One place that I like to think of as my second home is The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation. This holiday season they are offering remarkable Family Holiday Packages that include Unlimited Ice Skating, Seasonal Activities Galore, Festive Dining and of course luxury Spa Indulgence.
From Thanksgiving week to New Year’s Day, there are many holiday family experiences to enjoy at the AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation. Time spent at this luxurious, yet pleasingly relaxed, resort delivers holiday memories to cherish. This year’s holidays will be filled with nostalgic traditional activities including roasting s’mores, ice skating, decorating gingerbread houses, breakfast with Santa, savoring special seasonal fare and much more. The resort’s extraordinary Spa Treatments, New Year’s Eve partying and invigorating outdoor activities along Lake Oconee will round out a truly memorable winter escape.
HOLIDAY PACKAGES
Fire & Ice Package
Available November 24, 2013, through February 16, 2014
· Overnight accommodations in a resort-view guestroom
· Unlimited ice skating
· Valet parking for one vehicle per night
· Breakfast for two in Georgia’s Bistro
· S’mores turndown amenity
· Starting at $349 weekday or $369 weekend (Friday or Saturday) per night, exclusive of tax
Breakfast with Santa Package
Available November 29, December 6, 13 & 20, 2013
· Overnight accommodations (one or two nights) for four in a resort-view guestroom
· Admission to Breakfast with Santa, includes breakfast gratuity
· Starting rates: $399 Friday for one-night stay only; or $339 per night Friday and Saturday, two-night stay required, exclusive of tax
To book a holiday stay, please call 800-826-1945.
SEASONAL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Lovely Lakeside Ice Skating Rink Opens for the Season
From November 24, 2013, through February 16, 2014, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m.
On Sunday, November 24, and for the third year, the beautiful 6,000-square-foot Ice Rink at the Pavilion opens at 10 a.m. Invigorating exercise and fun are topped off with hot cocoa or hot apple cider. Skating is complimentary for resort guests; non-resort guests price is $20 for children 12 and under; $30 for adults.
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge Gingerbread House Display
Daily from November 27 through December 30
A traditional favorite, the resort’s annual gingerbread masterpiece is a one-of-a-kind, life-size Gingerbread House created from gingerbread, sugar, candy and lots of creativity and talent. Children of all ages will love the intricate Christmas-themed spectacle created by the resort’s expert pastry chefs.
Gingerbread Decorating Workshops
Available Saturdays; November 30, December 7, 14 & 21 at 2 p.m.
The season’s sweetest treats are featured in these workshops. Would-be pastry artists of all ages are invited to build their own distinctive gingerbread houses festooned with frosting, marshmallows, gumdrops and peppermints. $60 per house, plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited and reservations are required; please call 706-467-7059.
Exclusively for Resort Guests:
Santa’s Segway Experience
Available daily from November 27 through December 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by reservation
A truly exciting way to explore the scenic beauty of The Lodge’s lakeside setting is on Santa’s Segway – each decked out with seasonal decorations, lights and antlers. $135 per rider for 90 minutes, limited availability. Riders must be 12 years or older. Reservations are required at 706-467-7130.
Linger Longer Holiday Express (complimentary)
Available for rides daily from November 28 through December 29 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
All-aboard The Linger Longer Holiday Express! This is a favorite way to see the beautifully decorated resort grounds.
Story Time with Mrs. Claus & Dooley, The Lovable Resort Mascot (complimentary)
Available on November 30, December 7, 14 & 21 at 1 p.m.
The most lovable lady and the most irresistible dog, the resort’s chocolate lab Dooley, will charm little ones with classic Christmas tales on Saturdays throughout the holidays. Also, Santa’s Helpers will be delivering holiday surprises. (No reservations required.)
“St. Nick’s Flicks” for the Family (complimentary)
Available on November 30, December 7, 14 & 21 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Holiday movies, made more delicious with freshly made popcorn, are screened on Saturdays during December. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ritz-Kids “Elves in Training” Night Out, Fridays and Saturdays
Available November 29 through December 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Santa’s elves certainly know how to craft the best toys, and they’ll be here to help little elves construct their own creations. $75 per child includes activities, materials and dinner. Space is limited and reservations are required; please call 706-467-7130.
