Hotel-specific: Using the private skywalk, 7th-floor sundeck and cabanas
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale’s private skywalk links the hotel’s 7th-floor oceanfront sundeck and heated infinity pool directly to Fort Lauderdale Beach so guests can reach the sand without crossing the street. The sundeck includes Sea la Vie Sundeck (poolside bar), ocean-view cabanas with dedicated service, and a VIP cabana level.
In this guide
Getting to the sundeck and the private skywalk
The sundeck and pool are located on the 7th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Elevators and accessible routes reach the sundeck from the hotel lobby.
A private skywalk connects the 7th-floor pool deck directly to Fort Lauderdale Beach, allowing hotel guests to walk from the sundeck onto the sand without crossing the roadway. The hotel markets the skywalk as a guest-only access point.
- Sundeck location: 7th floor (oceanfront)
- Beach access: private skywalk from the pool deck to Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Accessibility: stair-free/accessible routes to elevators are provided
| Feature | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Private skywalk to beach | 7th-floor pool deck |
| Main pool (heated infinity pool) | 7th-floor oceanfront sundeck |
| Sea la Vie Sundeck (pool bar) | 7th-floor sundeck |
Pool, sundeck layout and hours
The hotel’s sundeck is described as an approximately 29,000-square-foot oceanfront pool deck with a heated infinity pool and a VIP Oceanfront Cabana Level. The pool overlooks the Atlantic.
Per the hotel, the outdoor pool’s hours are listed as Monday–Sunday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Non-guests may have limited access via third-party day-pass programs; the hotel sells pool day passes through external vendors.
- Heated infinity pool on the oceanfront sundeck
- Sundeck size described as roughly 29,000 sq. ft.
- Pool hours (hotel listing): 8:00 AM–6:00 PM daily
| Service / Area | Hours (as listed) |
|---|---|
| Outdoor pool | 8:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Sea la Vie Sundeck (food & drink service) | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Cabana service | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (cabana package hours listed by third-party sources) |
Cabanas and VIP cabana level
The sundeck includes ocean-view cabanas and a VIP Oceanfront Cabana Level. Cabanas come with dedicated service and may include perks listed in cabana packages (third-party listings describe included dedicated server and sparkling wine in some packages).
Third-party day-pass information lists cabana service hours as 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. For availability or to reserve a cabana, ask the hotel concierge or the sundeck staff; the hotel sells cabana packages through resort channels and third-party day-pass vendors.
- Ocean-view cabanas located on the 7th-floor sundeck
- Cabana service hours cited as 11:00 AM–4:00 PM by third-party sources
- Reservations and packages: available through the hotel or third-party day-pass platforms
| What to expect | Source note |
|---|---|
| Dedicated cabana server and included sparkling wine (in some packages) | Described on cabana/package listings |
| Cabana hours | Listed by third-party sites as 11:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| VIP Cabana Level | Listed in hotel and meeting/property descriptions |
Sea la Vie Sundeck: poolside bar and service
Sea la Vie Sundeck is the poolside bar on the 7th-floor sundeck offering tropical drinks and small bites with Atlantic views. The hotel lists Sea la Vie Sundeck hours as 11:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.
Sea la Vie runs poolside food-and-drink service and a recurring 'Seafood & Spritz' happy hour reported for 3:00–4:00 PM. Menu items and exact offerings can change, so confirm current menus or special events with the hotel.
- Location: 7th-floor sundeck, ocean-facing
- Hours (hotel listing): 11:00 AM–5:00 PM daily
- Typical service: tropical cocktails, small bites, poolside service
| Offer | Typical detail |
|---|---|
| Tropical cocktails & small bites | Served poolside at Sea la Vie Sundeck |
| Poolside happy hour | Reported 'Seafood & Spritz' daily around mid-afternoon |
| Ordering | Order from your lounger or cabana during sundeck service hours |
Tips for families and guests in specific room types
The resort is family-friendly and offers rooms and suites that accommodate families, including suites with sofa beds. If you’re staying in a balcony room such as Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View or Club Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View, you’ll have balcony access and ocean views that complement sundeck time.
Guests staying in Club Room categories may want to confirm Club Lounge access and benefits with the front desk. For families with young children, check the pool rules and supervision requirements; children of all ages are welcome at the property.
- Room types to consider for easy access: Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View; Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony, Ocean View; Club Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View
- Families: children of all ages are welcome; children 12 and older are charged as adults
- Ask concierge about beach gear, cabana availability, and child-friendly pool amenities
| Room name (example) | Benefit for sundeck/beach |
|---|---|
| Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View | Private balcony and ocean view; easy access to sundeck/pool |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony, Ocean View | Larger space and sofa bed option for families; balcony views |
| Club Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View | Club-level services (confirm access) plus ocean-view balcony |
Practical details: reservations, non-guests, and accessibility
The hotel sells pool day passes and cabana packages through third-party vendors; non-guests generally cannot access the beach and may be restricted from certain beach areas. If you plan to use the pool or cabanas as a non-guest, confirm day-pass availability and rules before arriving.
The sundeck and skywalk are designed with accessibility in mind; the hotel provides accessible paths to elevators and lists wheelchair-accessible spa services. For mobility or accessibility requests related to cabanas, pool entry, or the skywalk, contact the hotel concierge ahead of arrival.
- Day passes: offered through third-party platforms (availability varies)
- Beach: non-guests are reported as not permitted beach access from the property
- Accessibility: elevators and accessible routes to the sundeck; contact the hotel for specific needs
| Question | What to do |
|---|---|
| Can non-guests use the beach via the skywalk? | Non-guests are typically not permitted beach access from the property; check day-pass rules |
| How to reserve a cabana | Contact the hotel concierge or check third-party day-pass platforms for cabana packages |
| Need accessible pool entry | Contact the hotel in advance to arrange assistance or confirm accessible routes |
