A Summer of Sun, Sand & Salt with The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Escape to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, a place where Southern charm meets the unspoiled sandy beaches of the Atlantic. Here warm hospitality and pristine natural beauty offer the perfect combination for a classic family beach vacation.
Amelia Island, the southernmost barrier island on the Atlantic coastline, is located on the border of Florida and Georgia, only 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport and just a two hour flight from many American cities.
With 13 miles of dune-lined beaches and State Parks protecting the north and south of the island, the setting immediately offers families a respite from the stresses of everyday life and the opportunity to reconnect at this luxury beachfront resort.
Whether travelers are looking for adventures, relaxation or everything in between, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has something for everyone. Families can choose to immerse themselves in the endless experiences that await them including:
1) Ecology Field Trip with our Resort Naturalist
The resort’s curated Ecology Field Trips are customizable, designed around what interests participants most. Part exploration, part discovery and designed for every age, on these outdoor adventures guests will discover what makes Amelia Island so special to visitors and inhabitants from all over the world. They can choose various learning paths and activities from ongoing efforts to protect sea turtle nesting to birding, photography, experiential ecology, seining and more. With a diversity of environments close by, there’s always something new to discover in every season.
2) Choose Your Own Culinary Adventure
Experience the culinary artistry of Chef Okan Kizilbayir at AAA Five Diamond Salt restaurant. Chef Okan previously of Blue by Eric Ripert and Le Bernardin curates dishes that are as extraordinary in presentation as they are in taste. For the ultimate epicurean experience, guests can enjoy dining at the Chef’s Kitchen Table situated inside the kitchen to watch the masterful preparation of their meal as it is revealed course by course. For an immersive culinary adventure, Hook, Line and Supper offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the morning fishing with Chef and then delight in their catch for dinner that evening at the Chef’s Kitchen Table.
3) Private Poolside Cabanas
Bask in poolside luxury with the whole family at a private poolside cabana. Each cabana comes equipped with poolside Wi-Fi internet access and a flat screen television. Stay refreshed with a fully stocked refrigerator with water and soda as well as assorted snacks and enjoy two signature cocktails while lounging on the couches and cushioned lounges.
4) Red, White and Deep Blue Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day at a spectacular, All-American Red, White and Deep Blue barbecue. Enjoy holiday festivities including lawn carnival-style games as Ritz-Carlton Chefs craft a delicious barbecue buffet featuring smoked pulled pork and chicken, grilled summer vegetables, composed salads, skirt steak, mahi and more. The Pastry Chefs present a lavish red, white and blue dessert buffet that includes apple streusel pie, lemon meringue bars, red velvet crinkle cookies and other delicious treats. Enjoy front row seating for a dazzling oceanfront fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.
5) Adventures On and Off the Beaten Path
Amelia Island is a natural oasis ready to be explored. Enjoy a majestic kayak ride through the marshes, spotting rare and migratory birds and animals. Take a guided bike tour through historic downtown Fernandina, riding past Victorian mansions or take a leisurely ride under moss-covered oaks to American Beach. One of the few beach horseback riding opportunities in the nation is on Amelia Island where visitors from around the world enjoy exploring the natural landscape on horseback.
6) Al Fresco Dining
At Coquina, one of the largest and most dramatic seaside al fresco dining restaurants on Amelia Island, enjoy Latin-inspired cuisine and a chic nighttime ambiance. Sip on a specialty cocktail while sitting poolside and enjoying views of the ocean. The Dune Bar offers a relaxed ambience with ocean breezes while enjoying seasonal cocktails and made-to-order bites.
7) Disconnect to Reconnect
The Spa offers signature coastal themed treatments to relax and unwind. The Spa’s holistic approach to wellness creates an opportunity to surrender to the rhythm of the island and the ebb and flow of the sea. Signature wellness therapies include mindful meditation and breathing, moonlight yoga and mandala sculpting. Reserve any treatment and stay for the day soaking in the sun at the Spa’s private pool or rejuvenating in the eucalyptus-infused steam room and wet lounge.
8) Ritz Kid’s Experiences
Partnering with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program as a guide, kids will interact with their surroundings in a fresh and exciting way. Ritz Kids can adventure outdoors to learn about sea turtles and gopher tortoises or learn about the other ecosystems that neighbor the resort. Full and half day programs, are available. Every Friday and Saturday evening, there is a Kids Night Out where young guests can enjoy an evening of activity while parents slip away for a romantic evening.
9) Club Level and Suites
At the end of day gather the family down by the ocean to search for one last shell and say good night to the beach before settling in a suite on club level. Experience luxury and service on a different level in the exclusive lounge with breathtaking ocean views and complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day. For guests seeking the ultimate measure of privacy and space, the Atlantic Suite, Amelia Suite or The Ritz-Carlton Suite is the perfect option with spectacular ocean views.
10) A Pirates Life
Join our Pirate Captain daily for colorful tales of Amelia Island and its 400-year history. The island’s deep natural harbor and inland waters made it the ideal haven for pirates, armadas, smugglers and fishermen. Each day, the hotel celebrates that legacy with a rousing Pirate Toast and the end of another beautiful day. Every Friday, children accompany Princess Amelia on a treasure hunt spanning the far corners of the resort. Give a memorable goodnight to children with a Princess and Pirate Tuck-In with a bedtime story from a pirate and princess and a snack of chocolate chip cookies and milk.
No matter how travelers choose to spend their family time, their stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will provide unique opportunities to bring family together and share special moments that create memories of a lifetime.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is celebrating spring and summer getaways with the Breakaway Package. Breakaway to a remote barrier island and experience the luxury of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Enjoy miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches or rejuvenate and relax at our award-winning spa. Travelers will create unforgettable memories together amidst incredible natural scenery while earning a $100 (USD) daily resort credit good for dining, spa or other adventures. For information and reservations, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland or call 904-277-1100.