NAPLES, Fla.—The Ritz-Carlton,
Naples is announcing a summer 2013 refurbishment, the
first of its kind in the resort’s 27-year history. Refurbishments will include a complete overhaul of
all 450 guestrooms, suites and corridors, three dinning outlets,
and the Artisans “princess ballroom,” as well as various structural,
mechanical, and engineering upgrades throughout the property.
During the two-month project, set to commence July 24, the resort will not be accepting any guests. While the resort is being renovated 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 beachfront 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,” stated 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 timeframe.
When we reopen our doors on Oct. 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
traveler.”
Interior designers Wimberly Interiors are responsible for the new
guestrooms, which will resemble a residential beach home.
The effect will bring the beauty of Naples indoors, with warm blues,
greens and grays inspired by the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding
landscape.
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 rebranded 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 cozier 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 Grill steakhouse and specialty restaurant will continue as a
classic establishment with new contemporary accents to the furnishings
and décor.
The resort’s Artisans “princess ballroom” will be brightened with soft
silvers, whites, and light grays to resemble a jewel box. 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 outdoor event
venues.
Other investments over the past 10
years include a new lobby and lobby concept "Bites,” as well as
enhancements to other public spaces including 20,000 square feet of
meeting space.