Next-Level Naples

Relax and Recharge Ritz-Style

Retreat to longtime island favorite, the beachfront Ritz-Carlton, Naples, which recently emerged from a complete transformation that clutches to its regal history yet speaks to Naples’ modern progression. The arrival moment is breathtaking: the resort’s airy lobby now gleams in sophisticated white and gold tones, and a floating sculptural chandelier dripping in crystals beckons one to the new Champagne Bar. This is where you’ll want to begin vacation with a celebratory glass of bubbly and join a well-heeled crowd in the evenings for a nibble of caviar or something dusted with gold leaves or truffles. 

One of the most notable additions for vacationers seeking an elevated experience is the newly built Vanderbilt Tower, which flaunts its own check-in desk for more than 70 spacious club-level guest rooms and the largest Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge in North America. Vaunting 4,000-square feet, the Club is like an opulent world of its own, with nooks and private spaces like a media room to get work done or watch a game, and an adorable kid’s club. Club-level guests are treated to endless libations and expansive spreads throughout the day, from a buffet-style breakfast and lunch to evening hors d’oeuvres and live cooking stations. At night, gather around the U-shaped bar anchored by a glittering gold chandelier where a bartender holds court and shakes up cocktails. While guests could enjoy every meal inside the Club, you shouldn’t miss the property’s new Mediterranean restaurant Sofra for a unique meal that you can’t find anywhere else in Naples. Its Turkish-born executive chef leans on his personal recipes from his homeland and pours his heart into dishes packed with flavor and authentic ingredients, including veggie-forward sharing plates, melt-in-your-mouth lamb chops, a seabass steeped in a tomato and herb stew, and a cinnamon-tinged rice pudding for dessert. 

Spend your day floating in the calm Gulf water, choose from several new pools — including a new adult’s pool situated far from the gleeful screams of children — or tuck away in cabanas fitted with air conditioning, a private bath, and a TV. At the end of the day, celebrate Naples’ unforgettable sunsets by ringing the bell at beachfront Gumbo Limbo with a tropical cocktail in hand. Wellness is now a centerpiece of the resort, and the updated three-level Spa offers rich amenities and fitness perks for hotel guests, like gratis Pilates reformer classes. You could spend hours in the Aqua Lounges alternating between the hot tub and cold plunge, infrared sauna, steam room, and rooftop mineral pool. Choose a treatment that harnesses local stones and flower-based oils; the 80-minute “Sea Holistic” treatment will lull you into vacation bliss as steamed herbal poultices are worked into the body to relax tense muscles. 

Culinary Crawl

As a town with Italian influences at its heart, make reservations at staples like Bar Tulia on Fifth Avenue South to indulge in homemade pasta, including an indulgent braised lamb garganelli. It’s also worth venturing to the waterfront Osteria Capri for lunch or dinner, where lauded owner/chef AJ Black puts his modern spin on Italian classics, churning out simple dishes with fresh ingredients like a baked eggplant layered with cheese and a decadent housemade cacio e pepe tagliatelle pasta. The area’s culinary scene continues to evolve beyond Italian, with newcomers like the speakeasy-style steakhouse Rouge with its concealed door behind The French restaurant. The intimate 18-seat restaurant decked out in red focuses on prime cuts of meat and classics like shrimp cocktail and lobster tails. When you’re looking for a night out like a local, pop in Rebecca’s Wine Bar to sip on inventive cocktails or a glass of new-to-you wine, or head to The Vine Room, a vibey cocktail lounge where drinks smoke and come in inventive vessels.

Culture and Natural Beauty Intermingle

Pop in the upscale shops that dot Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South and dig into cultural spots around town, including the burgeoning Naples Design District. There, you’ll peruse decor showrooms and art galleries like Amy Moglia Heuerman’s new fine art gallery, where you’ll often see paintings in progress. Delve into the area’s natural beauty at the Naples Botanical Garden or embark on a unique excursion with Treasure Seekers Shell Tours in Marco Island. You’ll set off on a boat ride through the blue-green waters to stop at different islands, where a “shell ambassador” will help you hunt for coveted shells — trust us, you’ll bring home a bag full of treasures and spot marine life like dolphins. While the beloved Naples Pier is still under repair from 2022’s devastating hurricane, the surrounding beach remains a popular gathering spot for sunbathing and soaking up Naples’ biggest star: its nightly sunsets. Naples has just the right mix of old favorites and new happenings worthy of a vacation.