The Ritz Carlton! Need I say more?

Fave Ritz-Carlton Location:                      Kapalua – Island of Maui, Hawaii

Fave Ritz-Carlton Property:                      Laguna Niguel, California

Here’s the thing…

No matter where I venture in the world, I often seek out a Ritz-Carlton to stay for at least part of the journey. It’s for good reason; from the moment you walk in, you know you are staying at a property that is part of a very special and unique collection of luxury hotels. 

From that familiar “at home” feeling I get as soon as I walk in, to the exclusive partnerships they have with distinguished, award-winning chefs, world class services, vast array of amenities and everything in-between, it’s hard to pin down one specific reason as to why the Ritz-Carlton time and again stands above the rest as a world leader in luxury hotels and resorts and why it gets our 2020 Five Star Travel Guru Seal of Approval. So, without any further ado, here are my Five Star Reasons why you should consider staying at a Ritz-Carlton during your next getaway. 

1. Location. Location. Immersive Location. 

Strategically located, you can find most Ritz-Carlton’s in the epicenter of some of the world’s most iconic cities from New York City - Manhattan, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago to Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Berlin, Kuala Lumpur, and the list goes on. Each one having been built to stand out amongst the backdrop of some of the most luxurious places in the world. 

Other Ritz-Carlton locations are clearly chosen for their highly desirable destinations making a visit to these resorts a unique travel experience in and of itself. For example, one location I’ve had the opportunity to stay at many times over, and with very high marks from me, is the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel that sits perched up high on the bluffs overlooking the Southern California beaches. 

A couple of hours north sits another personal favorite: The breathtaking Ritz-Carlton 

Bacara Resort & Spa. Bacara is built into a sweeping canyon that lets out to the beaches just north of Santa Barbara. Another favorite desirable location is the lush hillside retreat at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua that sweeps down into the Pacific beaches on the beautiful island of Maui just north of the bustling seaside town of Lahaina and the Kaanapali coast.

There are so many to name, but a few other notables include Dove Mountain - the desert resort spa located in Arizona with its stunning landscapes, Grand Cayman – located right on one of the world’s top-rated beaches, Seven Mile Beach, Los Cabos, Canary Islands, Bali and so many others….

2. Five Star Hospitality, Plush Accommodation & Amenities .

I’ve combined these three together for a reason. Whether you are staying at The Ritz-Carlton Central Park in the heart of NYC or at a fabulous beach destination like The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel - the guest services, where you sleep, and what they offer all go hand in hand no matter which Ritz-Carlton you decide to stay at. The emphasis this company puts on hospitality and attention to detail is apparent from the moment you step foot on any of their properties and remains so throughout your entire stay. 

First off, you are consistently greeted with kindness; I can’t remember a single instance when the front desk hasn’t gone above and beyond to make sure my check-in is seamless. You’ll be greeted with fresh welcome water and location dependent, refreshments. With key in hand, you are whisked to your room, usually escorted by one of the bellmen or front office staff. 

Once at your room, upon first glance, sure, it looks like any well-appointed luxury hotel room with all the amenities you might expect from a five star hotel including robes, slippers, a mini bar, ultra-comfortable beds, and nicely appointed furniture, but it’s the little touches that makes the Ritz-Carlton stand out amongst others. 

The Ritz-Carlton was one of the first hotels I can remember that would display your name proudly up on your room’s tv screen and, depending on the location, they’ll even have it displayed on the digital phone or tablet screens that come equipped with your room. You’ll always find they are working to integrate the latest technologies into every room at every one of their properties.

The housekeeping staff has clearly been trained to infuse their signature Five-Star care into each room, and prepared for every time you walk in. The beds are meticulously maintained, the bathrooms are neatly organized and fully stocked with spa quality amenities and extra little unique touches tailored to each unique location. 

Last, but certainly not least, the amenities. At every Ritz-Carlton, you will find fitness centers that are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and in many instances, fitness programs and classes that have been designed by accomplished fitness professionals. Along with world-class spas, luxury boutiques and art galleries featuring world-renowned artists, you can also find unique amenities for that location like surfing classes, private beach cabanas, guided hikes, and special events featuring authorities in food, art, health and wellness, and the list goes on.

The one thing that clearly stands out, no matter where you are on property, you will always be greeted with the same incredible hospitality with any employee you cross paths with.

3. Food & Wine

The Ritz-Carlton not only boasts about having a broad range of world-class bars and restaurants, but each one is selected and designed to fit each unique location and they often showcase some of the best produce, fish, and meats from the local area; They also can flaunt some impressive partnerships with culinary genius’ like one in particular who I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years focusing on Luxury food and lifestyle content; world-renowned chef, Wolfgang Puck. 

One of my favorite restaurants in my hometown of Los Angeles, is the impressive WP24, located atop the ultra-modern Ritz-Carlton Downtown Los Angeles. You can find Wolfgang’s iconic European and Mediterranean inspired menus at many of his restaurants, but WP24 boasts a Chinese cuisine influenced menu with a modern twist served in a stunning dining room with lavish décor and floor to ceiling windows that feature incredible views of Los Angeles, plus a 400 label wine list that is sure to satisfy even the most selective of palates. 

