Story by Theresa Catena
Photography by Paul Aizaga

Resembling a majestic luxury liner, the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale was designed by edgy Miami-based firm Arquitectonica, where it resides on Florida’s southeast coast with prime, unimpeded oceanfront views. Standing tall at 24-stories, the new resort, with its multi-tired façade, features an elevated infinity pool, expansive luxury spa and sublime dining options.

While far-stretching sandy beaches and nearly year-round sunny weather have long been the primary lures for a visit to Fort Lauderdale, in recent years this exceptional destination has attracted an advent of new industries, such as finance and real estate, which have led to an infusion of more upscale and fashionable hotels, boutiques and restaurants.

Inside, the Ritz-Carlton has been fashioned into a grand, opulent retreat by international interior designers, Hirsch Bedner, of which the firm has also played a major hand in creating magnificent, sparkling casinos around the globe, from Deauville to Athens and Macau, to name-drop just a few locales.

We stayed in a spacious ocean-front room on the ninth floor, just two stories above the pool deck, where a large mahogany voyage trunk at the foot of the bed, downy white linens, crystal accents and a vintage black and white family photo vignette of 1940’s Fort Lauderdale – all added to a nostalgic sense of glamorous travel from that golden era.

Savoring a day of leisure – sun worshipers on the tropical pool deck enjoy a relaxing pool, as well as a sizeable bar and grill that offers a varied menu from crispy flat breads with toppings such as chili roasted shrimp or sliced prosciutto and tomato, to the more traditional, albeit gourmet, kosher hot dog and prime sirloin burger.

From here, a skywalk readily connects to the beach across the street, should guests have a sudden urge to take a plunge in the nearby waves, while there is a private pool deck, one level below, overlooking the Atlantic that provides 10 intimate cabanas, which are decked out with TV’s, WiFi and waiter service.

These days, no resort is complete without a spa and here the Ritz graciously obliges. Serving up a seemingly endless menu of pampering amenities, it offers such treats as a “2 by the Sea” romantic couples massage, an anti-oxidant “Divine Champagne” full-body therapy, as well as multi-functional facial and body treatments created by renowned dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross.

To complete this decadent experience, Cero restaurant, located in the lobby with a waterfront view, plays off of the local seafood and citrus crops, where it emphasizes fresh and organic ingredients. While the offerings are ever changing, a recent tasty sampling included seared bronzini with grilled pineapple, glazed plantains and citrus emulsion, as well as oysters on the half-shell with watermelon and lime salsa.

Festivities begin at the Lobby Bar, which vividly draws attention with both its whimsical steel gate and 13’ high centerpiece mural illustrating the mythical figure King Neptune against a thundering seascape.

The libations continue next door, where the equally seductive Wine Room features three glittering teardrop crystal chandeliers over an onyx bar. The rich dark walls, lined with wine books and comfy leather furnishings, set an inviting stage while offering both a vast 5,000 bottle wine collection and rare Scotch offerings.

www.ritzcarlton.com