There are places that invite you to slow down the moment you arrive, and The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is one of them. Set along the quiet shoreline of one of Georgia’s most beautiful lakes, this resort feels worlds away from everyday life, yet it’s an easy drive from Atlanta. It’s the kind of destination that lends itself perfectly to a polished girls’ getaway or an intimate weekend retreat, where the focus is on time together, thoughtful experiences, and effortless luxury.

From the moment you step onto the property, the tone is set. The atmosphere is calm and considered, with sweeping lake views, warm Southern hospitality, and spaces designed for lingering. Learn how to spend a long weekend at this charming hotel.

Where You Stay Matters

To elevate your experience, consider booking a Club Level room. The Club Lounge adds a refined, all-inclusive feel to your stay, with beautifully presented food and beverage offerings throughout the day, a dedicated concierge, and a quiet place to gather between activities. It’s ideal for a short stay when you want everything within reach and no decisions to feel rushed.

For something especially memorable, a fireside room offers a ground-floor patio with a private fire pit overlooking the grounds. Evenings spent outside your room, glass of wine in hand as the fire crackles, become a defining part of the weekend.

Slow Mornings and Lake Views

Begin your day with brunch at Amore del Lago, where Italian-inspired cuisine is paired with panoramic views of the water. The setting alone is reason enough to linger, but the menu delivers with fresh, comforting dishes that feel both elevated and approachable. Weekend brunch here sets an unhurried tone for the day ahead and is best enjoyed without watching the clock.

Time on the Water

One of the understated pleasures of the resort is easy access to the lake itself. Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards allow you to head out onto the calm water at your own pace. Whether you spend thirty minutes or an entire afternoon exploring, it’s a grounding way to connect with the setting and enjoy the natural beauty that defines Lake Oconee.

If your idea of the perfect afternoon involves staying firmly on land, the infinity pool offers a serene alternative. With its lake-facing edge and relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to read, nap, or simply take in the view.

A Wellness Retreat

A defining part of a weekend here is the resort’s newly transformed spa, a serene 27,000-square-foot wellness sanctuary that invites you to slow down and truly restore. Designed to reflect the calm beauty of Lake Oconee, the space features elegant neutral hues, natural stone, and comfortable lounges where you can begin and end your spa experience in complete peace.

The spa offers a broad range of carefully curated treatments, from body wraps and scrubs to custom-tailored facials and specialized massages designed to meet individual wellness goals. Signature experiences draw inspiration from the elements and the local environment, such as restorative wraps that cleanse and renew, hydration-boosting body journeys, and detoxifying therapies that center both body and mind.

Amenities here elevate the experience beyond the treatment room. You’ll find dedicated steam rooms and saunas, a spacious 8,000-square-foot indoor pool perfect for gentle laps or post-massage relaxation, and steam and plunge features that help extend the benefits of your service. The spa also includes a refined salon area offering hair styling, blowouts, manicures, and pedicures — ideal for finishing touches before an elegant dinner.

Whether you choose a deeply soothing massage with aromatic essential oils, a revitalizing facial tailored to your skin’s needs, or a full-body wellness journey, this spa experience sets the tone for a weekend focused on recovery and connection.

Unhurried Afternoons by the Pool

The infinity pool at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is designed for lingering. Set against the backdrop of the lake, it offers a sense of calm that makes it easy to lose track of time. This is not a pool meant for rushing in and out, but one that encourages long stretches of quiet, a good book within reach, and attentive service that anticipates what you need before you ask.

Comfortable loungers line the water’s edge, and shaded areas provide relief during warmer afternoons. Whether you spend your time floating, sipping something refreshing, or simply watching the light shift across the lake, the atmosphere remains relaxed and refined. Poolside service allows you to stay exactly where you are, turning an afternoon here into one of the most restorative parts of the weekend.

Evenings Worth Dressing Up For

Dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse is a highlight of any stay. The restaurant delivers a classic steakhouse experience with a refined touch, featuring expertly prepared cuts, seafood options, and a warm, inviting dining room that feels special without being formal. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows easily and the evening stretches longer than planned.

After dinner, don’t miss one of the resort’s most charming traditions: s’mores by the fire pit. Gathered under the night sky, it’s a simple pleasure that feels unexpectedly elegant in this setting and brings the day to a perfect close.

Your Weekend Escape at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee