The building's exterior reflects that of a monumental Tuscan villa, with terracotta roofs and curved archways, evoking a modern and relaxed atmosphere. The hotel grounds are well manicured without giving an air of exclusivity, with wide terraces overlooking acres of cypress and palm trees. Music plays in a bright courtyard separating two pools, one for laps and lounging and one for play. A boardwalk zigzags its way to the beach, past an outdoor restaurant and a small bar. Take the time to stop between the beach and the resort, where you can spot lizards in the jungle-like sanctuary flanking you on either side.

Of the four hotel restaurants, Gumbo Limbo has the most relaxed atmosphere. Located outside on the boardwalk backed by tropical gardens, it offers the best sunset views anywhere on the hotel grounds—besides the beach, of course. Live music is featured nightly. Those looking for a romantic meal or a fine dining experience should try Artisans. A five-diamond restaurant with outstanding seafood dishes, Artisans' service is impeccable and the wait staff is well-educated on food and wine pairings. Ladies: be prepared to walk back to your room with a long-stem rose at the end of the night.

Another draw for many is the spa, filled with natural light, relaxing music, and chairs with billowing cushions enough to envelope you. Succumb to relaxation in the hot-and-cold plunge pool—not for the faint of heart—along with the rooftop mineral pool, steam rooms, and luxurious showers with all the amenities. One of the treatments offered, the Eco-Luxe Facial, uses restorative products that are vegan, biodegradable, and chemical-free. The facial includes a massage for the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and arms and also incorporates cranial holds meant to induce an intense resting state. Any spa treatment affords you the freedom to use the facility for a full day and you'd be cheating yourself if you didn't take advantage of that perk.

Though the Ritz is known for its high service for business travelers, the Naples resort caters to families as well. The management seems to understand that, for kids, staying in a hotel with a beautiful spa, fine dining, and spectacular views of the ocean is still considered a recipe for a yawn. To alleviate this, the resort shed its familiar Ritz Kids program and establish Nature's Wonders, an educational program that takes full advantage of the fragile and beautiful ecosystem surrounding the hotel. The program seeks to expose kids and adults to the native marine life of the Naples area. Guests participate in nature walks or three-hour eco-sails through mangrove islands, where sea turtles, manatee, and dolphins all flock. On the hotel grounds, just under the spa, is an aquatic center filled with aquariums and touch tanks meant to engage and inform guests about the aquatic life thriving offshore. The center houses a lab with microscopes, slides, and Petri dishes so kids can gain hands-on experience.

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples; 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Florida; 239.598.3300; www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Naples/Default.htm