by Paul Rubio

A trip to the “Keys” usually means Key West debauchery, Key Largo tiki bars, or basking in the subtropical island simplicity of Florida’s southernmost floating landmasses.  However, few realize that the “Keys” actually begin just across the bay from South Beach, on an outlying island a few dozen nautical miles north of Key Largo. Famed explorer Ponce de Leon was so captivated by this island’s beauty circa 1513 that he ended his quest for the “Fountain of Youth” at this verdant outpost. The construction of the Rickenbacker Causeway connected this outlier - Key Biscayne - to the Florida mainland in 1947, inadvertently disassociating the pristine, coral-reef clad atoll from its other Keys counterparts and merging its growth with Miami’s skyline and beachfront resorts.

Despite the scramble for development in the 1960s-1980s, the waters surrounding Key Biscayne have maintained marine sanctity as a protected park while pockets of green showcase the original mangrove ecosystems of the island. The 1.25 miles of natural beach are consistently ranked in the top 10 of the coveted “Top Beach in the U.S” list compiled by Dr. Stephen Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach). The island itself has evolved as an upscale residential hotspot, offering the tempos and beats of Miami just 15 minutes away but a sense of island isolation on a daily basis. 

The beauty and vibe of Key Biscayne are best appreciated at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne (www.ritzcarlton.com/keybiscayne), a self-contained world of perpetual indulgence, world class dining, eco-tourism opportunities, seclusion and exclusivity.  In fact, the resort offers all the relaxation and vacation utopia of the Bahamas’ Atlantis or the Caribbean’s top resorts, while just a short distance from the madness of Miami. The lush tropical gardens, the ocean panoramas, tight bodies near the pool, fabulous poolside cocktails – it’s the South Florida experience we all crave. But the blend of serenity, comfort, superior service, exceptional dining, and privacy is the true escapism and pampering we all need (and deserve). The property is surprisingly approachable and relaxed, peppered with Ritz elegance and the fabulous epicurean touches that make it Miami’s only AAA 5 diamond property. And, if you do the math, a pimped-out weekend getaway here is far cheaper than flying to the DR or the Virgin Islands and staying in a 3-star makeshift resort (especially with summer rates beginning at $209/night).

Nevertheless, you don’t need a vacation or staycation to experience the decadence of this island oasis. The restaurants and Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne are open to the public and offer numerous experiences worthy of bragging rights. Cioppino brings a piece of Tuscany to South Florida in the literal sense, with ingredients flown in twice weekly from Italy, including fresh cheese, spices, olive oils, and aged balsamic vinegars.

The fabulous Moonrise Dinner Series resumes in October, a four-course Italian gastronomic extravaganza under the magical path of the rising full moon. While sky gazing from tabletop telescopes and marveling at the moon’s reflection on the Bay, the restaurant’s Constellation Connoisseur points out key stars and constellations. Highly attentive staff shower you with wines and the divine creations of Chef de Cuisine Ezio Gamba. The experience is romantic, fun, geeky, and most of all – memorable.

Cioppino also rolls out the red carpet for the be all and end all of Sunday brunches on a weekly basis. Endless rounds of Prosecco and Bloody Marys complement a day of nonstop noshing on premium delicacies, including the raw bar offerings, Stone crabs, French cheeses, caviar, Dim Sum, a Mexican station, and an entire room dedicated to 32 rotating desserts! The surrounding palm fringed turquoise waters are the ideal backdrops for this eating orgy (though you will not want to get in your bathing suit after this meal). Alternatively, the fairy tale bayfront setting can be enjoyed at Dune Oceanfront Burger Lounge. Dune’s barefoot luxe vibe stands reminiscent of Nikki Beach’s pre-Chonga heyday with white couches nestled into the sand, oversized umbrellas, gentle zephrys, and trendy cocktail lists (the white sangria is my personal favorite).  And if good Mexican is your thing (it’s definitely mine), the poolside/Oceanside Cantina Beach showcases the best Mexican food in Miami including fresh guacamole made tableside, the country’s only tequilier mixing and matching 85 high-end tequilas, and spectacular coastal Mexican seafood dishes.

The concierge at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne can arrange eco-tourism activities around the island, such as kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling excursions to wreck sites, and visits to Florida’s oldest landmark, the nearby Cape Florida Lighthouse.  Wreck snorkeling or diving at Half Moon Archaeological Preserve, a sunken steel-hulled 151 foot schooner built in 1908 sitting in just 10 feet of water, is guaranteed excitement and adrenaline while exploring the nooks and crannies of ship for interesting (and sometimes scary) sea life. However, note that most organized excursions to the underwater sites in and around Biscayne National Park leave from the main park marina in Homestead, Florida. (www.nps.gov/bisc; www.biscayneunderwater.com)

The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is located at 455 Grand Bay Drive, Miami, (305) 365-4500, www.ritzcarlton.com/keybiscayne