A Local’s Take on The Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach

Growing up in Naples, The Ritz-Carlton Naples has always been more than just a luxury hotel to me. Over the years, I’ve celebrated birthdays here, enjoyed afternoon tea, watched countless sunsets over dinner at Gumbo Limbo, attended holiday events like Teddy Bear Tea, admired the famous gingerbread house at Christmas, and enjoyed Christmas Eve dinners at Nolita while Santa made his way from table to table greeting families. My husband and I even celebrated at The Grill after he proposed years ago.

This is one of those rare hotels that has become woven into the memories of local families, and even after all these years, I still find reasons to come back. At this point, I think I’ve celebrated enough birthdays, holidays, and special occasions here that the staff should probably just assign me a permanent table.

Why stay here

Following a stunning renovation, The Ritz-Carlton Naples feels brighter, more modern, and more connected to the beach than ever before. Sitting directly on Vanderbilt Beach, this resort combines luxury with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that works equally well for couples, families, golfers, spa lovers, and multigenerational travelers.

What I love most is that the resort truly can make almost anything happen. Whether it’s a romantic dinner on the beach, a surprise proposal setup, family photo session, golf getaway, girls’ weekend, or a relaxing spa retreat, the team excels at creating memorable experiences.

The rooms

One of the things I love about the newly renovated Ritz-Carlton Naples is that nearly every room category is focused on the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike many beachfront resorts, you’re not looking at parking lots or inland views here.

Room categories include:

• Coastal View Guest Rooms

• Ocean View Guest Rooms

• Ocean Front Guest Rooms

• Club Coastal View Rooms

• Club Ocean Front Rooms

• Ocean View Suites

• Ocean Front Suites

• One-Bedroom Suites

• Two-Bedroom Suites

• The Royal Suite

• Presidential Ocean Front Suite

The renovated rooms feel bright, coastal, and sophisticated, with soft beach-inspired colors, beautiful marble bathrooms, and many featuring private balconies overlooking the Gulf. Whether you choose a Coastal View room or splurge on an Ocean Front Suite, the beach remains the star of the show.

The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge

Located in the Vanderbilt Tower, the Club Lounge feels like a luxury hotel within a luxury hotel.

Club Level guests enjoy:

• Dedicated concierge team

• Full-service cocktail bar

• Indoor and outdoor seating

• Children’s playroom

• Media room

• Five daily culinary presentations

• Exclusive programming

Many guests find themselves enjoying breakfast, lunch, appetizers, cocktails, desserts, and evening bites without ever leaving the lounge.

Let’s just say if you’re staying Club Level, don’t make too many dinner plans. Between the food presentations and cocktail offerings, it’s very easy to accidentally eat your way through the entire day.

Beach & pools

The beach is one of the biggest reasons guests choose this resort.

The white sand is beautiful, the sunsets are spectacular, and dolphin sightings are common. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available, making it easy to spend an entire day relaxing by the Gulf.

The beach chairs are perfectly positioned for reading a book, taking a nap, or pretending you’re reading a book while actually watching dolphins and people walk by.

The resort features:

• Family Pool

• Adult Pool

• Beachfront service

• Pool cabanas

• Pool bungalows

• Beach cabanas

One of my favorite things to do is sit at Gumbo Limbo and watch boats and dolphins pass by while enjoying lunch or sunset cocktails.

If you sit here long enough, you’ll likely see dolphins swimming by. If you’re traveling with me, you’ll also hear me loudly announcing every dolphin sighting like it’s breaking news.

Dining

One thing that keeps bringing me back is the dining. I’ve celebrated countless special occasions here over the years, and each restaurant offers something different.

Nolita

Nolita offers modern Italian-inspired cuisine in an elegant yet approachable setting.

Favorite dishes include: tomato bisque, braised short rib rigatoni, Margherita pizza, salmon, and tiramisu.

This is one of my favorite spots for holiday meals and family celebrations.

Gumbo Limbo

Located directly on the beach, Gumbo Limbo is one of Naples’ best spots for lunch, happy hour, or sunset dining.

Favorites include: chips and salsa, coconut shrimp, Caesar salad, seared salmon bowl, jumbo burger, key lime pie, and a coconut mai tai.

The views alone make this restaurant worth visiting.

Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar is a destination in itself. Featuring more than 50 varieties of champagne, it’s the perfect place for celebrations, cocktails, and people-watching.

Favorite menu items include: shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, sticky chicken and biscuits, warm chocolate cake, and their fresh strawberry cheesecake.

If you can dream up a cocktail, chances are they can make it.

During the holidays, this space becomes magical. Weekend afternoon tea is served seasonally, and the famous gingerbread house draws visitors from all over Southwest Florida.

