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The Ritz-Carlton Members Club Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton Members Club Sarasota: Reward Yourself

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

For individuals and corporations who seek to experience the best that Sarasota has to offer, there’s an ideal destination: The Ritz-Carlton Members Club Sarasota. Comprised of the luxurious Spa Club, the relaxing Beach Club and the well-appointed Golf Club, the Members Club offers unparalleled experiences in recreation, relaxation and dining. With programs for guests of all ages, the Member’s Club is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to take advantage of the Sarasota lifestyle, in the luxury and comfort that only Ritz-Carlton can provide.

The Privileges of Membership

For nearly a century, The Ritz-Carlton name has been synonymous with elegance; the most discriminating travelers around the world have booked their stays in anticipation of lavish, well-appointed accommodations and a wealth of ancillary amenities. Today, Sarasota’s year-round and part-time residents have the enviable opportunity to integrate a sense of vacation into their daily life, to experience recreation and relaxation like never before. Tailoring its membership options to the unique needs of its clientele, Sarasota’s Ritz-Carlton Members Club offers a number of options designed with flexibility and convenience in mind.

“One of our most popular options is the Sterling Membership, which allows our members to utilize our golf, beach and spa clubs any thirty days out of the year,” explains Membership Executive Leslie Cornell. “We’re unique in offering this, but it makes sense for many individuals who don’t reside year ‘round in Sarasota. With sixty- and ninety-day plans as well, we’ve made it easy for our members to enjoy the best of Sarasota at their convenience.” Annual holiday galas, monthly wine dinners, and an exciting calendar of golf tournaments are just a sampling of the events hosted by The Ritz-Carlton Members Club, where there is no shortage of opportunities to network, mingle, and play.

The Members Beach Club: Enjoy the Gulf in Comfort and Style

At The Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club, white sands and Sarasota’s colorful Gulf waters beckon beachgoers, who may choose to unwind in the comfort and quiet of their own private cabanas, generous beachside pavilions which are fully equipped with plush chaise lounges and attentive butler service. The Club features an ample Jacuzzi; a spacious, heated infinity-edge pool offering stunning ocean views and refreshment; and over 25,000 square feet of surrounding verandas designed to cultivate an atmosphere that is at once serene and elegant. Frolicking on the beach is encouraged, and when little ones are present, the Ritz Kids program ensures that children are entertained in an environment that is as safe as it is fun. With an indoor playground and outdoor recreation and supervision, kids of all ages will enjoy the Ritz-Carlton experience.

As sun-filled days slowly surrender to balmy nights, the Sunset Terrace is an idyllic venue to enjoy Sarasota after hours. At over 4,000 square feet, the rooftop open-air patio offers guests enviable panoramic Gulf views and an elegant atmosphere for a wealth of special occasions and gatherings. Beachside, members may enjoy a bonfire sunset celebration on Wednesdays through Saturdays, as they take in the watercolor evening skies that herald the arrival of stunning nighttime stargazing opportunities.

When it comes to refreshment, the award-winning Beach Club Grill offers an unparalleled dining experience. From casual poolside and beachside fare to delectable Gulf Coast cuisine, the grill features spectacular Gulf-front views and indoor or outdoor terrace dining. In 2004 the Beach Club Grill was honored to receive Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

The Members Golf Club: World-Class Greens and Amenities

Situated on 315 acres of verdant tropical terrain, the Members Golf Course is thoughtfully designed to provide players with challenging holes while honoring its surrounding natural environment. Located at Lakewood Ranch, the Tom Fazio-designed course features a unique series of elevation changes throughout its run, and provides players with remarkable views of bordering flora and fauna. Majestic established Oak trees, 12 scenic lakes, ample native grass areas, abundant flowering shrubs and beautiful marsh and wetlands are intricately woven into the fabric of this top-ranked, 18-hole championship course. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, recognized by Audubon International for its environmental excellence, was named one of Golf Magazine’s Best New Courses of the Year for 2007. The course has also been named “Best of the Best” by the Robb Report, and was ranked among the top 10 courses in the world for service by Zagat Survey for 2007/2008.

Enhancing the experience at the Members Golf Club is the spacious practice facility, which features one of the country’s largest two-tier driving facilities along with pairs of teaching tees, short game greens and putting greens. A two-level practice range includes two putting greens and two chipping greens. Individual and group instruction is available from one of the club’s staff of PGA professionals, and a Golf Caddie Concierge provides the ultimate luxury experience: beyond traditional services, caddies will provide information on course design, course strategy, and food and beverage service. It’s the next level of golfing, as only Ritz-Carlton can provide.

An elevated full-service clubhouse provides grand views of holes 1, 9, 10 and 18, with a range of amenities designed to enhance the golfing experience. Attendant-serviced locker rooms for ladies and gentlemen, 1,100-square-foot retail shop, and an indoor-outdoor grill and lounge provide the ideal setting to relax and refresh after a day on the greens.

The Members Spa Club: A Luxurious Destination to Relax and Recharge

There is no better place to tune into oneself than The Ritz-Carlton Members Spa Club, where guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, rejuvenating spa and full-service salon. The fitness center features cardiovascular equipment with personal flat-screen televisions, a complete strength-training circuit, free weights and a number of fitness and wellness classes. Personal training is available, as well.

With more than 100 wellness and anti-aging treatments available, the Members Spa Club offers guests a myriad of natural options for rejuvenation and renewal. Traditional products include hydrotherapy, facials and conventional massages, while innovative treatments such as chakra-balancing massages, and exotic body wraps are also available. Additionally, the spa features a full menu of relaxing and pampering services designed specifically for mothers-to-be. Men’s and women’s wellness retreats provide calming sanctuaries complete with whirlpools, steam and sauna rooms, and well-appointed lounges. Overlooking a lush tropical garden, the Relaxation Terrace is an ideal setting for flavorful and healthy spa cuisine and snacks. For guests who seek to prolong their spa experience, the Spa Boutique offers a host of unique products and accessories designed to facilitate luxurious tranquility in any setting.

The Salon at the Ritz-Carlton Members Spa Club offers an array of services, from specialty manicures and pedicures to hair styling and coloring. Makeup artistry and a special teen program are available as well, all designed to leave guests looking and feeling their best.

In keeping with The Ritz-Carlton tradition of excellence, the Members Spa Club has earned a number of awards and accolades from the nation’s finest consumer guides. In 2007 the club was named among the top 25 World’s Best Spas by Travel + Leisure, earning the Mobil Travel Guide Four-Star Award that same year. “While our Members appreciate our award-winning Members Golf Club and world-class Members Spa and Beach, it is the legendary service and the strength of the Ritz-Carlton brand that separates us from the rest,” states Membership Executive Christine Sandrib.

When Only The Best Will Do

The Ritz-Carlton Members Club is designed to please the most discriminating of guests, with world-class, award-winning amenities at every turn. Corporate and individual membership categories enable guests to tailor their Members Club experience to their specific needs. “Ritz-Carlton’s worldwide brand recognition coupled with our unsurpassed service at the Members Club resulted in a strong showing this year,” notes Members Club Director Stephen Sowards. “We have a very positive outlook for the balance of 2009 and the upcoming 2010 season.” It’s the best of Sarasota, where luxury and recreation combine to provide the ultimate in relaxation and recreation.