Looking for a destination to take the whole family? Consider the Caribbean paradise of Naples, Florida. So, you’re convinced Naples is worthwhile, but how do you go about finding a hotel that’s fun and accommodating for kids and relaxing for you? Consider making La Playa Resort in southwest Florida your next stop. Read on to find out what makes this spot a great pick for a family getaway.
La Playa Resort in Naples
La Playa Beach & Golf Resort is located next to the beach (33 steps to the beach, to be exact!) in the heart of beautiful Naples, Florida. The resort boasts luxury accommodations, multiple pools nestled in a grove of palm trees, exceptional dining both formal and informal and inside and out, white sand beaches, sparkling blue water of the Gulf, a charming and serene spa, and much, much more.
Rooms & Suites
With white sand beaches, pools, and the Floridian sunshine, you’ll likely want to spend much of your time out and about. But having a respite from the heat for recharging or letting the kids nap is important. La Playa offers rooms that are comfortable, spacious, and beautifully-decorated. Rooms offer a vacation away from your vacation, with inviting beds covered in sumptuous linens and fluffy pillows and cozy dining nooks. Suites offer a living/dining room separate from the bedroom, which is great if you have a baby or kids that are light sleepers and need a nap. Cribs and roll away beds are available upon request, so don’t worry about bringing the Pack’n Play.
For a quick mid-afternoon recharge with the kids, relax on the sofa with some water and a snack. Room service offers a wide array of food for any time of the day (we recommend trying the organic eggs for breakfast or lunch), or raid the refrigerator that’s stocked with beverages (for both adults and kids) and snacks. While you’re recharging, flick on the TV for some entertainment or music, or log onto the complimentary wireless network (but no checking work e-mail!).
La Playa’s rooms and suites are housed in the Beach House and towering Bay View and Gulf Towers. No matter what room you end up with, you’re guaranteed a spectacular view from your balcony. Relax with a book while the kids nap and enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico with its crystal clear blue water, a sunset over Vanderbilt Bay, or the charm and beautiful colors of Naples architecture.
The Pool Oasis
The Pool Oasis is a mini-paradise among a grove of palm trees featuring a handful of pools, falls, and even a hot tub. Set between the Beach House and Bay View and Gulf Towers, it provides easy and quick access to everything–your room, dining, the beach, and the spa.
The Tiki Bar is located within the Pool Oasis and serves up light fare and snacks as well as refreshments during the day and serves drinks until sunset, so you can lounge by the pool or on the beach without having to leave for food. The menu includes an array of appetizers, greens, sandwiches, and kids food, so there’s something for everyone (make sure to sample the mozarella sticks and quesadillas, they may be the best you’ve ever tasted). The drink menu also offers a variety of drinks, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, the staff are happy to whip up a virgin version.
Poolside cabanas offer the perfect place for families to set up shop for a relaxing afternoon by the pool. The cabanas offer shade from the sun and ceiling fans to stay cool. Cabana packages come with wireless internet, towel service, bottled water, and sorbet. Reserving a cabana is also a great idea if you would like to breastfeed or change diapers discreetly.
Dining
La Playa offers a wide array of dining experiences, and we recommend sampling each. You can dine in your room, on the beach, poolside, by a fire pit, inside, or on the terrace. The commonalities they all share are delicious food, great service, and a beautiful ambiance.
Enjoy the fine cuisine of the Baleen Naples restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, late lunch, dinner, dessert, and drinks. For lunch, try something cool and crisp, such as iced jumbo shrimp or a crispy, fresh salad. If you’re hungry for something heavier, try a sandwich or burger. There are also vegetarian choices such as veggie paninis and mushroom ravioli.
Dinner won’t disappoint. Baleen Naples’ dinner menu offers a hard choice for the seafood-lover: oysters, gulf shrimp, king crab, mussels, tuna, lobster, yellowtail, grouper, and scallops can all be had. But don’t fret if you’re not a seafood enthusiast, there are plenty of other choices including chicken, pork, and beef dishes.
