The latest chapter of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ storied history has arrived as the luxury Florida resort opens its doors once again, welcoming its Ladies and Gentlemen, loyal guests, and the Naples community home. The legendary beachfront resort has undergone a dramatic transformation, introducing the new Vanderbilt Tower, which boasts a spacious Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge and over seventy club-level guestrooms. Additionally, visitors will discover a new resort lobby and three fresh dining experiences. The resort’s makeover also includes new outdoor spaces featuring pools, bungalows, and cabanas, along with extensive redesigns of all 474 guest rooms and suites.
Ritz-Carlton Area General Manager, Mark Ferland, expressed his pride in welcoming back their Ladies and Gentlemen, loyal guests, and new visitors, as well as the incredibly supportive local community. He considered it an honor to bring this incredible transformation to life at their iconic resort, emphasizing that the stunning redesign and new experiences invite guests to celebrate cherished memories and create new traditions.
Architect Cooper Carry and Parker Torres Design drew inspiration from the glamorous history of travel and the destination’s unique coastal elegance to create interiors that pay homage to the resort’s heritage and traditions. With a nod to the classic elements of the Gulf Coast and the destination’s history, new accents have been incorporated, offering guests a timeless luxury experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
As guests make their way onto the new front drive, the excitement builds as The Ritz-Carlton, Naples comes into view. The moment they step inside, they immediately feel the elevated ambiance of the redesigned resort. The stylish and exquisitely furnished atmosphere evokes a sense of appreciation for the rich history within this pristine haven and curiosity about the new resort waiting to be explored.
The new Lobby Bar, a tribute to its role as the social epicenter of Naples, commemorates decades of celebrations with its signature champagne menu. Featuring elegantly modern lounge seating and a striking sculptural light installation with floating crystal pendants above the marble-topped bar, the sophisticated space captures attention and admiration from the moment guests walk through the doors. This arrival experience sets the stage for the remarkable enhancements and new experiences that lie ahead.
Each of the resort’s 474 guestrooms and suites, including the all-new Club accommodations, has been updated with a design that emanates casual elegance and timelessness, paying tribute to the resort’s legacy of coastal sophistication. The more spacious layouts provide additional options for families, groups, and extended stays.
One of the most remarkable changes to the resort’s layout is the new Vanderbilt Tower, a 14-floor expansion that adds over 70 Club-Level rooms to the resort’s offerings. Reflecting the needs of today’s luxury traveler, the tower is exclusively designed for Club Level guests, featuring a dedicated check-in, spacious and luxuriously appointed guestrooms, and an elevated Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge experience. Spanning 4,000 square feet, this pioneering Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge offers private dining and entertainment spaces, along with curated programming that connects guests to unique resort and local experiences.
The sun-drenched space of the Club Lounge is filled with floor-to-ceiling windows that pour in natural light, inviting guests to enjoy breakfast or a sunset drink in comfortable seating. The design seamlessly incorporates elements of the sea, from the flow of the tides represented in the carpeting to vintage postcards showcasing Naples’ history adorning the walls. A dedicated full-service bar with a captivating light installation provides an exclusive space for aperitifs and nightcaps, while a dedicated play area entertains and engages the resort’s youngest guests. In addition to the excellent service and meal presentations expected within a Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, guests can also enjoy interactive experiences such as cooking demonstrations and pop-up visits from local farms, among others.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has expanded its culinary offerings with the addition of eight unique dining destinations, providing guests with a diverse and exciting culinary journey. Executive Chef Satish Yerramilli has created menus that offer a distinct experience in each restaurant, from sophisticated bites at the Lobby Bar to vegetable-forward shared dishes at Sofra.
The newly unveiled Lobby Bar sets the stage for the resort’s culinary and cocktail experiences. With a menu of champagnes and pairings designed by a Master Sommelier, the bar pays homage to its historical significance as a renowned gathering place in the Naples community. Guests can indulge in elevated light bites such as oysters, caviar, crispy tuna, and wagyu truffle sliders with gold leaf.
Sofra, a lunch and dinner spot located on the ground floor of the Vanderbilt Tower, draws inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. This open-air concept embraces the flavors of the region, with design elements reminiscent of the fishing industry and dishes highlighting local seafood. The menu focuses on seasonal dishes, featuring shareable favorites like cold mezzes, braised artichokes, and a delightful olive oil cart with house-made breads.
Moka, the resort’s newest addition, offers an extensive selection of coffee made from carefully chosen beans in collaboration with a third-generation roasting family. Furthermore, the resort has plans to announce a fourth restaurant concept later this year, adding another unique culinary experience to complement its existing dining options, including Dusk, Gumbo Limbo (reopening on July 19), and The Grill (reopening on July 26).
In addition to its culinary delights, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has enhanced its poolside experience to ensure guests have the ultimate relaxation. Ten fully enclosed, air-conditioned bungalows with cascading doors offer luxurious comfort, each equipped with a private bath, television, entertainment system, and service bar for refreshments. Furthermore, ten cabanas with plush seating, ceiling fans, and televisions provide a luxurious outdoor retreat.
These outdoor enhancements accompany the recently transformed Ritz-Carlton, Naples Spa, which made its debut in January 2022. The 51,000 square-foot spa features a light coastal palette that complements the seaside destination, and guests can enjoy treatments and therapies that incorporate local herbs and botanicals for a truly immersive and rejuvenating experience. The spa will reopen to guests and members in early August.
With these new additions, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional experiences to its guests and contributing to the future of the destination. The resort is now open and ready to welcome guests and visitors, inviting them to create lasting memories and traditions.
For more information or to make a reservation at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/naples or call 239-598-3300.