I’ve stayed at many high-end hotel chains across the globe including Occidental Grand, Omni, Four Seasons, and InterContinental. However, I finally checked the Ritz-Carlton off my bucket list when DH (Dear Hubbie) had a company trip to the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee.

So what makes the Ritz so special? The brand became synonymous with luxury and opulence from its early beginnings. Opened by Cesar Ritz in 1897, the Hotel Ritz in Paris provided electricity and private bathrooms for guests. A few years later, Ritz opened the Carlton Hotel in London with a telephone in every room. The brand came to the US when Alber Keller purchased the franchise in 1911. Today, Marriott owns the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company with over 100 hotels in the world.

In 2002, Ritz-Carlton opened a 30-acre resort at Lake Oconee, roughly 85 miles east of Atlanta. Instead of focusing on a large cosmopolitan city like most of its other locations, the hotel company created an urban escape amidst a sprawling property.

We arrived in the lobby, which resembles an English hunting lodge with a stone fireplace and tall pitched ceilings supported by exposed beams. Immediately, views of the lake gleaming through the large glass doors beckoned our attention.

Lake Oconee and Reynolds Plantation

A sloping hillside dotted with swinging benches and a fire pit area led to the pristine lake. To one side, a fountain and an infinity pool provided a tranquil space to relax. Closer to the shore, guests stretched out on beach chairs while children built sand castles.

It’s safe to say the resort’s centerpiece is Lake Oconee with fishing, swimming, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. But Lake Oconee, the state’s second largest lake, didn’t exist even 50 years ago.

During the 1900s, the Reynolds family acquired roughly 12,000 acres for a hunting retreat halfway between Atlanta and Augusta. In 1979, Georgia Power built Wallace Dam which created Lake Oconee and the smaller, Lake Sinclair. With over 80 miles of shoreline, Reynolds Plantation became the perfect setting for golf courses and residences. The area received more fame when top golfers participating in the annual (and elite) Masters Tournament stayed at the resort. 

The Spa

The next morning, we headed to the separate 26,000-square-foot spa building to check everything out. In addition to the large Olympic-size swimming pool, the building included a fitness center and a gift shop with reasonably priced lotion, soaps, and other pampering items.

After checking in for my massage appointment, the staff led me to a changing room. The waiting area exuded a calming atmosphere with dim lights, comfy chairs, and a side table offering a selection of tea. Once the massage therapist worked out all the kinks in my muscles, I relaxed in the hot tub before hanging out on the veranda with a woodland view.

Dining

Because this was a business trip, a company-wide dinner was held outside next to the lake the first night and in a large event space the second night. I find that hotel business functions typically offer “convention food” with overcooked chicken or beef served with potatoes, carrots, and rolls. However, the meals exceeded my expectations with various choices and fresh flavors.

We did eat a few meals on our own, starting with breakfast at the golf clubhouse. Other meals included lunch at Gaby’s by the infinity pool and croissants, muffins, and tea to-go at the Coffee Shop the next morning. DH enjoyed a nightcap at the Barrel Room. Although we missed it both nights, the hotel offers complimentary s’mores by the fire pit.

Biking Trails

Reynolds Lake Oconee offers 21 miles of nature trails. I biked the trail past the vacation cottages and the golf course through several residential communities. This gave me a broader appreciation of the entire Reynolds Lake Oconee property (see map here), not just the Ritz-Carlton.

The bike path (at least the six-eight miles I rode) proved challenging with lots of hills, but I was rewarded with a stop at a small community garden before returning to the Ritz. In total, the Reynolds Lake Oconee contains over 4,000 residences, five top-ranked golf courses, and the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds where DH enjoyed clay shooting for a couple of hours.

For Families

One thing quickly apparent is the Ritz is family-friendly. In addition to a large family pool (separate from the infinity pool), the property offered a game room and playground. We also discovered an outdoor game area with cornhole, foosball, and ping-pong tables. 

Many families choose the property due to the Ritz Kids program. Much like a day camp, the staff entertains kids with activities and games while parents enjoy other parts of the resort. Other kids’ amenities include basketball courts, a clubhouse, and an in-room tent setup.

Golf

I’m not a golfer, but Reynolds Lake Oconee provides a paradise for those who love the sport. The five courses available for guests are Great Waters, The National, The Oconee, The Preserve, and The Landing. Those looking to improve their game can visit The Kingdom at Lake Oconee for lessons and custom golf club fittings.

Accommodations

Our room featured a comfortable king-size bed with a sitting area decorated in a neutral, but boring palette. The bathroom offered a large sink and dressing area with a separate shower and tub.

French doors opened to a patio offering wooded, resort views. I’m sure rooms overlooking the lake fetch top dollar! With so many activities, we didn’t spend much time in the room.

In Conclusion

The Ritz-Carlton offered a restful respite from the hustle-bustle of Atlanta. The food (especially during the business events), customer service, and family-friendly activities exceeded my expectations. While golfing doesn’t “float my boat,” I found other enjoyable activities including the spa and nature trails. We visited in April, but I’d love to return when swimming and water sports kick into high gear over the summer months.

For more information about the Ritz, check the hotel’s website here.