ADVERTORIAL • September 2018

The Miami hangout that's a world away from the city

Fancy the buzz of Miami, but without the bustle? The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, may be minutes from Downtown, but the vibe at this luxe family resort is more tropical oasis than concrete jungle

Keep your cool

A stone’s throw from Miami airport and South Beach it may be, but you’d never guess… The sprawling oceanfront resort of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami - set on an exclusive barrier island - exudes laid-back, beachy vibes. Navel-gaze on the hotel’s private stretch of pristine sand; hit the surf of Biscayne Bay for paddle-boarding, sailing and kayaking; or bag a cool, white cabana by either of the two lagoon-style swimming pools (one is ideal for families, the other is adults-only).

Dinner date

Palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, an orangey-pink sun dipping into the Atlantic Ocean, waiters bearing trays of exotic cocktails… there's nothing better than an evening of great food and drink on your holidays. Here there's classic Mexican cuisine at Cantina Beach restaurant (they’ll make guacamole fresh at your table), modern coastal fare at Lightkeepers and juicy bison burgers at Dune Burgers on the Beach. And don't miss out on Key Pantry for gelato and lush fruit smoothies. Got your party hat on? 1940s Havana-style RUMBAR is where it’s at.

Time out

One too many Mojitos? Sweat it out at the impressive tennis centre - the largest of any Ritz-Carlton with 11 courts - designed by tennis Hall of Famer Cliff Drysdale. If your idea of scoring an ace is by hitting the spa, you’re in luck - the Forbes Four-Star Spa and Salon is a whopping 20,000sq ft dedicated purely to pampering. We’re talking 21 treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, even snazzy vitamin C-infused showers.

Give it a rest

A glittering sea and lush tropical gardens… the view from the majority of the 440 rooms, suites and residences won’t disappoint. The floor-to-ceiling windows and sizeable balconies have seen to that. King beds, marble baths, Asprey toiletries, Frette linen and flat-screens all come as standard. Book a Club Level guest room and you’ll be able to access the Club Lounge, with its flawless service, unlimited food and drink, and family games room.

Nailed it

It’s not just colouring and cookie-making at Ritz Kids, the club for five to 12-year-olds. Here the emphasis is on introducing youngsters to the natural wonders that surround them, through activities based around water, land, environmental responsibility and culture. One day they might be learning about animals in the sea, the next they’ll be having a sandcastle competition. There’s also a youngster’s nail salon, which offers ‘fizzing’ manis and pedis. Grown-ups, we think you’ll be a little envious.

See the sights

Beyond the resort, there’s plenty to do. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Science Museum (pictured) will keep budding scientists happy, while further afield there’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a rambling Italianate mansion overlooking Biscayne Bay. For more fun, there's the championship 18-hole golf course Crandon Golf; and superlative shopping at Brickell City Centre and Merrick Park, where you'll find a fabulous farmers' market every Sunday from 11am-5pm.

To book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, visit ba.com

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