional first-class accommodations and memorable experiences for the entire family. The fact that they have a daily schedule to entertain children and adults is terrific. A Painting class, a mobile petting zoo with reptiles, a craft class, and the list goes on. Oh, and let’s not forget to mention the nightly bond fire on the beach with s’mores included.
Somehow, someway, make an effort to experience a Ritz Carlton property. I’m sure you’ll leave with the same lofty expectations my wife now has. A getaway at Ritz Carlton Amelia Island is worth the admission price, and if you’re a savvy traveler, you’ll find some great opportunities for a smashing good deal.
To book your perfect beach getaway check out the current specials offered by Ritz Carlton Amelia Island!
Don’t Forget The Golf Course
To learn more about The Golf Club of Amelia Island, open only to members and guests of the Ritz Carlton, check out our full golf review.