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.
