Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

•The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, situated in an island paradise setting, offers numerous recreational activities, including tennis court gardens, a champion golf course, and luxury spa

•British Colonial-style décor showcases lovely views of Biscayne Bay’s beaches

•Family-friendly environment features children’s pool, beachfront playground, and special scheduled activities through the Ritz Kids program

•Two main restaurants serve quality Tuscan and Mexican cuisine and afford views of the Atlantic Ocean, and an old-world European-style bar features a menu of aged rums, imported cognacs, and more

•Full-service executive business center with high-speed Internet access, in-room Internet access and fax capabilities, and large banquet and meeting facilities available for the business traveler

•Minutes away from shopping, dining, culture, wildlife, and South Beach nightlife

•The Mobil Four-Star-rated Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne offers natural therapies and treatment packages inspired by the ocean

Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

• 490 rooms, 10 story. Check-in 4pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Two restaurants, three bars. Children's activity center. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Beach. Two outdoor pools, children's pool, whirlpool. Tennis. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is an exclusive oceanfront resort, offering guests a tropical island paradise setting. Located on the southernmost barrier island in the United States, guests will find an abundance of lush gardens, 1,200 feet of beaches, two oceanfront restaurants, a Mobil Four-Star spa and fitness center, and outdoor activities that include 11 tennis courts and a PGA golf course just minutes away.

The lobby is both elegant and grand, with marble floors throughout and an elaborate iron chandelier. The soft natural color theme, along with several comfortable lounge areas, offers a relaxing view of outdoor waterfalls. Lovely manicured lawns with hammocks grace the rear of the property.

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne offers elegance and comfort, with many special butler services to cater to your needs, including travel butlers, tennis butlers, bath butlers, technology butlers, and pool concierges. Diners will enjoy the oceanfront Cantina Beach, which offers more than 50 kinds of tequila, specialty margaritas, and authentic Mexican cuisine.

The British Colonial-style guest rooms are clean and comfortable, with a modern European atmosphere that offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, or lush tropical gardens from private balconies. Neutral colors grace the walls, with green marble accents in the bathrooms. A number of different guest accommodations are available, including the standard guest room, Club Level rooms, standard suites, and the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Suite.

During my stay, the service was excellent and the staff was friendly, enthusiastic, and gracious. The Ritz-Carlton is known for timely and professional service with a great attention to detail, and this property follows that tradition.

While the resort caters to a vastly different clientele, all groups are equally accommodated. Romantics will savor couples’ massages and glorious sunrises over the ocean. Families will appreciate the Ritz Kids program, children’s pool, and playground. Singles will find the atmosphere comfortable and relaxing. Business travelers will find it conveniently located only 20 minutes from Miami’s downtown business district.

(+) A true tropical island getaway that knows how to cater to different types of travelers

Guest Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne showed exemplary service in all areas. I felt genuinely welcome and experienced no delays during registration or when checking out. The staff was extremely attentive, engaging, and knowledgeable when asked for information.

Extra touches included an additional welcome by a lobby greeter offering bottled water and lemonade. My bags were delivered promptly to my room. It was my birthday, and upon reaching my room, I was delightfully surprised with birthday balloons and a gift bag containing an ice cream bath ball and a lavender eye pillow.

Housekeeping was thorough and the staff was very helpful. I requested a razor, and the staff thoughtfully anticipated my needs, providing me with an entire shaving kit. Although I had to make two calls to laundry service, the shirt I had pressed was returned within one hour.

The turndown attendant graciously dimmed the lights and had the radio station tuned to soft music. The concierge was polite and well spoken, and although several people were already being assisted, immediately approached me and graciously offered assistance.

(+) Attentive, personalized and friendly service, with attention to detail
(-) Laundry service sometimes needs a little prompting

Guest Rooms: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

Offering 402 guest rooms, including 37 executive suites, 64 Ritz-Carlton/club Level rooms, and the grand Ritz-Carlton Suite, guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne are assured the finest accommodations. Each room features beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, Key Biscayne, or the on-site tropical gardens. The two-bedroom suites offer 1,752 square feet, ideal for entertaining or for families traveling together. A full dining and living room, kitchen, and two baths offer comfort, privacy, and spacious accommodations. Luxury is evident in all suites, from the goose down non-allergenic foam pillows and 100 percent Frette linens to the elegant marble bathrooms, stocked with plush terry bathrobes, slippers, and the finest European toiletries.

A generously sized desk with high-speed Internet, computer, fax hookups, and laptop compatible safe are available for guests’ convenience, and a technology butler is on hand upon request if you experience any difficulties with equipment.

