Innehållsförteckning för December 2025 från Naples Illustrated

Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort made its premiere this fall. The coastal luxury retreat stands on the former site of Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. The redeveloped resort features approximately 1,000 feet of white-sand beach and affords scenic views of the Gulf. Naples Beach Club is Four Seasons’ first location in Southwest Florida. « “It is so exciting to have our first Florida property on the Gulf Coast,” says Regional Commercial Director Cory Carlson of Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort. “In Naples, there are so many beautiful hotels, but there’s room for upper-luxury hotel products.” The property features 220 guest rooms and 57 suites, as well as 153 high-end residences. Staff members report a majority of beachside residences have already sold. Golf-side residences are for sale…

The holidays are about tradition, warmth, and celebrating with those we love. They also present a rare opportunity to dust off your best china and crystal, iron some linens, and polish the silver. Whether you are reaching for family heirlooms or shopping for new memories, it can’t hurt to know how to handle these special pieces that only come out a few times a year. Buying and caring for porcelain dinner services doesn’t have to be daunting. Before you start, know that the terms “china” and “porcelain” are mostly interchangeable. Both are a ceramic made from refined clay fired at high heat. The term “bone china” is used to describe a stronger, more translucent type created by adding bone ash; as a result, bone china looks much more vibrant and…

Matt Brown, a real estate expert with William Raveis in Naples, has sold many a luxurious home in the various country club communities spanning Southwest Florida. “Most people join private clubs to embrace a lifestyle enriched by exceptional dining, social [activities], wellness, and sports amenities,” he says. Developers, architects, and designers collaborate to produce communal spaces that meet the disparate needs and preferences of members. “The key lies in allocating amenity spaces based on anticipated member demand,” Brown explains. “Seasoned developers with a track record of successful projects bring valuable insights from past ventures to form their decisions.” Read on for four examples of country club living and what members desire. DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH M DESIGN STUDIO When interior designer Migena Gace of M Design Studio first stepped into…

On the twenty-third floor of the Royal Mansour Casablanca, floor-to-ceiling windows frame an iconic Moroccan scene: Painterly streaks of rose and saffron animate the sky behind the monumental Hassan II Mosque, accentuating its gravitas as one of the North African nation’s most emblematic structures. At its feet sprawls a sea of whitewashed buildings that give the city its name—and its mystique. Casablanca—Casa to locals—has a romantic, almost mythical connotation, thanks to the eponymous film, and seeing it from this vantage point encourages that perception. Indeed, the city is notoriously hard to know, and navigating its historic medina, monuments, and multifaceted architectural gems takes some guidance from a Casablancan. That’s where the Royal Mansour shines. Whether you want to dive into the old medina for traditional craft-shopping, experience Moroccan food the…

In the boxing ring blue corner, we have that supermodel of electric sedans, the sublime Lucid Air, quite possibly the most beautiful four-door to roll on four wheels. And an impressive EV too, with a battery range of up to 520 miles and a range-topping Sapphire model with 1,234 horsepower and the ability to slingshot from zero to 60 in 1.89 seconds. But over in the red corner is arguably the Air’s fiercest and most formidable rival—an equally beautiful EV with a still-impressive 450-mile range but the bonus of three rows of seats, room for up to seven grown-ups, and the load-carrying space of a U-Haul. May I present the 2026 Lucid Gravity SUV. Our love affair with load-lugging, extra-large SUVs means it doesn’t take rocket science to predict that…

For those who love a little sparkle to conjure the holiday spirit, consider a visit to either of the Ritz-Carlton properties in Naples this month. Both the beach and golf resorts glitter top-to-bottom with festive decor done in that elegant Ritz way. What’s more, each property hosts special seasonal events. At The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, the annual walk-through of a life-size gingerbread house takes place at the resort on Vanderbilt Beach from December 13 through Christmas Day. The popular Teddy Bear Tea returns as well and encourages children to don their holiday attire and experience an afternoon tea service with seasonal treats and storytelling. It’s offered December 13 and 14, as well as December 19 through 24. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón features an Ugly Sweater Cocktail Party in the Bella Vista…

Iron deficiency affects around 10 percent of women of reproductive age in the United States. “It is fairly common, especially for those with heavy menstrual cycles and pregnant women,” explains Dr. Sandraliz Solano, founder of Solano Lifestyle Medicine in Naples, adding that she also monitors older adults closely for the condition. If you notice symptoms, including tiredness, weakness, or dizziness, it’s important to see your doctor for a blood test. Iron deficiency can develop into iron deficiency–based anemia, which occurs when your body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout the body. “The good news is, we often detect early signs during routine checkups, which allows us to intervene before symptoms worsen,” notes Solano. To help prevent the condition, she suggests eating…

