Barefoot Luxury

For humans, turning 50 is a milestone worthy of celebration - and, sometimes, a facelift to achieve a fresher, more youthful look.

Hotels hitting the half-century mark often do the same. Such is the case with LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, which announced a $30 million property- wide renovation in conjunction with its 50th anniversary this year.

Since opening in 1968, the oceanfront resort has remained a top destination for Gulf Coast travelers, according to Marco Perry, managing director of LaPlaya.

"As we revel in our 50th anniversary this year, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort continues to showcase quintessential Floridian elegance while transforming '50' with a modern spin inspiring adventure, wellness and a fresh new perspective," he says. "We're confident that this youthful rebirth will excite our existing guests and speak to travelers seeking fresh, new experiences within the heart of Naples."

The facelift began two years ago with a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Beach House building, a soothing, modern space with an ocean-inspired color scheme, stylish furnishings, an updated climate control system and expanded balconies with postcard-pretty views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Other elements of the 2016 updates include lush new tropical landscaping; chaise lounges and updated furniture for private cabanas at the pool area; new cardio machines at the fitness center; and a new coffee bar at the resort's signature restaurant, Baleen Naples.

Then, last year, LaPlaya, a Noble House Resort, began an additional property-wide renovation. Inspiration for the refresh was drawn from the natural elements surrounding the resort and included luxurious new guest rooms in the Gulf Tower, a reinvigorated lobby and a new look for Baleen.

A design team from waldrop+nichols studio, a luxury hospitality and interior architecture and design company based in Dallas, redesigned the lobby to reflect the area's flora and fauna via custom artwork and modern furnishings.

Baleen was glamorized with new finishes of textural wicker, natural cell stone and cerused oak paneling, along with a stunning 4-foot-wide sculpture reminiscent of a whale bone.

Guest rooms in the Gulf Tower, known for panoramic Gulf views, were furnished with oversized organic rugs, four-poster beds with Floridian-patterned textiles, unique photography, a canvas oil art collection and eye-catching bathrooms with backlit vanity mirrors and silver trim.

While staying at LaPlaya, guests will want to take advantage of the full menu of services at the 4,500-square-foot SpaTerre, which offers global rituals, traditional outdoor Japanese relaxation tubs and a wide assortment of pampering treatments. Personal rooms with private balconies and in-room showers make it easy to slip into a state of relaxation at SpaTerre. The spa also has poolside rooms with sliding glass doors that can be opened during massage sessions so guests can enjoy the breezes and sounds of the Gulf.

Guests spend hours soaking up the sunshine at the resort's private white-sand beach, where they have access to beach butler service and a full-service Tiki Bar with craft cocktails. Four outdoor pools with cabanas and spa services remain popular gathering spots.

LaPlaya Golf Club, with its elegant clubhouse and challenging 18-hole, par-72 Robert Cupp-designed golf course, makes this a favorite destination for golfers.

Other resort amenities include a 23-slip marina overlooking Vanderbilt Bay and an assortment of water activities, including fishing charters, boat rentals, kayaking and parasailing.

Venturing off the resort grounds, visitors will find much to enjoy in Naples, including a vibrant downtown with high-end shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nearby are lush wetlands ready for exploration.

By 6 p.m., everyone flocks to the beach to watch the spectacular sunsets. One of the best places to enjoy the view is Baleen, where you can watch while sipping cocktails. Another good viewing spot is the fire pits, but you'll want to arrive early to nab an Adirondack chair because they go fast.

To celebrate 50 years in Naples, the resort offers guests LaPlaya Living, a package encouraging a happy and healthy lifestyle. Included in the deal are accommodations for two, daily breakfast for two at Baleen, one spa treatment for two at SpaTerre, access to poolside cabanas, private airport transfers and a round of golf for two. O

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is located at 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples. For more information, call 239-597-3123 or visit laplayaresort.com.