Sides are great for toddlers and kids and include yummy but healthy dishes like potato puree, asparagus au gratin, sautéed spinach, and lobster mac & cheese. The staff is very accommodating to kids, so don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or something not on the menu. And they’ll happily bring kids food out quickly for impatient kiddos with growling tummies. So, you can feed your kids first and then enjoy your food when it comes.
The freshness and quality of Baleen Naples‘ food is great, portion sizes are perfect (though so delicious you’ll be left wanting more!), and the prices are right. We recommend sampling the truffle fries, a crispy and savory spin on boring ‘ole fries. Baleen Naples also has a dessert menu of light and fruity desserts to top off a delicious dinner. We especially love the lemon tart which is topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, and mint.
Dinner by Sunset
Make your evening perfect by dining outside, either on the terrace or on the beach by fire pit. The cool ocean breezes and sunset are something you don’t want to miss. And take your time enjoying your meal, eating dessert, and sipping a delicious beverage. You’ll be under no pressure to leave when you’re finished, so sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.
White Sand Beaches
La Playa is located right on the ocean, so it takes only mere seconds to get to the beach. Which is good, because you’ll want to soak up all you can of the white sand beaches and crystal-clear, blue sparkling waters of the gulf. And the kids will love playing in the sand and splashing in the water.
Grab an umbrella and lounge chair and stretch out. The beach is staffed by Beach Butlers to setup umbrellas and chairs for you as well as serve lunch and drinks.
What’s more beautiful than white sand and blue sparkling water? The white sand beaches and sparkling water of the beach at sunset! Don’t forget to schedule plenty of walks, or even a quick swim, along the beach at sunset, either alone with your partner or as a family.
Luxury Spa, SpaTerre
Who doesn’t love a good pampering? Even if you’re not a regular spa-goer, you don’t want to miss La Playa’s SpaTerre. The boutique is located within the pool area on the second floor (you can also get treatments in your room or poolside), and offers a tranquil environment for whatever you’re in the mood for–facials, massage, or a full-on afternoon of beauty treatments. Start unwinding beforehand by relaxing on the balcony outside or cool off inside in the waiting area with citrus water and refreshments. Soak in the relaxing ambiance of dim lights, quiet surroundings, and soft music.
Spa treatments are performed in personal rooms with private balconies and showers. The therapists and beauticians on staff are friendly and welcoming and cater to your needs to make sure you have the best experience possible.
You may want to schedule in several spa treatments throughout your stay at La Playa, because there are too many services to chose just one! Start your vacation right with a mani/pedicure, a waxing, a facial, or body treatment. Choose from wrinkle, dermabrasian, collagen therapies and more for the face (treatments are not just for mom, check out the Gentleman’s Facial with Scalp Massage for dad and Ultimate Teen Facial for the kids). Indulge your whole body with services such as a milk & honey wrap, a deep detox, or Island Fresh exfoliation scrub. A vacation is also a great time to try something new: consider one of the Global Ritual treatments such as the Japanese Royal Treatment, Volcanic Earth Clay Ritual, or Thai Herbal Therapy.
Be sure to schedule in a return appointment for a massage. Choose from a variety of massages such as with acupressure, aromatherapy, or a Sacred Stone massage; or opt for a more traditional deep-tissue Swedish or Sports massage. Get a massage together with your mate, or take turns getting a massage in-room or poolside.
And More…
Stay on track with your exercise regime by visiting La Playa’s fitness center. The center is equipped for both cardiovascular workouts as well as strength training. Or check out one of their yoga, pilates, or other fitness classes.
If you’re up for adventure, consider some water sports like sailing or boating, family activities such as aquatic camps or pedal boating, or the resort’s own golf course.
On the Web: La Playa Beach & Golf Resort
Facebook: La Playa Beach Resort
Twitter: La Playa Naples
Photo credits: TheWhimsicalPhotographer.com, Hinge Photography, Lilac Saloon, The Art of Making A Baby