Elf Tuck-ins with Special Treats, Saturdays in December
Available on November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 22 & 23 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Children will be treated to a reading of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” in their guestrooms at bedtime and receive a copy of a Santa-autographed book. Milk and cookies will complete the evening before they’re snuggled into their beds for a good night’s sleep. $35 per room. Space is limited and reservations are required; please call 706-467-7130.
Lodge Family Bingo, Holiday Edition (complimentary)
Available on November 30 and December 7, 14, & 21 from 8 to 9 p.m.
Families play this old-time favorite with a holiday time twist.
BEAUTIFUL PAMPERING AT THE AWARD-WINNING RITZ-CARLTON SPA
The Spa is a sanctuary offering the perfect treatments for pre-, during and post-holiday relaxation, de-stressing and beautification. These spa treatments inspired by the resort’s holiday activities are available from December 1, 2013, to January 2, 2014
Eggnog Body Scrub
Brown sugar and bourbon combine for an exhilarating exfoliator followed by a Vichy rain shower rinse. An application of Sweet Cream body lotion leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth. 50 minutes, $165.
Holiday Lift & Tighten Cranberry Facial
Skin will be noticeably lifted using the Nuface micro current device. A cranberry pomegranate masque containing high levels of vitamin C is applied to revitalize and improve skin tone.
50 minutes, $145.
Gingerbread Pedicure
Feet will be treated to a steaming butter brulee whole milk hydration wrap before a gingerbread-scented brown sugar exfoliator; followed by a legs and feet massage with a sweet caramel body milk application. The pedicure is finished with a seasonal color polish application. 50 minutes, $85.
In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Spa will continue to offer its campfire-inspired treatments such as Cider and Cinnamon Pedicure and S’mores Body Glow throughout the holidays.
For more information and to book reservations, please contact The Spa at 706-467-7185.
FESTIVE HOLIDAY FARE
Memorable Breakfasts with Santa on Saturdays in The Ballroom
Offered on November 30, December 7, 14 & 21 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. by reservation
Santa will greet families at these Saturday morning breakfasts. Children may even share their Wish Lists with him. Special kids’ buffet features miniature pancakes, muffins, waffles and other treats. $38 for adults, $24 for children ages 12 and under, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Santa will pose with children for keepsake photos for an additional fee; package pricing starts at $19. Reservations required and limited.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25
· All-Day Dining at Gaby’s by the Lake, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Featuring favorites from the customary menu as well as special holiday additions including Homemade Sweet Potato Biscuits, Gingerbread-Crusted Halibut and Cinnamon-White Chocolate Mousse Parfait.
· All-Day Dining at Linger Longer Steakhouse 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed for lunch Christmas Day)
The regular menu will be available and for Christmas dinner, guests may enjoy Pistachio-Crusted Sea Scallops, Pan-Seared Black Bass with accompaniments and Gingerbread Bread Pudding.
· Dinner at Georgia’s Bistro on Christmas Eve, 6 to 9:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Day)
The customary menu will be offered on Christmas Eve.
New Year’s Eve Dining at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
Tuesday, December 31
· Extravagant New Year’s Eve Buffet at Georgia’s Bistro, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The lavish celebratory buffet features delectable choices: Caviar On Ice, Lobster Bisque, Charcuterie, Sushi, Truffle Risotto with Seared Scallops, Beef Wellington, Roasted Lamb Chops, New England Seafood Display and to-die-for dessert selections such as Molten Chocolate Cake, Rum-Banana-White Chocolate Mousse Shooters and Strawberry Shortcake.
· Holiday Fare at Linger Longer Steakhouse, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The favorite regular menu will be available and also: Seared Scallops with Serrano ham & cauliflower risotto, Veal Chop with roasted vegetables and mushroom brandy-peppercorn sauce, Seared Black Bass with risotto and butternut squash and Warm Apple Crisp with cinnamon ice cream.
· Special New Year’s Eve Menu at Gaby’s by the Lake, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
In addition to the regular menu, Gaby’s by the Lake will have Lobster “Corn Dog,” Gingerbread-Crusted Halibut with sweet potato puree, sautéed spinach and “eggnog” butter sauce and Chocolate Pot de Crème.
· 306 South Main rocks in the New Year in The Lobby Lounge, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
For all dining reservations, please call the Guest Relations Team at 706-467-7059.
WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia 30642
706-467-0600