Dusk

Dusk is perfect for Asian-inspired small plates, sushi, and creative cocktails.

Favorites include: miso soup, edamame, potstickers, chicken skewers, and sushi.

Don’t miss signature cocktails like the Sake Martini or Kyoto Negroni.

Sofra

Sofra transforms throughout the day.

During the day, it serves casual poolside favorites such as: chips and salsa, beer-battered onion rings, shrimp ceviche, fresh salads, crispy Cobb salad, Reuben sandwich, cheeseburgers, tuna wrap, and Florida key lime pie.

At night, Sofra becomes a Mediterranean dining experience.

Favorite dinner dishes include: braised artichoke with orange sauce, chicken skewers, grilled lamb chops, Mediterranean octopus, baked butternut squash, and rice pudding.

The Grill

The Grill is one of Naples’ classic fine-dining experiences and holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my husband and I celebrated after he proposed.

Favorites include: scallops, shrimp cocktail, oysters, wedge salad, beet salad, lobster bisque, short ribs, Faroe Island salmon, and Filet mignon.

And if you’re ordering sides, don’t skip the lobster mac and cheese.

Moka

Celebrating the tradition of Italian street cafés, Moka serves exceptional coffee, pastries, and light fare.

Coffee beans are selected by third-generation Master Roaster Emanuele Bizzarri, and it’s the perfect stop before a beach walk or morning workout.

Spa & wellness

The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Naples is one of Southwest Florida’s premier wellness destinations. Guests can enjoy:

• Customized massages

• Facials

• Body treatments

• Couples experiences

• Relaxation lounges

• Steam rooms

• Wellness therapies

The fitness center is one of the best resort gyms in Naples. Classes often include:

• Reformer Pilates

• Mat Pilates

• Barre

• Boxing

• Strength & Sculpt

• Sound bath experiences

Typically, one fitness class per day is included with the resort fee.

Ritz Kids

Families will love Ritz Kids. Children ages 5–12 can participate in half-day or full-day programs filled with ocean-themed adventures and hands-on learning.

Activities include:

• Beach exploration

• Shell collecting

• Ocean-themed crafts

• Tie-dye

• Slime making

• Bingo

• Friendship bracelets

• Animal feeding demonstrations

• Beach cleanup activities

• Games and competitions

Lunch is included with the full-day program.

There is also a separate arcade and game room featuring pinball and other games that kids love.

Honestly, some kids may be disappointed when it’s time to go home. There are moments when I think my own children would happily trade me for the Ritz Kids staff.

Outdoor activities

The resort offers plenty of opportunities to stay active.

Activities include:

• E-bike rentals

• Water sports

• Jet skiing

• Boating excursions

• Paddle sports

• Beach walks

I used to live nearby and regularly walked and biked the beautiful coastal roads surrounding the resort.

Golf & The Reservoir

Guests can also enjoy amenities at nearby The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, via complimentary shuttle.

Tiburón Golf Club: A championship golf experience that I have enjoyed many times with my daughter.

The Reservoir is a huge hit with families and includes:

• Three waterslides

• Lazy river

• Splash zone

• Resort pool

• Luxury cabanas

It’s essentially an additional resort experience included with your stay.

Shopping

Shopping is surprisingly good here. My favorites include:

• Coastal Boutique: Resort wear, beach fashion, and vacation essentials

• Marissa Collections: Luxury designer fashion from one of Naples’ most beloved boutiques

• Haberdashery: Men’s luxury apparel, including Peter Millar

• The Gallery: Fine jewelry and art

• Pool Shop: Swimwear, toys, and pool essentials

• Sundry Shop: Snacks, gifts, toiletries, and forgotten necessities

• Spa Boutique: Health, wellness, and beauty products

Final thoughts

After spending a lifetime celebrating birthdays, holidays, family milestones, and countless special occasions here, The Ritz-Carlton Naples still feels special every time I visit. Whether you’re coming for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, a girls’ trip, a golf escape, or simply a few days on one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, it’s easy to understand why this resort has remained one of Naples’ most beloved destinations for generations.

It’s a place where family traditions are created, milestones are celebrated, and memories seem to come naturally. Even as a local, I still find myself returning again and again, not just for the beautiful beach, incredible dining, and luxurious amenities, but because it continues to feel special every single time.

Be sure to make dinner reservations in advance, especially during peak season and holidays, as many of the resort’s most popular restaurants fill up quickly.

Even in sunny Naples, I recommend bringing a lightweight sweater or wrap for evening dining, as ocean breezes and air-conditioned restaurants can feel surprisingly cool after sunset.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Naples, Florida page.