This Beloved Florida Resort Exudes a Laid-Back Country Club Atmosphere — and Every Room Boasts a View of the Gulf Coast

The spiraling family pool was buzzing with energy. Attentive, uniformed staff served hungry kids their fries, while parents enjoyed massive daiquiris served in pineapple cups. The game lawn buzzed with excitement, featuring competitive cornhole matches and sign-up events like a stuffed animal-making workshop for the kids and a water balloon toss (with a few sneaky adults joining in). A guacamole cart made a tasty appearance by the beach entrance, alongside a cheerful, candy-striped popcorn machine. Inside, a tie-dye class was in session — but who would want to leave such a lively atmosphere?

Indeed, there were so many delightful and whimsical activities throughout our four-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, that I turned to my husband and asked, only half-joking: “Are we truly at a Ritz-Carlton?”

This 38-year-old gem is a flagship for the esteemed hotel brand, which boasts a lineup of premier properties across Florida. However, 'legacy' today doesn't mean formal attire or rigid service. In fact, this 474-room hub along the Gulf Coast is so family-friendly and inviting that it feels more like a casual country club than a traditional hotel.

With family nearby, I've stayed and dined here multiple times and can confirm: the Ritz-Carlton truly comes alive during 'season,' which runs roughly from November to April as snowbirds, mostly from the Midwest, flock south to escape the chill. If you're visiting for leisure, you’ll encounter many seasonal residents celebrating weddings or anniversaries with Champagne toasts. The soft, sandy beach offers a safe, serene space for everyone to build sandcastles, dive into a good book, and enjoy the gentle waves of the Gulf.

Thanks to a $100-million renovation following Hurricane Ian, the resort has a renewed vibrancy. This extensive update features the new Vanderbilt Tower, a 14-story addition that integrates beautifully with the original Italianate-inspired design. It’s hard to distinguish the new from the old: everything shines with a light, coastal ambiance, thanks to architect Cooper Carry and Boston's Parker Torres Design. Fortunately, some favorites remain unchanged. Gumbo Limbo, a laid-back waterside eatery perched on stilts among the mangroves, continues to be one of the most sought-after dining spots in the area.

The Accommodations

The resort boasts 474 rooms adorned with modern, nautical decor, with the smallest measuring a spacious 434 square feet. Each room offers either coastal or oceanfront vistas, balconies, and marble bathrooms, most featuring generous shower stalls. After the renovation, many former 'standard' rooms were merged to create larger suites, catering to the needs of today’s family travelers. My family of three enjoyed a one-bedroom suite, which included a spacious living room, a user-friendly coffee maker, and a bathtub — a fantastic feature for my son, who loves a long soak. (If you're a fan of bathtubs, be sure to request one of the 150 suites or queen-bedded rooms.) Grasscloth headboards and integrated bedside reading lamps lend the rooms an elegant, residential feel — complemented by full-size bottles of Diptyque amenities, adding a lovely touch of luxury.

The newly opened Vanderbilt Tower features 70 ‘club floor’ suites, granting access to a 4,000-square-foot club at its base: essentially, a special concierge area or a mini-hotel within the hotel. This is the largest Ritz-Carlton club floor in North America, and I was impressed by the attentive service (make sure to say hello to Esmeralda, who has been part of the resort for over 20 years) as well as the four daily buffet offerings. Here’s a taste: crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and muesli for breakfast; turkey club sandwiches, hummus, and crudités for lunch; and fresh crab, lobster, and made-to-order risotto for dinner. A cookie bar, conveniently situated at the entrance of the club, is a treat — as is the full-service bar, where complimentary Champagne tastings are occasionally hosted, no reservations needed.

Culinary Offerings

With eight on-site dining options, including the upscale steakhouse The Grill, the stylish sushi bar Dusk, and the relaxed coffeehouse Moka, you won't need to venture far for a meal. However, dining without a reservation isn’t the best idea: with locals frequently stopping by, securing a good table can be a challenge. We particularly enjoy unwinding with a margarita alongside breathtaking Gulf views at the Sand Bar, a cozy spot perched on a wooden pier extending into the Gulf. For a more formal dining experience, there’s the adjacent Gumbo Limbo. Their standout dish? Irresistibly sweet-and-savory coconut shrimp, lovingly prepared by a dedicated kitchen staff member — a whopping 1,500 each day. This casual eatery offers a nearly toes-in-the-sand atmosphere. And when the pier bell chimes to announce sunset, it truly feels like everything is in perfect harmony.

Sofra, located at the base of the Vanderbilt Tower, is the delightful newcomer that surprises with its Mediterranean-inspired offerings. Chef Johann Piscoya’s menu features plenty of local vegetables, creating dishes that feel light and perfect for a beach setting. We shared several plates and dived into the flavors: creamy hummus topped with crispy onions; a local heirloom tomato salad with barrel-aged feta; grilled sea bream seasoned to perfection and coated in a delicate garlic paste; and vegetarian manti, buttery dumplings served in a rich yogurt sauce with tomato, garlic, and mint butter.

Activities and Amenities

It’s all about the water. The family pool, recently enhanced during renovations, gets lively (pro tip: arrive early to secure a lounger), but you can find tranquility by renting one of the ten new air-conditioned bungalows surrounding the pool area. Each bungalow, named after Florida islands, includes private bathrooms, TVs, mini-bars stocked with water and soft drinks, and a dedicated butler to take snack and cocktail orders. We rented one for the day, enjoyed burgers, watched college football, and appreciated having a cozy spot to warm up when the sun hid behind the clouds.

The two new pools offer guests more options and different atmospheres. The adults-only pool, featuring ‘cool-off’ lounge chairs built into the shallow water, feels like a serene escape from the noise and splashes; if you’re seeking an outdoor workout, check out the lap pool, which is often less crowded. The expansive 51,000 square-foot spa and fitness center, spread across three levels with a grand spiral staircase, is another highlight. While it may lack intimacy (with 32 treatment rooms, the waiting area can get busy during peak times), it excels in the variety of treatments and the skill of its therapists. I experienced a “Sea Holistic” massage, which included herbal poultices and a gentle scrub made from local salt. You can add services like a scalp massage or dry skin brushing for an extra fee to any treatment. Need to work out? The fitness center is open 24 hours a day and offers personal trainers upon request. If that’s not enough, the nearby Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, accessible via a complimentary shuttle, features two Greg Norman-designed golf courses and a family-friendly water recreation area, complete with three waterslides and a winding river.

Accessibility

The resort features spacious hallways, large elevators, and a grand lobby devoid of furniture in the entryway; it offers 59 ADA-compliant rooms, including suites and coastal or oceanfront accommodations. All dining venues and bars within the resort meet ADA standards.

The Location

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, is situated right on the beach, providing easy public access to the Gulf of Mexico. For a night out, Fifth Avenue South, with its upscale restaurants, bars, and shops, is just a quick 10-minute drive away, as is Waterside Shops, an outdoor mall featuring boutiques like Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, and a sizable Saks Fifth Avenue. The beautiful Naples Botanical Garden focuses on tropical plants and boasts extensive grounds with ADA-compliant paths. If the weather turns rainy or you need a break from the beach, consider visiting the Naples Zoo, the Naples Train Museum, or the Naples Players theater as great alternatives.

Maximizing the Value of Your Stay

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is a participant in the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program and is recognized as a Virtuoso property.