The shimmering white curvilinear building, designed by the Miami-based architectural firm Arquitectonica, is distinguished by 24 dramatically tiered, glass-walled stories rising behind a 29,000-square-foot tropical pool deck space with a zero-entry pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Ritz Carlton hotel’s grand interiors and exterior recall those of a luxury liner with undulating curves that mimic ocean waves woven throughout and sweeping water views from all vantage points.
The sensuous Hirsch-Bedner designed interiors transport guests back to the glamorous age of travel by utilizing design elements from the 1940’s including playful murals inspired by the work of French artist Jean Cocteau, oversized crystal domed chandeliers, luxurious finishes and high-quality materials. The sun-bathed lobby and public areas sparkle with the vein-matched white and charcoal Carrara, Italy marble floors. Iridescent mother of pearl and mahogany reception and concierge desks, light oak walls, yacht-like leather banquets, coral and shell accents, and abundant art create an awe-inspiring arrival.
Guests approach the Lobby Bar through an elegant steel gate. Like Ritz Carlton New York’s famed King Cole Bar, there is a commanding centerpiece mural of a seascape with the mythical figure King Neptune anchoring the bar. The 13’ high mural was painted by Canadian artist C. Perreault and inspired by the 1880 painting, “King Neptune and His Horses.” Concave silver leaf wave structures float across the soaring ceiling, over a chestnut and butterscotch onyx bar which is illuminated at night. Soft leather seating makes the bar particularly inviting.
The Wine Room is separated from the bar with translucent glass. In this regal, seductive room, guests enjoy fine wines from the 5,000 bottle collection, an extensive by-the-glass list and light meals paired for maximum compatibility. The Wine Room’s separate cellar area can also be reserved for a distinctive private dining experience. Three hand-strung tear-drop crystal chandeliers hang over the onyx bar and dazzle upon entering. Oenophiles will love the wine books lining the shelves and the comfort of the leather furnishings while they enjoy drinks in the Wine Room.
ACCOMMODATIONS
All 166 spacious guestrooms and suites and the 28 hotel condominiums provide sweeping, unimpeded views of the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. Hirsch Bedner Associates designed the cream, beige and yellow accented rooms to evoke a golden age era of vintage yachting and luxury travel. The rooms’ mahogany cases, leather wrapped furniture and stone and crystal accents are enhanced and softened by gently limed oak wood floors, a graceful fabric-draped headboard and a sumptuous duvet. Hand-selected black and white family photo vignettes from 1940’s Fort Lauderdale impart a very personal feel to the rooms.
Each guest room in the Ritz Carlton and suite is equipped with easy-to-use one-touch technology phones that feature butler access and other useful hotel services, as well as in-depth information about area attractions. Guest rooms also have WiFi Internet access, state-of-the-art DVD theater entertainment system with a 32″ LCD panel TV encased in a custom mahogany armoire, a 13″ LCD panel TV in each bathroom, bamboo silk robes, classic Pratesi linens, Reméde bath amenities, a refrigerated mini-cellar of refreshments and much more.
MEETING AND BANQUET FACILITIES
With more than 24,000 square feet of first-class meeting space, the only ocean-front ballroom in Fort Lauderdale, and signature details such as white leather wall covering, lavish crystal chandeliers, Vera Wang Golden Grosgrain China by Wedgwood, leather banquet chairs, and plush carpeting, meetings and events at Ritz Carlton Resort exemplify grace, style and sophistication. And with professionally-trained Ritz Carlton Butlers providing assistance with all event logistics, Ritz Carlton Resort offers the ultimate services for any memorable event.
The Ritz Carlton is Designed to accommodate groups of up to 530 guests, the Grand Ballroom pre-function space features floor-to-ceiling windows and breath-taking, unobstructed ocean views. The resort’s Astor Ballroom and Astor Terrace, which accommodate 180 and 280 guests respectively, offer petite alternatives to the Grand Ballroom. And for intimate social gatherings and high-powered business meetings, Ritz Carlton Resort offers an 18-seat, oceanfront, Executive Boardroom. All meeting spaces are equipped with the latest in wireless technology and services.
RECREATION
Dramatically situated to overlook the Atlantic Ocean, the seventh floor tropical pool deck is a 29,000 sq. ft. showplace with a zero-entry pool, relaxation deck and 60-seat bar and grill. Located just below the pool deck are ten cabanas equipped with WiFi access, flat screen televisions and waiter service that can be reserved with a special package. A skywalk connects the pool deck to the beach, allowing guests of the Ritz Carlton seamless access to the beach without having to exit the hotel through the lobby or cross the street.
RITZ CARLTON SPA & FITNESS CENTER
Ritz Carlton Resort & Residences, Fort Lauderdale is home to a full-service 8,500-square-foot spa featuring 10 treatment rooms and a private couples treatment suite. The spa services marry several exotic therapies, botanicals, and lifestyle philosophies from across the globe and utilize premium product lines. In addition, the spa complex features private massage areas and Jacuzzis on the tropical pool deck, a sun-drenched 8,000 sq. ft. modern fitness center with an exceptional collection of Techno gym cardiovascular and strength equipment, yoga, spinning and aerobics studios, and a spa boutique.
RITZ CARLTON RESIDENCES
Ritz Carlton Residence owners will have access to the hotel’s world-class fee-based ala carte services, including the signature Ritz Carlton butler service. Personal butlers will carry a wireless handheld device and will be reachable at all times through e-mail. Additional services and amenities available through Ritz Carlton Resort will include an outdoor pool, state-of-the-art health club, a full-service spa, in-residence dining and catering from the Ritz Carlton’ exceptional restaurants and a wine aficionados program.