Family Travel to Florida’s Gulf Coast: Spotlight on Sarasota and Naples

printed January 2009

Beautiful beaches along the gulf, protected natural wonders, and resort-style locations make Southwest Florida one of America’s most fabulous places to visit– and the Naples area is no exception. Explore the coastline with its barrier islands, estuaries, and salt marshes; boat through cypress swamps; and discover the Everglades, the third-largest national park in the United States. Families looking for a carefree beach vacation experience where it is easy to unwind, have fun and rejuvenate will find The Naples Grande Resort ideal. Sun, sand, golf, tennis and a spa plus a family friendly, attentive staff to take care of the details, sounds like the perfect family vacation.

Accommodations: The Naples Grande Resort has recently renovated its 424 guest rooms and suites in an 18-story tower, plus 50 bungalow-style suites with an Asian décor. Availability includes both coastal and gulf view spacious rooms and suites. These newly designed rooms offer a host of distinctive, modern amenities, including: Oversized rooms of 465 square feet; separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs; conversation area, with a full-sized desk; dual-dataport telephones and WebTV; CD / radio alarm clock; hairdryer, iron, and ironing board; coffeemaker, with coffee and tea; Wayport high-speed Internet access. The beds are comfy with lots of pillows and nice linens. Introducing the New Naples Grande Bungalows- To keep up with the ever-changing needs of today’s traveler, this highly exclusive option at our exclusive resort includes: 700+ square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, including 2 terraces; large living room, with a sofa and two arm chairs; queen size sleeper sofa in the living room; fully furnished terrace, overlooking the pool area; master bedroom, with a king-sized bed, large closet, and full-sized desk; spa-like bathroom with polished granite counters and natural stone; separate vanity area with make up mirror and hairdryer; two large, flat screen TVs, a microwave, coffeemaker and espresso maker; plush bathrobes, iron / ironing board, and in-room safes; Wayport high-speed Internet access.

Activities: Ideal for families, the resort provides an abundance of activities, with three swimming  pools and cabanas, Mangrove Mountain, the resort’s 100-foot water slide, along with supervised children’s programs. Discover an undisturbed sanctuary as you stroll through Clam Pass Beach Park (You can stroll the boardwalk through the mango trees or take the cart shuttle service.) This is a great place to relax, be close to everything, and enjoy yourself! Clam Pass Beach Park gives you access to three miles of beautiful, white-sand beach; or choose to get adventurous with water sports including sailing, kayaking . The resort offers a weekly Kayak Tour of Clam Pass. Participants can explore the 23-acre natural mangrove estuary on a guided tour. Enjoy exclusive access and challenging play on 18 holes of championship golf. Play doubles on one of 15 tennis courts. Rejuvenate yourself in the state-of-the-art fitness center – complete with cardiovascular equipment and personalized wellness programs. Renew your spirit at the signature Golden Door spa, featuring 12 treatment rooms, meditation lounges, sauna and steam rooms. Dine at one of  five premium restaurants, offering a wide selection of cuisine. The hotel is situated only a ten minute walk from the wonderful Waterside shops, containing some of the top stores in the world along with a number of restaurants, making this an ideal place to visit within walking distance.

For Kids Only: Naples Grande Kids Club provides educational and developmental activities within a stunning natural setting to inspire creativity and form lasting memories. Activity-Filled Days for Kids, featuring a variety of daily programs, including arts and crafts, sports and  recreation, educational and developmental activities for kids 4-12. A sampling of activities include making tie dye t-shirts, chocolate fountain and berries- kids learn how to make custom dipped chocolate goodies, and a watermelon eating contest- open to all ages!
Kid’s Night Out is  offered every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Babysitting, with certified nannies, available by advance reservation.

Go Green: Recently honored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as “One Palm” Green Lodge Certified, Naples Grande Resort has recently undergone a remarkable eco-friendly conversion.  The newly-recognized Green Lodging resort purchases 5% power from Florida Power & Light.  As one of the few Green Power Partners in Collier County, Naples Grande Resort is dedicated to preserving the remarkable habitats and surroundings of Southwest Florida, reducing our carbon footprint, and implementing green policies throughout all areas of the resort, from guest recycling programs to energy management, water conservation, advanced technology air filters, and much more.  Stay green at Naples Grande Resort and discover just some of the ways they’re giving back.

With its friendly atmosphere, The Naples Grande Resort is a comfortable tropical getaway for anyone seeking peaceful, pristine surroundings and impeccable service. For more information, call (888) 422-6177 or visit www.naplesgranderesort.com.

Sarasota boasts 35 miles of beaches and Siesta Key Public Beach is the destination’s jewel for its powder soft, quartzite sand and gradual incline into the Gulf of Mexico. These conditions make it ideal to build sandcastles, play Frisbee and splash in the aquamarine waters. Get close to sea life at Mote Aquarium. This unique Florida attraction showcases Florida’s fascinating marine life and the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. The Ringling Circus Museum is the best place to learn the circus’s history. Most impressive is the Howard Brothers Circus, a miniature replica of Ringling’s 1930s circus. Over a period of 50 years, philanthropist Howard Tibbals crafted the mini circus complete with trains, tents and spectators. More than 42,000 pieces come together in 3,800 square feet to create this featured attraction.

 

Enjoy the “Sand and Sun” starting at $299/night based on a three-night stay.  In addition to luxurious accommodations and complimentary overnight valet parking, guests can enjoy a resort credit of $100 for stays of three nights or more, $200 for stays of five nights or more and $300 for stays of seven nights or more. The credit is valid for purchases made on property for retail, dining, golf and spa services. This price includes overnight parking. Another great offer is the ”Reconnect Package” starting at $399 per night including breakfast for two daily and $150 credit (daily!) which could go toward Ritz Kids programs or any other incidentals (spa, dining, etc.)