Ritz Carlton - Lake Tahoe

Over the last year or so, we've been watching the construction and awaiting the unveiling of North Lake Tahoe's newest luxury hotel, The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

  
To get there you take The Highlands Gondola from the village, an 8 minute ride, that brings you half way up the mountain to The Ritz Carlton's slope-side location.

As you'll see, we had the place pretty much to ourselves.

 We went up around 4pm for a cocktail before heading to one of our favorite restaurants in Kings Beach for dinner.

 
Northstar has changed dramatically over the  years.  
 

It used to be a classic mountain ski resort before East West Partners decided to turn it into a world class destination resort.

The Ritz Carlton Hotel and it's Destination Club are the latest additions to  The Tahoe Mountain Resort vision.

I have to say that the timing of this vision has been challenging with the current economy.

It's all very upscale and breathtakingly beautiful but has been difficult to sustain financially these  past few years... which makes it the perfect time to visit if you've ever wanted to experience the wonder that is Lake Tahoe.

High in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most cherished vacation spots in the United States. Over three million people visit Lake Tahoe annually to enjoy its pristine environment and abundant outdoor adventures. Snow and skiing have become favorites, with the area boasting a dozen world-class ski resorts, while the Lake with its many beaches, watersports and crystal clear blue waters entices the Spring, Summer and Fall destination guests. There are lake-front restaurants all over the lake, most equipped with docks and buoys. There are all sorts of boating events, such as sailboat racing, firework shows over the lake, as well as guided cruises.

I wandered off to get a few photos while my husband, our friend Andi and her son Alex, who recently enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno,  settled in fireside for a cocktail before dinner.

 This is the entrance to Manzanita,

the hotel's signature restaurant.

It's run by renowned San Francisco chef, Traci Des Jardins and features her signature French-inspired California cuisine with mountain resort influences.

A peek at The Manzanita's wine cellar.

To see more and to take a professional photo tour click here.