The Atlanta airport is the closest and easiest airport to fly into to get to the Ritz. You can rent a car or hire a driver for the hour and half long ride from the airport to the hotel. If you’re driving from Tampa, expect a 7 hour drive.
The grounds are immaculately maintained with beautiful plants and flowers. There are also fountains, a stream, firepits, and huge swings hanging from the trees. During the holiday months, their outdoor tent is converted into a winter wonderland ice skating rink.
Ritz-Carlton at Lake Oconee
Things To Do
Golf
The resort features two world-class golf courses, both designed by famous architects (Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio). The Ritz Carlton is part of the Reynolds neighborhood, which is known for its golfing amenities.
Water Activities
We stayed on the water most of our stay, enjoying the beautiful lake with activities like boating, kayaking, fishing, jet skiing, and paddle boarding. There are also multiple water trampolines, where the kids spent hours wrestling on.
Nature Trails
Take part in guided nature hikes or rent bikes to explore the area. I do have to warn you that the trails are very hilly and not suited for smaller children. I didn’t make it far with my 6-year-old before calling it quits. If you have children under 10 years old, walking will be more your speed on the trail. The trails go in multiple directions, so it’s easy to get lost in the woods.
Treat yourself to a luxurious experience at the Lake Oconee Spa with massages and body treatments. The fitness center is well equipped and where group classes are available. We used the fitness center and then the sauna and cold pools daily.
Tennis & Pickleball
Courts and equipment are available for rent.
Kid’s Club
Reserve ahead of time for your kids 5 years and up. You can sign up for a half day or a full day and both come at an extra charge. They have lots to do with the kids and it allows you some adult time if wanted. Spots are limited and they only allow 5 kids per group.
Fire Pits & S’mores
Enjoy nightly s’mores around the fire pit while they supply all the ingredients, plus more! This was a nightly thing for the kids, of course.
Dining
The resort offers multiple restaurants on property from casual to fine dining.
Linger Longer Steakhouse is open for dinner only Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are required and limited. Enjoy generous cuts of meat, tableside carvings, seafood, family sides. Contact the concierge to add on wine and whiskey tastings to your dinner.
Gaby’s by the Lake is a casual outdoor restaurant and the most scenic restaurants at Lake Oconee. They open for lunch daily and do not require any reservations. We also had a dinner here one night and highly recommend the burger!
The Coffee Shop is your typical coffee shop with pastries, coffee, and grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. If you are in the club level, you probably won’t need this shop very often.
The Sand Bar (Closes for winter season) offers refreshing local beers, cute frozen cocktails for adults and kids and yummy grab-and-go snacks to snack on by the lake.
*This property is a splurge as far as lake vacations go. Trade in some Marriott (Ritz-Carlton’s are owned by Marriott) points for your trip to offer set some of the expenses.
