When I entered my suite at The Riz-Carlton, Naples I set down my suitcase and walked to the balcony. The Florida sun was setting over the ocean and bright pinks, oranges, and reds were melting like wax across the sky. Despite being exhausted from a long day of flying, I didn’t step back inside until the last drop of color flickered into the night. Only then, did I take in the place I’d call home for the next three nights.
I was among the first to stay in this room. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples re-opened in 2023 after a renovation due to extensive damage from Hurricane Ian. Although tragic, the destruction provided an opportunity for the already luxurious resort to embark on a remodel elevating it from one of the finest beachfront resorts in the United States to one of the finest beachfront resorts in the world.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Vanderbilt Tower (The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)
I was lodging in a bi-level suite in the all-new Vanderbilt Tower. The top floor featured a generous living room drenched in beige, gold, and a hint of pastel blue, evoking the ocean, sky, and sand. This floor also offered a small table, an espresso machine, and a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower. Downstairs, there was yet another private balcony, a king bed with sumptuous linens, and a second marble bathroom with a shower and soaking tub. Both bathrooms boasted Diptyque bath amenities, a small luxury that delighted me almost as much as having two balconies.
Bi-level suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Vanderbilt Tower (The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)
The largest club lounge outside of Dubai
My reservation in a Vanderbilt Tower bi-level suite included access to the re-imagined club lounge, which at 4,000-plus square feet, is the largest in Ritz-Carlton’s portfolio outside of Dubai. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a large balcony opened up to the spectacular beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Bespoke art, custom furnishings, and elegant coastal hues made the space feel like a lavish extension of the natural environment.
The club lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples (The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples club experience includes a separate seated check-in area, a dedicated concierge team, a kid’s play area, an exclusive full-service cocktail bar, and five daily culinary presentations like made-to-order omelets, risotto, fresh sushi, and cocktails and cordials. In addition to these chef-prepared offerings, a 24-hour snack pantry provides packaged snacks and soft drinks on the go (a lifesaver if you arrive late or have to depart in the wee hours of the morning for an early flight). The offerings were so appealing I could have easily enjoyed all my meals at the lounge but I was eager to check out the other dining experiences at the resort.
The exclusive bar in the club lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples (The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)
The dining experience
There are eight different food and beverage concepts at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Dusk features small plates and sushi. I’m originally from Seattle, where we are admittedly snobby about our sushi, and this was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The fish, spices, and flavors were so fresh and delicious that I’m still thinking about it months later.
Sofra is a vegetable-forward open-air eatery inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. The food here is simple in the best possible way because the chef utilizes such quality ingredients that the dishes speak for themselves. Sofra was recently voted one of the top ten hotel restaurants in the country in the USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards and the honor is well-deserved.
Cocktails with a view at the Sand Bar (The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)
For casual meals, Gumbo Limbo offers cocktails and outdoor dining on the beach. It’s hard to beat fish tacos, burgers, conch chowder, and crisp salads served against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico so I couldn’t resist eating here twice during my stay.
I didn’t have time to sample all of the restaurants but other options include the upscale New York-style Italian restaurant, Nolita; the Lobby Bar, which focuses on fine champagne, craft cocktails, and small plates; Moka, a coffee and sweet shop; the outdoor Sand Bar, and steaks and seafood at The Grill.
Highlighted amenities
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples offers a family-friendly pool plus an adults-only pool to allow guests to relax in the manner that suits them best. Both pools feature food and beverage service from plush lounge chairs, or you can upgrade to a cabana or an air-conditioned bungalow with a private bathroom. I love cabanas but the air-conditioned bungalows are next level. The living area provided the perfect place to cool down and enjoy lunch with a large sectional sofa and a television – and not having to put on my wrap and flip-flops to walk to the bathroom was a game changer.
An air-conditioned poolside bungalow at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples (The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)
Of course, the most prized amenity at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples was an endless stretch of fine white sugar sand. I spent an entire afternoon sipping drinks and napping on a lounge chair underneath an umbrella by the ocean. They’ve since added bungalows to the waterfront, too.
At 51,000 square feet, the spa is a kingdom of wellness offering personalized spa treatments, a salon, a fitness center, saunas, steam rooms, and a private outdoor aqua lounge with a mineral pool and cold plunge pools. Spa treatments incorporate local botanicals and herbs. My massage was so relaxing that I fell asleep within five minutes. I felt utterly reinvigorated when my session was over.
Complimentary shuttle service provides transportation to sister property, Ritz-Carlton, Tiburón where amenities like a championship golf course and family-pleasing amenities like a lazy river and water slides. I thought about catching a ride to take a peek but I didn’t want to miss a second of the Ritz-Carlton, Naples experience. Considering how often I’ve since reminisced about those three nights of luxury, it was the right choice.
Tamara Gane is based in Reno/Lake Tahoe. She takes dozens of trips a year and shares the best destinations, accommodations, experiences, and travel gear with her readers.
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Publish date : 2024-08-25 12:59:00
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