We were in desperate need of a recharge…
*Our view from our room.*
As Amber and I sat on our balcony, enjoying the crisp autumn air, we sipped our coffee and took in the morning view. From our room we were able to observe the golf course laden with fall colors, an impressive pool deck, and a veranda with multiple fire-pits for guests to gather around.
*Room Balcony at Ross Bridge*
The view itself was one of seasons merging, summer into fall. We took a moment to reflect on our quiet escape from our busy schedules and how we felt a world away from our home that was just a fifteen minute drive from where we sat.
*Gift Bag from The Spa at Ross Bridge*
Like many of you who’d love to leave town for a bit, we found that there was just too much happening to allow us to take a trip, even for our anniversary. Luckily, we live close by to Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort & Spa. We realized that we could have a staycation that made it feel like we were miles away from our normal day to day without the hassle of lengthy travel.
*Elephant Sculpture*
From the moment you pull up to the stately resort, the staff at Renaissance Ross Bridge ensures that you don’t have to worry about anything except relaxing. The valet service will park your car as someone takes your luggage to your room for you. From the beginning, you can tell that your stay will be on a different level than your average hotel experience.
*Fireplace in the main lobby.*
*Our room was very spacious.*
The first thing you’ll notice upon walking in is all of the polished wood accents and a large stone fireplace that will make you think you are in Vail Colorado, not central Alabama. Our room was both spacious and inviting with a classic look while providing the modern amenities like the USB plugs for your devices.
*Our bathroom had an amazing shower & tub.*
*The sun setting as bagpipes play below.*
The bathroom has a large glassed in shower and a tub perfect for a good bubble bath, something Amber took full advantage of with a glass of wine in hand. Our favorite feature, though, was the balcony which allowed us to enjoy the sunrise as well as beautiful sunsets. Each Ross Bridge sunset is accompanied by a bagpiper playing in the distance, a unique touch that pays homage to Scottish roots.
*Seating in Brock's Restaurant.*
*The Breakfast Buffet is Massive!*
*They had an Oatmeal Bar!*
After getting a great night’s rest, and enjoying the balcony for a bit, we headed down to the breakfast buffet at **[Brocks](https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/bhmhv-renaissance-birmingham-ross-bridge-golf-resort-and-spa/)** restaurant. Their all-you-can-eat smorgasbord has so much to offer! We tried salmon bagels, pastries, fresh fruit, bacon, an amazing breakfast casserole, and more! They have plenty of items that kids will enjoy as well. If you leave breakfast hungry, you aren’t doing it right.
*The Spa at Ross Bridge.*
*Photo courtesy of Spa at Ross Bridge.*
##The Spa Experience
The Spa at Ross Bridge is attached to the hotel and is a must if you want the full vacation experience!
*Amber enjoying a scented candle by The Spa at Ross Bridge.*
The staff gladly gave us a tour of the whirlpool, the steam rooms, and the private massage areas.
*The Quiet Room in the Spa at Ross Bridge*
*Refreshments in the Spa Area.*
The spa is split into male and female sides for privacy and maximum relaxation. Amber booked *The Ross Bridge Spa Journey* session and emerged completely refreshed! They offer a number of different services (listed **[HERE](https://www.marriott.com/hotelwebsites/us/b/bhmhv/bhmhv_pdfs/BHMHVSpaMenu2018.PDF)**), but all I could think of is how it would make for an amazing bachelorette weekend.
*The cardio equipment has a great view!*
##Get Energized
While Amber was enjoying her **[spa](https://www.instagram.com/spaatrossbridge/)** experience, I took to the **[gym](https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/fitness-center/bhmhv-renaissance-birmingham-ross-bridge-golf-resort-and-spa/)** to burn off at least some of what I had eaten at breakfast. The workout area is divided into a weight room and a cardio room. The equipment in the cardio room faces a wall of windows that allow you to gaze out onto the pool deck as you exercise. This area also connects to the indoor pool and hot tub.
*Indoor hot tub & pool area.*
A Relaxing Evening
Even though we were on a staycation, there are things that take priority, like Alabama football! Luckily, **[JT's Lounge](https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/bhmhv-renaissance-birmingham-ross-bridge-golf-resort-and-spa/)** had multiple televisions inside and on the balcony.
*Enjoying a Perdomo on the JT's Balcony*
The Crimson Tide were playing Tennessee, so the restaurant had a 50% “RTR Discount” on cigars! In keeping with tradition I enjoyed a nice Perdomo on the balcony after the win.
I realized that this is a great place to watch the game with friends even if you aren’t staying the night!
*Checkers set inside JT's Bar.*
As we sat on the JT's balcony, we noticed people gathering around the fire-pits on the veranda. As it turns out, the Resort was serving up S’mores!
*S'mores on the veranda.*
We headed down and gathered around other guests as we toasted marshmallows over the flames. There was a table that had all of the ingredients to make S’mores, but it also had various candy for us to use! Have you ever had a Twix or a York Peppermint S’more?! How had we never thought of this?!
The S’mores were amazing and we got to chat with other guests who were staying for various reasons like a wedding, golfing, and a conference.
*You should see this lit up at night!*
To end the night, Amber and I braved the cool air to enjoy the outdoor hot tub in a grotto like area. This was the perfect way to end the evening and to relax before heading to bed.
*The indoor pool is open year round.*
If it’s too cold out, the indoor pool and hot tub are available for use year-round and in all types of weather.
*Waterfall by the hot tub.*
##It’s all in the details
We noticed so many ongoing events at the Resort during our stay that we would try and guess what reasons guests had for staying. It didn’t take long for us to realize that Renaissance Ross Bridge is equipped to handle just about anything in their spacious conference halls.
*Yet another amazing sunset.*
As our weekend came to a close we could not have been more pleased with our experience. There were a few staff members who we struck up conversations with and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves.
When you travel, the attitude of the staff can make or break an experience. We can say that the Renaissance staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home, even if it was something a simple as having a brief personal conversation with us.
*Such a stately building.*
While the look of the Resort is very impressive, it was all of the small details, like the kind and friendly staff, that made such a large building seem so welcoming and cozy. If we needed anything all we had to do was ask and it was taken care of with a genuine smile.
*We spoke with a lot of the staff while hanging out here.*
We were so grateful for the opportunity to stay at **[Renaissance Ross Bridge](https://www.facebook.com/RENBirminghamRossBridge/)** and left feeling well rested and rejuvenated. It was also nice being able to get home in under twenty minutes instead of a long trip back. If you are looking for a fun getaway we can say, without a doubt, that Renaissance Ross Bridge will be a experience you’re not soon to forget.
*Tower Suite Balcony.*
Whether it’s for an anniversary (like our trip), or a girls only getaway you are sure to enjoy all that the Resort has to offer. When you meet guests who have traveled from all over the country you realize that it’s easy to forget that this gem is hidden right in Birmingham’s back yard.
-Russell H.
*You can follow them on **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/RENBirminghamRossBridge/)** and **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/renrossbridge/)**!*
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*This is a partner post with Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and Spa. They graciously provided us with a weekend stay for our anniversary. Our opinions are our own.*