NAPLES, Fla. -- Naples' renowned Registry Resort & Club has relaunched with a new name and redesign, officially unveiling the first of many significant enhancements underway at the property. Open since 1986, the property is now officially known as Naples Grande Resort & Club.
The resort's multi-million dollar renaissance, completed in stages, features a full redesign of the lobby, lounge, banquet facility, bungalows and accommodations created by world-renowned designer Robert Barry of Barry Design as well as the additions of a state-of-the-art Golden Door Spa and the Strip House, a signature steakhouse restaurant.
The new lobby maintains the architectural integrity of the original space yet features a fresh, more modern look with clean lines and an updated color palette. The space, featuring soaring ceilings that range in height from 12 to 35 feet, has been opened up and simplified, allowing for relaxed and seamless arrivals and departures.
Upon walking through the resort's grand doors, guests move freely from the entrance to the reception area. To the left and right of the lobby, glass alcoves have been added that will create intimate seating areas for guests to unwind or meet colleagues, friends or family. These alcoves are draped in white fabric, reminiscent of casual, elegant beach cabanas.
A warm beige monochromatic palette accentuates the lobby's natural grandeur and ambiance. In an interesting juxtaposition of color, the new reception area is highlighted by a dramatically backlit, edgeless carved glass wall whose color subtly morphs from Hermes-orange to a vibrant shade of red. Additionally, the lobby also features the addition of a unique new fountain. The cascading waters of this one-story sculpture, consisting of a 20-foot ring, generate a soothing sound that resonates throughout the lobby.
A significant enhancement within the new lobby is the reconstructed lounge and restaurant area, which was completed in March. Walls, which in the past had separated these areas from the lobby, have been removed to create an open space that transitions into the new adjacent catering and banquet facilities. The lobby's new restaurant, Aura, features internationally-inspired coastal cuisine in an airy space just adjacent to the hotel's new bar, made of backlit green glass and offering a host of cocktails as well as a menu of light fare.
Sprawling 5,700 square feet, the hotel's new banquet facility is perfect for the most casual to the most special of events. Overlooking the pool area, the banquet facility features floor to ceiling windows on two sides, offering sweeping views of the tropical landscape and mangrove preserve. A fire pit bordered by a relaxed seating corner has been added to the outdoor area of the banquet facility, providing guests with a cozy haven to enjoy during the cooler winter season.
Each of Naples Grande Resort & Club's 395 recently refurbished guestrooms and 29 tower suites offers spacious balconied accommodations overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Ranging from 545 to 1,835 square feet, all guest rooms and suites are getting their own makeover with clean lines, modern furnishings, and natural wall coverings for a decidedly "modern Florida" look.
Oversized closets with plantation louvered doors, granite-topped dry bars and decorative wood molding further enhance the accommodations. Expansive bathrooms in the guestrooms include five-fixture arrangements with dual vanity sinks, an oversized tub and separate glass-enclosed shower with stone and marble finishes. All suites feature separate living areas, dining areas that accommodate eight, spacious patios, and an extra half-bath.
The Bungalows, located adjacent to the main resort, are also being completely refurbished by Bob Barry and are slated to open this fall. These 50 accommodations will feature design elements of relaxed gray, beige, and green. With beautifully simple lines, the Asian-inspired bungalows will complement the furniture combinations of bleached and dark woods, highlight the richness of the materials used, and add a new level of warmth and comfort for guests to enjoy.
For golf aficionados, guests are extended exclusive access to the private, championship 18-hole Rees Jones-designed Naples Grande Golf Club. Celebrated for his work designing and restoring many PGA tournament courses, Jones' design incorporates Naples' indigenous vegetation and offers a variety of height variations and tee placements to accommodate all skill levels. Personal golf instruction can be arranged at Naples Grande Golf School, staffed with PGA-certified instructors.
Equally exceptional tennis facilities abound at Naples Grande. Rated among Tennis Magazine's 50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts, Naples Grande boasts 15 Har-Tru courts, five of which are lighted. A full range of professional services are offered, including an exclusive matchmaking service through the tennis concierge, daily clinics, private and group lessons, special member tournaments and a children?s camp.
The "backyard" of Naples Grande Resort & Club features 23 waterfront acres that incorporates the best of Southwest Florida's natural wonders. The beach at Clam Pass, in addition to its alabaster sand and tranquil gulf waters, offers guests an array of non-motorized water sports including snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking. In the resort's own mangrove estuary, accessible via seaside boardwalk, or open-air tram, guests can enjoy the lush variety of foliage and animal life.
Naples Grande also offers five swimming pools, three with whirlpool spas, and the Mangrove Mountain 100-foot waterslide. The main pool area, located on a sun deck overlooking the mangroves, features natural rock formations and private cabanas with butler service.
Copyright 2006 PGA.com. All rights reserved.
