It’s the most wonderful time of the year
“There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow” … Why not by the beach? This year our chosen destination for the Holidays, was sunny Naples, Florida.
Our airline of choice was Alaska Airlines. They have recently become a new member of One World Alliances and are one of the world’s most fuel-efficient airlines. Alaska have been ranked as leading in US, on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and their climate goal includes net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. They also have eliminated service in all plastic bottles and cups and concentrated on recyclable paper. Way to go Alaska Airlines, and thank you for working towards saving our environment.
Our trip to the Sunshine State
It was about 7 am, and we boarded on our flight, bound to Fort Meyers. As we reached 10 000 FT and the flight attendants were preparing to start the meal service, the gazing into the infinite skies began. There is something about the skies that makes one feel tremendously free and warms up their soul utterly.
The crew started with the meal service shortly. It was a breakfast menu, that offered vegetarian or non-vegetarian option, as well as variety of beverages. Followed by that, they had refreshment service, and a regular drink replenishment.
We tried to lean back on our seats, and close our eyes for a second, by we couldn’t, as the scenery outside our windows kept changing, to the point that it was taking our breaths away. From deep dark blues, to light red and orange, the sky colors were truly limitless. Couple of glasses of champagne, endless glaring into the wonderful set outside our windows, and 5 hours later, we have arrived.
Fort Myers Airport
When we reached the Sunshine State, the scenery was quite altered, then the one from our departure back in Seattle. Instead of snowy mountains, we were suddenly surrounded by striking palm trees. The airport was picture-perfect of countless happy, but eager faces, waiting to see their loved ones.
Fort Myers Airport is very convenient for all travelers, is not too large and is very friendly to use. Everything is clearly marked, and you don’t have to walk a ton to your arrival, or transfer destination. Rental cars are easily accessible, and located across the street of arrivals, and there is taxis and uber/lift station there as well.
Naples - 30 min ride from the airport
Our final destination for the trip, was Naples, 30 mins away from the Fort Myers airport. After we picked up our rental, we hit the road once again, “chasing the sunset” that goes down around 6 pm. Very excited, but tired we couldn’t wait to arrive at our hotel.
Naples Grande Beach Resort
Our hotel choice this time was the Naples Grande Beach Resort. An exquisite high-end resort, with several private pools, private beach, amazing spa, and fine dining.
The moment we pulled in, I was mesmerized by the beautiful landscape and the stunning water views. We got to stay in one of their sweets, offering a view of the water. We had spacious living and dining room, and very commodious bedroom and bathroom. We also had 2 large balconies, one from our living room, another from our bedroom. It was truly perfect for our one-week holiday, especially because we had our pup Leo with us.
During our stay, we go to use the private pool, and enjoy the perfect December Florida sun, while splurging into one of the best Pina Coladas.
We also got to enjoy breakfast on our balcony and indulge into delicious blueberry waffles, eggs benedict and perfectly roasted black coffee, while gazing at the ocean.
One night we decided to stay in and have dinner while enjoying the sunset, so we ordered a room service and relished into their special sushi selection, prepared and delivered freshly from their lobby sushi restaurant.
We also got to use their spa and got very relaxing Swedish massage. Their spa offers a variety of massages, facials, hair removal, makeup and hair treatments. Within the spa, they also have bath tubs, spacious pool and gorgeous sun-bathing area. Added to that, there is a relaxing room, where clients relax prior and after their appointments, enjoy coconut water, snacks and other refreshments. It was truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The hotel’s lobby was very stunningly decorated for the Holidays. There was an enormous Christmas tree, in the center of the lobby, and a Santa station for the little ones.
The hotel also offers valley and personal parking, and a 24h concierge service for your convenience.
Naples at its finest
*Holidays are here*
Visiting Naples during the Holidays can be a true bliss. Here are few ideas from My Next Pin, curated just for you, to visit, eat, shop and do in this superb little town in the Sunshine State.
The most iconic street in Naples is the 5th Avenue South. Stretching over several blocks, and filled with cute small business, amazing restaurants, and Forbes featured hotels, this street has been the unofficial “main street” of Naples since the 1920’s.
Vergina Restaurant
Strolling down the street, we happened to stumble upon a very familiar symbol embraided on the walls of one of the restaurants there. It was a symbol of Vergina. Very intrigued, we inquired a table and decided to have a lunch. Shortly, we were approached by a lovely lady, who handed us a menu and greeted us very courteously. We choose their scallop and pesto gnocchi, mozzarella pizza,champagne. The warm breeze was tickling our hair as we got to sip on our champagne from the first-row view of the iconic 5th Ave of Naples. Shortly after, a warm bread with olive oil, arrived, it was truly tasty. As we were on our second glass of champagne, our gnocchi and pizza arrived. We dug in and started to enjoy the delicious cheese and basil pesto, as the yummy gnocchi was melting in our mouth. The margarita was perfectly done and very tasty. The staff came in to check If everything was as per our taste, various times. Everyone was very nice, and we truly had a great experience.
Later on we got to understand, that the primary owners of Vergina restaurant, were Macedonian natives. Therefore, the name and the instant attraction that got us to sit down and explore this great restaurant in the first place. And even though the owners have changed, and the food they serve is more Mediterranean, with concentration on Italian cuisine, there is still that Macedonian vibe that this restaurant offers, and to us that is really special. It’s like a home away from home.
My Next Pin is definitely recommending Vergina restaurant if you are visiting Naples, Florida.
INN ON 5TH
***Featured in Forbes Travel guide as One of the finest 4 star properties in the world***
Just across the street of Vergina restaurant, is located one of the finest four-star hotels in the world, the INN on FIFTH. This hotel offers haute rooms and suites, with room service. A breathtaking rooftop pool, where guests can lounge and enjoy the sun. A top-notch spa, with variety of services, and a free buggy ride to the beach. What’s also great about this hotel is the location. Since it’s located in the heart of Naples’s main street, everything is just there, all the restaurants and shops are walking distance. And if you decided to drive, the hotel offers a free valley parking for all guests.
Lots of galleries and small businesses
Walking down the street, you will definitely notice the strong presence of galleries, where local and non-local artists display their work. They are definitely worth a peek. Also, there is a variety of local shops, that offer good quality souvenirs, clothing, jewelry and even real estate properties. You can just enjoy, or you can go home with a piece of souvenir, or a brand-new beach home. There is something for everyone.
3rd Avenue South
This place primarily known as Old Naples, offers variety of small vintage shops, galleries and restaurants. The most famous restaurant is the Tommy Bahama Restaurant, where we happened to have lunch and we will definitely recommend it to you.
The beach and the Naples Pier
Just few blocks away from the 5th Avenue, the public beach and the famous Naples pier is located. The beach is open to the public, and you get to enjoy, relax, swim, have a picnic or a long walk overlooking the sunset. It is the perfect time of the year to just be at the beach.
Golfing
The most popular sports here are tennis and golfing. Golfing is the preferred one, as Naples has multiple golf properties, some within high end resort, some within private properties.
Holiday Decoration
The whole city of Naples was very good at displaying the holiday spirit. Every home, apartment, restaurant or shop, had beautiful decorations and lights. Music was playing on speakers, all around and people were in a cheer mood, riding around in their convertibles, having their pets dressed as reindeers.
Holiday Events in Naples, Florida
3rd of December: Annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony at the 5th Ave
7th of December: Christmas Parade at the 5th Ave
23-30th of December:Christmas on 3rd Street South
Have you been to Naples, Florida? Do you prefer Christmas on the beach or in the snow? Let us know in the comments.
