Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, A Luxury Miami Getaway

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Review: Is It Worth It?

Where would you go if you have a week off of work, didn't want to travel too far, but want to be pampered in luxury, relax in an ocean breeze, and enjoy delicious food and drinks? I picked The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne! Located an easy 15 miles from Miami International Airport, it's a quick 20-30 minute ride to The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. We chose to have car service pick us up at the airport since we weren't familiar with the area, although Uber or Lyft would work just as well. And since we intended to spend our days doing absolutely nothing (this is vacation after all!) we didn't feel the need to have a rental car. 

Let's Tour The Grounds

Key Biscayne is an exclusive five-mile-long barrier island and only minutes away from downtown Miami. It's also surrounded by the ocean and a protected state park. It has that lazy feel, but with luxurious amenities. The Ritz-Carlton property includes a resort hotel, along with residences. It recently went through an upscale transformation...and it looks phenomenal! 

What's There To Do?

Before your visit, take a look at the activities and experiences they offer. I love a cabana and when I saw the beach daybed experience, I clicked GO! 

This Pool Daybed offers shade with an upgraded cushion

Beautiful and wonderfully sweet fruit is included with the daybed

Coconut water - available with or without rum!

Head to the Rum Bar for a rum tasting! With an impressive selection of rums from around the world, it’s the perfect place to sample something new, or stick with an old favorite. And honestly, the setting is half the experience. This beautiful, elegant room makes lingering over a sip (or two!) especially enjoyable.

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The Rum Bar beautifully spills into The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne’s gorgeous lobby, making it an inviting spot to relax with a cocktail and a bite to eat. The menu features elevated Ritz-Carlton lobby bar favorites, with everything from light bites and heartier dishes to creative cocktails, wine, and beer. Whether you’re stopping in for a pre-dinner drink or settling in for a casual meal, it’s an easy place to linger and enjoy the elegant atmosphere. See the Rum Bar menus from our August 2026 visit below for the cocktail, wine, beer, and dining selections.

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Check Out Our Room

We reserved a Resort View Guest Room with Balcony, but as Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members, we were delighted to receive a complimentary upgrade to a gorgeous partial ocean view! It was such a nice surprise and made an already beautiful room even better. Definitely join the loyalty program for your favorite hotel brand - those stays and points can add up, and you never know when your status might score you a little extra perk!

We also chose to pay for an upgrade to Club Lounge access, and it turned out to be well worth it! With five food presentations throughout the day, a wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable staff, and plenty of additional amenities (see the welcome letter below), the Club Lounge quickly became one of the highlights of our stay.

The Fun Part...Let's Eat!

Our first night at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, we decided to try Luma, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant. Well…that was supposed to be a one-night plan! We were so impressed, and there were still far too many things on the menu we wanted to try, that of course we had to go back for round two before the trip was over. When a restaurant earns two dinners during a four-night stay, you know it’s doing something right!

Luma at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Miami

Warm and fresh bread with olive oil

Luma's Menu offers a great selection for everyone

Crostone con Ricotta is flavorful and bright

Burrata is homemade and melts in your mouth

Sea Bass Puttanesca

A highlight...Agnolotti di Mais

Italiano 75 (just try it!)

I am a huge Gordon Ramsay fan, so while I easily could have stayed on property for every meal during our trip, the chance to experience Hell’s Kitchen Miami was simply calling my name! Located only about 6 miles away (approximately a 20–25 minute drive) it made for an easy night out. We grabbed an Uber right from the front entrance of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne and were off for our Gordon Ramsay fix!

I love a smoked cocktail

YUM! Try a hot and crispy flatbread to start

One of Gordon's famous dishes is Lobster Risotto

Celebrating our Anniversary with Sticky Toffee Pudding

Another restaurant I highly recommend is the Rusty Pelican, only a short 3 miles (approximately 10-15 minutes) away. Not only are the food and drinks amazing...

Cornbread with honey, jalapeno butter and salt

Very cool presentation for a delicious Maracuya

Caviar Frites cured my craving

Fried Whole Red Snapper

But this view!

Our stay at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne was exactly the relaxing Miami getaway we were hoping for! Between beautiful beach and pool days, fabulous meals, Club Lounge visits, and a little time exploring beyond the resort, we had the perfect mix of relaxation and fun.
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What I especially loved was that you really don’t have to leave the property to have a wonderful vacation - but when you do, some of Miami’s best dining and attractions are just a short ride away. For an anniversary, couples’ getaway, or simply a few days of sunshine and pampering, Key Biscayne is definitely a destination I’d return to!