The rooms are very comfortable and clean, with a soft, tropical ambiance. British Colonial furniture provides a modern European feeling, while floral art decorating the walls, soft beige and yellow color schematics, bamboo-cushioned chairs, and a private open balcony gives the room a tropical flair. Although, overall, the room was in good condition, I did notice the desk lamp malfunctioned and wasn’t repaired during my stay.

(+) Luxurious and well appointed suites with a blend of modern European and tropical décor

Facilities & Activities: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne resort offers many entertainment choices. The Mobil Four-Star 20,000-square-foot spa offers several natural therapies and spa packages inspired by the ocean. Exclusive Prada beauty treatments help the staff pamper guests with the ultimate in body and skin care.

Personal trainers are on hand at the fitness center and teach a variety of wellness classes, including yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates in the pool.

The pool area provides a relaxing and beautiful setting. A large waterfall outlines the side of an infinity-edged pool. As I approached, an attendant welcomed me and helped me find a chair and location, offered reading material, and made sure I was comfortable. Complimentary fresh fruit, mixed nuts, and Evian spritzes were brought to me throughout my stay.

Located in the northern area of The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne property, the new Oasis Lounge area offers an adult-inspired environment, with lush gardens, private bar, and large pool that creates a tranquil, relaxing alternative to the livelier south pool. Plush cabanas and deluxe chaise lounges, private massage cabanas, and French and Polynesian cuisine creates a French Riviera-style environment.

The resort offers 11 professional-quality tennis courts in garden settings, more than any other Ritz-Carlton property. Play like a pro at the Crandon Park Golf Course, located five minutes away. The elegant fairways are home to iguanas, ibis and egrets, as well as the PGA senior Royal Caribbean Classic.

While you’re playing along the 1,200 feet of beach sand, your children can have some fun with the numerous activities scheduled through the Ritz Kids program. They can enjoy exclusive use of the swimming pool and outdoor playground, and educational trips to surrounding nature parks.

A variety of cultural venues are just minutes away, including the Villa Vizcaya, Fairchild Tropical Gardens, and the Miami Performing Arts Center. Guests can enjoy luxurious shopping on Lincoln Road, and experience the glamorous South Beach nightlife, accessible by a short drive.

(+) Abundant leisure activities are available within the hotel and in the surrounding areas

Dining & Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne offers many excellent dining choices, including two full-service restaurants. Guests may enjoy excellent Tuscan cuisine at Cioppino, served as you sit back and take in the ocean views. Authenticity and attention to detail is evident with special menu items flown directly from Italy. The décor is vibrant with tablecloths by Garnier Thiebaut in hues of burnt orange and yellow, inspired by the colors of the Tuscan landscape during the fall wine harvest. An outdoor terrace increases the romance.

Cantina Beach restaurant offers Mexican-inspired cuisine. The house “tequlier” offers expert advice about the world’s finest tequilas and margaritas. Dine under the stars in this oceanfront restaurant with a unique ambiance that only a few Miami restaurants can offer.

For guests looking for a relaxing retreat with light fare and aperitifs, the Library Bar is an old world European-style room with rich distressed leather sofas, leather trumped coffee tables, and leather-bound books -- a perfect place for the most discerning guest’s taste. Guests can indulge in the finest aged Caribbean rums, imported cognacs, ports and cocktails, and the resort’s signature Mojito Martini. I found the bar staff to be very attentive, offering outstanding service.

The resort’s attention to detail continued at breakfast. The table was set with Inn Crystal glassware, Schonwald china, and Hepp cutlery. I was happy to find many healthy menu choices. The staff was very polite and courteous. Although I experienced a longer wait after placing my order and after the meal, I found the overall experience positive and the staff welcoming.

(+) International-style cuisine, unique ambiance with oceanfront views and dining under the stars
(–) Breakfast service had some small delays when compared to other meals

Business Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

In-room Internet services, fax hookups, and a laptop-compatible safe are available for guests’ convenience. Business service also includes a conference concierge, express check-in/departure, 24-hour secretarial services, translation service, technology butler, and airport shuttle service. I found the business center staff to be helpful and competent.

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne has 20,000 square feet of event and meeting space for business or corporate social gatherings. Some of the five individual meeting rooms face the ocean, and executives appreciate the 516-square-foot boardroom for decision-making retreats.

Corporate golf clinics are available for business travelers who prefer to seal a deal on the green links, as they most likely would back home.

(+) Business travelers are offered many special services, conference and boardrooms, as well as a technology butler