THE RITZ-CARLTON, SARASOTA
1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota

When The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota opened in November 2001, it became a glittery symbol that the city had arrived—not only for out-of-town visitors, but for locals, who basked in the knowledge that we were now on the map. 

Fast forward 24 years, and the Ritz remains a place to see and be seen—and to escape. The hotel, situated on Sarasota Bay, has easy access to the city’s arts and culture, shopping and dining. Its proprietary Beach Club on Lido Key offers guests a day at the beach. And if golf is your thing, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is ready for you to tee off.

But first, you’ll be checking in at the downtown hotel. The Ritz is known for its legendary, refined employee training, and valets and staff won’t disappoint. Every interaction is about gracious service. The bright, airy lobby bustles with an eclectic mix: diners heading to Jack Dusty, the Ritz’s flagship restaurant; business leaders on their way to conference rooms; families going to the Beach Club or Golf Club; and brides and grooms preparing for elegant weddings. 

Rooms at the Ritz start at $564 in the off-season and $797 in season; in homage to Sarasota’s proximity to the sea, they’re decorated in soothing coastal colors with modern accents.

Once you unpack, the beach beckons. A complimentary shuttle ferries guests over the Ringling Bridge to the Beach Club every hour, beginning at 9 a.m. When you’re there, settle into a lounge chair by the pool and breathe in the salt air and sparkling views of the Gulf. Order lunch and drinks from Ridley’s Porch, the club’s restaurant. Never underestimate the restorative power of sipping a tropical cocktail under a pool umbrella with the Gulf’s gentle waves as your soundtrack. 

After you rinse off the sand and salt, head back to the mainland and pause for a rest in your comfy room, which includes a fridge, minibar, coffee and tea maker, then head downstairs to Jack Dusty for dinner. If the weather’s nice, ask for a table outside, where you can enjoy candy-colored sunset views of the hotel’s pool and lawn and, beyond them, Sarasota Bay.

Order a Siren cocktail ($28) to start—it’s the restaurant’s signature drink, made with vodka, tequila or gin, St-Germain, lemon, prosecco, grapefruit- and cranberry-infused ice, and ice cubes with orchids frozen inside. Follow that with an order of blistered shishito peppers with salty, local Anna Maria Island bottarga ($17) and any of the “Jack’s Classics” selections, which include shrimp and grits ($38) and fried green tomatoes with crab ($24). Or go for classic surf ‘n turf and add lobster ($35) to any steak ($54-$74). Jack Dusty leans into its coastal lore, and you should, too.

The Ritz’s other must-use amenities are its Golf Club and spa. At the 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed course in Lakewood Ranch, golfers can hire a caddie concierge, take lessons from PGA member instructors and relax in a luxe clubhouse after a long day on the green. 

Meanwhile, the 20,000-square-foot Ritz spa at the hotel recently underwent a
top-to-bottom makeover. Gone are the heavy, dark wood accents from the hotel’s early days; they’ve been replaced with ambient lighting, textured wallpaper and loads of gleaming white marble. In addition to nail services, massages and facials, don’t skip Healing Waters—separate men’s and women’s steam rooms, saunas and vitality pools. 

After your day of golf or pampering, head to the Ritz’s newest dining option, Rufa, for an al fresco drink and light dinner. Named after the rufa red knot, a shorebird that winters in the Sarasota area, Rufa’s cocktail menu is similarly tropical and bird-themed. Pair your drink with tuna cruditos ($29), grilled octopus with Mexican chorizo ($25) or lobster tostada bites ($31). You’ll also be served clear views of Sarasota Bay—a treat anytime, but especially at sunset.

Things to Do

Bridge Walking

The Ringling Bridge is a Sarasota landmark with some of the best views in town and only a short walk from the hotel. At the top, you can see the Gulf sparkling on one side and view the city skyline on the other.

Selby Stroll

Also an easy walk from the resort, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation that includes vertical gardens, gift shop and restaurant, in addition to its world-renowned collection of orchids, epiphytes and bromeliads.

Bay Bound

Take a yoga class, watch a movie, watch your kids play on larger-than-life wooden ibises, grab a bite, dance to live music or enjoy a sunset at The Bay, 53 acres of vibrant downtown bayfront park. Check its website for up-to-date events and programming.