An expertly curated, luxuriously produced compendium of all things Naples, Naples Illustrated brings to life personalities and takes you inside the exclusive homes, parties and interests of the world’s most affluent and influential people.
Spring has sprung in Southwest Florida, and what better way to celebrate our halcyon community’s robust dining scene than with Naples Illustrated’s May issue. This past social season brought with it a host of new and creative chefs, not to mention the launch of several eateries, such as Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar at The Perry Hotel Naples, Waxin’s Restaurant & Bar, The Bakery at Grappino, Soluna Restaurant, and a handful of intriguing others. Of course, this is to say nothing of Naples’ many well-established culinary spots seeming to have the right recipe to attract diners again and again. Indeed, in a town teeming with bons vivants, Naples is blessed when it comes to banqueting possibilities. Speaking of blessings, Neapolitans can mark the incredible recovery of beloved chef Brian Roland—who…
HOME SWEET HOME WHO: Youth Haven WHAT: Cherish the Children Luncheon WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón DETAILS: Speaker David Ambroz, author of A Place Called Home, recounted his early life of poverty and homelessness—and ultimately the joy of finding a home—for a captive audience who gathered to raise money for Youth Haven programs and services. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated FIVE-STAR DINING EXPERIENCE WHO: Naples Woman’s Club WHAT: Sip for a Cause WHERE: The Maddox, Naples DETAILS: Naples Woman’s Club’s inaugural charity gala at The Maddox involved two days of wine, gourmet food, entertainment, live auctions, and dancing, raising money for Harry Chapin Food Bank and Collier Senior Center. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated FESTIVE EVENING WHO: Naples Historical Society WHAT: Christmas Gala WHERE: Historic Palm Cottage, Naples DETAILS: Guests were invited to ring…
Every year, 12 horses provide thousands of hours of service at Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC), helping improve the lives of children and adults suffering from physical, social, and mental disorders and disabilities. Delta, a 25-year-old American Paint Horse and former barrel racer in Florida, joined the NTRC herd in 2022. Christian Vanorsdale, mini horse program coordinator and marketing and social media manager at NTRC, describes him as “an exceptional and invaluable therapy horse,” adding “he is steadfast, talented, and bonds easily.” According to Vanorsdale, a horse’s lifespan is between 25 and 30 years. While Delta is not quite yet a candidate for retirement, one day he will be offered the opportunity to live out his days at Camp Rusk, a 500-acre pastoral haven and nonprofit organization in Texas dedicated…
In early February, Naples Jet Center, a full-service jet club offering a comprehensive range of private aviation solutions, officially celebrated the opening of the newly constructed Executive Jet Terminal at Naples Municipal Airport. Private jet travelers, aviation professionals, and business leaders were invited to experience the facility firsthand, enjoying tours, entertainment, refreshments, and a showcase of luxury aircraft. The state-of-the-art facility includes a passenger lounge and bar, advanced pilot facilities, personalized concierge services, expanded aircraft maintenance services, and a wraparound openair observation deck and event space on the second floor. The Naples Jet Center will be expanding its hangar capacity with 31,000 square feet of newly constructed space available for lease later this year. “We are excited to set a new standard for VIP aviation experiences in Naples and beyond,”…
Neapolitan Stephen Saks, a retired car-wash owner from Miami-Dade County, recently made a $20 million donation to local nonprofits serving both the Jewish community and greater Southwest Florida. The lead gift consisted of a $10 million endowment gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, the largest donation in the organization’s history, with an additional $1 million benefiting PJ Library, which provides free books to children. Additional recipients include the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, Baker Senior Center Naples, the Jewish National Fund, Temple Shalom, and Golden Paws Assistance Dogs. The 94-year-old Saks was born in Paterson, New Jersey. He, his wife, and their children moved to Florida in 1968, where he built his first car wash in Miami. He went on to own and operate a half…
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches across 110,000 acres of mangrove forest, uplands, and protected waters, making up approximately 40 percent of the Collier County coastline. Scientists at the research reserve protect the local waters, land, animals, plants, and community. Friends of Rookery Bay, incorporated in 1987, serves as the state-designated citizen support organization to the research reserve. Through outreach efforts, advocacy, and fundraising, the nonprofit organization champions coastal protection and preservation. Earlier this year, the citizen support organization received a $240,000 gift from the estate of Elizabeth A. McCarthy, an art teacher who retired to Naples in 1987 with husband Henry McCarthy. Elizabeth, who especially enjoyed canoeing Rookery Bay with friends and family, left monetary gifts to six nonprofit organizations around the country. The donation is one of…
