Journey Across the U.S. for Local Experiences Influenced by Other Cultures

CHEVY CHASE, MD – February 9, 2016 – For centuries, the United States has been known as the great melting pot of cultures, cuisines and traditions. From state to state across the country, a plethora of diverse experiences form a great journey for visitors can be as varied as traveling across Europe or other parts of the globe. The Ritz-Carlton has embraced the diversity of these regional cultures across the United States and curated experiences that enliven the localized guest experience. “When you travel across America from anywhere in the world, you realize how diverse the influences of the country are,” said Ed French, Chief Sales and Marketing Offer for The Ritz-Carlton. “As a company we aspire to inspire life’s most meaningful journeys and that can happen at our hotels, but more importantly, it happens throughout a destination,” he continued.

New York City, is a vast cosmopolitan, metropolis where millions of now-Americans arrived at Ellis Island in search of a new life. From The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park guests can view Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, both are also a short ferry ride away. With every global cuisine imaginable, New York City has emerged as a foodie capital, not to mention a center for the arts. At the center of New York City is Central Park and located at its base is The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park South. From this iconic building, guests can explore the park or visit one of the many nearby museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) or The Frick Collection.  Concierges at The Ritz-Carlton are renowned city guides with access not only to restaurant reservations, theater tickets and recommendations, but also a wealth of secrets to exploring the neighborhoods and culture throughout the city.

Further to the south Miami is situated at the tip of the State of Florida and straddles both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. A destination long-influenced by Latin cultures including Cuban, Mexican and others across Central and South America, Miami is rich with experiences influenced by these cultures. At The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, a couple of traditional culinary treasures on the menu include the Ultimate Cubano sandwich, layered with thinly sliced prosciutto, Gruyere truffle cheese, bourbon marinated pork loin, topped with a crisp house-made pickle and a side of Mojo (garlic, olive oil, and a citrus juice) a traditional Cuban accompaniment. Guests can wash it down with the Kola Libre, which pays homage to the traditional Cuba Libre rum cocktail, traditionally made with the Kola Nut.  Nightlife in South Beach with music, dancing and dining late into the night, give you a historic taste of life in Old Havana.

Journeying across the Gulf of Mexico, we arrive in New Orleans at the mouth of the massive Mississippi River. Originally settled in 1715, it was established by French colonists and strongly influenced by their European culture. It is well-known for its distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture in the historic French Quarter, as well as its cross-cultural and multilingual heritage. New Orleans is world-famous for its food. The indigenous cuisine is distinctive and influential after centuries of amalgamation of the local Creole, haute Creole, and New Orleans French cuisines. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is located on Canal Street, which borders the French Quarter and guests can dine at M Bistro for authentic New Orleans cuisine, or easily walk and explore the world famous restaurants, bars, clubs and shops near-by. New Orleans is also famous for music – known as the birthplace of jazz music – and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, one of the largest music festivals in the nation.

Continuing out west, we reach Tucson, Arizona and The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain and its high Sonoran and Tortolita Mountain setting, surrounded by a lush Saguaro forest, the only place on earth where the mighty Saguaro cacti grow.  The land was once inhabited by the indigenous Native American Hohokam tribe, who honored its natural beauty with a spirit that still endures today. Each night, homage is paid to the Hohokam with echoing beauty in the ancient melodies of the Native American flautist welcoming each evening’s sunset. Rich with multicultural history, the High Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona offers an authentic Southwest experience. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers the perfect base camp for day trips around southern Arizona or to explore the Tortolita Mountains.

Further west, lies San Francisco on the Pacific Ocean, originally developed as a center for maritime trade because of its location at the entrance to one of the world’s best natural harbors, the mouth of which is now spanned by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Originally settled by the Spanish, there is also a strong Asian cultural influence, most notably ChinaTown, set directly adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco on Nob Hill.  From there, guests can stroll through bustling China Town into the markets, shops and restaurants for an authentic cultural experience.  In addition, San Francisco is an hour south of some of the world’s most famous wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, which have combined with nearby agriculture to create one of the best food, wine and chef cultures in the world.  The concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco can make recommendations for restaurants, visits to historic neighborhoods like the Castro or Haight-Ashbury or excursions to the wine country.  San Francisco is also culturally rich with must-visit places of interest that include the DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park, the Asian Art Museum and the San Francisco Opera.

Across the Pacific Ocean in the island State of Hawaii, the most western of the United States, we come to the island of Maui and the Kapalua region. The Polynesians were the first to inhabit the islands having travelled across the ocean in sea-going outrigger canoes, before being discovered later by the British. The Hawaiian culture developed uniquely with a strong connection to the Aina, or land. Reverence for one’s ancestors pervades much of traditional Hawaiian culture.  At the center of Maui is the majestic Mount Haleakala, which towers over the island. The beachfront Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on the northwest shore of the island creates a uniquely authentic Hawaiian experience.  Clifford Nae’ole, the resort’s Cultural Advisor informs all aspects of the guest experience on property. Cultural experiences include authentic Luau, Hula dancing, the e Ala e ritual on the beach – the chanting of the rising sun.  Outdoor adventures include hiking Mount Haleakala, whale watching and outrigger canoeing

For more information or to confirm your visit at The Ritz-Carlton, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com or contact worldwide reservations at 800-241-3333.