What happened to Naples Beach resort?
What happened to Naples Beach Resort?
Picture this: a Florida landmark that’s been sunbathing on the Gulf Coast since the 1940s suddenly decides to pull a “hold my piña colada” move. In 2021, the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Resort—a place where generations of vacationers learned the true meaning of “beach hair”—closed its doors after being sold to a developer. Rumor has it the resort’s golf course is now whispering, “Et tu, bulldozer?” as plans for luxury condos and a ritzy new hotel take shape. Imagine swapping shuffleboard courts for champagne towers. Progress, right?
The Plot Thickens (and So Does the Paperwork)
Since the sale, the story’s become more tangled than a tourist’s fishing line. The developers vowed to build a “five-star masterpiece” (complete with a hotel, condos, and a parking garage that might rival the Taj Mahal). But locals are side-eyeing the project harder than a seagull judging your fry-stealing skills. Zoning debates, environmental concerns, and plenty of “hold on, let me read the fine print” moments have turned this saga into a bureaucratic telenovela. Will the bulldozers roll in? Will the golf course ghosts revolt? Stay tuned.
Sand, Skepticism, and… Hope?
- The resort today: A boarded-up time capsule. The pool’s drained, the tiki bar’s silent, and the only “guests” are lizards judging your life choices.
- The beach: Still stunning, because Mother Nature’s no drama queen. Public access remains, so you can still frolic where the resort once stood—just don’t expect a margarita refill.
- The mood: A mix of nostalgia, skepticism, and “maybe they’ll add a waterslide?” optimism. It’s like watching your favorite flip-flops get replaced by designer loafers—classier, but will they handle the sand?
As of now, the site’s future is as uncertain as a Floridian weather forecast. Permits? Pending. Condos? Conceptual. The only guarantee? The beach isn’t going anywhere—though it’s probably drafting a Yelp review about the construction noise.
What is the prettiest beach in Naples, Florida?
Ah, the age-old question that sparks more debate than “Is a hot dog a sandwich?” among Naples locals. The truth is, picking the “prettiest” beach here is like choosing a favorite child—if your children were made of sugar-white sand and occasionally attacked by rogue seagulls eyeing your snacks. But fine, let’s dive in (with SPF 50, because ouch).
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Where Sand Gets a PhD in Perfection
If beaches had resumes, Delnor-Wiggins would be the overachiever who also volunteers at the shell museum. This place is so pristine, you’ll half-expect the sand to start lecturing you about coastal erosion. Highlights include:
- A+ Shelling: Hermit crabs here are basically the beach’s HOA, critiquing your shell-collecting etiquette.
- Dolphin awkwardness: They’ll photobomb your selfies like they’re trying to win a Tony Award.
Vanderbilt Beach: Sunset’s Red Carpet
Vanderbilt is where the sun puts on a nightly fireworks show, but with fewer explosions and more existential awe. The water here is so clear, you could probably use it to check if your soul’s still intact post-2020. Bonus points for:
- People-watching: Sunset crowds range from yoga influencers to retirees debating the merits of early-bird specials.
- Sand quality: So soft, you’ll wonder if it’s been exfoliated by mermaids.
Clam Pass Park: The Beach That Makes You Earn It
Clam Pass is the Indiana Jones of beaches—you’ll trek a boardwalk through mangroves while avoiding “attack” ants and existential dread. Once there, the tidal flow creates a lazy river vibe, minus the inflatable tubes (unless you’re *that* person). It’s quirky, secluded, and proof that nature’s beauty often requires bug spray.
Ultimately, Naples’ beaches are like ice cream flavors: arguing over which is “best” is half the fun. Unless you’re arguing with a pelican. Those guys hold grudges.
Who bought Naples Grande Beach Resort?
Ah, the million-dollar question (or, more accurately, the multi-million-dollar question). In 2021, the Naples Grande Beach Resort—a sun-soaked paradise where golf carts outnumber Teslas and spa robes are considered formalwear—was scooped up by Olympus Property, a Florida-based real estate wizard with a knack for snagging coastal gems. Imagine a mythical creature, but instead of breathing fire, it breathes timeshare brochures and poolside cabana reservations. That’s Olympus. They didn’t just buy a resort; they adopted a lifestyle.
The Fine Print: Due Diligence, But Make It Tropical
Rumor has it the acquisition involved a high-stakes game of Marco Polo in the resort’s lagoon-style pool. (Unconfirmed, but plausible.) What we *do* know: Olympus, part of The Olympus Companies, specializes in “luxury hospitality assets,” which is corporate-speak for “places where you pay $20 for a mojito and feel oddly good about it.” They also own a portfolio of properties that probably have more Instagram followers than your cousin’s food blog.
- The Seller: Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, a REIT that decided to trade palm trees for… other palm trees? (They’ve been reshuffling their portfolio like a Blackjack player with a caffeine habit.)
- The Price: A cool $362 million—roughly 362 million seashells, if you’re bartering.
- The Vibe Check: Olympus promised “no sudden moves,” aside from maybe adding more sushi bars or renaming the spa after a Greek god. Zeus’s Hot Stone Massage, anyone?
But Wait—Who *Is* Olympus Property, Really?
Picture a conglomerate that’s equal parts suit-and-tie boardroom and flip-flops-at-sunset. They’re the kind of folks who’d negotiate a deal via Zoom while sipping a margarita garnished with a tiny umbrella. Founded in 1993, they’ve quietly become Florida’s answer to “How do you monetize sunshine?” Spoiler: Buy a beachfront resort, slap on a fresh coat of paint, and let the vacation selfies roll in. Genius? Absurd? Both? You decide.
So, next time you’re lounging at Naples Grande, remember: Olympus isn’t just the owner. They’re the puppet masters behind your piña colada-induced bliss. And honestly, we’re not mad about it.
Does Naples Grande Beach Resort have a hot tub?
Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, the Naples Grande Beach Resort has a hot tub. But calling it a “hot tub” feels like calling the Everglades a “puddle.” This isn’t just a vat of bubbly H2O—it’s a luxury cauldron where you can marinate your stress like a forgotten teabag. Imagine sinking into water so warm, you’ll wonder if it’s heated by the collective sigh of relieved vacationers. Pro tip: Avoid attempting to calculate the exact number of jets—it’s a trap. You’ll lose count and emerge three hours later, pruney and philosophically confused.
Things Hotter Than This Tub (Spoiler: Not Much)
- The Florida sun at high noon (but the tub won’t give you a sunburn, unless you count existential clarity).
- A fresh cup of resort coffee served to guests who realize they’ve been using the mini shampoo as mouthwash.
- The rivalry between seagulls eyeing your poolside fries.
Now, let’s address the elephant *not* in the tub (because elephants are notoriously bad at sharing). The resort’s hot tub is strategically placed to maximize views of the Gulf, so you can soak while pondering life’s big questions: *Why are palm trees so dramatic? Is that a dolphin or a tourist’s inflatable float?* And most importantly: *How is this water still so perfect?* Rumor has it the maintenance crew consists of spa witches who whisper affirmations to the pH levels. We don’t make the rules.
Hot Tub Etiquette: Naples Grande Edition
Please respect the following:
– No interpretive dance routines (unless you’re trained in aquatic ballet).
– Group singing permitted… but only if your rendition of “Margaritaville” includes a key change.
– Turtle sightings must be reported immediately. They’re the unofficial hot tub supervisors.
So, to recap: Yes, the hot tub exists. It’s warm, it’s bubbly, and it’s waiting to turn your muscles into overcooked noodles. Just remember to exit eventually—the staff will start to worry if they see you growing gills.
