Located in the southwest tip of Florida, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is known around the world as one of the grandest and most opulent resorts for golfing vacations. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples also packs a considerable punch in other areas with top-notch restaurants, a terrific spa and plenty of activities for families.

But with stiff competition from all over the country, the question has been raised: is the Ritz-Carlton, Naples really the most luxurious golf resort? Let’s do a deep dive on what you can expect from a stay there before we determine our answer.

Rooms & Suites

One of the benefits of staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples is the relaxing atmosphere at the resort. This emphasis on unwinding extends to the comfort and quality of the rooms and suites.

Suites of 750 to 2000 square feet have modern interiors and stunning views of the golf course. Bathrooms feature white marble tile, have bright lighting and spacious showers and tubs. Slippers, robes and Asprey toiletries are provided to give guests that extra kick of satisfaction.

Rooms run 470 square feet and maintain the classic look of the hotel with wooden furniture sitting on a soft grey carpet. Minibars are filled with snacks and drinks for convenient access.

Spa

The spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples is a full service treat offering steam rooms, aqua lounges, and a sauna to relax. The adjoining salon is open seven days a week and offers standard services such as hair, nail, waxing and facial treatments.

The Massage and Facial Center offers a far more intimate experience with private treatment rooms for facials and massages. In addition to pampering services that relax you, the center grants hotel guests complimentary access to their state-of-the-art fitness center with high quality cardiovascular and strength-training equipment.

Dining

For guests looking for terrific cuisine, the Ritz-Carlton, Naples has you covered. There are several casual cafes and lounges available all over the resort for taking care of those hunger pains.

For golfers looking to unwind after a round or for any guest just looking for a relaxing atmosphere to have a drink, Bella Vista is the place to visit. Overlooking one of the 18th holes at the Golf Club, Bella Vista has an outdoor area with comfortable Adirondack chairs surrounding sparkling fire pits.

Another casual dining experience that has a flare of class is Mezzo. The restaurant offers handmade pasta and family-style dishes that the entire table can share. It’s an excellent place for families who want to enjoy a quality group dinner without having to break out the suits and cocktail dresses.

If looking for a more private and luxurious dining experience, the place to go at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is Dusk. With a menu featuring world-class sushi, Dusk offers diners a terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Dusk also offers a bar with innovative cocktails that reflect the beach atmosphere.

Family Activities

Families that are seeking activities tailored for the kids will find plenty to do at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Multiple VIP amenities help the young ones get the most out of their trip.

The first is an interactive entertainment lounge that features virtual reality games, as well as an eight-seat movie theater with surround sound. A play area featuring Imagination Playground equipment for younger children offers an engaging and educational atmosphere while having fun.

The real treasure for families, however, is the environmentally-focused program Nature’s Wonders. The Ritz-Carlton curated a program specially designed for children aged 5-12 to learn about the surrounding natural beauty and animals that live in Florida. 11 aquariums house sharks, crabs, eels and turtles coupled with a lab outfitted with microscopes for kids to play the role of a marine biologist.

Quality of the Golf

As luxurious as all the amenities are at the Ritz Carlton, Naples, none shine brighter than the 36 holes that are a part of the resort known as the Tiburon Golf Club. Consistently ranked as one of the top golf facilities in America, the Golf Club has two world-class courses: the Gold and the Black.

Legendary golfer Greg Norman designed both courses to offer a world-class golfing experience for the everyday amateur. Norman utilized the natural surroundings to bring an experience unlike any other in the area. Sand, water, and trees play a huge part in shaping shots and posting a low score. The courses host a PGA and LPGA event every year and underwent a restoration after damage from a 2017 hurricane.

Another luxury bonus for guests playing the resort is the high tech carts that take you through the course. The Shark Experience has been installed in each cart giving golfers the opportunity to add music, live sports, video tips from Norman, and phone charging capability to each round.

What’s terrific about the Tiburon Golf Club is that you can show up at the pro shop and walk out ten minutes later with everything you need to play a round. Brand new Callaway clubs with golf balls are available to rent for an extremely affordable price. If you’ve got children younger than 18 that want to play, their green fees are free during the summer months.

The Tiburon Golf Club also sports a 27,000-square-foot clubhouse featuring dining areas, locker rooms, post-round lounge areas, and an extensive and award-winning pro shop.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a luxury vacation that delivers the goods from the moment you arrive until the day you depart, The Ritz Carlton, Naples in Florida is a lovely place for couples looking to get away from the stress of an active life. Families looking for a fun and relaxing beach resort will also delight in all of the kid-friendly activities and VIP treatment from the staff.

Guest author Jordan Fuller is a golf enthusiast and coach dedicated to making you a better golfer. Read more of his golf advice and get guidance on techniques and equipment on his website Golf Influence.