Other Ritz-Carlton locations host menus and restaurants in partnership with other top chefs like the legendary Chef Eric Ripert, with his fabulous BLUE located in the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman set on incredible Seven Mile Beach. BLUE is the Caribbean’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant and features a tasting menu highlighting local seafood, a four-course dinner menu and a wine list of over 700 labels from around the world. This one is not to be missed.

Besides the cuisine and impressive wine selections in every one of The Ritz-Carlton’s primary restaurants at each location, there are also incredible bars and casual cafes and restaurants designed to blend into the location itself like at Andiamo, also at Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, where it just doesn’t get any better than sitting Lagoon-side enjoying mouthwatering Italian decadence for lunch or dinner while taking in the sites and sounds in the heart of this tropical world class resort! At Laguna Niguel, enjoy 180Blü. Perched 150 feet above the breathtaking Salt Creek Beach in Laguna, is this quintessential California lounge-like setting with comfortable seating and drink service from the bar’s mixologist that is sure to compliment any date night, or you can select a nice bottle of vino from the Ritz-Carlton wine cellar. On Friday and Saturday evenings, 180Blü also boasts a fresh sushi bar on site for hand-made rolls and live jazz music to compliment the beautiful California sunsets. 

If you’re looking for a more elegant inside bar experience, but want the same breathtaking views, look no further than the adjacent inside bar, Bar Raya.  Highlighted by a vast arching window that frames the sunset with a beautiful view over the ocean while also enjoying decadent small plate cuisine and appetizers from the adjacent Raya restaurant, where you can also sit for a full dinner and take in the same sweeping views. 

Yes, those are a few of my favorites, but know that no matter where you are in the world, the Ritz-Carlton will always deliver some of the best food and wine experiences you will be able to find in the area you are staying. 

4. World Class Spas.

The Ritz-Carlton hosts a variety of Spas and partner spas like world-renowned Spa La Prairie or the ultra-luxurious Clarins that are waiting to wash away every stress you hold and rejuvenate your senses with a massive selection of massages, facials, and body treatments that will have you feeling like a new you by the time you walk out. Only the absolute best products are used to enhance your spa treatments. 

I’ll often leave the Ritz-Carlton having had several treatments where I find myself with a newfound sense of well-being, peace and energy to tackle anything in life. Many spa locations are often accented by indoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, hydro pools, and more. 

Rest assured that, like anything else at the Ritz-Carlton, you’ll receive the full red-carpet luxury experience. Our local Ritz Carlton Spa greets me with a glass a Veuve Clicquot champagne upon arrival, followed by what is always a perfect spa treatment(s), whether that’s a relaxing massage to help ease the stresses of your everyday life, a glowing facial, or both! You’ll leave feeling like a new person…I know I do.

5. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level

In recent years, members-only private clubs have been popping up in major cities across the world like Soho House, with the year long waiting lists – or longer - to join. The Ritz-Carlton has for years offered its own Exclusive Private Club Lounge experience. This alone for me is a top reason to stay at any Ritz-Carlton that offers one. 

The club is often intentionally situated on the top floor of any Ritz-Carlton to provide guests with stunning views and a great place to get some work done or kick back and relax while enjoying your stay in luxury. You’ll find ample plush seating to enjoy and entertain with friends and family that you may be traveling with, large flat-screen TVs, executive meeting rooms, business services and, as always, an onsite concierge in the club to tend to every request you have.

The fact that it is fully staffed and usually open by 7 am - at the latest - until 10pm - at the earliest - every day! The Club Lounge features exquisite food displays, starting off with breakfast in the morning, a full lunch, tasty afternoon snacks, evening appetizers, and a full dessert display.

For the sweets lovers out there, there are usually jars filled with fresh baked cookies and a large assortment of luxe candies. 

Additionally, a full OPEN bar with top shelf liquor, fine wines and champagne is offered from morning until closing. The best part is that it is all included when you are staying in a Club Level room.  

If you are fortunate enough to find Club Level available for your stay, book it. It’s so worth it!  Can you imagine staying at a Ritz-Carlton Beach resort, with all of the best food options, being able to get drinks to take poolside, premium bottles waters, coffees and teas throughout the day?

Book a stay at the Club Level and you’ve got it! For two people, treating yourself to this kind of luxury can really add up, so the value you get for the price will pay for itself several times over if you use it the way we do.  

One of my favorite Ritz-Carlton locations to stay at is the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on the Island of Maui in Hawaii. You’ll struggle to find a more luxurious hotel in the world than this island-inspired resort. However, my personal favorite Ritz-Carlton property is by far The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.  

Quite frankly, they just have it dialed in. 

Whether it’s getting the perfect massage treatment at their lavish boutique spa, working out in the beautiful cliffside fitness center, enjoying their top rated, time and again, award winning club lounge, basking at the pool or on the beach, it’s one of the best places I’ve ever stayed at on Earth, hands down.  

But I can almost guarantee that no matter which Ritz-Carlton you choose, you will enjoy a luxurious stay where you will be treated famously.  You can even search and book your stay through our travel partner by clicking here and searching for any Ritz-Carlton property name. 

So, get out there, get bougie and enjoy your next luxury stay at the Ritz-Carlton. 

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À votre santé!

Patrick