Three Things: Living the Ritz life

The Ritz-Carlton may well be the most iconic luxury brand in the world. And for more than a decade its mystique has added immeasurably to Sarasota’s image as a gathering spot for the rich and famous. We currently have three properties managed by the Ritz. Each is a little different in tone and atmosphere, but they all share an impressive array of amenities and services — including a beach club, golf course and state-of-the-art spa facility — that are available to owners through several membership plans. As for the apartments themselves, well, let’s take a look at what’s currently available in the rarified world of high-end luxury.

WHERE THE ACTION IS 
1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Unit 1701

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, located downtown, is famous for its atmosphere, with wealthy visitors and celebrities passing through the elegant lobby, and Sarasotans dressed to the nines arriving for parties in the ballroom. The top seven floors of the hotel are condos, and Unit 1701, on the penthouse floor, is one of the most luxurious. With almost 5,000 square feet of living area, it boasts a formal living room and dining room, four terraces, a den, library and a spacious kitchen. The views of the bay and the city are spectacular — even from the master bath. All hotel amenities, including room service from Jack Dusty, are available.

Priced at $3.5 million. For more information, call Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker at 387-1840.

QUIET LUXURY 
35 Watergate Drive, Unit 1501

Next door to the hotel is a building called the Tower Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, and here the feeling is just as luxurious but a little more sedate. Think of an ultra-exclusive building on Park Avenue. Apartments here tend to be larger, and they are home to many longtime Sarasota residents. Unit 1501, just below the penthouse level, has high ceilings (more than 10 feet), and its location at the southwest corner of the building gives it the edge on some pretty spectacular views. You’ll find 3,700 square feet of living area, three bedrooms, three baths and an eat-in kitchen that opens to a separate family room. All the hotel facilities are available, even though the building has its own pool and amenity level.

Priced at $3.25 million. For more information, call Joan Dickinson at 914-0496 or Beth Afflebach at 737-1756, both of Michael Saunders & Co.

BEACH BLISS
1300 Ben Franklin Drive, Unit 401

There are no hotel rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Residences on Lido Key, just a spectacular beach club (for guests of the hotel and members) topped by a luxury condo building. Unit 401 has three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in more than 4,000 square feet. This heavily upgraded apartment — check out the Versace window treatments — has an elaborate kitchen with a separate family room and several terraces perfect for sunset-watching over the Gulf. There’s a glamorous bar and restaurant downstairs, plus a wide variety of beach-oriented recreational activities. Pets are allowed. With its Ritz pedigree and focus on an elegant but informal sand-in-your-shoes lifestyle, this is a world-class beach getaway.

Priced at $2.99 million. For more information, call Judy Kepecz-Hays of Coldwell Banker at 587-1700.