Best of Sarasota

Best of Sarasota 2026 Top Vote-Getter: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

“Our history is deeply intertwined with the city’s own evolution,” says general manager Mark Sherwin.

11/01/2026 By Staff

Heat Reprieve

These Area Hotels Offer Pool Day Passes

No pool? No problem. Stay cool, meet out-of-towners and craft a staycation day this summer.

08/03/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Treat Yourself

The Ultimate Sarasota Summer Splurge Guide

How to indulge during the long, hot season.

07/01/2026 By The Editors

Hooray!

The Ritz Carlton's Lido Key Tiki Bar Has Reopened

The beachfront bar closed due to the 2024 storm season. It's back in business and open to the public.

04/13/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Simply the Best

The Best Restaurants in Sarasota

Our list of the 33 most fabulous restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee.

02/03/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Dive Into Resort Life

Unplug and Recharge at These Five Local Resorts

We found five resorts for different budgets and tastes that offer convenience, comfort and beauty.

12/01/2025

Dive Into Resort Life

Downtown, Beach or Golf Course, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Pampers Guests in Signature Ritz Style

Twenty-four years after it opened, the Ritz remains a place to see and be seen—and to escape.

12/01/2025 By Megan McDonald

'I Did It!'

Our Food Editor Conquers Her Fears and Helps Bake for 700 Guests at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

What it's like to make 6,000 little bites for the resort's multiple restaurants.

06/09/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Fly Away Home

Rufa, the Ritz-Carlton's Newest Restaurant, Is Open

Rufa specializes in shareable dishes accompanied by craft cocktails in an outdoor setting.

09/30/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Say 'Ahhhh'

The Ritz-Carlton's Spa Gets a Long-Planned Update

The 20,000-square-foot spa was renovated for the first time since the hotel opened in 2001.

05/01/2024 By Megan McDonald

Welcome Back!

After Three Years, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Has Brought Back Its Massive Gingerbread Display

The tradition was paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it's back this year—and includes 400 pounds of gingerbread.

12/01/2023 By Lauren Jackson

🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫

Two Former Ritz-Carlton Pastry Chefs Are Competing on the Food Network

Lyndsy Velasquez and Amy McBride teamed up to make a 'scary sci-fi' chocolate sculpture for Chocolate Meltdown: Hershey's After Dark.

10/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fast Track

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Names New General Manager

Rajesh Khubchandani was previously Marriott's vice-president of luxury brand operations.

09/14/2021 By Staff

Wine Freak

You've Got to See These Amazing Local Wine Cellars

Sarasota collectors spare no expense when it comes to custom wine cellar designs.

09/03/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate

Kolter Group Announces Topping Out of The Ritz-Carlton Residences

Located within the Quay Sarasota, the development's highest point is 19 stories.

12/09/2019 By Staff

Trick and Treat

Ritz-Carlton Pastry Chef Lyndsy McDonald Goes Gory for Halloween

McDonald's latest Halloween work of art is a creepy head made of white chocolate and Rice Krispies.

10/01/2019 By Olivia Letts

Sweet victory

Sarasota Pastry Chef Wins Food Network Competition

Ritz-Carlton executive pastry chef Lyndsy McDonald swapped candy canes for candy corn to win Food Network's 2018 Halloween Baking Championship.

10/30/2018 By Giulia Heyward

Planning

New Downtown Crosswalk Activated

The City of Sarasota and the Florida Department of Transportation activated a new pedestrian crosswalk signal on U.S. 41 on Thursday.

06/28/2018 By Staff

Their Sarasota Wedding

John and Lauren Wohlwend Say "I Do" at The Ritz-Carlton

This power couple celebrated with an elegant reception at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

09/21/2016 By Felicity Warner

Spirits of Sarasota

Cocktail of the Week: Lido Key Tiki Bar's My-Oh Mai Tai

A tropical classic at the historic (and idyllic) Lido Key Tiki Bar.

06/15/2016 By Hannah Wallace

Sarasota Magazine

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota