Sarasota, a city located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, and is home to many festivals, museums, and various dance, music, theatre, circus, and other performing and visual arts venues. In fact, from 1927 to 1959, Sarasota was the winter home of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, hence its nicknames “Circus City” and the “Circus Capital of the World.” Despite its nicknames, Sarasota does not clown around when it comes to its beautiful barrier islands like Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key, miles of breathtaking beaches with fine white sand and shallow waters, and sprawling parks. After a day at the beach or exploring the city, visitors looking for luxury accommodations should retreat to The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (FL). In addition to world-class golf courses, fine dining, and on-site recreational activities, guests can relax and rejuvenate at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Sarasota.
The 20,000-square-foot spa reopened in late 2023 after being closed for major renovations. The renewed spa features a floor to-ceiling redesign of all 17 treatment rooms, a reimagined guest entrance and reception area, and state-of-the-art locker rooms and lounges. Inspired by the artistic vibrancy and rich heritage of Sarasota, the spa features a design that blends modern sophistication with luxurious tranquility. “The spa boasts modern, marble flooring adorned with chic geometric tiles, creating a sophisticated pathway to guide guests through the tranquil oasis,” says Kristine Wolfert, director of spa at The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. “The spa’s ambience is further enhanced by a series of thoughtfully placed pendant lights and sconces, providing a gentle illumination. Intricate millwork adds a touch of timeless elegance.”
Soothing colors, soft lighting, and comfortable furniture create a space that is both serene and luxurious. According to Wolfert, the treatment rooms are named after indigenous Florida flora and fauna, and treatment room walls feature abstract art pieces against textured wallpaper in shades of grey and dark blue.
The spa also uses locally sourced ingredients in many of the treatments on its menu of services, which includes hydrating facials, massage treatments, nail and makeup services, and rituals specifically for men. “Our menu is influenced by a combination of The Ritz Carlton’s signature services, as well as our team’s creativity and expertise,” says Wolfert. “We have a well-seasoned team, many who have been at our spa for over 15 years—they know exactly what our guests need, and have a pulse on what is trending in the wellness industry. We also have many massage therapists that lean into their personal expertise and cultures, and can perform specialty services, such as Thai, craniosacral, and lomi lomi treatments.”
Among the standout treatments on the menu are the signature services, such as the Sarasota Touch of Honey ($410, 1 hour 40 minutes), which begins with a nourishing sugar foot exfoliation before honey-inspired reflexology and a gentle head, neck, and shoulder massage with an application of soothing coconut milk and honey lotion to help alleviate tension and restore balance. In addition, the Sarasota Skin Ritual ($200, 50 minutes; $400, 1 hour 40 minutes) helps increase collagen production and is great for treating concerns related to acne, aging, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, and the Sarasota Arctic Voyage ($400, 1 hour 40 minutes) is a cold plunge experience that helps soothe and rejuvenate the skin.
Massage services are the most requested treatments among guests, while facials are not as popular, according to Wolfert. “We believe guests don’t always equate relaxation and tranquility to facials, so to promote them, we offer a Remain in the Zen package that includes a 50-minute massage and a 50-minute facial,” she says.
The spa also offers a number of seasonal treatments to attract guests, such as the Rejuvenating Autumn Skin Ritual ($200, 50 minutes) or an Autumnal Equinox Escape ($430, 1 hour 40 minutes) during the fall, and a Wintergreen Wonder Manicure and Pedicure ($190, 1 hour 40 minutes) or a Merry and Bright Facial ($200, 50 minutes) during the holiday season. “All of these seasonal offerings use ingredients and products relevant to the theme or season,” says Wolfert. During the holiday season, guests can also enjoy browsing the wide variety of items available in the spa’s retail area to consider gifting themselves or others on their gift-buying list.
In addition to selling a majority of the products that are used during services, the spa also carries a large selection of yoga apparel, sleepwear, jewelry, and makeup. “Our spa reception is trained and equipped to provide our guests with personalized recommendations based on their needs, and assist with those looking for a new product,” says Wolfert. In addition to attracting hotel guests looking to further relax during their stay, the spa also boasts a strong connection to its local clientele. With expanding services to both these groups in mind, business is sure to continue to grow as the second and final phase of the spa’s renovation is revealed, which encompasses a renovated healing waters room, sauna, steam room, outdoor relaxation terrace, and brand-new vitality pool. “We cater to all types of individuals from all over the world—both locals and hotel guests take advantage of the tranquility and services at our spa,” says Wolfert. “Our award-winning facilities were already renowned locally and nationally prior to our renovations, and guests are now even more enamored with the space. With the large number of new residents moving to Sarasota and surrounding regions in Florida, we are always striving to showcase our space to new audiences so they know they have a world-class spa in town.”
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OWNER: ASHFORD HOSPITALITY
SPA DIRECTOR: KRISTINE WOLFERT
OPENED: NOVEMBER 2023 (PHASE I RENOVATIONS COMPLETE)
CLIENT BASE: 70% FEMALE, 30% MALE
SPACE: 20,000 SQUARE FEET 17 TREATMENT ROOMS
PRODUCT LINES & EQUIPMENT: CAUSEMEDIC, ESPA, LAFLORE, OSMOSIS, PURE FIJI
INTERIOR DESIGNER: PREMIER (DALLAS)