Ritz Carlton, Naples
One of the 2009 "Conde Nast Traveler" Gold List properties, this beachfront resort offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Almost all the 450 guest rooms, including 35 suites and 70 Club Level accommodations, have a private balcony with views of the beach and the gulf. All rooms feature 400-count Egyptian cotton sheets, large flat-screen televisions with DVD players, iPod docking stations, marble baths, luxurious bathrobes and twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown services. A world-class spa offers more than 30 treatment rooms, wellness and nutrition programs and a complimentary fitness center. There are two heated outdoor pools, including an adult-only lap pool, a whirlpool and a children's pool. The poolside cabanas offer personal concierge service, and guests can explore
three miles of sandy beach. Beach chairs, cabanas and umbrellas are provided by the resort, along with numerous water activities such as parasailing, pedal boating and kayaking. There are four lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, and professionals are available for lessons or clinics. The dining venues include the Grill, Gumbo Limbo, the Sushi Bar, Terrace, Poolside Cafe, the Lobby Lounge, the Gourmet Shop and H2O Spa Cafe. A complimentary shuttle provides transportation to a sister property, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, only three miles away. The golf resort features the Greg Norman-designed championship Tiburon Golf Course, along with Har-Tru tennis courts, outdoor heated pools, several restaurants and a spa.
Ritz Carlton, Naples
280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd.
Naples, FL 34108
(239) 598-3300
ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Naples/Default.htm
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
This resort, a Florida Certified Green Lodge, features a championship golf course, a tennis center, a luxurious day spa, a large swimming pool and a fitness center. Six beachfront buildings feature 319 guest rooms and suites equipped with wireless high-speed Internet access, as well as kitchenettes with a refrigerator and a microwave. The 6,488-yard, par 72 golf course is the oldest in the Naples community. Individual and group lessons are available through the on-site golf school. A full-service pro shop, club rentals, locker room facilities and practice facilities with a warm-up range, a short game area and a 14,500-square-foot putting green complete the comprehensive experience. Private tennis lessons and clinics for adults and juniors are available on six Har-Tru courts at the on-site Mary C. Watkins Tennis Center. With four restaurants, a sunset beach bar, retail shops, extensive events facilities, beachfront wedding packages and a complimentary Klub 4 Kids, the luxury resort offers something for everyone.
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
851 Gulf Shore Boulevard North
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 261-2222
naplesbeachhotel.com/
Naples Grande Beach Resort
Situated directly on the beach, this upscale all-suite hotel is situated on a 23-acre property along the Gulf of Mexico. Guests can enjoy water sports on three miles of white-sand beach or explore the nearby private mangrove estuary, which is accessible by boardwalk. There are three swimming pools, private cabanas, a 100-foot water slide and whirlpools. Guests have access to the 18-hole, par 72 Naples Grande Golf Course, and children can spend the day in the Naples Grande Kids Club. Tennis lessons, clinics and challenging matches are available on the 15 Har-Tru courts managed by the renowned Peter Burswash International professionals. Soothing and rejuvenating treatments are available at the Golden Door Spa. Dining options range from beachside casual to upscale cosmopolitan, including the lobby bar and restaurant, Aura, as well as a classic steakhouse, the Strip House. In addition, the restaurants and boutique shops of the Waterside Shops are within walking distance.
Naples Grande Beach Resort
475 Seagate Drive
Naples, FL 340103
naplesgranderesort.com/
About The Author
Betsy Bender is a media consultant with experience in publishing, event management, media relations, digital media and television production. Specializing in entertainment, travel and sports, Bender has worked with high-profile personalities, facilitated publicity campaigns for network television programs and traveled to more than 100 cities in eight countries, including Russia and Australia.