📝 usncan Note: The Insider’s Guide To Naples’ Two Ritz-Carlton Resorts
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The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is a beacon of beachside luxury on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Sea turtles are fascinating creatures. Did you know that females typically lay between 80 to 100 eggs at a time? That means thousands of eggs make their way onto Naples, Florida, shores every year between May and October.
Another thing: before the eggs hatch, the reptile’s sex is determined by the temperature of the sand in which they’re incubated. If it’s cool enough, males are typically born. As things warm up, more females will appear.
With two stellar Ritz-Carlton properties within four miles of each other, you’d think a similar phenomenon might play out when it comes to visitors choosing where to stay — if the forecast calls for heat and humidity, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ spectacular locale near the nesting turtles makes the most sense. If it feels cooler, the more-inland Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón could be the better option.
But with so much to offer in the way of accommodations, activities and amazing food, both properties prove to be winners no matter the weather.
Inside one of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ coastal chic suites.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Arguably the crown jewel of Southwest Florida, coastal city Naples has an air of sophistication you can feel like a gulf breeze. At the heart of this refined aura since 1985 is The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. First birthdays, 50th wedding anniversaries and every milestone in between has been held at this property.
The Ritz is looking back at 40 years of memorable moments with themed events throughout its own anniversary year. Room discounts ($19.85 for a third night), spa specials (an October menopause retreat) and an epicurean extravaganza (Naples Longest Table fundraiser in December) will all be a part of the celebration. The resort’s even set up a commemorative website, where patrons can post photos and write about their past stays in a virtual scrapbook.
Find good vibes and great views at Gumbo Limbo.
DeMarco Williams
If you’d rather focus on making new memories, there are plenty of opportunities to do that, too. A major renovation in 2023 gave the rooms a brighter, coastal feel with more tech. The polished Club Lounge in the new Vanderbilt Tower is an exclusive hideaway with all-day bites (like the delectable almond pound cake); a fully stocked, horseshoe-shaped bar; and a Club Kids’ Room to keep the smallest guests occupied for a while.
When it’s time to dine, the culinary options are bountiful. If you’re dying to wear that new linen two-piece ensemble, reserve a table at the Italian-flavored Nolita. When you’re craving nigiri and a Negroni, stop by Dusk. And should you be in the mood for one of the best lobster quesadillas you’ve ever had, pull up a chair at Gumbo Limbo.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón is a golf and tennis paradise.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
If The Ritz-Carlton, Naples emphasizes barefoot elegance, this sister property less than 10 minutes away suggests lacing up your sneakers for a bit of Florida fun. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón isn’t near the beach — there is a shuttle, however, that runs between the properties every 30 minutes — but with so much going on at the country club-like resort with 295 Mediterranean-style rooms, chances are you won’t miss the sand for a second.
Tiburón Golf Club is composed of two Greg Norman-designed beauties that are surrounded by palm trees and native foliage. After you’ve tackled the gorgeous fairways and impeccably kept greens on the Black and Gold courses, have a drink or grab a bite at Sydney’s Pub.
Cool off after a busy day at the Reservoir waterpark.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
For those who are more into rackets than clubs, the Mouratoglou Tennis Center, which operates under the leadership of Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, welcomes everyone from children swinging their first backhand to former All-Americans trying to get the rust off. The teachers are patient pros. The facilities are spotless sanctuaries.
After you’ve worked up a sweat or lost the golf bet, cool off at the Reservoir, the resort’s waterpark that’s outfitted with slides and a lazy river. When you get a hankering for food, walk over to Ria (Latin American cuisine) or Bella Vista Lounge (bar bites and adult beverages). You won’t get a view of nesting sea turtles at Lemonía, but if you find the right spot on the terrace overlooking the golf course, you can catch a glimpse of a few birdies on the green and the occasional rabbit hopping along in the bushes.
The seafood is spectacular at the Turtle Club.
DeMarco Williams
Great Stops In Between
As much as we’d understand if you never left either Ritz-Carlton during your stay, we’d be remiss if we didn’t advise you to explore the city.
The off-property food scene is incredible. The waterfront Turtle Club is one of those community institutions that’s survived everything — 2022’s Hurricane Ian devastated this part of Florida and did a particularly rough number on the Vanderbilt Beach Resort where this restaurant sits — with a warm-smiling staff and wonderfully prepared seafood. Get whatever fresh catch the waiter suggests that day. But no matter what you order, make sure to start the meal with lemon aioli-covered calamari that’s flash-fried to perfection.
Get lost in Naples Botanical Garden’s serenity.
DeMarco Williams
Another standout is Bar Tulia, an Italian-influenced restaurant in the middle of the Mercato shopping district. The place has a cozy, familial vibe (with black-and-white family photos on the wall) and a menu of delicious dishes like Sicilian meatballs and a Pecorino Romano-topped bucatini you’ll wish you could replicate back home.
When it’s time to walk off your lunch, stop by Naples Botanical Garden for a delightful detour. The 16-year-old attraction keeps visitors coming back every year with lush permanent green spaces representing various corners of the globe while enticing curious new guests with temporary showings like photographer John Eder’s vibrant “The Way It Looked That Day” (through January 2026).
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