Lightly seared sea scallops fell apart with the touch of a fork, accented by buttered autumn squash and a corn lobster sauce that would be delicious over cardboard. Romantics are well advised to participate in a Chiminea bonfire dinner consisting of a specially prepared gourmet meal and served lakefront by a couple's personal waiter.
Our choice of wine included the resort's own custom blend of Cabernet and Chardonnay. According to the resort's wine sommelier Stephen Clark, many restaurants that serve a house blend allow the winery to design the wine without the input of those who actually serve it. "We know what our guests like and dislike and therefore have an advantage to blend around their preferences instead of a winery guessing what that should be," Clark says.
Families can spend quality time together in the infinity pool or kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Oconee. Teenagers can be seen jumping on trampoline devices on the lake not far from the sandy beach. The Ritz Kids Program offers supervised activities for youngsters, including a day with camp counselors based on various outdoor activities, while Kids Night Out gives younger visitors something to look forward to on Friday and Saturday evenings. A family favorite is roasting S'mores by a crackling campfire, an event held each night of the week. Those family members who enjoy fishing appreciate the fact that Lake Oconee, Georgia's second largest lake, has more fish per square acre than any lake in the state, including large mouth bass, catfish, and crappie.
The Plantation also rolls out the red carpet for adults seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of the nine-to-five routine. Relaxation can be found with a Couple's Massage at the luxurious 26,000 square-foot spa. With southern-inspired hospitality and treatments based on nature and the seasons, the spa offers couples discreet suites with drawn wooden shutters opening to a lakeside portrait. Couples can breathe in the deep aroma of arnica and sandalwood oils and soak in an aqua latte milk bath for two in a regally adorned marble claw-foot tub. Other treatments include Vichy Rain Therapy, Body Therapy, Touch Therapy, Facial Therapy, and a special "Mama Mio" treatment for pregnant women.
Although summer and spring are action packed, the Lighting of the Lights at Thanksgiving in celebration of the holidays is one of the busiest times of the year. The annual event attracts thousands of visitors who witness 1.5 million lights being lit throughout the trees. And being the nearest upscale resort to Augusta (80 miles) the Plantation always hosts a hotel full of golf fanatics every April for the Masters, arguably the most prestigious of the Grand Slam events.
By JP Lewis
JustLuxe Contributor |
