THE RITZ-CARLTON REYNOLDS, LAKE OCONEE
A Call To The Wild & Wonderful
By Darren Paltrowitz
Located about 75 miles from Atlanta, Reynolds Lake Oconee is unlike any travel destination you’ll ever experience. Set on 30 acres of shoreline, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is also home to six championship golf courses, a world-class spa, a world of fine dining, and just about every outdoor activity under the sun.
THE ACCOMMODATIONS
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is gorgeous. The guest rooms, suites, and cottages (with full kitchens)—are all outfitted with cushy feather beds, marble trim bathrooms, and stately wood furniture. The luxurious setting offers every amenity imaginable, including HD TVs equipped with Chromecast—making it simple to stream your favorite movies. And with plush towels and toiletries from London-based Asprey, you may feel like royalty. Most accommodations feature balconies facing either the lake or garden, reminding one that you are genuinely in the midst of gorgeous natural surroundings.
THE SPA
The full-service spa focuses on using local, Georgia products in their many spa treatment options, which include facials, massage, wraps, manicures/pedicures, and haircuts. There are also multiple relaxation lounges, a 24-hour fitness center (offered complimentary to all hotel guests), and an indoor pool. The spa also features a “Gent’s Den,” with a variety of whiskey-inspired spa treatments, flat-screen televisions broadcasting sports games, and a traditional barbershop. The spa is over 27,000 square feet in size and regularly offers specials. A spa reservation agent is available to help each guest choose their perfect treatment.
DINING
Although there’s always the 24-hour room service available, venture out to the many dining options offered to guests. You’ll find everything from pizza to a strip steak on the menu—done to perfection. Georgia’s provides a relaxed atmosphere with food created from local and regional products. Open for breakfast and dinner; it’s famous for the vegetarian menu and as well as the handcrafted cocktails and desserts. Linger Longer Steakhouse is a traditional steakhouse open for lunch and dinner. Choose from a large selection of dry-aged steaks or fish specialties. Don’t forget the souffle. Also try Chiminea Dining which provides dinner created for two and served in front of a bonfire lakeside. The Barrel Room is an evening-only experience where handcrafted cocktails are served along with appetizers. Don’t miss the live music on Friday and Saturdays. S’mores By The Campfire is a must-do. No reservations needed here. Just sit around the fire pit and enjoy the cooler evenings as you roast marshmallow, melt chocolate, and meet new friends.
THE GOLF COURSES
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds has five attached golf courses for guest use. Four are 18 holes (The Landing, The Preserve, The Oconee, and Great Waters), while one is 27 holes (The National). The courses were all designed by well-known architects of golf courses—Bob Cupp, Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones, and Tom Fazio—and all are par 72. Golf packages and caddie services are available, and hotel guests should contact the Guest Relations Team or the dedicated golf advisor to schedule a tee time.
OTHER SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
There is always something happening at Reynolds Lake Oconee: The Sporting Grounds Creek includes a 20-station sporting clays course, a five-stand shooting range, an air rifle range, an archery range, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. However, if you get a chance, head into the town of Greensboro, where you’ll find plenty of shops and the Oconee Brewing Company with a tasting room and a 3,600-square-foot event space. The Oconee Brewery takes a farm-to-table approach to its beers.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, visit ritzcarlton.com.
