Scoolcation, we tried it and what a success it was! Our children’s schools have been closed since March 2020, so the kids are learning virtually. Learning remotely has many challenges, one being the mental health of our teenage children. With that in mind, we booked a two-bedroom, three-bath residence at The Ritz Carlton in Bal Harbour, FL. And let me tell you, this property is the “bee’s knees”!
Property Overview
The Ritz Carlton is tucked away on a private peninsula on the most northern portion of Miami Beach and away from the crowds.
Luxury Suite
Each floor has only one suite and one room. We stayed on the twelfth floor and were the only guests occupying the twelfth floor. Our suite was well equipped with desks, a full kitchen, and two full balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Each bedroom had its own sunken tub and a luxury shower. The suite also had a separate half bath, making this hotel suite feel more like a condominium.
Pool/Beach
The property features a gorgeous salt-water pool with cabanas. A few steps away from the swimming pool is a private beach, also with cabanas. Both the pool and beach provide full service from both the bar and restaurant.
Safety Measures
There were many safety measures enforced on property. All guests and staff must wear a mask while inside the buildings. Beach and pool chairs are set up for your party only, 10+ ft from other guests. Housekeeping is by appointment only so that guests are not in their suite at the time of cleaning. Elevators are only to be occupied by one family at a time. There are no complimentary shuttles due to Covid.
Shopping/Dining
With a full kitchen, we spent mornings making breakfast in the suite and enjoying coffee on the balconies watching the boats come in and out…and boats, I mean mega yachts. Fun to see!
With the kids in school during the day, we opted for lunch breaks by the pool. Each night we dined in the Bal Harbour Shops lifestyle center. There are so many restaurants to choose from, but by far, our favorite was Hillstone Restaurant.
Point Value
We used a combination of Chase Ultimate Reward Points, Marriott Points and paid in part on credit card. The Ritz does not automatically upgrade rooms and they do not offer suite nights. Pro tip: Book the suite using Chase Ultimate Rewards for the first night or two. Then on a separate reservation, book a regular room on Marriott points, and then another suite using a credit card. Upon check-in, ask that all reservations be combined. A few more steps to saving $ on the suite, but so worth it.
Overall, this trip was a success and a much-needed break from our home! We can’t wait to “Schoolcation” again! Need help planning a trip, combining miles and points…book an appointment with Tiffany, she’ll show you how to maximize what you already have or customize a new twelve month credit card plan to earn you loads of points!
Beth S.
Tiffany is truly a credit card point guru. She was very patient and helped my husband and I navigate our credit card point game.
William F.
WE’VE SAT ON THOUSANDS OF POINTS FOR YEARS WITH NO CLUE HOW TO REALLY USE THEM. TIFFANY COACHED US HOW TO COMBINE OUR POINTS, TRANSFER POINTS AND ADD MORE POINTS THROUGH CREDIT CARD SIGN-ON BONUSES. AWESOME SERVICE.
SUZANNE M.
WE OWN A SMALL BUSINESS AND HAVE ALWAYS WRITTEN CHECKS OR USED OUR DEBIT CARD EARNING ZERO TRAVEL REWARDS. WE’VE CHANGED OUR WHOLE WAY OF MANAGING MONEY AND ARE ON OUR WAY TO A FREE LUXURY VACATION THANKS TO TIFFANY.
JANET M.
TIFFANY HELPED MY HUSBAND AND I EARN A VACATION TO CROATIA BY USING SPECIFIC TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS ON OUR DAUGHTER’S WEDDING. WE HAD PLANNED TO WRITE CHECKS TO ALL OF THE VENDORS, SO GLAD WE MADE A 1:1 COACHING CALL.
Liz R.
WITH TIFFANY’S GUIDANCE, we EARNED 400,000 CREDIT CARD POINTS BUT WE DIDN’T KNOW HOW BEST TO USE THEM. WE HIRED HER TO PLAN OUR TRIP USING A COMBINATION OF POINTS, MILES AND CASH (CREDIT CARD). HIRING HER WAS THE BEST MONEY I’VE EVER SPENT. SHE WENT WAY ABOVE AND BEYOND. PARIS HERE WE COME.
