Columnist Muriel Stevens: At lake, Ritz fits just fine

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003 | 8:19 a.m.

It took less than an hour for me to drive from Maryland Parkway and Desert Inn Road to the new Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, yet the impact of this new Italianate resort was as delightful as a visit to Tuscany, my favorite part of Italy.

Situated just a short drive from the Lake Las Vegas entrance and flanked by an impeccably maintained golf course (two championship courses are available to resort guests) the first view of the Tuscan-inspired resort is awesome.

Scheduled to open Tuesday (the grand opening is Feb. 14), crews of workmen were putting the finishing touches on the Italian garden and the landscaping. The lake that is the centerpiece to most of the views had already been stocked with fish.

During the tour of the hotel rooms, which were already furnished, we could watch the bass swimming and we could see the reflection of the hotel shimmering in the water.

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas is like no other Ritz-Carlton. Splendid though it may be, it is also an inviting, relaxed environment.

Near the entrance is Medici Cafe and Terrace where breakfast, lunch and afternoon florentine tea are proffered (jackets and ties are not required for men). It is an exquisite space with banquettes and chairs covered with luxurious fabrics, bountiful displays of fresh flowers and rare woods.

In the evening Medici Cafe becomes a fine specialty restaurant with many signature dishes created by Executive Chef Stephan Marshall, a native of San Francisco. He is a master of many cuisines, including New Hawaiian, French, Mediterranean and Yuctacean or Spanish cuisine.

During two years of educational travels Marshall worked in three-star Michelin restaurants in France, Italy and Switzerland, and he developed a style of cuisine he dubbed "free-style Mediterranean."

The passion he exhibits when he talks about food was inspired in San Francisco by his father, Richard, and his mentor Roberto Gerometta, now executive chef for Nestle. It was Gerometta who first introduced Marshall to fine dining and ethnic foods from all over the world.

Marshall is a tall, articulate man with gracious manners and an easy smile. In spite of training sessions, practice meals for employees and myriad demands on his time, we were able to meet.

When asked what he would like to see happen at this new property, he answered without hesitation. "We would like to develop a great relationship with the community. We would like everyone who dines here to have a great experience. We want them to enjoy our food without taking it too far. I want to make exciting food that anyone can understand.

"We want to be a place for a family dining experience that's fun and interactive. There are many things we plan to do to enhance family dining."

Included in those plans is a lavish Sunday brunch priced to attract locals. (The price had not yet been set when I was there.)

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas offers 33,000 square feet of conference facilities. It is the most extensive space of its kind in the Ritz-Carlton portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. The meeting rooms and board rooms are topnotch.

Rooms are well-sized; bathrooms are beautifully appointed and include a large stall shower and tub. And oh, those marvelous views.

Guests who choose a Club Level room have security-card access, on-water locations and five complimentary food presentations per day. Club Level rooms are situated on a replica of Pontevecchio Bridge.

Spa Vita di Lago is another enticement. It is the only spa in North America to offer "La Culla," a two-hour "multisensory experience" unlike any other. During the two hours guests are scrubbed, massaged and pampered while being "surrounded and embraced by fragrance, light and sound."

In addition to 24 treatment rooms (some with terraces overlooking the lake), VIP/couples amenities and hospitality stations offering complimentary fruit-infused water and fresh fruit, there are indoor and outdoor facilities where guests can spend time using dry saunas and steam rooms.

A retail boutique features the Italian treatment products used at the spa as well as other items. And, of course, there is a spa cafe offering healthy fare for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

This full-service, luxury spa offers an extensive menu of massages, facials, wraps and scrubs and expert beauty services -- hair, nails and makeup.

The spa fitness center includes state-of-the-art equipment; classes in yoga and Pilates; fitness specialists available for personal training and private consultations; and professionals in herbology, nutrition, meditation, movement and music therapy, color therapy, anxiety and pain management.

Medically directed cosmetic dermatology procedures will be offered in spring 2003. Resort guests will not be required to pay a spa entry fee.

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas will offer special rates to locals: $169 weekdays and $189 weekends (includes spa use). There is an additional charge for a Club Level room. For more information call 567-4700.

Soon to come: MonteLago Village with a casino, upscale shopping and restaurants. The engaging lakefront village that is included in the Ritz-Carlton complex is expected to open at the end of April.