Fashion at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

Not only is the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto the proud winner of the 2012 Five Diamond Award and located in one of Travel+Leisure's Hottest Destinations of 2012, it's also got great fashion sense. The brand-new hotel (opened only last year) recently hosted a pop-up fashion show inspired by the life and style of Grace Kelly. 

Looking for more fashion in Toronto? The Ritz-Carlton is just a few blocks from the Bata Shoe Museum (yes, a museum dedicated to the incredible history of shoes: it's even cooler than it sounds) as well as some of the city's best shopping areas, from the vibrant and bohemian Queen Street West to the high-end boutiques and galleries of Bloor-Yorkville.

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto is part of the Signature collection, which means that when you book through FROSCH you get access to free room upgrades and other great amenities, including a $100 CDN food and beverage credit. Contact your FROSCH agent or use our Find a Travel Agent tool to book!

Pet-friendly hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Photo: ritzcarlton.com

We love pet-friendly hotels! Among the best for our favorite felines and pampered pooches? The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California. They allow and encourage guests to bring their four-legged family, offering a bevy of pet amenities as part of their Posh Pooch program, such as a doggy menu, a hand-painted water dish, and a cozy plush pet bed. 

Their love for animals doesn't stop there: their Yappy Hour, a monthly "canine cocktail event," raises funds for compassionate causes such as the Pet Project Foundation, a local animal shelter. Dogs love the bacon-, cheese-, and liver-flavored water, while humans are happier to sip on wines from Mutt Lynch Winery.

If you and Fluffy or Fido want to take part in all the fun,  ask your FROSCH travel consultant about the exclusive amenities and rates we offer at this resort. And don't forget to follow @RitzCarlton_LN on Twitter or Facebook for hotel info and area specials-- as well as a daily surf report!

Pirate tuck-ins at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Shiver me timbers! Where in the world will a pirate, a princess, and a parrot tuck your little ones into bed? Nowhere but the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where a bedtime story with milk and cookies and a real blue-and-gold macaw is one of many cool activities for kids.

One of the Sea Islands, Amelia Island's white sandy beaches and idyllic charm are merely a backdrop to the region's exciting history. As long ago as the year 1000 A.D., the island was populated by Native American groups. In 1562, French explorers were the first Europeans to reach the island, followed in quick succession by Spanish, then British, forces. Georgia's founder and colonial governor named the island after Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II. 

Meanwhile, thanks to the Embargo Act and the abolition of the slave trade in the early 1800s, Amelia Island was a hotbed for pirates and smugglers. Along came Gregor MacGregor, an itinerant adventurer who wanted to invade the United States through Florida, starting with Amelia Island. He ultimately failed, but his buddy Louis-Michel Aury, leader of a Galveston Island pirates' gang, took over MacGregor's troops. After taking over Amelia Island, Aury (under the Mexican flag) got a legislature elected, set up a constitutional committee, and rallied Florida to rebel against Spain.

That plan didn't last too long, as the United States soon took the opportunity to send over a naval force to capture Amelia Island and put an end to the brief republic.

Now, your kids probably won't get the full, detailed history of pre-statehood Florida with their milk and cookies, but they'll hear a cool & age-appropriate pirate-themed story, along with a treasure chest full of booty! What could be better than that?

Mega snow at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Our friends at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe sent over these pics of the epic snowfall they had last year. That is some serious snow! This year, after a slow start to the season, there's finally snow at Lake Tahoe. Over the weekend, the area got over four feet of fresh powder! That's good news for skiers and snowboarders heading up to Northstar Resort this season, including Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, who last year chose Northstar for his home mountain and primary training resort.

This relationship means a number of new developments for the resort, including a new 22-foot half-pipe for snowboarders and a charity initiative that will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe's slope-side location makes it easy to take advantage of the fresh powder and groomed runs that surround it at all sides. Their high-speed chairlift, ski valet services, and the on-site Burton Snowboard Academy make it one of the best winter sport destinations in North America, for beginners and experts alike. 

Call your FROSCH agent to start planning your 2012 ski trip, and be sure to ask about the exclusive amenities and added value that we offer when you book at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe!

(left: the heated sidewalks struggle to keep up with the mountains of snow!)

Agent Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation

By Ralph Cooper. Photo: Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation.

I recently had the privilege of staying at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation,  a 35-acre property set on Lake Oconee in Georgia. This is a beautiful property located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia. The transfer from Atlanta takes approximately 90 minutes. 

There are many great activities on the property, with five 18-hole golf courses within easy driving distance, a 26,000 square foot spa, skeet shooting, and many water activities in Lake Oconee. The hotel has beach access to the lake and Jet skis are one of the activities available.

The hotel has many hiking trails and Segway rides for the less walking inclined. It's especially nice this time of year with the crisp autumn air and the bright fall foliage. The kids' program is great as at all Ritz-Carltons, with an outdoorsy bent that focuses on the local flora and fauna with nature hikes, scavenger hunts, fishing, and arts and crafts. 

