The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne, Florida · Beachfront Resort

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

Reviewed by Julia Ross · September 2024

5 / 5

TastesOf Rating

$$$$$

Price Range

Beachfront

Category

"Tucked on a barrier island just minutes from Miami, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne feels like a world apart."

Key Biscayne is one of Miami's best-kept secrets — a quiet, residential island connected to the mainland by a single causeway, with some of the most beautiful beaches in South Florida. The Ritz-Carlton sits at its southern tip, occupying a stretch of Atlantic beachfront that feels impossibly serene given its proximity to one of the world's most frenetic cities.

The soaring lobby frames a direct view to the ocean — a design choice that immediately signals the hotel's priorities. Everything here is oriented toward the water. The rooms, the restaurants, the pool deck, the spa — all of it faces the Atlantic, and the effect is a constant, gentle reminder that you are somewhere special. The beach itself is pristine and uncrowded, a rarity in the Miami area, and the resort manages it with the same precision it brings to every other aspect of the guest experience.

"The oceanfront cabanas at sunrise — reserve one for the full day and never leave."

Julia Ross · TastesOf

The service carries that unmistakable Ritz-Carlton precision — anticipatory without being intrusive, warm without being performative. Staff remember your name from the first interaction and your preferences from the first morning. It is the kind of service that makes you feel genuinely looked after rather than processed through a luxury machine. This is Miami luxury without the South Beach noise, and it is all the better for it.

At a Glance

CategoryBeachfront Resort
LocationKey Biscayne, Florida
Best ForBeach, Spa, Family, Tennis
Price Range$$$$$
BeachPrivate Atlantic beachfront
ReservationsBook direct at ritzcarlton.com

What Not to Miss

Oceanfront Cabanas

Reserve a beachfront cabana for the full day and make it your base of operations. Chilled towels, dedicated service, and an unobstructed view of the Atlantic — this is the defining Key Biscayne experience. Book early; they go fast.

The Spa at Key Biscayne

A full-service spa with treatments that draw on Florida's natural botanicals. The ocean-view treatment rooms are among the most serene in South Florida. The couples' suite is worth the splurge.

Dining at Cantina Beach

The resort's beachside Mexican restaurant is far better than it has any right to be. Fresh ceviche, handmade guacamole, and frozen margaritas served with your feet in the sand. Lunch here is non-negotiable.

Tennis at the Har-Tru Courts

Twelve clay courts, a resident pro, and a program that draws serious players from across the country. Whether you're a beginner or a competitive player, the tennis program here is exceptional.

The Experience

SettingBarrier island resort — 5 minutes from Miami, a world away
VibeRelaxed luxury — families, couples, and discerning solo travellers
ServiceRitz-Carlton precision — anticipatory, warm, and never intrusive
BeachPristine and uncrowded — the best beach access in the Miami area

The Verdict

The finest beach resort in the Miami area — and one of the most underrated luxury properties in the United States.

If you want Miami's energy with none of its chaos, Key Biscayne is the answer. The Ritz-Carlton is the only place to stay.