As the social season (and cooler weather) approaches, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, South Beach and Fort Lauderdale will launch a new season of Full Moon gatherings, whose humble beginnings emanated from a history book describing Tequesta Indians naming Key Biscayne “Bischiyano,” which meant “favorite path of the rising moon” in their language.

Our romantic imaginations took off, and the Full Moon parties began. You have three soirees to choose from – all beautiful, with different, creative variations; some with mystical themes, one with a charitable component, and one with its own Constellation Concierge to point out the celestial sights in the heavens.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels Of Miami And Fort Lauderdale Harness The Power Of The Moon Launch Full Moon Series For 2011/2012 Season

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami Moonrise Dinner Dates:
2011: November 10; December 10
2012: January 9, February 7, March 8, April 6, May 6, June 4
When the Tequesta Indians first landed on Key Biscayne’s idyllic shore, they named it “Bischiyano” (“Favorite Path of the Rising Moon,”) for its breathtaking natural phenomenon. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami was so inspired by the monthly occurrence, it created “Moonrise dinners” at signature restaurant Cioppino to transport guests to the mystical past. With an ever-changing four-course menu from Italy’s gastronomic regions created by master Italian Chef Ezio Gamba, tabletop telescopes, and a Constellation Concierge, which is a private guide to the night sky that helps guests pinpoint celestial objects, including stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies, this is one of Miami’s best kept secret dinners. Well-priced at $60 per person / $90 per person with wine pairings (or the option to order from the Cioppino menu). (305-365-4286)

While The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami island location lends itself to romantic dinners under the stars, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale create party atmospheres. Both soirees are open to the public, have reduce-priced valet parking, cocktail & appetizer specials and the city’s top DJs spinning.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Oceanfront Dilido Beach Club
Legends of the Full Moon series, oceanfront, with oversized telescopes to watch the moon rising out of the Atlantic, and $10 light bites, specialty cocktails, décor, music and surprises to reflect the mystical qualities of each legend. One surprise: The DiLido happily takes table reservations, which are just that: a reservation to be seated without the obligation of pricey bottle service most clubs charge. (786-276-4008)
7-11 p.m.
October 15 Launch Party: Chang’e, Chinese Goddess of the Moon / $10 light bites, a live chef action station, specialty Lychee Lotus and Thai One On cocktails by Master Mixologist Ramsey Pimentel, Chinese ribbon dancer and more.
November 11: Selene, Greek Titan Goddess of the Moon / $10 light bites, a live chef action station, Ouozo cocktails, fire dancer and more.
December 9: Tecciztecatl, Mexican Moon God / $10 light bites, a live chef action station, Tequila cocktails, Indian drummer with fire dancer and more.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Seventh Floor Tropical Pool Deck
Named “The Party” by Condé Nast Traveler, this favorite Fort Lauderdale soiree is seemingly suspended over the ocean & has ever-changing themes, specialty priced cocktails and light bites, DJ Rob Riggs and charitable components to benefit the community. (954-465-2300)
7-10 p.m.
September 13: From Russia with Love, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
October 13: Benefiting the Miami Dolphins Foundation/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
November 10: Benefiting the Broward County Library System and its Books and Bears Drive.