DESIGN EXCELLENCE WHO: Palm Beach Media Group WHAT: Third annual Seaglass Awards WHERE: Naples Grande Beach Resort DETAILS: This annual event celebrated excellence in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture throughout Florida, recognizing innovative professionals who contributed to impactful projects over the past year. MEDIA SPONSOR: Florida Design A NIGHT THAT TOUCHED HEARTS WHO: The Brett Boyer Foundation WHAT: Songs to Table WHERE: Stone’s Throw Farm, Naples DETAILS: Mary and Bill Stone hosted Luke Bryan and friends at a beautiful estate farm in honor of Sadie Brett Boyer and the children who continue to fight congenital heart disease. RUN FOR THE KIDS WHO: Fun Time Early Childhood Academy WHAT: Labor Day 5K Run & Walk WHERE: Baker Park, Naples DETAILS: Hosted by Gulf Coast Runners, the 5K Labor Day Run &…

For students at Pinecrest Elementary School and Shadowlawn Elementary School, the holidays come early, as Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) hosts an annual toy drive to give joy to kids in need. Tom Lykos, president of The Lykos Group, says the event reshaped his outlook on the holidays after initially participating in it more than two decades ago. “It’s exactly what I needed after the passing of my brother,” Lykos says. “It really grounded me.” Months of planning go into making the annual event a success. CBIA members collect and buy enough toys for about 1,200 students between the ages of 5 and 12. They also separate the toys by age and gender. The excitement begins just a few weeks before Christmas, when the toys make their safe arrival to…

Far from Providenciales and its marquee resorts and neighboring sanctuaries, Ambergris Cay claims the southern edge of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, where seclusion feels both far-flung and carefully composed. With fewer than 50 villas and beachfront bungalows, the 1,100-acre private island hideaway feels worlds away from the bustle of more familiar Caribbean shores. Iguanas skitter across rocky paths, seabirds wheel against a horizon of infinite blue, dolphins surface with acrobatic flair, and the remoteness reveals night skies of startling clarity. Long stretches of coastline invite solitary beach walks, and the sense of separation from the outside world is profound. Originally a private homeownership community, Ambergris Cay opened to travelers in 2019. Today, guests choose from among 18 one- and two-bedroom bungalows set directly on ivory-sand shores or a collection…

Quoting the great John Cleese from the 1970s British TV series Monty Python’s Flying Circus: “And now for something completely different.” Behold the OT-60 from Greek sailboat builder Omikron, a super-sleek 60-footer that has everyone wondering whether it’s a fast cruiser, a modern Euro trawler, a big dayboat, or simply a sailboat that’s lost its mast. Pick any one and you might be right. What it is, without a doubt, is one of the most intriguing and innovative motor yachts to hit the market in decades. Here is a Swiss Army knife of a family cruiser, designed to go places in supreme comfort, not too fast, not too slow, but using thimbles of fuel in the process. A long weekend in the Keys? A month in the Bahamas? A year…

For more than five decades, the Lowenstein family has been closely tied to the South Florida art scene. In 1971, they purchased the historic DiLido Beach Hotel on Miami Beach, which later became The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, opening in 2004. Art has remained central to the property ever since. Led by gallerist Diana Lowenstein, the family has curated contemporary works throughout the hotel and supported Art Basel Miami Beach through exhibitions and installations that connect global artists with the city’s vibrant culture. Today, a new generation joins the legacy as Diana’s granddaughter, Ilana, continues the family’s fusion of art and hospitality. We caught up with them both to discuss cross-generational collecting and more. (dianalowensteingallery.com, ritzcarlton.com) NI: What trends are you seeing in art collecting? Diana: I belong to a different…

For 11 years, Lamoraga was a go-to destination for traditional tapas, hearty meat dishes, and fragrant paella. It closed last April to the dismay of customers and the restaurant’s longtime chef, Juan Perez. “The owner said, ‘I’m retiring. I want to sell the building.’ I was in shock that evening,” Perez says. Perez had been there for a decade, ascending the ranks to top chef after gaining experience at the now-closed Handsome Harry’s on Third Street South in Old Naples. He and his wife, Karina Hernandez, agreed it was the right time to open their own place, and launched Paella’s Mediterranean Fusion, a cozy 34-seat establishment on East Tamiami Trail in Naples Towne Centre South. “I’ve always wanted to do this,” he says, “to open something small to start. I…

The holidays are a time to celebrate family and relationships while creating sentimental memories. Though, sometimes, the season can become stressful, especially if you’re focused on material gifts. “There is certainly no problem with gift-giving, but often, needing to give or receive the perfect gift gets in the way of securing a sense of peace and love,” explains Judith Belmont, a retired psychotherapist and mental health author in Naples. “The need to have things too perfect often backfires, preventing you from being in the right emotional frame of mind.” Instead, Belmont recommends fostering connections by writing meaningful notes to your loved ones, composing or performing a personalized song, or sharing what you’re thankful for at a family gathering.“Giving your loved ones more of your ‘presence’ than ‘presents’ can also take…

It’s almost the New Year. You might have some fitness resolutions in mind already. As you begin to work toward your goals and form new habits, “make it so easy you can’t not do it,” advises Amir Macdonald, head of operations at 52 Strong Personal Training in Naples. “If you want to get started in the gym, the best thing to do is to walk through the front door.” Macdonald also suggests finding friends or family who share a similar goal, whether that is building muscle or losing weight. This can make working out more enjoyable, as can finding activities you love. For people who don’t like the gym, he recommends playing pickleball, tennis, or other sports. “They fall in love with the sport, and they end up getting into…

