1. Travel
About.com
Honeymoons / Romantic Travel

Discuss in my forum

Naples Bay Resort, Florida

By , About.com Guide

Naples Bay Resort, Florida

Naples is known for its sunsets. This one is from the deck of suite #242 at the resort.

© Susan Breslow Sardone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
More Images (3)

Naples Bay Resort in a Nutshell:

Designed to resemble a waterfront Tuscan village, Naples Bay Resort is the kind of place where lovebirds can comfortably nest. With a popular on-site restaurant, 97-slip marina, 5 outdoor swimming pools, a spa and fitness center, shops, and well-equipped rooms, Naples Bay Resort seems like a self-contained world — yet it's just minutes away from the fun and fare of Fifth Avenue in Naples.

Check rates now

Guest Rooms at Naples Bay Resort:

The palette in the resort's 20 spacious rooms and 65 suites is a soothing beige-brown-terra cotta. Our two bedroom/two-bath suite had a king-size mattress in the master bedroom, full kitchen, round dining room table, nicely furnished living room, and even a washer/dryer.

There are flatscreen TVs in both the living room and bedroom. A Bose radio in the living room, MP3 unit in the bedroom and personal wakeup calls assure no oversleeping — unless you choose to sleep in and ignore them all. Wi-fi is complimentary.

The bathroom contains a bathtub big enough for two and a shower big enough for four. Slivers of handmade scented soap reflect the hotel's eco-sensitivity. We liked having two bathrobes and a lighted magnifying makeup mirror provided.

The suite also features a balcony with a table for four, a perfect spot to watch the sunset flame the western sky.

Dining at Naples Bay Resort:

"It was delicious," we overheard a patron remark upon leaving the Bonefish Grill, the onsite dinner restaurant that specializes in... (wait for it...) grilled fish. Located on the resort's lower level, it offers a choice of Gulf grouper, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, ahi tuna, lobster tail and other fishy dishes — and then diners select a sauce: mango salsa, chimichurri, pan-Asian, or lemon butter.

We started with wagyu beef-and-ginger dumplings and remained happy with the meal through our Key lime pie. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu. Try the pomegranate martini; it's housemade and features fresh mango.

Alas, the breakfast buffet at the resort's Yacht Club is mediocre: Breads, mini-muffins, sliced fruit, cereals, yogurt, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, juice and coffee are set out for self-service. What elevates the experience are pool and bay views. But since there's a risk you'll be seated near people with a crying baby, you may be happier stocking your ensuite kitchen and making your own morning meal.

Naples Bay Resort has no room service, but there is a ships store in the retail area. In addition, the hotel shuttle can ferry couples to Fifth Avenue, which has a large selection of restaurants. One that dazzled us was Osetra. Although it specializes in Champagne and caviar, everything on the menu is prepared with care and presented handsomely. If you can't decide what to order, allow the young but well-informed staff to make recommendations.

Weddings at Naples Bay Resort:

Naples Bay Resort is well suited to host weddings of up to 70 guests. Its best venues are close to the water. At The Club there's a terrace adjacent to the resort pool that makes a fine spot for cocktails. Afterwards guests can flow into the enclosed Cypress Room for a seated dinner followed by dancing.

More informal weddings can be held in the Yacht Club room. The most picturesque ceremony spot is right beside its small pool overlooking the marina channel. Afterwards, celebrate inside the modern club, which features a lengthy bar and seating that can be configured to your needs.

Romance at Naples Bay Resort:

With all that water, you'll have the urge to sail. At the marina you can rent an easy-to-navigate bowrunner for two that comes with a lesson and directions to Keewaydin Island, one of the South's top "secret" beaches.

Of course, you needn't leave the property for romance. If you're spa fans, choose the style of couples massage you'd enjoy and ask the practitioners to use their sensual champagne-mimosa massage oil. You can have a leisurely dinner on your balcony as the sun goes down. If you don't feel like cooking, call an order into the Bonefish Grill.

To discover deals to enhance your stay, access the hotel's accommodation packages.

Activities at Naples Bay Resort:

Whether you like to swim in or sail upon the water, you'll have opportunities here. The small pool by the Yacht Club is typically frequented by adults. But the main attraction is The Club, a quick shuttle ride away. Here guests find a designated adult lap pool, adult wading pool, adult Jacuzzi and also a lazy river and larger pool shared by all guests.

The Club at Naples Bay Resort also contains six lit tennis courts, a fitness center where yoga classes are available, and the spa.

At the ships store in the marina, you can arrange for boat rentals, kayaks, fishing gear, and more. It's possible to sail up to Marco Island for the day.

Other shops in the waterfront retail area at this pet-friendly property include one that sells handmade dog clothes and an eyeglass/sunglass shop offering designer frames.

Nearby Naples Bay Resort:

If you can't imagine visiting Naples without hitting the beach, getting there is as easy as taking the house shuttle. Advance notice assures you'll have beach chairs, towels, and an umbrella provided. Inform the shuttle driver how long you intend to stay, and he'll come back and gather you at the appointed time.

After the sun goes down, head for the shops and restaurants of Fifth Avenue; they're a ten-minute walk or shuttle hop away. If you arrange to visit on the second Thursday of the month, you'll experience three hours of live entertainment on the Avenue that brings out visitors and locals alike from 6:30pm-9:30pm.

Drawbacks at Naples Bay Resort:

It's convenient to have a suite with a full kitchen. But when there's nothing to eat in it, there's no room service, and the nearest place to shop (the ships store) closes early, the cupboard is bare. The only thing in the full-size refrigerator are two bottles of water with $6 price tags around their necks.

We were surprised that Naples Bay Resort had no turndown service. And golfers need to know that there is no course on the premises, but the hotel can make arrangements for guests to play nearby ones.

Naples Bay Resort Vibe:

The resort is both kid-and dog-friendly. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff, particularly the concierge, gracious and helpful. Couples are likely to feel so comfortable at this attractive resort in this pretty town that they may start wondering how they can swing things to move to Naples permanently. If that's the case, Naples Bay Resort has the answer: two- and-three bedroom condo cottages that offer complete access to the hotel facilities.

Naples Bay Resort Info and Reservations:

Naples Bay Resort
1500 5th Avenue South
Naples, Florida 34102
Phone: 866-605-1199
Official Hotel Web Site

Check rates now

Search for a Flight to Fort Myers

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.