Laid-Back Luxury Guide to Naples, Florida

One of the main draws to Naples is the 10 miles of pristine white sand beaches and turquoise warm water. Whether you're staying directly on the beach at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, The Ritz Carlton Naples, Edgewater Beach Hotel, or set slightly back at Naples Grande Beach Resort, you will have dedicated beach chairs and service to enjoy the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. At each of these resorts, you're able to walk at least a mile in each direction if you prefer some exercise with your sunshine.

If you're not staying at one of these Gulf front resorts, it's super easy to access the beach at Delnor Wiggins State Park, Vanderbilt Beach, Clam Pass, along Gulf Shore Dr and down towards Old Naples. Just don't forget to pay for parking. *Delnor Wiggins is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Ian

Keewaydin Island, just off the coast of Naples, is an 8 mile barrier island with stunning white sand serene beaches surrounded by nature. You can only get to the island by boat so you'll need to charter one, but it's well worth the effort if remote beaches are your thing. Keywadin is also one of the only pet-friendly beaches in Naples if you want to bring your pup!

Both LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort and The Ritz Carlton Naples Tiberon have great golf courses for guests to play at.

Spa treatments can be found at both Ritz Carlton's in Naples (Beach and Tiberon), as well as at Naples Grande Beach Resort and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. Side note, the Ritz Carlton Naples Beach property does not allow outside guests to utilize the spa or book treatments.

The best shopping can be found at the beautiful open air Waterside Shops where you'll find Saks Fifth Avenue, Lululemon, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Rolex, Apple Store and many other luxury goods. Grab lunch or dinner at True Foods while you're there and Haagan Dazs for dessert.

5th Avenue South in Old Naples is great for fine dining international restaurants, as well as many art galleries and unique shops. For additional dining options and shops, some more laid back, head over two blocks to 3rd Street South. Walk to the Naples Pier after dinner to watch the sunset at the beach just a short walk away. Old Naples get extremely busy in seasons, so make sure to plan ahead and make restaurant reservations.

If you're looking for some fun and kitschy souvenirs, check out Tin City Waterfront Shops. There are 30 locally owned shops, two waterfront restaurants, antiques and handmade novelties. I've been coming here since I was a kid and have such fond memories together with my family.

If you're going to dine out in Naples during the season (October to May), I highly recommend booking reservations in advance. You can walk into some restaurants, but it will likely be a long wait for a table.

• BALEEN (Dinner): Located at LaPlaya Resort and Golf Club on Vanderbilt beach, this is by far one of my favorite restaurants to watch the sunset in Naples. They have a seafood focused menu, but as a vegetarian, I always find great options and their blood orange margarita is amazing! The terrace has a better view then inside the dining room so be sure to request when you reserve a table. Pro tip: Arrive about an hour before sunset and snag one of the tables in front of the restaurant on the sand (no reservations required) - you'll have a front row seat to the sunset with a full menu of food and drinks to boot with your toes in the sand. *Temporarily closed due to Hurricane Ian but reopening March 2023

• The Turtle Club (Dinner): Another epic beachfront fine dining restaurant on Vanderbilt Beach. Known for steak, seafood and sunsets. Must have a reservation to dine here. *Temporarily closed due to Hurricane Ian

• Gumbo Limbo @ The Ritz Carlton Naples (Lunch + Dinner): One of my favorite spots to grab lunch in Naples while staring out at the crystal clear Gulf of Mexico. Laid back luxury vibes here. They have a cute bar at the end of the restaurant as well if you want to just grab a drink. *Currently closed due to Hurricane Ian

• Osteria Tulia (Lunch + Dinner): Located on 5th Avenue S in Old Naples, this Rustic Italian restaurant has old world charm and great people watching from the patio out front. Favorites are the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe and the warm house-made Ricotta.

• The French (Lunch + Dinner): Also located on 5th Avenue S in Old Naples, this classic French brasserie restaurant transports you to Paris while still being in sunny south Florida. Great courtyard for dining and people watching, plus the bar has a daily happy hour.

• Bice (Lunch and Dinner): This upscale fine dining Italian restaurant is elegant and stands out on the corner of 5th Avenue S. Reserve a terrace table, order an aperol spritz and you'll feel like you're in Italy in no time.

• Claw Bar (Daily Brunch, Happy Hour and Dinner): Upscale seafood centric restaurant and cocktail bar with a jazz club and live entertainment upstairs.

• Village Pub Venetian Bay (Lunch and Dinner): Laid pack pub on the waterfront of the bay - great place to have a lazy lunch with a beer and a burger or fish and chips.

• True Food Kitchen (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner): Located at the Waterside Shops, this place is consistently good time and time again. Great healthy food options no matter the time of day, and tons of great upscale shopping surrounding.

• Hampton Social (Lunch, Dinner and Drinks): Located at the Mercato Shopping Center, this is a fun nautical themed coastal cuisine spot for lunch, dinner or drinks. Feels like summer.