Marni & others at Marissa Collections
Oh my grandmother has a place there!
Heh, don’t they all? Naples is quite elderly. There is no denying that. But is it anything else?
I visited this weekend – first time since I was under 10.
Not much has changed.
It is a relaxed town snuggled in the corner of the State, awash with funding from other places: Canada, the Northeast. Overseas. I met and heard plenty of German, Polish, and Spanish during my two nights.
It feels a lot like other places in Florida. Sarasota for its foreign appeal. Palm Beach for its polish. If you get excited by large homes, tropical landscaping, and exotic motors, Naples doesn’t disappoint.
Jordan & Evan
I get excited by higher standards of dress and aesthetics. In the handful of hip spots to eat and drink, there is plenty to spectate. Plus, the single-story Saks Fifth Avenue store in Naples is stacked. Average price point much higher than the store that was in Tampa, or of other Saks stores I’ve been in. More Isaia and Loro Piana than Theory. It reflects the population.
On the other hand, the mood on the whole is really quite transient, somewhat dulled. Famous people live or have homes there, but you’re not likely to see them. People come to be pampered and look pretty, but they will return to their important lives elsewhere.
I found myself excited by the idea of the Ritz-Carlton…but we were the youngest people by nearly 20 years!
Over the two nights I had flashbacks to living in Sarasota, and feeling invisible to most people.
Sunset at La Playa
Would I live there? No. Is it a unique place to visit? Sure – but prioritize beach/R&R over socializing. Next time I’ll make sure we book a spa day and have more money to blow at Waterside Shops…
Post-script: If shopping (for female couture) is what you’re after, Marissa Collections is a must-do. One of my favorite independent retailers of luxury fashion and clothing. The curation is fabulous, dear.
Much thanks to my host Jordan and trip-mate Evan for a fun weekend.
