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Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

By Teresa Plowright, About.com

"Puttin' on the Ritz..."

The name Ritz-Carlton usually means urban sophistication; but on Amelia Island-- a top destination in northeast Florida, a 20-minute drive from Jacksonville -- "The Ritz" is a sea-side resort that welcomes families.

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island - Kids & Teens

Small children in beachwear trudge through the posh lobby, the restaurant has kids' meals, and the Ritz has a full and half-day Ritz Kids program.

Meanwhile, in addition to Ritz Kids club for younger kids, the resort has made a big effort with teens with "Our Space", for ages 13 to 19.

Our Space has "Teen Concierges" and a changing list of activities, such as beach games, water sports, night sports, video game challenges, beach kayaking, bike hikes, pizza and movie nights. Surf lessons and surf clinics are a hit with teens at the Ritz Carlton.

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island: Features

Golf, spa, fine dining, are some of the adult pleasures here. The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island is known for fine dining: the "Salt" restaurant has a AAA Five Diamond Award, and has a kids' menu.

Another feature is an excellent golf course, with special lessons for teens and kids; there's junior tennis programs too.

Finally: the Ritz Carlton goes all-out for holidays. Independence Day is a major bash with carnival, cookout, and of course fireworks; Christmas means fabulous decorations that start on Thanksgiving weekend; and Easter brings Egg Hunt, Cottontail Tea, Easter Bunny tuck-ins, bonfires, hayrides, movies on the beach, and more.

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island: pools and play

Fine dining and golf are all very well, but kids care more about the swimming pool. The Ritz has a fun kiddie pool, and an indoor pool (above) as well as a large outdoor pool. There's also a kids' play area.

Meanwhile, at the beach kids can enjoy jump in the waves, or play in warm lagoons at low tides.

Find out more:

  • See the Ritz-Carlton site
  • check visitors' comments at TripAdvisor.com
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

See also:

Introduction to Amelia Island
Historic Town & Fort
Nature Walks & Boat Tours

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