The iconic five-diamond, five-star Ritz-Carlton, Naples is announcing an unprecedented summer 2013 refurbishment, the first of its kind in the resort’s 27-year history. This project will be one of the largest resort renovations within The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company’s portfolio. Refurbishments will include a complete overhaul of all 450-guest rooms, suites and corridors, three dinning outlets, Artisans the “princess ballroom,” as well as various structural, mechanical and engineering upgrades throughout the property. During the expansive two-month project, set to commence on July 24, 2013, the resort will not be accepting any guests, a first in its history. While the resort is being re-mastered its sister property, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, located just 10 minutes down the road, will be open and fully operational. Guests staying at the Golf Resort will have beach access via the complimentary resort shuttle to Vanderbilt Beach, with full Ritz-Carlton beach services and amenities as well as beach front dining at Gumbo Limbo restaurant.
“The decision to cease operations for the first time in the resort’s 27-year history is a true testament to our ongoing commitment to product and service excellence,” said Edward V. Staros, Vice President, Managing Director of The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples and one of the original founders of The Ritz-Carlton brand. “Our goal was to avoid any guest inconvenience during this time frame. When we reopen our doors on October 1, we look forward to delivering on this commitment by continuing to provide a world renowned level of luxury coupled with all the modern amenities expected by today’s global traveller.”
Interior designers, Wimberly Interiors are responsible for the new guest rooms, which will resemble a luxurious, residential beach home. The effect will bring the beauty of Naples indoors, with warm blues, greens and greys inspired by the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding landscape. The Ritz-Carlton sophistication will play into the design with clean lines and upscale fabrics that will appeal to both traditional and modern tastes.
On the culinary front, three of the resort’s restaurants will be fully re-mastered by New York-based design agency Blue Plate. The Sushi Bar, to be re-branded The Bar, will get an extended balcony, providing additional outdoor seating with Gulf of Mexico and sunset views. The Bar interior will be divided to allow for cosier areas while also creating an open space ideal for small events and entertainment. The lounge menu will be revamped to include sushi, small bites and creative cocktails.
The Terrace will reopen as Terrazza, an Italian eatery serving three meals a day. A new glass atrium with fully retractable doors will provide a seaside café feel with indoor and outdoor seating. The popular breakfast buffet will remain, but Terrazza’s new menu and design will make it a hot spot where guests and local residents alike will enjoy a casual lunch or Italian dinner.
The Grill steakhouse and speciality restaurant will continue as a classic establishment with new contemporary accents to the furnishings and décor. Refreshing the fabrics and updating. The Grill’s mahogany touches on the walls and floors will remain. The restaurant’s selections of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and collection of international wines will remain untouched.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples is a favourite wedding destination and as such the resort’s Artisans “princess ballroom” will be brightened with soft silvers, whites and light greys to resemble an elegant jewel box. Taking a cue from diamond wedding bands, new chandeliers will be added to the space and a restructuring to areas of the floor plan will help to expand the room while enhancing access to the resort’s numerous outdoor event venues.
This re-mastering coupled with the investments over the past ten years including a new lobby and lobby concept “Bites” as well as enhancements to other public spaces including 20,000 square feet of meeting space, demonstrates The Ritz-Carlton’s continued commitment to its guests and staff while ensuring that the resort’s reputation for world-class product and service excellence is enhanced.
This iconic re-mastering will solidify the resort’s position as the social centre of Naples, the destination that the resort helped to enhance when the hotel opened to much fanfare 27-years ago. The transformation will be unveiled on October 1, 2013, when the resort will welcome its first guests following the re-opening.
