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Savor Sarasota: Vacation Stunners at The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota

by Lark Gould

August 7, 2024

Dusk at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota / Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Stunning beaches, fancy festivals, lively art centers, museums and restaurants… what’s not to love about Sarasota, Florida? And all that Florida sunshine along the state’s Gulf Coast can be bundled into one incredible upscale vacation with a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The luxury landmark is conveniently located near Sarasota’s brimming city center overlooking the bay, and it is just minutes from premier arts venues, nature sanctuaries, distinctive shopping, fishing, water sports and a swell of beachside fun.

A Room with a View

Accommodations at the resort include 276 spacious suites and guest rooms, ensuring comfort and elegance. With 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is also a premier destination for weddings, conferences, and special occasions.

Each guest room is a canvas of marine hues and modern design. Guests take in sweeping Florida views from their private balconies, be it bay or cityscape. Plush bedding and marble-trimmed bathrooms compliment these surroundings with nothing less than one would expect from a Ritz-Carlton hotel.

Club Level Experience: For discerning travelers, the Club Lounge offers exclusive access. Culinary dishes and small bites, beverage offerings, cocktails made to order, and polite personalized service elevate the stay to new heights of satisfaction.

Need a day at the beach? The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club on Lido Key is just three miles away within an exclusive oasis where white sands mix with blue waters, all made even more sumptuous by the calming coastal breeze. The Beach Club features a heated swimming pool and soaking tub, with pool-side dining service. Ridley’s Porch offers waterfront dining and fresh dishes inspired by Sarasota’s tropical flair, and guests can enjoy an idyllic, luxurious Tiki experience along the Gulf of Mexico at The Lido Key Tiki Bar, located right behind the Beach Club.

Dining at Jack Dusty

A highlight of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota experience is a meal in its signature restaurant, Jack Dusty. Find it on the marina, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with all the magnificent waterfront views. Known for its delicious seafood and laid-back ambiance, Jack Dusty captures the experience visitors come to Sarasota to find. Guests can savor freshly caught Gulf shrimp with key lime aioli or indulge in Sarasota Cioppino, expertly prepared with local ingredients. Signature favorites include crab and fried green tomatoes, blistered shishitos and lobster roll as well. The welcoming bar invites patrons to unwind with inventive craft cocktails, including signature rum concoctions.

Rounds at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Sarasota

For golf enthusiasts, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers an exclusive opportunity to play at the Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf course. Spanning 315 acres of rolling green tropical landscapes, the course has been meticulously sculpted to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Plenty of elevation changes challenge and interest golfers amid picturesque lakes and, well, wildlife. The course stands out among Sarasota’s golfing options and is accessible via a short drive from the resort at Lakewood Ranch. Six sets of tees catering to all skill levels and lessons from seasoned pros are always on the menu.

The Spa

The newly renovated The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Sarasota has a series of fresh surroundings and experiences to boast. The 20,000-square-foot spa brings new sheens and themes to its floor-to-ceiling redesign. Guests will find refreshing upgrades in all 17 treatment rooms, while also enjoying the reimagined guest entrance and reception areas, revamped locker rooms and lounges that have been turned into state-of-the-art sanctuaries.

A carefully curated new treatment menu showcases locally sourced ingredients used in cutting-edge wellness techniques and practices that make up some 45 rejuvenating services. Guests can immerse in hydrating facials, advanced anti-aging treatments, soothing massages, meticulous nail care, and expert makeup application. Not to be left out, there are also plenty of personalized rituals designed for men to check out.

Embracing the philosophy of slowing down, the spa has introduced luxurious 100-minute services, many in collaboration with LaFlore and Osmosis Beauty. To that end, guests will find two exclusive facial experiences that complement the spa’s signature HydraFacial and esteemed ESPA product line.

A Vacation in Full

Whether guests are teeing off on the golf course, aligning their chi in a holistic spa treatment, or tucking into a seafood feast with a front row seat along Sarasota Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota promises stays that linger longer and deliver on brand promises.