Many years ago, someone told me there were only seven beaches in the world that had the following: white sand as soft as satin, tranquil breezes, abundant sunshine, and temperatures that rarely dropped below 75 degrees. I’m not sure if there are only seven, but I can tell you I found one of those beaches when I moved to Naples, Florida. When you step onto that pristine, silky sand for the first time, it’s something you’ll never forget. But even though I enjoy the luxury of living here, I wanted to experience it from the view of a vacationer. I had the opportunity to do just that at the Edgewater Beach Hotel this past week. Laura Radler, GM, made our stay unforgettable with the many wonderful touches she provided.
Activities and Oh, the Views!
A 125 all-suite hotel situated on seven miles of white-sand beach, the Edgewater Beach Hotel offers guests a variety of activities as well as a tranquil setting to leave the stress of daily life behind. Believe it or not, there are very few beachfront hotels in Naples, so the Edgewater is truly one of a kind. What’s even better about this hotel is its strong focus on wellness. It makes perfect sense as Naples is a Blue Zone. Blue Zones are known across the globe as hotspots of rare longevity in the people that live there due to their diet and lifestyle.
The Edgewater Beach Hotel provides an ideal environment for those seeking the best wellness hotel in Naples. They have developed a program of Wellness Retreats including wellness events, overnight wellness packages, Yoga on the beach, private guided meditation sessions, and self-care wellness podcasts that were recorded right at the hotel. This wellness program was created in tandem with local experts and intended to help travelers feel their best while away from home.
The Edgewater also offers two heated swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, private and group personal training, in-suite massage, holistic nutrition, bike rentals, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and can also arrange water sport rentals, fishing charters, and other fun activities. We rented bikes and rode through the beautiful Moorings and Park Shore neighborhoods past awe-inspiring Banyan trees whose limbs arched overhead across the road. Even better, though, was relaxing on our cabana bed watching the gentle waves of the Gulf roll onto shore and taking in the dazzling sunsets from our private balcony. Everywhere you looked from this resort was a breathtaking view.
Accommodations
There are only a handful of places I can remember staying where the views were so spectacular, I didn’t want to leave the room. This was one of them. The balcony stretched from the entire length of our bedroom to our living room. Imagine opening your eyes each morning to see miles of sea and sand stretched out before you. To give you an idea of the size of the balcony, it held two Adirondack rocking chairs, a small breakfast table with two chairs and two chaise lounges!
The suite also features a spacious living room and modern kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and granite counter breakfast bar. And maybe the best part of the Edgewater was sitting around the fire pit at night having lively discussions with the other guests. For me, that’s priceless and rarely experienced in most hotels or resorts where I’ve stayed.
Let’s Get to the Food!
Coast makes healthy dining choices easy by offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that are inspired by the diets of the world’s Blue Zones. Here is just a sample of the menu:
Breakfast:
- Avocado Toast: Whole wheat toast and pico de gallo (smoked salmon available to add)
- Steel-Cut Oatmeal: Served with fresh seasonal berries and toasted macadamia nuts
- Green Smoothie: Banana, apple, spinach, almond milk, and honey
Lunch/Dinner:
- Meze Platter: Roasted garlic hummus, local crudité, goat feta cheese, country olives, and warm pita chips
- Veggie Wrap: Whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus, baby spinach, tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion, and goat feta cheese
- Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry: Red onions, asparagus, bell peppers, rainbow carrots, and basil-garlic tomato broth
We ordered the Ahi Tuna Poke with avocado, pickled ginger, garlic, and cucumber-wasabi dressing, everything seasoned crisp, and it was prepared to perfection. We also enjoyed the Red Berry Salad with baby spinach, goat feta cheese, candied walnuts, red onion, strawberry, and balsamic vinaigrette. For entrees, don’t miss the Grilled Grouper (a must in Florida), and the Seared Salmon with creamy cauliflower puree, wilted greens, and a cabernet reduction. Everything was delicious!
Private Dining Experience for Two:
This extraordinary dining experience, “Dining on the Sand,” starts with a glass of sparkling wine. From there, guests enjoy a bottle of wine of their choosing and charcuterie. This is followed by a selection of soups and salads before selecting among these delicious entrees:
- Filet Mignon: Lobster risotto, asparagus, and a red wine demi
- Grilled Grouper: Lemon-thyme risotto, grilled asparagus, and a broken tomato vinaigrette
- Lobster Ravioli: In a lobster, with shrimp, asparagus, and heirloom tomato cream
- Ballotine of Chicken: Wild mushrooms, roasted tomato, fine herbs, creamed potato, and a roasted chicken jus
This mouthwatering meal is completed with the Chef’s hand-picked sweet selection.
- Featured Pairings: These dinners are meticulously paired with well-known brands such as Grey Goose, Veuve Clicquot, local Florida breweries, and nationally established wineries.
In addition to all these amazing meal options, Edgewater has created some tantalizing wellness-related drinks with fresh ingredients that can be found at the Coast bar, as well as the Blue Zone items they offer.
Sun, Sand, and Savings
One exciting option Edgewater is currently
offering is the Sun, Sand, and Savings package. Rise, shine, and dine on your next beach getaway! This package includes:
- One daily umbrella rental
- Breakfast for two adults each morning
Stay Healthy, Stay Satisfied, Stay Green When You Stay at Edgewater Beach Hotel
As a Green Resort, water conservation, reducing waste and pollution of all types, and limiting the effects of global warming are priorities. They change bed linens and towels only upon request, provide recycling bins, use water-saving devices and energy-saving lighting, recycle paper, and use eco-friendly cleaning products.
With a coveted beachfront setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Edgewater Beach Hotel is a charming Naples vacation resort that has defined barefoot elegance for over 30 years. This serene resort provides an ideal environment in which to continue making self-care and total well-being a priority.
For more information: www.edgewaternaples.com. 1901 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Naples, FL.
Local 239.403.2000, Reservations 866.624.1695