Although The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Naples encompasses an incredible 51,000 square feet, it is grand without being overwhelming. It is simultaneously striking, soothing and elegant… one of the most lovely hotel spas I’ve ever experienced. If you’re staying at The-Ritz Carlton, Naples on the Gulf Coast of Florida, you need to revel in the pampering environment, too.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Naples Facilities
Second floor of the grand entrance to the spa.
The rotunda-like lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Naples is like nothing I’ve ever seen. It’s two stories tall, with an impressive circular, wrought-iron staircase leading to the second floor.
The women’s locker room is spacious, and I appreciated all of the thoughtful complimentary amenities set out for guests to use as needed: disposable razors, hair-ties, tampons, Q-tips, toothbrushes and such. Another nice offering: at least nine private showers, with plenty of room in each to towel off.
If you truly want to enjoy the “full experience” of spa-ing at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples make sure to arrive plenty early before your treatment to take advantage of the self-guided bathing ritual. Dubbed “Sanitas per Aqua” this is “taking in the waters” or “healing waters,” which is also beneficial on its own, without any spa treatment (it costs $35 for hotel guests simply to use the spa facilities).
Spa deck and mineral therapy pool; sunscreen pump dispenser is on hand if you forget yours!
With the bathing ritual, you follow guidelines on a card you can carry with you — from the exfoliating shower, to the outdoor mineral pool (pictured above), to the hot whirlpool, cold plunge, sauna, back to the cold plunge, into the herbal steam room, followed by a shower and time reclining in the relaxation lounge. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes total, but it s a great way to increase circulation, relieve sore muscles and detoxify the system, according to the spa.
Want to stay at the spa all day? That’s easy to do with the spa’s =H20+ cafe that’s open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The healthy menu here includes wraps, salads, sandwiches, fruit juices and smoothies.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Naples Treatments
A treatment room at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Spa, Naples
While waiting for your therapist to retrieve you in the conservatory — yet another relaxation area (plenty of places to chill out here!) — you can nibble on dried fruit or choose from a full tea menu. Citrus-infused ice water and cranberry iced tea are also found here.
Massages, facials, body treatments and salon services run the gamut at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Naples. Indulge in a multi-treatment package (such as The Ritz-Carlton Signature Massage, Facial and Manicure), a Gulf Stone Massage, The Yummy Tummy for moisturizing pregnant bellies or a detoxifying Signature Body Wrap with Espresso Limon Slimming Body Oil (coffee lovers, consider this last one!).
I enjoyed a Signature Massage, which is a traditional Swedish massage with light to medium pressure. If I had to choose, I’d likely book a Deep Tissue treatment the next time (I just like a firmer touch). A few extra touches made this Signature Massage memorable, though: the heated massage table, warm towel placed on my back to relax muscles and my choice of aromatherapy oils (calming, energizing or muscle-eze). It was also one of the most modest draping situations I’d ever experienced — my therapist was extremely cognizant of keeping all of me fully covered except for the body part she was working on. When I flipped from my stomach to my back, she barely lifted the cover sheet off of me.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Accommodations
It’s important to note that spa services and facilities are only available to guests of the hotel; the salon and skincare services (facials, manicures, haircuts) are offered to local residents and non-guests. But I’ll tell you this: you want to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, even if it’s just for one indulgent night. This property is phenomenal, from its elegantly appointed rooms with huge bathrooms, to its top-notch Ritz-Carlton service from attentive staff to its incredible dining options (I’m a huge fan of the new Bites in the hotel lobby), to its multiple swimming pools, kids’ Natures Wonders program, the interactive gaming lounge (vue) and of course its oceanfront location with more than three miles of white-sand beach.
Calm, clear waters of the Gulf Coast along the lush Ritz-Carlton, Naples property
While I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, I rested my head each night in a spacious Gulf Front Room with incredible views of the coastline from my balcony. The giant marble bathroom was impressive, and this is one hotel brand that doesn’t skimp on included toiletries and bathroom amenities, like a comb and a little lint-remover wand. I also had access to The Ritz-Carlton Club which features daily food and beverage presentations, from a hearty breakfast spread in the morning to afternoon tea to evening hors d’oeuvres (and plenty of beer, wine, champagne and liquor on hand throughout the afternoon/evening, too). A delight!
Bottom Line: If your travels take you to the Gulf Coast of Florida, and you have the pocketbook for a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples don’t hesitate to book a room. I highly recommend this property for a girlfriend getaway, romantic escape or family trip. Of course, when you’re there, don’t miss the outstanding spa — even if it’s just a few hours relaxing in the aqua lounges and by the quiet outdoor mineral pool.
Learn More: Ritz-Carlton, Naples website; (239) 598-3300.
– Review by Kara Williams who visited the property in September 2010.
As is common in the travel industry, the author received complimentary accommodations and spa treatment. Top three photos courtesy The Ritz-Carlton, Naples; bottom photo by Kara Williams.