Meet Team K. Mom, Kiran Gill, born and raised in Chicago, is a plastic surgeon, who founded Naples Aesthetic Institute. Dad, Khary Robinson, grew up in Jamaica. He attended boarding school in Connecticut to play soccer. “I was good at it—it brought me to the U.S.,” he says. Today, as the founder of Norbrook Equity Partners, he is an entrepreneur. Together for 28 years and married for 15, the Robinson/Gill lineup now includes Kayden (14), Kaleb (12), Kareena (10), Kip (a 5-year-old goldendoodle), and the newest member of the family, Kobe (a cat). Gill and Robinson met during their freshman year at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Both 18 at the time, Gill, a volleyball player, and Robinson, a soccer player, lived in the same dorm. Robinson was studying finance…

She knows it sounds bizarre, but Danielle Reardon, who studied architecture and came to practice interior design later in life, listens to houses. She learned this practice from an interior designer she interned with in New York City. This individual, she says, spent copious amounts of time in houses and once told her this: “Homes just speak to me. They tell me what they want.” Reardon gave it a try and became a convert. This practice works especially well for Reardon and her team when they take on a yearly spec home renovation. Because these are company-funded and companyowned, Reardon explains she can spend uninterrupted hours on-site, where she can observe how light moves within rooms throughout the day, where shadows fall, and how circulation naturally unfolds. “It’s an immersive…

Rising from 18 acres of Sarasota’s shoreline, the new St. Regis Longboat Key Resort feels less like a regional debut and more like a global statement: an escape firmly rooted in Florida sand but with the scope and polish of the Caribbean and Mexico’s finest. With just 166 rooms and suites privy to a 20,000-square-foot spa, seven dining and drinking venues, three pools, a winding river, a 500,000-gallon saltwater lagoon, and 800 feet of private quartz beach, it’s a rare U.S. property that functions as a fully self-contained destination reserved for the lucky few. From the moment the towering glass doors swing open, it’s evident you’re entering a remix of the iconic St. Regis brand, one tailored to modern tropical cravings. In the double-height foyer, floral art climbs the walls…

When most of our customers think about cellaring bottles for the long haul, the usual suspects come to mind: Bordeaux’s structured Cabernets and Merlots, Burgundy’s ethereal Pinot Noirs, and Napa Valley’s powerhouse Cabernets. These regions have earned their reputation for producing wines that evolve beautifully over decades. But some of the most rewarding bottles come from less-expected places. While everyone chases the blue-chip stalwarts, three styles are quietly aging into something spectacular: Cru Beaujolais should be in any serious cellar. Forget everything you know about Beaujolais Nouveau—the 10 crus produce Gamaybased wines with serious aging potential. While lovely in their youth, these wines reveal earthy, Burgundy-like depth after 10 to 15 years. Franciacorta, Italy’s answer to Champagne, is another hidden trea gratification sure. Made in the same method, these…

Alan Garcia loved soda growing up but eventually stopped drinking it because of its high sugar content. After no luck finding a healthy replacement, he began researching and experimenting. A few years later, Fruga was born. Made using real fruit puree and with health in mind, the low-calorie carbonated drink includes chicory root for digestive health, added vitamins for immunity benefits, and fewer than 10 grams of sugar per serving. The flavors–such as Mango, Pink Guava, and Passion Fruit–reflect the tropical vibrancy of Florida and particularly Miami, where Garcia lives, though he says he can’t choose a favorite. “I love them all,” he says. Since founding the company in 2023, Garcia notes that Fruga has received positive reviews. “What [people] appreciate about Fruga is how it tastes like the real…

When investors build a portfolio, the usual suspects come to mind: stocks, bonds, real estate, even gold and Bitcoin. One asset often overlooked as a hedge against inflation is art. According to the 2025 Art Basel and UBS survey of more than 3,600 high-net-worth collectors, 85 percent view art as a relatively safe investment compared with traditional assets, while one in four cite financial considerations as their primary reason for buying. The same report estimated global art sales in 2024 at $57.5 billion, representing the second consecutive year of declining sales, following a peak of $68.1 billion in 2022. But despite this dip, “the volume of sales grew by 3 percent in 2024, highlighting increased activity at more accessible price points.” Economist William Goetzmann, who serves as the Edwin J.…

1 Dave Koz, jazz-based holiday tour, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $86. (artisnaples.org) Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples, to Dec. 21, tickets start at $44. (gulfshoreplayhouse.org) Jewish Book Festival, event with bestselling author Mitch Albom, Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, Naples, $45, includes book. (jewishbookfestival.org) Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden, a seasonal staple, Naples Botanical Garden, to Jan. 4, visit website for ticket information. (naplesgarden.org) Little Women: The Musical, Kizzie Theater, The Naples Players, to Dec. 21, tickets start at $55. (naplesplayers.org) 2 Birding in the Garden, take a morning walk through the 90-acre preserve and discover the avian species that call the garden home, Naples Botanical Garden, also Dec. 9, 16, 23, and 30, included with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org) Early Birding Tour, naturalist-guided tour of…