The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe blends alpine luxury with direct ski access, serene spa experiences, and refined mountain lodging

There is something to be said about starting a new interest and having it be incredibly fun. Such as been my introduction to snowboarding. What was once something that I was too scared to do, I started doing. That’s led me to Mountain High, Mammoth Mountain, Breckenridge Resort and then, a deep desire to get my first Ikon Pass and try Palisades Tahoe Resort in Lake Tahoe, California. Combining that with a desire to visit Reno, Nevada again  and explore what the biggest little city in the world had to offer – and the trip pretty much planned itself.

In looking for a hotel, I wanted a space that could actually allow me to relax. No pets, no partner – just me, writing and doing what I wanted to do in quiet and peace.

After a search, there was only one place that stood out: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

Check In

Check in was an absolute pleasure. Even though I arrived MUCH earlier than I had anticipated,  I was able to easily check in without issue. While waiting, I was offered a glass of sparkling wine and truly welcomed to the Ritz Carlton.

Honestly, it felt like I was returning to a beloved home away from home.

Room and Stay

I was immediately taken with the hotel’s thoughtful and stylish design. Every detail felt intentional, from the warm lighting to the modern yet inviting decor.

As I made my way through the lobby, into the elevator, and finally to my floor, the noise and tension of a long morning of travel began to fade. It was as if the space itself was gently urging me to slow down, breathe, and settle into a more relaxed state of mind.

The moment I stepped into my room, one thought echoed in my mind: Hell yes.

Yes, I had work to do. But, something about the serene atmosphere, the bath, and the effortless calm that settled over me made me believe I might actually, finally be able to relax.

To shut my laptop at the end of the day and truly turn my mind off.

And honestly, that’s not something that comes easily for me. But, in the comfort of my room, anything felt possible.

 

Dining

I had a lovely lunch at The Living Room. It was a stunning  and beautiful space with delicious food.

But what truly defined the experience was an unexpected moment of warmth and hospitality that followed, later in the day.

I’d just missed the evening s’mores offering by a few minutes, thanks to getting a bit lost in the hotel while trying to find a different route to the ground level. When I mentioned this to my server from lunch, he didn’t hesitate. With a smile and a simple, “Yes, of course,” he disappeared for a few minutes.

I settled near one of the many fireplaces inside, unsure of what to expect. I wrote for a bit. But really just took in the vibe of the restaurant. Soon, he returned with a small plate of s’mores and a cup of hot chocolate – just for me.

Outside, wrapped in a blanket offered by one of the managers and nestled into an Adirondack chair by the fire pit, I watched the sun set behind the Sierras. I wrote, I sipped, I melted marshmallows over open flames.

This was more than service. This was the quiet luxury of being cared for.

Reflections

I spent hours writing beside the fireplace. Sometimes, I would pause to take a sip of my hot chocolate. Other times, I would just look up at the wind whistling in the trees. The birds circled ahead, in mesmerizing play.

Little by little, I began to loosen. To remember that I didn’t have to be “on” all the time. That it was okay to exhale, to breathe in the crisp mountain air, and shift from the constant churn of “what’s next?” into something far gentler—just being.

It wasn’t immediate. It took hours of writing, of stillness, of letting the quiet seep in. But eventually, I stopped staring at my screen and found myself fully present—among the trees, by the fire, doing nothing but existing.

I toasted marshmallows, layered them into gooey sandwiches, and lingered without urgency. There were no dinner reservations to make, no plans to keep. After a satisfying lunch, the s’mores were indulgent and perfect.

When I was done, I ventured back to my cozy room and took a steaming hot bath. It was then that I felt something reset in my mind and body. I felt a sense of calm and energetic order that I deeply appreciated.

For the first time in a long while, there was nothing to respond to, no task waiting. I didn’t have to deal with a real estate emergency or a vendor for one of my Bespoke Art Society markets with a last minute adjustment.  Just low-fi music playing in the background, to keep me from drifting off too soon as my body floated in water.

Overall

Overall, I truly relished my stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Whether I was writing by the fire pit or simply savoring the solitude – even while juggling emails, coordinating real estate calls, and planning upcoming events – it all felt like a pleasure, not a task.

It brought me back to memories of my time at the Four Seasons Vail and Carmel Valley Ranch, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Quality luxury isn’t loud. It is thoughtful, effortless, and quietly transformative.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is luxury done right.

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