Onsite Review: The Luxe Lifestyle in Naples...Florida

CAPRI INNA Luxe Getaway in Naples…FloridaBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoWith its achingly beautiful sunsets that paint the sky a vibrant orange, lush white-sand beaches and the calm Gulf of Mexico waters, the west coast of Florida is one of the state’s most captivating areas. It’s here where Naples awaits travelers who want that celebrated slice of Florida paradise. In fact, the tourism bureau for Naples (as well as Marco Island and the Everglades) aptly goes by the name Paradise Coast. So, what’s there to see aside from those scenic sunsets? Well, this is not your grandfather’s Naples, as we saw during a recent 3-day getaway. The dining scene is buzzing, the accommodations leave very little to be desired (if anything), the attractions are cosmopolitan city-worthy and the shopping is a la Palm Beach. INN ON THE 5TH ROOMElegant AccommodationsThis past year, The Capri Inn, part of the Opal Collection, got a fabulous facelift and what an enchanting property it now is. We called it home during our stay in the destination and couldn’t have been happier by our surroundings. Step into the lobby, and you feel like you’re stepping into an opulent living room whose decor has been meticulously thought-out. The accommodations, too, are on point, providing enough room to dance a waltz. They feature a spacious bathroom, plenty of closet space, a comfy bed, a pull-out couch, a small dining area and a balcony. The 59-room property, a mere two blocks from buzzy 5th Avenue and offering a tranquil pool area, offers breakfast as part of its resort fee as well as complimentary bike rentals for exploring the surrounding area. The shining star, though, is the 2-bedroom beach-style cottage. Lovingly decorated to feel like a home-away-from-home and with a huge yard, this is ideal for a family booking. In speaking with the GM, we got the scoop that the hotel is working on creating Italian-influenced programming and the back patio is undergoing some renovations, so more to come. Guests who want to head to the beach can hop on the hotel’s shuttle (they’ll also be picked up). Another Opal Collection resort, the all-suite Edgewater Beach Hotel is made for those who want to be front and center for those glorious sunsets. This beachfront property, with a private beach for the use of hotel guests only, offers 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites, making it ideal for travel groups of all sizes. Paige Rhodes, director of sales for both Capri Inn and Edgewater, tells Recommend that the Tower accommodations are perfect for those who want a bit more seclusion, pointing to the seventh-floor accommodations as one of her favorites. All suites come with fully equipped kitchens and there are options between Standard and Gulf views. The inviting pool deck, which was recently enhanced, features a pool bar as well as easy access to the resort’s Coast restaurant (a must-try is the divine, Southern-style jumbo lump crab cake). For a city-center stay, the Inn on Fifth—part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection—is one of the city’s most recognizable properties, and for good reason. This darling property, within walking distance of acclaimed restaurants, high-end shops and theaters, offers 119 accommodations, including 87 guestrooms and 32 Club Level suites, the latter in their own exclusive building. All accommodations dazzle with elegant decor, stunning finishings and lovely views. In the main building, one of our favorite accommodation options is the Deluxe View Room, with direct access to the pool courtyard. That said, a large group can book the four rooms and two suites that offer access to the hotel’s terrace overlooking 5th Avenue. They’ll have their own space and views of all the action. The most swoon-worthy accommodations, though, are offered in the Club Level building, where suite sizes start at 550 sq. ft. and offer top-of-the-line services such as the Club Level lounge and a gorgeous rooftop deck with a private hot tub. The resort’s pool is located in the main building and features its own pool bar/eatery, and it’s in this building, too, where guests will find the intimate 4-room spa. DESSERT MACAROONDine Fabulously At…In Recommend’s September issue we mentioned the opening of the 18-seat Rouge, a speakeasy-style venue tucked in the back corner of The French restaurant. During our visit to Naples, we got a peek at this charming space, but more importantly we had the opportunity to dine at The French. The restaurant is whimsically designed and the food is “ooh la la.” I opted for the shrimp & cantaloupe salad that was just perfect for a summery Friday afternoon…and of course couldn’t say no to a delicious macaron dessert. BOTANICAL GARDENSTake a Stroll Through…• The paradisiacal, 170-acre Naples Botanical Gardens features the plants of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. Our favorite corner of this utopia is the very shady Asian Garden, with its winding paths, beautiful landscaping and mesmerizing botanical diversity. After spending a leisurely afternoon in this peaceful haven, guests can sit down for lunch at the onsite Fogg Cafe, with its garden views (on a nice day, opt for outside seating). • The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples hosts terrific traveling exhibitions and is home to a permanent collection that does not disappoint. During our visit to the 30,000-sq.-ft. facility, we feasted our eyes on pieces by Magritte, Picasso, Miro, Chihuly and Dali. Recommend clients carve out about two to three hours to truly enjoy the 3-story art space. • 3rd Street South is home to galleries, fashion boutiques, home decor shops and outdoor cafes. It’s the only street in the U.S. to have its own street concierge, who can provide advice on dining, events, shopping and more. 5TH AVE SOUTHContact InformationEdgewater Beach Hotel: opalcollection.com/edgewaterInn on Fifth: innonfifth.comParadise Coast: paradisecoast.com/travel-trade The Capri Inn: opalcollection.com/capri-inn

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