The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 80 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples re-opened its doors on October 1, following the completion of its unprecedented re-mastering — one of the largest refurbishment projects in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. The work, undertaken this summer, saw a complete overhaul of all 450-guest rooms, suites, and corridors, three dining outlets, Artisans ballroom, as well as various structural, mechanical and engineering upgrades throughout the property. The resort ceased operations for the first time in its 27-year history to complete the project over a two-month period.
Photo credit The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Designed by Wimberly Interiors, a globally recognized leader in hospitality design, the new guest rooms are reminiscent of a luxurious, residential beach home. The allure and beauty of Naples are reflected in the rooms' aesthetic, fusing hues of warm blues, greens and greys — all inspired by the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding landscape. The Ritz-Carlton sophistication, style and elegance are also factored in the design, blending clean lines and upscale fabrics to appeal to both traditional and modern senses.
Another component of the re-mastering is the complete refurbishment of two of the resort's dining options and the bar, which were transformed by Blueplate Studios, a Wilson Associates design studio. The Sushi Bar, now known as Dusk, features an extended balcony, which provides additional outdoor seating and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Soft colors, oversized lanterns and an outdoor patio make Dusk ideal for small events and entertainment. The menu includes sushi favorites such as fresh Sashimi, Nigiri and Maki rolls and cleverly crafted cocktails exclusively designed for Dusk.
A new Italian inspired restaurant, Terrazza, will open its doors on November 1, serving three meals a day with a featured highlight being the "Mozzarella Bar," offering a choice of fresh smoked mozzarella, artisan burrata and traditional buffalo mozzarella. The newly designed space replaces The Terrace, previously featuring continental cuisine, and will now have an open-air-terrace with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that reveal breathtaking preserve views and cool Gulf breezes. The fresh color palette captures the sun-kissed shades of the beach at sunrise, creating an inviting ambiance for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Grill steakhouse and specialty restaurant features contemporary accents to the furnishings and décor, while retaining its position as a classic establishment. The mahogany touches on the walls and floors, paired with outstanding service and exceptional menu offerings still remain.
The new Artisans, known as a popular venue for large events and weddings in Naples, now boasts a color pallet of soft silvers, whites and light greys and features sparkling chandeliers, mimicking an elegant jewel box. Further restructuring to areas of the floor plan has expanded the room while enhancing access to the resort's numerous outdoor event venues.
This re-mastering, coupled with the investments over the past several years, including a new lobby and lobby culinary concept, "Bites," as well as renovations to other public spaces (including 20,000 square feet of Southwest Florida meeting space), solidifies the resort's reputation as the social center in Naples, providing local guests and visitors with an un-matched level of product and service.