As you step inside the newly remastered Ritz-Carlton, Naples, you may be forgiven for being a bit distracted. In front of you, the brilliant coastal rays glisten through a stunning wall of floor-to-ceiling windows – the only thing between you and the cerulean blue gulf waters that lie beyond. 

Look up, and you’re captivated by the shimmer of a massive crystal chandelier that creates the centerpiece for the lobby’s 360-degree champagne bar.  (Make a note to return later to sample the bar’s menu of 50-plus champagnes.) And, in every direction, striking arrangements of tropical foliage – all created by the resort’s own designers — offset carefully curated artwork and unique sconces.

Meet the New Ritz-Carlton, Naples

In this backdrop, it’s hard to visualize that not long ago, this luxurious resort was six feet under water, thanks to the storm surge left behind by Hurricane Ian. The storm left months of devastation in its path and delayed a massive transformation already underway. But like most good things, it was worth the wait. The long-anticipated recent unveiling revealed a legendary evolution of this Florida beachfront icon.

Elevated Guest Experience

A major highlight of the renovation is the addition of the Vanderbilt Tower, the resort’s Club Level tower featuring 70-plus guestrooms with direct views of the Gulf of Mexico. The new tower boasts the most expansive Club Lounge in the Ritz-Carlton family, where guests are treated to their own full-service bar, media room, Kid’s Lounge, office space, and five daily culinary presentations in the private dining room.

Returning guests will notice extensive redesigns to all the resort’s 474 guestrooms and suites, incorporating furnishings, artwork, fixtures, and colors that evoke coastal sophistication.

Couple all that with its setting along the white sands of Vanderbilt Beach and you might just imagine yourself at an exclusive Caribbean retreat. Yet, even better. Because here, you can leave the passports at home.

Poolside Oasis

In a resort where fun in the sun is the activity of the day, the reimagined Ritz includes a revamped poolside experience featuring an adult pool, lap pool, hot tub, and family pool that adds plenty of splashiness for the kiddos. Pick a lounger poolside, or secure your own private hideaway in one of the 10 new fully enclosed and air-conditioned bungalows complete with flat screen TVs, bathrooms, service bars and comfy seating. Want an open-air space? Opt for one of the 10 pool cabanas as your home base.

Beachy Bliss, Steps Away

Let’s get real: these gorgeous white sand beaches and blue waters are the main attraction for visitors flocking to south Florida’s Naples region. There’s no better place to melt away the world than on one of the resort’s beach loungers in the shade of an umbrella. Order up a coconut mojito from the tiki bar or beachside servers, and settle into nothing but uninterrupted coastal views and gentle sea breezes. Don’t miss the epic sunsets and bell ringing, a resort tradition.

Sustainability Commitment

Environmental responsibility is ingrained in the resort’s culture. The boardwalk connecting the resort and beach leads guests over sensitive mangrove, native habitat that took a literal beating during Hurricane Ian. It is being nurtured back to health under the guidance of the resort’s own naturalist. In her nature discovery walks, she educates guests about the beach estuary ecosystem and the resort’s commitment to protect it and the migratory sea turtles who nest nearby.

Spacious Spa

Relax inside the 51,000-sq.ft. spa’s steam room, whirlpool and saunas, or head outdoors for a dip in the mineral pool. Spa treatments pay homage to the coast, incorporating local herbs and botanicals, as well as stones from the Gulf. Housed within the two-story space is a fitness center that is anything but your average hotel gym. Prefer group exercise? Try one of the many classes offered daily.

A Foodie’s Delight

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has long been a destination for culinary excellence, so it’s no surprise that new dining experiences featured large in its transformation. Foodies will rejoice in three new dining experiences including vegetable-forward Sofra, joining traditional favorites like sleek sushi restaurant Dusk and open-air Gumbo Limbo.

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 Cover photo Sue Dorio

Travel writer Sue Durio is a regular contributor to Texas Lifestyle magazine, where she shares her love for adventure travel and unique destinations. Contact her at www.linkedin.com/in/suedurio.