The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
A classic seaside family retreat
VERIFIED LUXURY
Here are five things to know about us:
1. We verify luxury. Our highly trained inspectors visit every property we rate, evaluating based on up to 900 objective criteria. Our hotel stays span a minimum of two nights.
2. We pay our own way. No one can buy a rating; all ratings are earned through our objective inspection process.
3. Our global team of inspectors are anonymous at all times, so they have the same experience as a typical guest.
4. While we inspect both service and facility, our Star Rating system emphasizes service because your experience at a hotel, restaurant or spa goes beyond looks — how it makes you feel is what you will remember most.
5. We started in1958 as Mobil Travel Guide, and we created the original Five-Star rating system for hospitality.
Five-Star
These properties deliver an outstanding experience and consistently offer a highly customized level of service.
Four-Star
These are exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.
Recommended
These are excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities.
Soon To Be Rated
As our highly trained, incognito inspectors work to assess properties, our editors check them out ahead of time and provide a sneak preview of what to expect.
Located on a barrier island off Florida’s northeastern coast, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island captures the essence of this magical place, where time seems to stand still.
Spend the day by the beach or try tennis, golf, horseback riding or sailing. For young guests, there are Ritz Kids activity programs, a playground and a nanny service. Once the sun goes down, retreat to a relaxing guest room where the walls are decorated with sand and sea colors and the windows offer soothing coastal or ocean views.
Fernandina Beach, a quaint Victorian area with specialty boutiques, is just down the road, but you don't have to travel far to get a taste of the ocean's bounty. The resort’s numerous restaurants and lounges serve up a variety of specialties with a focus on seafood.
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Our Inspector's Highlights
- The rolling Atlantic waves are just steps from the hotel; getting there you cross lovely sand dunes where you might even spot an armadillo or ghost crab.
- Spread throughout the luscious and perfectly manicured lawns, you’ll find rocking chairs where you can sit and enjoy ocean views and sunsets and maybe even catch a glimpse of a turtle chomping through the grass.
- Whether you’re setting up your morning wake-up call or passing through the lobby on your way to breakfast, you’ll always be treated to personalized service with a smile. This is Southern hospitality at its finest.
- The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island is not to be missed. The spa offers treatments like its signature honey-butter wrap and a one-of-a-kind, zero gravity Heaven in a Hammock massage where you’re massaged (fully clothed) in a hammock.
- Fine-dining restaurant Salt is reason alone to visit the Amelia Island hotel. Formerly sous chef at Le Bernardin and Blue by Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, chef de cuisine Okan Kizilbayir makes impeccable fish dishes.
Things to Know
- The daily 4 p.m. salt tasting class at The Salt Boutique is a real treat where you can try the shop’s unique offerings. Our favorites were the the black garlic and smoked Yakima flavors.
- Don’t miss the giant stone fire pit located on the terrace off the lobby lounge. We suggest you come here for a cocktail and enjoy the glowing embers, Amelia Grapefruit Cosmo in hand.
- Catch the First Call, a daily ritual in The Lobby Bar. Every day at 5:45 p.m., the bar serves a house-infused bourbon blend. During our visit, it was a 1792 Small Batch Bourbon infused with raspberry, cantaloupe, pineapple and brown sugar.
The Rooms
- Guest rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island all feature balconies for taking in either ocean or coastal views.
- A cream, tan, white and dark blue color scheme dominates the coastal-themed rooms, accented by lots of light wood.
- The white marble bathrooms are tastefully appointed with double sinks and spacious showers. Suites come with free-standing tubs.
The Restaurants
- The Ritz-Carlton’s signature restaurant, Salt, offers up a menu of fresh ingredients from land and sea that are paired with a huge variety of salts from all over the globe and an excellent wine list.
- Coast is an all-day dining venue that offers a fresh new taste on modern American cuisine with a seasonal menu that includes local seafood, steaks, fresh pasta, salads and small plates.
- Tidewater Grill is a causal eatery offering Black Angus burgers, local beer-battered fish and chips, and local Mocama beers on tap. Come here to watch the game — TVs punctuate the nautical-inspired interiors.
- Enjoy frozen cocktails, fresh seafood, tacos, sandwiches and specialty salads poolside (and with ocean views) at the alfresco Coquina.
Getting There
4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, Florida 32034
TEL904-277-1100
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
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