PUTTIN'ON THE RITZ

Nestled in West Palm Beach, Florida's Manalapan enclave is the Ritz-Carlton, impressing the resort industry and tossing the rules aside since opening only five years ago. This award-winning, five-diamond resort is approachable in atmosphere and price. Boasting a well-trained staff, top-notch amenities, and palate-pleasing cuisine. Already listed as of the world's best resorts, the Ritz-Carlton has just finished a 2.2-million-dollar renovation, putting polish on an already sparkling finish. And yet, the Ritz-Carlton has managed to keep costs within reason--especially at this time of year. A slew of theme weekends, celebrations, and activities at special rates make an even better deal.

Situated on more than seven acres of Palm Beach Island, the six-story Mediterranean-style building spreads its wings along the oceanfront--offering sun, pristine sand, and watersports. Rooms are luxe, large, and bright with redecoration. The bathrooms are done in grey marble with ocean-deep bathtubs, walk-in shower that would fit Nellie the Elephant, and set with luxury accessories. Tempting as it is to veg out on your private patio overlooking the sea (as most rooms do), you will still want to partake of the other delights--like the food. The Grill is a showcase of classic cuisine, presented and abetted by a colossal wine list. More informal, The Restaurant offers a blend of Calasian (California and Asian) and French Classical. Off-site, I dined at Palm Beach's Cafe L'Europe, near tony Worth Avenue (Florida's Rodeo Drive). The restaurant artfully combines a classic French bistro with a more formal dining room to satisfy the whims of its deep-pocketed crowd. The wine list is extensive, and the food museum-quality in presentation and preparation. Complex dishes here are culinary state-of-the-art.

After you've indulged, it's time to work off some of those calories. If you have kids, leave them with confidence in the Ritz Kids program, then do some shopping at the retail promenade. Heat up one of the seven tennis courts, the nearby championship golf course, the pool, or the steamy Jacuzzi. Visit the Ritz-Carlton's professionally equipped fitness center. Fitness trainers offer low-impact and water aerobics and power walks. Next stop is the spa for a seaweed body wrap, body polish, some reflexology, Swedish massage treatments, or maybe some aroma therapy. Pamper yourself in the steam room or sauna, and gild the lily with a manicure, pedicure, or hair styling.

For information and reservations call the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach at (800) 241-3333, or your local travel agent.

HOW TO GET THERE

We flew to West Palm Beach Airport via Kiwi Airlines, offering daily flights out of Newark, and also servicing Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Orlando. Our in-flight meal was one of the better we've had, and both ground and air staff were most accommodating. For info. and reservations call (800) JET-KIWI.