Seeking a quick getaway, earlier this month one of my best friends and I snuck away from Tampa and headed south on I-95 to spend a few days at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort in Naples. On our agenda? Nothing more than sun, sand and sips.

Coming off 18 months of renovations in the wake of Hurricane Ian in September 2022, our first impression of La Playa was of elevated coastal elegance. Leaving our EV rental with the valet (electric vehicles are charged, well, free of charge during a stay), we were welcomed into the bright and airy lobby to check into our room … and check out the tempting boutique. Key cards in hand, we walked to the next building and into our ground-floor, beachfront Lanai room in the Beach House.

© La Playa Beach Golf & Resort

Were we ever impressed with our room! The décor — comfortable, coastal casual yet effortlessly elegant at the same time — enhanced the space, with its king-sized bed, couch, café table and chairs, oversized bathroom, and private lanai complete with fire pit.

Dropping our bags and quickly changing into our swimsuits, we threw open our patio door and walked right onto the beach. While I typically enjoy rooms a few stories above the ground floor, it was pleasantly surprising how I truly appreciated the quick and easy access to the sand and easy walk back to the room for forgotten items like sunscreen and hats.

© La Playa Beach Golf & Resort

Snagging a pair of lounge chairs shaded by an umbrella, we raised our flag for drinks and a beach attendant appeared before us in a flash. Chilled drinks from Tiki Bar in hand, an empty beach on either side of us and the sun shining brightly overhead, my friend and I sank into our lounges and let the afternoon wash over us while we listened to Gulf waters wash onto the shoreline.

We found the sheer quiet of La Playa quite impressive, not only in our room, but also on the beach and at the pools. Granted, our visit fell over a couple of weekdays in August, but the 189-room resort’s location amidst condo buildings made us feel like we were staying in an exclusive enclave, and we loved every minute of it.

© La Playa Beach Golf & Resort

On our final evening we made reservations for dinner at BALEEN Naples, overlooking the beach and Gulf of Mexico. Both with dietary restrictions (I’m pescatarian, she’s vegetarian), we were both quite pleased to find several options on the dinner menu that not only met our preferences, but were also delicious. I couldn’t get enough of the restaurant’s signature lobster bisque before diving into the Chef’s Signature Special, a blackened gulf grouper served with a crab and charred truffle risotto cake, and Champagne citrus beurre blanc. A vegetarian, my friend enjoyed a starter of Brussels sprouts and a forest mushroom risotto entrée.

After a few days at La Playa, on the drive home my friend and I agreed we were refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. We also agreed to start planning a return trip to the quiet beachfront resort.

La Playa Beach & Golf Resort

9891 Gulf Shores Dr.
Naples, FL 34108
tel 239 597 3123