The Ritz-Carlton, Miami, Key Biscayne

Location

Heading further down the coast from Miami’s infamous South Beach will bring you to Key Biscayne, a smart secluded island. Five causeway lined miles off the mainland, its sleepy villages feature some fantastic beaches, lush landscaping and a handful of oceanfront resorts. One of the lucky few, the Ritz-Carlton is the only luxury hotel on the island bay, situated just minutes from Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, voted one of the top 10 beach destinations in America. Head a bit further and you’ll find the fantastic Miami Metro Zoo, Jungle Island and the Miami Museum of Science & Planetarium.

Accommodation

Light and airy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, chic furnishings and king-size beds are a perfect retreat from the Miami heat. All come with balcony views of the resort, island or ocean with the latter especially appealing. Suites look out over the sparkling Atlantic and come with generously proportioned living rooms and oversized baths, some of which feature whirlpool tubs. For longer stays, the Residences are an excellent solution with fully equipped kitchenettes.

Dining

The hotel’s main restaurant, Cioppino, is one of just two hotel restaurants to be rank among Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurants. Designed to capture the romance of Italy, cheeses are imported twice weekly from the old world as the restaurant serves award-winning Tuscan cuisine on outdoor terraces overlooking the ocean. Cantina Beach exults Latin flavours, typical of Miami, in an al fresco setting as Rumbar offers Cuba-inspired light fare and even a cigar collection. For beachside dining, look to Dune Burgers, whose no-nonsense name belies gourmet offerings. Finish up in Scoop, the resort’s poolside ice cream parlour serving a colourful range of gelatos and fresh fruit smoothies.

Facilities

Start the morning with a latte in Key Pantry; styled after a marketplace café, it serves artisan coffee and snacks. In between trips to the beach, make use of the fitness centre complete with modern equipment, personal trainers and a range of classes. Or, take a dip in one of the two outdoor heated swimming pools on the hotel’s oceanfront. For the ultimate in relaxation, look to the treatments and massages of the Forbes Four-Star luxury spa and salon.