Imagine yourself emerging from the enveloping warmth like a butterfly from a cocoon, the scent of lime and almonds mingling with musical interludes filled with Eastern promise. You feel transformed and yes, supremely relaxed after a citrus body wrap at the Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
This is just one of many warm and wonderful escapes that lure visitors to the Paradise Coast, where wild flora and manicured gardens rush to meet the sea.
A Coast for All Seasons
Winding down Marco Island's South Collier Boulevard, the Balinese-themed spa that's been added to the Marco Island Marriott Resort springs into view, offering another tempting diversion. But the sweet sea air calls and off come the flip-flops, leaving toes free to dig into the soft white sand.
With beach desires sated for the moment, it's time to quench another thirst - and get a history lesson along the way. Over a restorative iced tea at the wonderfully restored Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites (circa 1883), one discovers that the Key Marco Cat, one of the most significant artifacts of the Calusa Indian civilization, was found nearby in the late 1890s. A small museum down the road from the Inn displays a replica of the wooden feline. The original is in the Smithsonian.
Body and soul now refreshed, the monthly Evening on Fifth, put on by the Fifth Avenue South Association in downtown Naples, beckons. These free, festive evenings showcase all types of musical entertainment; tonight it's inspiring singer/songwriters from around the country who perform up and down the charming street as people dine al fresco at cafes and shop in the multitude of galleries and boutiques. Raising wine and Guinness glasses in the air, the patrons at McCabe's Irish Pub sing songs of the Emerald Isle with the local troubadour.
Art for Art's Sake
Outside the petite suite, a vibrant, cerise ginger flower bobs up and down at eye level as if to herald a day set aside for art appreciation. The flower's form suggests the hand of an architect or perhaps a sculptor - all intersecting planes and geometry.
Entering the anteroom of the Naples Museum of Art, an incredible suspended red glass sculpture creates a visual echo of the aforementioned flower. The lobby is a half-dome snuggled up to the main building and its steel, glass and concrete form proudly showcases the signature piece by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
It's the first of many treats this 15-gallery museum has to offer. The museum's collection features miniature houses, complete with furniture - even tiny books ' and
Naples Museum of Art Photo courtesy of Naples Museum of Art
a captivating collection of 1960s prints with an Asian aesthetic. Top-quality traveling exhibitions from major collections, such as the compelling Correalism: Modern Art & Architectural Design, featuring works by Guy Pune du Bois and the Park Avenue Cubists, draw repeat visits from locals and visitors alike.
The museum also happens to share space with The Philharmonic, a 1,425-seat performing arts hall. A venue for the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, the theater sets the stage for national and international stars as well. Look for artists and shows as varied as the Miami City Ballet (which calls the Phil its West Coast home), Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice in 2005. Back in downtown Naples on Gallery Row, it's time to search for art to adorn the walls back home.
Boasting collections from across the world, the Third Street South shopping district has a lot to offer. You can pick up tribal art from South Africa or, if you fancy, a Rauschenberg. There's even a shopping concierge to help you find your own particular brand of retail therapy, not to mention superb dining and nighttime fun.
Beach Breezes and Bountiful Boutiques
The final day presents one last opportunity to capture and commit to memory the gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun on Naples' golden sands. In contrast to the family and recreational activities of Marco Island's beaches, the Cote d'Azur is alive and well and living on Naples' Vanderbilt Beach, named for the wealthy industrialist family. Settle in under a colorful umbrella on the well-groomed sand and soak up the stylish vibe for a couple of hours.
Naples' legendary shopping offers the best in retail therapy, and the Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay showcase this with an elegant interpretation of an outside mall. Waterfalls and pools form the core of this upscale collection of boutiques anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue. At The Fussy Frog, unique accessories for the self and the home spill off the shelves, while at Kirsten's Boutique, one is drawn to the enormous variety of tribal masks, as well as ethnic-inspired jewelry and clothing, giving this shopper the urge to begin planning an upscale safari.
Venturing on to the Village at Venetian Bay, an equally charming shopping destination awaits on Naples' famed waterway. At Simply Natural, the finger-on-the-fashion-pulse selection entices the credit card out of the purse, while across the brick path at Pearl, smooth, creamy baubles shimmer in the store window. Wandering in and out of delightful shopping emporia, one has to remember to stop periodically and admire the tranquil waterside view.
All that's left to do is relax on the beach at the Naples Pier before the fiery sun sinks below the horizon. A crowd has gathered to watch the nightly event, and the voices of many nations fill the dusky air as the sun paints swaths of pink and amber across an indigo sky.Top of Page
