Southern Hospitality Ritz Carlton-Style - Reynolds

Since many Ritz Carltons run summer specials in hot climates, we got a very good deal for a regular room with a garden view. However, upon arrival at the resort, we found we had been given a major upgrade. Not only were we given a lakefront room, but it was on the club level, which at a Ritz means five free food services a day and free drinks (alcoholic beverages included) 24/7. Needless to say, we were thrilled!

The resort itself is gorgeous. There was lots of wood, fireplaces, beautiful stone floors throughout, and majestic views of the 19,500-acre lake everywhere you turn. Our room was large and had a wonderful view from the 5th-floor balcony. Comfy Adirondack chairs adorned our balcony and were spread throughout the grounds and around the lake.

The view from Gaby's is outrageous! This is an open-air restaurant right on Lake Oconee with comfy seats, great service and very good food. Certainly a fabulous spot where you could easily spend a lazy afternoon with friends.

The food was very good and, as always, in true Ritz Carlton style, the service was excellent. The southern nachos were divine and very original. I never would have thought to make nachos with BBQ beef.

After a day of fishing, we brought our catch to Gaby's so it could be prepared for our dinner. When our dinner was served the entire waitstaff, management and chef delivered it to our table. The hybrid bass we caught on Lake Ocoee was delicious. The chef came out several times during our meal to make sure all was well. All in all, Gaby's far exceeded our expectaions.

Literally, for the first hour, we were bringing up the lines two fish at a time. In two hours total, we probably caught 15 fish. We kept eight of them. One was a large-mouth bass that our guide asked if we wouldn't mind throwing back since we had eight fish on board already, and he would bring about $1,000 in a tournament. We happily obliged.

This was by far the most gorgeous spa facility I have ever enjoyed. As with the rest of the resort, the 26,000-square-foot spa had gorgeous wood throughout, beautiful rock floors, and fireplaces everywhere you looked. Although the spa services were not the best I had ever experienced, they were very good. The facility alone would be worth the visit.