What could be more special than a night on the ice? Ritz-Carlton is now offering a 5800 square foot ice-skating rink to foster family memories during this holiday season. Ralph Vick, the general manager for the Ritz-Carlton, has spent numerous hours sifting through ideas to generate more interest during the holiday season for the Ritz-Carlton.

“We wanted to create excitement and buzz during a slower time. We wanted to provide a special entity that would give plenty of community access and give our guests another amenity to enjoy,” Vick said.

The ice-skating rink opened on Thanksgiving Eve and the response from the community and guests has been overwhelming.

“It has been extraordinarily well-received. Families have really taken to it. It is very cool because you don’t see an ice-skating rink in the area very often. It is just one of our many amenities here at the Ritz-Carlton,” Vick said.

The southern winter wonderland is a great way to get exercise in a fun way. This is the first year the hotel has offered an ice-skating rink and the rink will become an annual event.

“The skating rink is underneath the pavilion so it is protected from weather. It will be open until mid-February and the price per hour includes skates, hot chocolate and parking,” Vick said.

The ice-skating rink is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 4

p.m. until 8 p.m. Treats like freshly roasted s’mores are also available for purchase. The rink is complementary for hotel guests. Community rates are $30 per hour for adults and $20 per hour per child 12 years and under.

A special “Fire and Ice” resort package is available now through Feb. 14 and includes overnight accommodations in a resort-view guestroom, unlimited ice-skating, valet parking for one vehicle per night, s’mores turndown amenity and a $100 food and beverage credit per day. Rate starts at $289 per night exclusive of tax.

“We have so much to do here. The ice-skating is just another arrow in our quiver of amenities. Our restaurants will have specials throughout the holiday season and we have a 50-foot Cypress tree lit for Christmas and a Gingerbread Train located in the lobby,” Vick said.

The sense of family surrounding the Ritz-Carlton is one of the strongest elements during the holidays.

“I love that sense of family. Celebrating with family and friends at Ritz-Carlton and making new friends here is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. No doubt about it, the ice-skating rink will definitely become an annual event,” Vick said.

For more information about how to book a Fire and Ice package contact (800) 826-1945, or about the ice-skating rink at (706) 467-0600.