There are a variety of dining options with three excellent restaurants; my personal favorite was Gaby's by the Lake whose motto is "No Shirt, No Shoes, Our Pleasure!" The menu included great BBQ, with a surprise ingredient of Coca Cola in the sauce, and a variety of chefs' special touches including grilled watermelon!

Overall a wonderful spot for a meeting or a long weekend.

Segway tours at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon

When a group of us visited the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay on a fam trip last year, there was only one thing that could overshadow the fact that there is someone on property who drives around on a golf cart distributing wine & s’mores kits to the resort’s marshmallow-loving guests. And that was the Segway tour.

A Segway is a futuristic two-wheeled mode of transportation that you control with your body weight and balance. If that sounds complicated, don’t worry—it’s not. After five minutes of practice in the safety of a parking lot, all of us, from age 25 to 70—were zipping away at thrilling speeds. The golf cart paths make a perfect web to explore the whole resort, and the speed and novelty of the Segway make it a ton of fun. Aside from the feeling of wind in your hair, the breathtaking views from the top of the seaside bluffs, and the marveling stares of onlooking pedestrians, the best part is the feeling that you're either in a Jetsons episode or living in the future! Who needs flying cars?

Join FROSCH on Facebook for a chance to win a 2-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay!

For news and updates, become a fan of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay on Facebook, too!

Local eats & drinks at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

In case you missed it, be sure to check out this interview we did with Ian Cauble, the Lead Sommelier of ENO Wine Bar. He works closely with the Executive Chef and the Chef de Cuisine of Navio to develop menus and wine lists that complement each other and highlight the best of California’s culinary diversity.
 

The team at Navio, the cornerstone restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, is constantly rewriting its menu to feature whatever’s growing fresh locally. This “farm to table” approach highlights the flavors, which only shine brighter when paired with a delicious new wine from the collection at ENO wine room.
 

Right now, we’re salivating over the pan-seared diver scallops and the locally-grown roasted Brussels sprouts on the dinner menu. Not to mention the pagnotta bread French toast with whipped cream and berry compote for breakfast! Delish--but by the time you get there, there might be something entirely new for you to discover!

Join us on Facebook for your chance to win a 2-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay! The prize also includes wine tasting for two at ENO.

Soak away the summer at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Spa

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is running a special Spa promotion this summer and fall, and we wanted you to be the first to know about it. The “Spa-cation” includes:

• a Costal View room
• In-Room Welcome Amenity 
• $150 Spa Credit for a treatment of your choice
• In-Room Coastal Lavender Deep Relaxation Soothing Soak 
• Complimentary use of Spa Facilities for duration of stay
• Overnight valet parking 
• Resort fee

**Please book your spa treatment by calling (650)712-7040 as soon as possible as the Spa sells out often. 

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway for your chance to win a 2-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay! Join us on Facebook to find out how to enter!

Announcing the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Giveaway!

Take a look at that! It’s the 10-day weather forecast for Half Moon Bay, California. As the rest of the continent swelters under a record-breaking hot spell, Northern California is, as usual, enjoying cool days that the rest of us can only drool over as we crank up the AC.

We’re excited to announce that we’re giving away a two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay to one lucky winner. It’s easy to enter: just become a fan of FROSCH on Facebook and click on the Sweepstakes tab!

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a fabulous resort nestled cliffside on the Pacific Ocean just south of San Francisco. Best known for its two top-ranked golf courses, the resort also offers a range of activities for those searching for a different sort of retreat. Go for a horseback ride along the sandy coastline, a hike in the hills overlooking the famous highway 1, or a drive through the Santa Cruz Mountain wine country… and then at the end of the day, wrap yourself in a warm blanket and toast marshmallows over your private fire pit. Join The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay on Facebook to learn more.

Good luck!

*Prize is a gift certificate for a complimentary two-night stay in a Terrace Firepit guest room. Includes one complimentary ENO Wine tasting for two and Segway tour for two. Based upon availability; valid Sunday through Thursday; expires 10/31/12. One winner will be selected randomly and notified on August 15.

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

Last week, Ritz-Carlton Hotels debuted their newest property in the heart of downtown Toronto.  FROSCH Executive Vice President Lara Leibman was there to take part in the grand opening festivities and returns with rave reviews about this sleek luxury hotel.  Whether you're in Toronto for business or to experience the diverse cultural activities that the city has to offer, you won't find a better home base... or one with such a high level of service and luxurious amenities.

As part of an exclusive arrangement, FROSCH is pleased to offer you preferential rates at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, including a 3 for 2 Promotion (stay three nights and receive the third night complimentary [valid until 09/05/11]), an upgrade at time of booking, and our FROSCH Signature amenities: continental breakfast daily and $100 food & beverage credit per stay.

Contact your FROSCH travel professional, email us, or call your local FROSCH office for more information about booking the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.