Because I had family in last week, in addition to ChevyGrad (more to come on that), I didn’t schedule any events. I only wanted to focus on family and get some much needed rest. So, whenever I got invitations to functions, I politely declined, citing “other” obligations. However, I got one invite that I simply could not refuse. It promised to be so over the top that I quietly snuck away from family for a few hours and headed to the ULTRA LUXURIOUS Ritz Carlton Hotel Fort Lauderdale. I got an invite to an exclusive media event hosted by their Area Director of Public Relations, Michelle Payer along with the GM, Jim Oliver and the Director of Sales and Marketing, Michael Chiusano.
Though it’s been open for 2 years, I had never been on this property before. However, I was prepared to be dazzled, considering that this is Fort Lauderdale’s first and only AAA Five Diamond Hotel. From the moment that I drove up, I could tell that this was a CLASS ACT! The lobby was upscale and immaculate. The experience began there, with Michelle giving us a tour of the property. We started with Via Luna Italian Grill, just steps away from the ocean. Right across the open corridor is Via Luna Bar. The bar features a 13ft high mural of a seascape. It was mesmerizing before Michelle mentioned that if you looked closely, you could see figures in the mist. I was in awe and already loved this hotel, after only 10 minutes! We moved on to the Wine Room, where Sommelier, Don Derocher,showed us the impressive 5,000 bottle collection, including one that retails for $4,000!
From there, we moved upstairs to see guest rooms. They were impressive, as well. There are 192 guest rooms and suites, all done up in a way that brings to mind vintage yachts and cruiseliners. Every detail has been thought of, right down to the black and white family photo vignettes of Fort Lauderdale from the 1940′s. The rooms have spectacular views of either the Atlantic or the Intracoastal, with some rooms having a view of both. Every room boasts a 37″ LCD television, as well as a 13″ in the bathroom! The bath amenities were BVLGARI! FABULOSITY!
Just when we thought that nothing could top this, we were escorted to the 8500 square foot spa. The gorgeous spa manager, Movita Hernandez, took us through it, showing a couple of the 11 treatment areas, including the nail area. WOWZERS! She has put together a menu of organic treatments that are second to none in this area. The women’s lounge was exquisite, right down to the blooming teas served in glass teapots. I could picture a bride preparing for her big day there.
By now, our senses were overloaded. I would have been glad to simply get in my car and drive away dreamily, but Michelle and Stephanie (also of Ritz Carlton PR) had a huge surprise for us. We were lead out through the pool area and down a few stairs to the new VIP Cabana Level! The Ritz had anticipated our every whim and had themed cabanas set up, as they would for guests. This is a new luxury service being offered and they are all experiential. There was a one called “A Sultry Affair” that came with rose petals and lit candles, as well as Veuve Clicquout Champagne, a dessert tower, fondue, seafood, etc. I now know what I want for my birthday, though my favorite themed cabana was the Bachelorette Finale, that includes bottle service, Ketel One Vodka, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, dessert tapas, and more. Other packages feature couples massage, an all day option, and a complete takeover of all 10 cabanas. Call the lovely Rochelle Figueroa at 954-302-6466 to book yours.
As the sun set over the ocean, the view was gorgeous and sadly, I had to return to my regular old ordinary life. But when I get the urge to be pampered, I know exactly where to go!
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