The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami

Previously the ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, this luxury property became a Ritz-Carlton property in late-2014. A few venues inside the hotel have changed name or ownership, but for the most part, this hotel is as it was. No major renovations were done, though rooms have received new decor and furniture. The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour has an upmarket vibe thanks to its polished marble floors, quiet and open public spaces, and extensive contemporary art collection. Rooms are spread across four towers, with just two rooms per floor, making the rooms especially private and quiet. Common spaces and rooms have exceptional views of either Biscayne Bay or the ocean.

The rather compact size of the hotel and the lack of a kids’ club keep the vibe peaceful. Unlike some of the other resorts in the area, the pool deck is generally quiet and serene, with guests unwinding in their cabanas. This is a family-friendly hotel without the raucous noise associated with small children, making it a favorite among couples and groups of friends who are looking to relax. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort has a posher atmosphere, but rates are lower at the Ritz-Carlton.

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami is located in Miami's exclusive Bal Harbour Village. This area is quiet, well-heeled, and known for its luxury shopping mall and semi-private beach. There is no public parking in Bal Harbour, leaving the area accessible only to guests of the village's hotel row and visitors willing to pay high valet rates.

• Two-minute walk from Bal Harbour Shops
• 20-minute drive from South Beach
• 25-minute drive to Downtown Miami
• 25-minute drive from Miami International Airport
• 25-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale International Airport

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour has 95 rooms and suites spread across four towers. This works out to just two guest rooms per floor, making them some of the quietest and most private rooms in Miami. They're elegant and stylish, decorated in soft grays and browns, dark-wood furniture with white accents, and framed modern artwork. Depending on the floor level, standard rooms will fall into either the Partial Ocean View or Oceanfront category. These 510-square-foot rooms come with either a king or two queen beds, furnished balconies, Nespresso machines, mini-fridges, and some minibar items such as VOSS water and wine. Bose surround sound systems, iPod docks, and DVD players are also standard amenities. Bathrooms are spacious and luxe, featuring stand-alone soaking tubs with views, Asprey toiletries, showers with two showerheads, and in-mirror TVs.

Next door are one-bedroom suites with an apartment-style layout. These units have stylish living rooms featuring leather furniture, bigger balconies, and full upscale kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, including microwaves, dishwashers, and fridges. King bed-only bedrooms have balconies facing the inlet and feature full bathrooms, and there's an extra half-bath off the living room.

For those wanting more space or total privacy, the standard rooms and adjacent suites can connect to create a two-bedroom suite, taking over the whole floor.

This hotel's beach is small, quiet, and relaxing. It's also one of Miami's only semi-private beaches, thanks to the lack of public parking and beach access in the area. Guests can access the sands through a keycard-controlled gate and scenic pathway through palm trees and mangroves. The beach itself is slim with a natural vibe, rocky border on one side, and a few non-motorized water sports. Free loungers and umbrellas are included in the daily resort fee, and cabanas are available for a fee.

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour restaurant options include the Artisan Beach House, which is open all day and is located overlooking the ocean. It serves up a tasty menu that includes seafood and international dishes, along with cocktails and coffee. Its Sunday brunch is popular among guests and non-guests alike. Water’s Edge offers drinks and lighter bites by the pool, including a full kids’ menu.

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour spa is Exhale Spa, a 10,000-square-foot facility with fitness classes, a relaxation room, and eleven treatment rooms, though it lacks a hydrotherapy circuit. Locker rooms are divided into male and female, with each side sporting its own steam room, sauna, and vanity area. Exhale's exercise classes include yoga, Pilates, and barre modalities, and private classes can be arranged for a fee. A small 24-hour gym is separate and mostly features a handful of cardio equipment overlooking the pool area. Personal trainers are available for a fee.

Like the rest of the hotel, the Ritz's pool is quiet and relaxing. There is a self-serve table of sunscreen, chilled towels, and infused water, as well as free lounge chairs with umbrellas. A snack bar serves light bites and cocktails by the pool. Off the side of the pool, private cabanas are available to rent for a hefty fee and feature a tented lounge space, TVs with satellite channels, and free non-alcoholic drinks. Cabanas with private whirlpools are also available for an additional fee.

Family-friendly features include a dedicated kids' check-in area off the main reception desk, welcome backpack, kids' menus in the restaurants, games and activities, and kid-friendly water sports. Business travelers have access to a 24-hour, full-service business center, over 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space that can accommodate from 12 to 250 people, and a separate conference concierge. The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour wedding venues, packages, and services are available. The hotel also provides free car service within a six-mile radius.

This property has a pricey daily resort fee that includes high-speed Wi-Fi, two beach chairs and umbrellas per room, daily use of two of the hotel's beach cruiser bikes for up to four hours, use of the spa's facilities, and two free house cocktails per day in the Artisan Beach House bar. This is a pet-friendly hotel offering great perks for four-legged guests, including dog-friendly room service items, treats, and free use of bowls and bags.