The latest chapter of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ storied history has arrived, with the legendary beachfront resort unveiling a dramatic transformation drawing inspiration from the historic glamour of travel and the destination’s unique coastal elegance…
The dramatic transformation of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples includes the addition of the new Vanderbilt Tower, which features an expansive new Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge and more than seventy club-level guestrooms, along with a new resort lobby and three new dining experiences. The transformed resort also presents new outdoor spaces including new pools, bungalows and cabanas, along with extensive redesigns to all 474 guestrooms and suites.
“We are proud to welcome our loyal guests and new visitors, as well as the incredibly supportive local community to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples once more,” said Mark Ferland, Ritz-Carlton Area General Manager. “It is an honour to bring this incredible transformation to life at our iconic resort. The stunning redesign, coupled with new experiences invites guests to celebrate their memories and create new traditions.”
Architect Cooper Carry and Parker Torres Design collaborated to create interiors that honour the resort’s heritage and traditions. Paying homage to the classic elements of the Gulf Coast with a nod to the destination’s history, new accents create a timeless luxury experience for guests who immediately experience the elevated ambiance of the redesigned resort upon entering.
A nod to its role as the social epicentre of Naples, the new Lobby Bar pays homage to decades of celebrations with a signature champagne menu. The sophisticated space features elegantly modern lounge seating and a striking sculptural light installation with crystal pendants floating high above the marble-topped bar, capturing attention and admiration as soon as guests walk through the doors. This arrival experience sets the stage for the dramatic enhancements and new experiences yet to be discovered throughout.
Each of the resort’s 474 guestrooms and suites, including the all-new Club accommodations have been updated with a design that exudes a casual elegance and timelessness, reflecting the resort’s legacy of coastal sophistication. More spacious layouts provide further options for families, groups and extended stays.
One of the most notable changes to the footprint of the resort is the new Vanderbilt Tower, a 14-floor expansion adding more than 70 Club-Level rooms to the resort offerings. Reflecting the needs of today’s luxury traveller, the signature tower has been designed exclusively for Club Level guests, complete with a dedicated check-in, more spacious and highly appointed guestrooms and an elevated Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge experience. At a sprawling 4,000 square-feet, this new Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is a pioneer within the brand with private spaces for dining and entertainment, along with curated programming that connects guests with unique resort and local experiences.
Floor to ceiling windows pour natural light into the sun-drenched space, which is filled with comfortable seating for a morning breakfast or sunset drink. Elements of the sea are seamlessly incorporated into the design of the Club Lounge, from the flow of the tides represented in the carpeting, to vintage postcards
depicting Naples over the decades donning the walls. A dedicated full-service bar with a dramatic light installation provides an exclusive space for aperitifs and nightcaps, while a dedicated play area entertains and engages the resort’s youngest guests.
Now home to eight unique dining destinations, the property shelters a dynamic culinary journey with new concepts bringing modern flair and flavours that expand upon the already extensive offerings found at the resort. From refined bites at the Lobby Bar to vegetable-forward shared dishes at Sofra, Executive Chef Satish Yerramilli has crafted menus that allow each restaurant to offer an experience unique to each space.
The stunning new Lobby Bar is the first taste of the new culinary and cocktail experiences offered by the resort. With a Master Sommelier-designed menu of champagnes and elevated pairings, the Lobby Bar celebrates the heritage of the space as a noted gathering point in the Naples community for decades. Anchored by a Signature Champagne Tasting Menu, the bar features elevated light bites including oysters, caviar, crispy tuna and wagyu truffle sliders with gold leaf.
Serving lunch and dinner, Sofra is a vegetable-forward restaurant inspired by the shareable, flavourful plates of the Eastern Mediterranean. Located on the ground floor of the Vanderbilt Tower and just steps away from the pool, this open-air concept is inspired by the fishing industry with design nods such as lighting pendants resembling nets and dishes highlighting local seafood. Guests are pulled into the space by a dramatic structural piece above the bar that anchors the restaurant resembling the magnetic pull that brings loggerhead turtles to the area each year.
Long days spent lounging in the Florida sunshine is key when visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and the resort has found new ways to elevate poolside experiences. Ten fully enclosed, air-conditioned bungalows with cascading doors provide the ultimate in poolside comfort and luxury, each with its own private bath, television and entertainment system and service bar for refreshments. Additionally, ten cabanas will be added to the pool area, each with plush seating, ceiling fans and televisions, serving as a luxurious home base for outdoor relaxation.
The revitalised outdoor experience joins the completed transformation of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Spa, which made its debut in January 2022. The luxury spa provides a sense of place, with light coastal hues reflective of the seaside destination throughout. The serene and welcoming palette complements the renowned treatments and therapies that utilise local herbs and botanicals for an immersive and invigorating experience. The luxury spa will be welcoming guests and members again by early August.
Main image credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples