Naples, FL--

When you are looking for that perfect escape and you not sure you want to leave the States for a true resort experience, well we have a solution that is going to suit all levels of travelers… its name is the Ritz-Carlton Naples. One of the original properties the Ritz -Carlton has in their portfolio of great properties, this 450-room five star, five diamond property is one of the best resorts we have visited Domestically or Internationally in a long time.

When we arrived at the resort we were greeted by some of the most attentive, friendly bell staff I have ever experienced. The bellmen already had my bags from the trunk of the car before I could reach and find a 20 spot for a tip. Throughout our stay, we were constantly met by warm, accommodating staff that goes out of their way to please. When you ask them a question, each one of the staff members is helpful and really knows the Naples area. If you are looking to head off somewhere, they have you covered for sure.

A speedy check in is what every guest can expect from this and every Ritz -Carlton property. If you’re ready to unwind for the evening by sunset, this is your place. The sunset at this property is one to write home about… or send a sorry your not here post card. The 12-minute check in to the room time was unbelievable. The staff certainly understands the needs of the weary traveler who has been up since 4am.

Once we settled into the room, we noticed what most guests will notice, that the rooms are huge, luxurious, plush and well decorated Florida style. All have been recently renovated and the soothing light yellow and brown hues make you feel right at home, or in this case sometimes better than home.

All rooms have some sort of ocean view, some directly overlooking the mangroves and the beach. Huge marble tiled bathrooms with both a large tub and a shower, and double sinks are a warm welcome from some of the crowed bathrooms that other resorts in Mexico and the Bahamas offer. There is plenty of space for two to get ready in the morning without starting the day off on a bad note.

Just when you thought the room couldn’t get any better, the Blvgari soaps and shampoos along with coffee and teas in the room replenished daily are great extras. Nothing like sipping a cup of joe and looking out the window of your room at the calming waves crashing in from the Gulf of Mexico. We liked sitting on the balcony and checking out the headlines on the new 32-inch flat screen television that was right where it needed to be.

For those business travelers making their way to Naples, The Ritz-Carlton Naples has the best club level lounge we have seen so far. From their cookie humidor to afternoon snacks and evening cocktails on the balcony, it offers a way to relax with a quick bite to eat all day long.

So if you came to the Naples area strictly for relaxation, then as part of that trip we are sure excellent dinner is probably tops on the list. If it is, then The Grill, a Four Diamond Rated restaurant should be part of the trip you do not want to miss.

When you walk into the restaurant the lavish dark wood that lines the walls and bar in the back of the restaurant give it a very intimate feeling.

From the appetizer portion of the menu no one can miss the seafood platter. The presentation is excellent and the lighting of the seafood items is as cool as you possibly could get with cold items like these.

If you are looking for one of the best prime steaks found anywhere in Florida, then we suggest the bone-in filet. Since the beef has not been separated from the bone, the grilled flavor on a medium prepared steak is simply mouth watering. It was also one of the largest filets we have seen in some time.

The Grill offers some of the largest portions of fish offered. If they were any larger there might be a fish shortage nationwide. The salmon was uniquely flavored and every piece melted instantly in our mouth. It was cooked perfectly and the fishiness taste that salmon offers sometimes when not prepared properly was completely non-existent.

The prices for appetizers are mid-teens to low-twenties. Entrees are high-thirties to high-forties. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was both relaxing and elegant.

o cap a perfect meal, dessert at the Grill is a must. We decided to order a chocolate soufflé. The soufflé’s are milk chocolate and prepared perfectly. We dined for over two hours, it was a wonderful, relaxing end to a perfect day.

While some will like the formal dining The Grill offers, others will like the relaxed on the beach dining offered by the Carribean Themed Gumbo Limbo. While we dined with the marketing staff for lunch, Gumbo Limbo barely has an empty seat come sunset time, as the sunset from this beachside restaurant carries “off the scale” ratings. What you see while having dinner is remarkable. Cameras highly recommended!

Try one of Gumbo Limbo’s signature drinks such as a Miami Vice or just a simple Pina Colada, nothing says out on the beach like a nice Margarita or Daiquiri either. The good news, have fun, your room is right around the corner as is the white sandy beach off the deck of Gumbo Limbo.

