Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Where Southern Hospitality Meets Five-Star Luxury
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island occupies a curious position in the luxury hotel landscape: it's undeniably excellent yet somehow underrated among Florida's premier beach resorts. After multiple stays across seasons, I've found it delivers the Ritz standard—exceptional service, refined dining, and that intangible sense that everything is handled—while maintaining a laid-back coastal character that never feels stuffy. If you're debating whether to pay the premium over the nearby Omni, here's what you're actually getting.
👍 What We Love
- Consistently exceptional service—staff remembers your name
- Room quality noticeably superior to Omni
- Salt restaurant rivals any in Jacksonville
- Spa is destination-worthy on its own
- Adults-only pool area is genuinely peaceful
- Beach service is attentive without being intrusive
- Club Level delivers real value for the upgrade
👎 Room for Improvement
- Premium pricing—$200+/night more than Omni
- $50 resort fee on top of already high rates
- Smaller property means fewer activity options
- Golf requires accessing Omni's courses
- Kids programs less extensive than Omni
- Can feel quiet to the point of sleepy
Room Types & Accommodations
This is where the Ritz justifies its premium. Every room category feels like a meaningful upgrade from comparable Omni options. The difference isn't dramatic in square footage—it's in the details: higher-end linens, better mattresses, more thoughtful lighting, upgraded bath amenities.
Coastal View Rooms
From $499/nightEntry-level rooms overlook the resort grounds or partial ocean views. At 450 square feet, they're spacious by hotel standards. The marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs are a highlight. Even these "base" rooms feel genuinely luxurious—not just adequate.
Ocean View & Oceanfront Rooms
From $649/nightThe upgrade is absolutely worth it. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking the Atlantic transform the experience. Request a higher floor for unobstructed views. The morning coffee on your balcony watching dolphins pass by justifies the entire trip.
Suites
From $899/nightOne-bedroom suites range from 650-900 square feet with separate living areas. The Ritz Suite tops out at 1,400 square feet with wraparound balconies. For special occasions, these deliver—but the standard oceanfront rooms offer better value for most stays.
Club Level
+$200/night upgradeAccess to the private Club Lounge with five daily food presentations (breakfast through evening desserts), premium spirits, and dedicated concierge. If you'd otherwise spend $100+/day on breakfast and drinks, the math works. The lounge is also a quiet workspace during the day.
Dining Excellence
Where the Ritz truly separates itself from the Omni. Four restaurants deliver consistently excellent food—there's no weak link in the lineup.
Salt
The flagship restaurant and arguably the best on Amelia Island. Chef's tasting menus showcase local seafood with global techniques. The salt-focused concept isn't gimmicky—it's thoughtfully integrated into dishes. Budget $150-200/person with wine pairings. Reservations essential, even for hotel guests.
Coast
The all-day restaurant balances accessibility with quality. Breakfast is excellent (try the crab cake benedict), lunch offers elevated beach fare, and dinner pivots to refined coastal dishes. Ocean views from every table. More approachable pricing at $40-70/person.
The Lobby Bar
Live music most evenings creates a sophisticated but unpretentious atmosphere. Cocktails are thoughtfully crafted, not just expensive. The bar menu offers enough variety for a light dinner. Best spot on property for sunset drinks.
The Spa at Ritz-Carlton
If spa time matters to your trip, this alone might tip the decision toward the Ritz. The 27,000-square-foot facility is genuinely destination-worthy.
The signature treatments incorporate local elements—sea salt scrubs, marsh mud wraps, citrus-infused massages. The hydrotherapy circuit (hot tub, cold plunge, steam, sauna) is complimentary with any treatment and worth arriving early to enjoy. Couples treatments in private suites justify special occasion splurges.
Pricing runs $175-350 for massages, $150-250 for facials. Not cheap, but therapist quality is consistent. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend appointments.
Pool & Beach
The pool complex is smaller than the Omni's waterpark-style setup, but that's by design. If you want slides and splash pads, go to the Omni. If you want a peaceful pool experience, the Ritz delivers.
The main pool offers ample loungers with attentive service—towels appear before you realize you need them, drinks arrive promptly. The adults-only pool is the real gem: a quiet retreat where you can actually read a book without competing with cannonballs.
Beach service matches the pool quality. Chairs and umbrellas are set up before you arrive (they track room numbers). The beach itself is the same gorgeous Atlantic shoreline as everywhere on the island, but the service layer makes it feel elevated.
For Families
The Ritz works for families, but it's not optimized for them the way the Omni is. Ritz Kids offers supervised programs for ages 5-12, but hours are more limited and activities less extensive. There are no water slides or splash zones.
Where the Ritz shines for families: interconnecting rooms, genuinely child-friendly restaurant service, and a pace that lets parents actually relax. If your kids are older (tweens/teens) or if you want a calmer environment for young children, the Ritz works beautifully. For kids who need constant stimulation, the Omni is a better choice.
✓ The Verdict
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island delivers what the brand promises: refined luxury, exceptional service, and attention to detail that justifies its premium pricing. It's not trying to be everything to everyone—it's focused on doing fewer things exceptionally well.
Choose the Ritz for: anniversary trips, honeymoons, adult getaways, foodie escapes, spa retreats, or anytime room quality and service matter more than quantity of amenities. Choose the Omni for: family vacations with kids who need activities, golf-focused trips, or when value matters more than polish.
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Is the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island worth the price?
For the right traveler, absolutely. If you value exceptional service, high-quality dining, spa facilities, and refined accommodations, the Ritz delivers meaningfully more than the Omni. If you primarily want beach access and activities, the Omni offers better value. The Ritz premium is $200-300/night—worth it for special occasions or travelers who prioritize quality over quantity.
Does the Ritz-Carlton have a private beach?
Yes, the Ritz-Carlton has direct beach access with complimentary chair and umbrella setup for guests. While Florida beaches are technically public, the service area in front of the resort functions as a private beach experience with attentive staff and reserved seating.
How far is the Ritz-Carlton from downtown Fernandina Beach?
The Ritz-Carlton is approximately 10-15 minutes by car from downtown Fernandina Beach's Centre Street. There's no walkable access to off-property restaurants or shops. The resort offers transportation services, or you can drive/rideshare.
Does the Ritz-Carlton have golf courses?
The Ritz-Carlton doesn't have on-site golf courses. However, guests have access to the Omni Amelia Island Plantation's three championship courses (Oak Marsh, Oyster Bay, Ocean Links) through a resort partnership. The concierge can arrange tee times and transportation.
Essential Info
Address: 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Phone: (904) 277-1100
Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
Parking: Self-parking $25/day, valet $40/day
Pet Policy: Dogs allowed (under 30 lbs), $150 non-refundable fee