Lake Oconee Georgia
For the first time since Covid my husband and I decided to take a vacation. Yes, 2022 would be the first time in three years that we have ventured away from home. Our destination? The Ritz Carlton on Lake Oconee in Georgia. We packed our bags and headed east to Georgia. A five-hour drive from our home in Alabama, this resort has been our go-to anniversary celebration destination for several years — it’s our sweet escape. This luxury, lake resort is about one and a half hours east of Atlanta off of I-20…hidden among the Georgia pines near Greensboro.
Getting through Atlanta traffic was a nightmare, but once you exit I-20, the drive is beautiful, peaceful, and scenic. You might even see a deer or two in the evening on Linger Longer Road, which is the entrance to the resort.
Things to Do:
There’s plenty to do at this resort whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, like to relax, or enjoy family-friendly activities.
The resort boasts three pools and a lake: the infinity pool for adults (16+), a family pool and an indoor pool at the spa. Just take your pick or experience all three.
A resort fee includes use of the pools, bicycles, canoes, paddle boards and kayaks. For the adventurer, there are rentals of jet skis, ski boats and pontoons. There are also several paved hiking and running trails throughout the property. Wood carvings and quirky signs add a little fun to the trails.
Or if you’re more into sports, you can take a swing at a round of golf at five championship golf courses or cast a line on a guided fishing excursion. For the little ones in the family, the Ritz Kids program offers kids ages 5-12 fun activities such as tent-building, fishing and spy excursions around the property.
For those who want to just chill, there are cool pools, the lake beach with sand and lounge chairs, or the spa. My favorite was taking a respite in one of several hammocks hidden among the trees around the property and just sitting in a swing enjoying the peace and tranquility of a lazy bubbling stream.
If you like to be pampered, the spa offers services from facials and massages to pedicures and manicures. The fitness center is also located in the spa building if you need a work-out. I would suggest making reservations for spa treatments when you make your hotel reservations.
For entertainment, guests can enjoy bourbon tastings and a game of pool in the Barrel Room next to the lobby, and during the summer, sit back, relax and enjoy music under the stars with backyard concerts on Saturdays and Sundays.
It’s seems there’s something for everyone from the adventurer to those who like to relax and unwind.
Whatever the day holds, you can end it on a sweet note sitting around the campfire making smores and drinking lemonade. I will admit that during the summer, it is a bit hot sitting around the fire, but it’s still fun.
Accommodations:
The rooms are pricey, but deals can be found if you book several months in advance and watch for drops in rates.
The rooms were renovated in 2020 and have plenty of space for two people (463 sq. ft.). You might want to get adjoining rooms or book a suite if you have more than three or four people. A view of the lake will cost more than a resort view. If you want something a little larger than a room or suite (894 sq. ft.) in the main hotel, there are lakeside cottages and a 5,400 square foot house on the property, but that space comes at a price. An added bonus— the large house comes with its own pool.
Beware: the pillows are no better than an economy hotel. You might want to read my last blog about hotel pillows. I don’t like saying it, but the pillows were terrible. I was expecting better from the Ritz, but I stacked three pillows under my head only for the pillows to sink flat as a single pancake. Needless to say, my first night was a sleepless one, but hey, I was on vacation. The next evening I pulled out what appeared to be a thicker foam pillow from the closet and slept much better that second night.
Dining:
The restaurant in the hotel, Georgia’s, offers a full menu of southern fare. They are open for breakfast and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. The Linger Longer Steakhouse offers steak and seafood and is on the golf course via a short walk or golf cart ride down the road form the lobby. I recommend reservations for both restaurants for dinner. There are also restaurants and a grocery store just a short ride (5-10 minutes) down the road in town.
Gaby’s by the Lake is poolside and offers casual dining with offerings of burgers, nachos, salads, pizza and more. You can even order meals from your lounge chair at the pool if you prefer. The coffee shop is great to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry in the morning or afternoon. It’s the perfect place for a afternoon pick-me-up and the pastries will satisfy your sweet craving.
A little advice about breakfast at the hotel restaurant. They have a huge buffet, but beware of ordering off the menu as it appears the breakfast items come off of the buffet. My husband ordered scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon and a biscuit. The eggs did not have cheese and did not appear fresh, the bacon was cold and hard and the biscuit was so hard it was inedible. They did offer a new selection and did not charge us for the meal. If you don’t choose the buffet, my advice is to order something not on the buffet like Eggs Benedict or eggs over easy. I ordered the Eggs Benedict and they were delicious.
Pets:
They do allow pets for a hefty $250 fee.
The staff are friendly and welcoming to four-legged guests. Gabby’s, the restaurant by the infinity pool, has a section that allows 4-legged family members for lunch and dinner complete with a bed, bowl and doggie menu. We ordered the baked chicken with rice and split peas for our fur baby.
I will add that the staff are very accommodating and the front desk staff very helpful and pleasant. We always have a good time at the Ritz on Lake Oconee even with the breakfast and pillow issues. I don’t like doing it, but next time I will have to take my pillows from home.
Everyday Edith 