Nestled mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is an all-season recreational wonderland. Located just six miles from both historic downtown Truckee and the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the resort features 170 guest rooms, 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences, a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center, and an inter-mountain gondola that connects the resort to the nearby Village at Northstar.
During winter, this contemporary mountain retreat features coveted slope-side ski-in, ski-out access. In summer, the area boasts golf, mountain biking, and hiking, as well as access to the resort’s exclusive new Lake Club that features a private beach and boat pier. But activities aside, what sets The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe apart from other area resorts in its class (and admittedly, there are few) is service, amenities, and accommodations. It’s easy to source hiking and biking trails in the Sierra basin, but it’s not so easy to find the sort of luxury afforded by The Ritz-Carlton.
Sumptuous accommodations here are elevated even further with a stay in The Residences – expansive sixth and third floor dwellings ranging from 1,618 to 1,863 square feet. Yes, one could live comfortably in even the smallest of the varied floor plans that include two and three bedrooms. Each features a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with Wolf Range, built-in Miele espresso machine, Miele dishwasher, Sub-Zero wine chiller, Whirlpool Duet Sport high-efficiency washer and dryer, Flat-screen LCD 37-inch HDTV and stereo in bedrooms and living area, dining table and additional bar seating, gas fireplaces, expansive marble bathrooms with jetted tub in the master bath, and twice daily housekeeping services including turndown with chocolates. On top of all of this luxe, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe invites residence guests to kick-it-up a notch further with new exclusive offerings such as in-room massage treatments, in-room caviar and cocktail receptions, and in-room pasta-making classes with the resort’s executive chef, Mark Jeffers.
For ultimate relaxation in the comfort and privacy of one’s own suite, residence guests can elect to avoid the trek to the resort’s spa, and book in-room massage treatments. Based on availability, guests may choose any massage treatment from the resort’s spa menu. For a luxurious culinary experience, residence guests can book an in-room caviar and cocktail reception with cheese and charcuterie appetizers and a raw bar including oysters, crab, and lobster. This experience can be set-up in-room upon arrival or at another designated time. For an educational and delicious culinary experience, residence guests may book a private, in-room, handmade pasta class with Executive Chef Mark Jeffers who some may recognize from his appearances on NBC’s TODAY Show. Guests choose to make two types of pasta under the direction of Chef Jeffers, with accompanying appetizers and side dishes. Wine pairings are also included with the three-course menu.
Even if you choose to schedule the in-room pasta class, make sure to plan a meal at Manzanita, the resort's signature restaurant (above). This cozy and classy gathering spot features artfully crafted cuisine (don’t miss the Lobster and Burrata starter or the not-so-simple Green Salad with petite lettuce, candied hominy, and herbed avocado dressing), both classic and creative cocktails, and a lovely wine list. In warmer weather, dine al fresco on the heated patio overlooking the slopes. And here too, just as with a choice in accommodations, guests can elevate their dining experience with advance reservations to the Manzanita Chef’s Tasting Counter, an interactive five-course tasting with views directly into the open kitchen and personal interaction with the chef. Or reserve the Manzanita Chef’s Table, Monday through Thursday. This private table for up to eight is adjacent to the kitchen and allows for interaction with the chef de cuisine who prepares a six-course tasting menu.
Just make sure that the daily Marshmology gourmet s’mores offering (5 to 5:30pm at the central fire pit) doesn’t ruin your appetite. Hold off and order an after dinner s’mores kit from the Living Room lounge menu and enjoy your treat with an after dinner digestif in one of the intimate sitting areas of this warm and welcoming retreat.
