Hotel Review: Ritz Carlton Amelia Island

Our recent escape to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a three-night family adventure with our two kids was, for the most part, absolutely delightful. From the moment we pulled up, the service was truly top-notch. Every single person we interacted with – the friendly folks at the valet, the incredibly helpful concierge, and the attentive team throughout the resort – made us feel genuinely welcome and taken care of. They had a knack for anticipating what we needed, sometimes even before we realized it ourselves, which, as any parent knows, is a huge win when traveling with little ones! They really went the extra mile to make our children feel comfortable and happy, offering great suggestions for kid-friendly activities and always greeting them with a smile.

We were also particularly pleased with our ground-floor room. Having direct access to the outdoors was incredibly convenient, especially with the kids. It made those quick trips back from the pool or beach so much easier, and we didn't have to navigate elevators with sandy feet and tired little ones. But the real highlight of our room was the outdoor fireplace. It was such a lovely amenity to have, especially in the evenings. After a fun-filled day of sun and sand, we could relax on our patio, light a fire, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. It added a touch of cozy luxury to our stay and became a favorite spot for us to unwind as a family. We even roasted marshmallows one night, which was a big hit with the kids!

The beach is the kind of beach you dream about – miles of soft, powdery white sand just begging to be explored. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is located at Fernandina Beach and is situated on a barrier island off Florida's northeastern coast, offering direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. Our kids spent hours building elaborate sandcastles and chasing the gentle waves, which were perfect for safe splashing and playing. We really appreciated the thoughtful beach service too. Having someone readily available to set up our chairs and umbrellas and offer refreshing drinks and snacks meant we could truly relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings without having to worry about the little things. It was our own little slice of paradise where we could just unwind and enjoy some quality family time.

The resort itself is beautiful, with classic architecture and really comfortable accommodations. Our kids enjoyed the pool area, and we definitely spent a good amount of time there but also loved the on-site arcade and outdoor lawn activities. While the general food selection was good, with high-quality ingredients, we did find ourselves wishing for a slightly broader range of more casual or kid-specific choices on some of the menus throughout our stay.

However, any minor concerns about the overall dining were completely overshadowed by our incredible dinner at the restaurant Salt. It was an absolute highlight of our trip and truly a must-do experience! The ambiance was elegant yet welcoming, the service was impeccable and attentive without being intrusive, and the food... oh, the food! Each dish was a culinary masterpiece, showcasing fresh, local ingredients with innovative and delicious flavor combinations. It was a sophisticated dining experience that we thoroughly enjoyed, and we're still talking about the perfectly prepared seafood and the exquisite desserts. If you have the opportunity, definitely make a reservation at Salt – it's an unforgettable dining experience.

All in all, our stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island was truly exceptional. The consistently outstanding service, the breathtaking beach, the added convenience and charm of our ground-floor room with an outdoor fireplace, and that unforgettable dinner at Salt all contributed to a fantastic family vacation. We left feeling refreshed, happy, and already talking about when we can plan our next visit. If you're looking for a luxurious and family-friendly escape with incredible service, a spectacular beach, a touch of extra comfort with a ground-floor fireplace room if available, and a dining experience you won't forget at Salt, you absolutely can't go wrong with The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. We wholeheartedly recommend it!