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All packed and ready to go - Ritz TR - Sunday Part 1

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 7:27 pm
by JSL
After a fitful night of sleep (something did not sit right) we awoke Sunday morning to blue skies and no wind! Not even a hint of a breeze.

DD and DH headed to the Club for some breakfast while I showered. DD then headed down to the beach and selected three loungers complete with individual shades, in the front row as our base of operation. Lots of water toys (Hobe cats, Sunfish/Lasers, kayaks, windsurfers, surfboards you paddle, water bikes) all which are included in the $58 per day resort fee. Snorkel equipments and life vests available as well as some floatie/rafts.

The beach from our room:
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The water toys:

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After bobbing around in the water, which has lots of sea grass and some broken pieces of coral, DH decided we needed to play on the water for a bit. DH is a seasoned sailor and told me not to worry about the lack of wind. Nothing like being in a life vest under the blazing Caribbean sun with no breeze and no forward movement on a Hobe Cat. So let’s just say our little sailing excursion for the day lasted all of 30 minutes. Nonetheless it was fun as we once again introduced DD to the joys of sailing. Sometimes DH and I scratch our heads as we both love being on and in the water and DD is always worried about sharks, sting rays and of course falling overboard. Mind you we have reassured her throughout the 17 years of her life that as long as you respect Mother Nature and Mother Ocean and, oh yeah, Mother Dearest;) there is nothing to fear.

The skies looked a bit threatening off in the distance so we decided it was a good time to head to the Club for some lunch and an afternoon siesta before heading to the beach for our 5:30 p.m. Sunset Sail on the Ritz’s Lady Lynsey, a 53-foot cat.

The rain from our balcony:

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Then some clearing ...

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After watching the island take its shower we followed suit. The bathroom was extremely functional, except for the lack of a towel bar for the shower.

We took the short walk to the beach and boarded the cat. Where we were met by Capt. Doug and three mates … all of whom took excellent care of us during our 1.5 hours cruise.

The Lady Lynsey waiting on the beach waiting for us to board

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After backing off the beach Capt. Doug reversed the engines, had the mainsail hoisted and we motor/sailed out into the Sound to find a perfect viewing spot for the sunset … all the time we had a premium open bar with champagne, wine, beer, Painkillers and every other imaginable adult beverage as well as soft drinks.

The crew then set out a very impressive array of hors d’oeuvres, substantial enough to be our dinner. DH and I agreed that the $75 per person fee may seem steep at first but it was well worth it for our family.

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 9:17 pm
by SOonthebeach
That sunset sail sounded great!! Thanks for sharing!

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 10:23 pm
by JSL
It was a wonderful evening SOonthebeach! A great way to start our trip!!

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 10:30 am
by SOonthebeach
I have shown all your pics to hubby- it'a getting tempting to add a few days at the Ritz on the next trip- sounds awesome!

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 11:33 am
by JSL
We really enjoyed the Ritz SOonthebeach ... but we had relatively low expectations going in after reading reviews on other travel sites and we were not looking to compare it to other Ritz properties.

We have stayed at the Westin on STJ and the Marriott on STT ... Ritz wins hands down. We haven't stayed at Caneel as DH needs his wireless :roll:

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 11:39 am
by SOonthebeach
Totally get it- we have never compared the Westin to other Westin properties- you just can't!

I thought Caneel had wireless? May want to ask liamsaunt- they stay there a lot. We have not been to Caneel yet but want to some day.

Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:30 am
by liamsaunt
Confirming that Caneel has free wireless. It's a strong and fast connection too--as fast as home.

Just now reading your reports--nice to hear about the Ritz. I haven't seen much about it.

Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:39 am
by JSL
Thanks for the info on Caneel liamsaunt! I'll have to take a long look at Caneel for our return visit in May/June!

I couldn't find much about the Ritz when I was researching this trip so I thought I would share :D