Everyone will love the Carribean beach themed music playing along with the excellent sandwiches and wraps offered.

Gumbo Limbo is one place where you cannot leave without a slice of Key Lime pie. It just isn’t Florida if you do not.

One way to work off all of the amazing food options the Ritz-Carlton Naples has is their spa and gym facilities.

The gym and outdoor lap pool are excellent. Note that all the classes (Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Aerobics) cost $15 or $20 per class. The instructors are great and it is well worth the money. All of the class listings are available from the fitness center.

Inside of the fitness center you will find some of the best state of the art treadmills, bikes, steppers along with both free weights and circuit machines. The size of the facility is also impressive. It is like a regular hotel workout room on steroids. It has machines for everyone and personal training is also available. The Ritz-Carlton does limit the number of local residents that can become members to ensure that the guests have the best experience possible.

Okay so we continue to mention everything about this place being nothing short of heaven on the water, so what is the best asset that travelers can look forward to? The spa! Oh my goodness! The Spa!! This is the nicest, largest (50,000 square feet), most complete, sexiest spa in the country! The coup de gras is the large round Jacuzzi hot tub in both the men and women’s areas. Complete with a warm plunge pool on one side and a very cold plunge pool on the other side, and a huge waterfall flowing down into the over-sized tub, how could anyone not have what they are looking for. It was cool to try both sides.

After the Jacuzzi soak, and fast cold plunge, you'll want to relax in the very large steam room, and then the sauna. Wait for your treatment in one of two relaxing lounges, serving up hot teas and snacks. After your treatment, you can relax by the mineral pool, private only to spa guests. You have a view of the ocean and the other hotel pools, but you are in the privacy of the spa, with minimal guests. The H20 cafe serves lunch, and offers a nice light fare for those wanting to relax outside next to the mineral pool.

Speaking of spa services, if you like the appearance of the Roman Palace as we will call the spa from now on, wait until you try the two services we could not wait to tell our friends about, the Cranberry Facial, which is seasonal and the 80 minute Sea Holistic Massage.

For those who know the benefit of cranberries for the skin, you will enjoy the bliss that this 50-minute facial offers. Cranberries and pomegranates make quite a pair in this antioxidant-loaded facial that uses all organic ingredients, packed with vitamins and nutrients to hydrate dry winter skin. You’ll be enveloped in blissful aromas during this facial experience, which includes cleansing, steam exfoliation, massage, mask, and extractions. Your skin will be left soft and glowing, just in time for the holiday party season.

Now for those who want something that makes the skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom, this is where the Sea Holistic Massage comes into play. While we have experienced many massages before, this one takes the cake and the icing too!

The Sea Holistic experience starts with exfoliating relaxation experience utilizing marine salt crystals; the Golden Shimmer and then continues with a full body treatment that exfoliates and massages with extracts of pure gold and Artemisia; and the Restorative Aromatherapy, a relaxing therapy that focuses on the spine in 12 aromatherapy steps using 10 essential oils, 2 synergies, and infused oils.

While some will enjoy the pools, spa and beach, like many Ritz-Carlton’s the Naples location offers one of the best family atmospheres you can find. Forget the rift raft of the islands when you can have your kids take part in the Nature’s Wonders, which is an environmentally focused program for families visiting the resort. Guests can take nature walks learning about the various wildlife surrounding the resort; take a three-hour Eco-Sail through the Mangrove Islands to view sea turtles and manatees.

During our review, the kids’ area was in the finishing process, which includes a theatre area, aquariums and interactive stations for kids to experience what the wildlife is like in the area. The Ritz-Carlton Naples really cares about involving everyone.

From top to bottom, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, is a resort that can not be missed. It has something for everyone. If you are looking to get married here, its highly recommended. They have the Naples Beach House right on the beach that can accommodate up to 300 people.

If you looking for a girls weekend away, the spa is not to be missed.

Lastly, business and leisure travelers will find the rates and the quality of the product hard to be found anywhere with as much to offer anywhere else outside of the United States.

For more information on the Ritz-Carlton Naples visit their website at www.ritzcarlton.com  or contact the hotel directly at 239 598-3300.