Introducing Saltleaf on Estero Bay. 500 awe-inspiring acres, situated on the pristine shores of Florida’s first aquatic preserve. You could say this coastal village is one part relaxed, one part refined. Where we’ve followed nature’s lead in everything, from the views at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay to Saltleaf Golf Preserve to the new marina.
Scan the code to learn more about Saltleaf.
SALTLEAF ON ESTERO BAY
Bonita Springs
SWFL Int. Airport Naples
SALTLEAF IS THE KIND OF PLACE MADE TO LET THE SPIRIT MOVE YOU.
(SOMETIMES EVEN OUT OF YOUR FLIP-FLOPS.)
SALTLEAF ON ESTERO BAY
SHORE STORIES
People often ask me what I love most about Southwest Florida … particularly our coastal village of Saltleaf on Estero Bay, home of the future Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay. Honestly, it’s not an easy question. This place is defined by so many one-of-a-kind moments. The gentle rock of your kayak on the bay. The challenge of hooking a particularly feisty redfish. Teeing off with a nature preserve as a backdrop. Sunsets so beautiful they put any painting to shame. How lucky we are that this is all part of our stunning setting.
Shore Stories is our way of sharing the vibrant, diverse lifestyle of Saltleaf on Estero Bay an insider’s guide to everything from outdoor fun to must-visit restaurants to our residences’ host of top-flight amenities. A location like ours is hard to capture in words … magical places often are … but we hope this inaugural issue gives you a glimpse into the daily joys our tropical paradise has to offer.
Enjoy.
MARK WILSON
President & CEO London Bay Development
A DAY
See your neighbor. Ask about their vacation. Massage appointment (made by the concierge). Or maybe a tee time (also made by the concierge).
Pick up the perfectly packed picnic basket … the kids love to see what surprises are included. (Once again, the concierge delivers.)
Board the fishing charter to the spot Captain Taylor says will guarantee a bite. The fish keep him true to his word.
Yoga. Then coffee at the café. Maybe not in that order.
Spot a bald eagle on the way home. The sight never gets old.
Back home. Someone has brought your packages in for you. And chilled your favorite bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
LIFE IN THE
Back to the marina. Dinner at the waterfront restaurant? Or have them deliver to your residence? The latter. After a sunset cocktail.
Time to dream up what tomorrow will bring. Sleep tight.
LOVE IT. LOCK IT. LEAVE IT.
TURNS OUT, THE HARDEST PLACES TO LEAVE ARE ALSO THE EASIEST
When you’re at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, you may find yourself feeling on more than one occasion that you never want to leave. Who could blame you, what with brilliant Gulf of Mexico sunsets that wash evening skies with color, and a 24/7 concierge team that can fill your days with everything from spa reservations to fishing excursions?
As for your return? How about arriving home to a fully stocked fridge, or a chilled bottle of your favorite wine? Deliveries handled, and maybe even the car detailed. No request is too much for the Experience Studio to manage. After all, their priority is making sure your time here — and your time away — are equally effortless. Now go enjoy yourself. We have everything covered.
But as ironic as it may be, you’ll quickly discover that leaving is actually astonishingly easy, thanks to the lock-and-leave lifestyle these residences offer, coupled with Ritz-Carlton’s unmistakable hospitality. Just say the word (as in, “we’ll be back next month”), and our dedicated Experience Studio service team will not only ensure your property remains in immaculate condition while you’re away — they can even arrange your transportation to the airport.
“WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO TRAVELING ON A WHIM. THE CHORES THAT A SINGLEFAMILY HOME REQUIRES WHEN YOU LEAVE WILL ESSENTIALLY DISAPPEAR.”
— The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay Homeowner
SALTLEAF ON
ON ESTERO BAY
Saltleaf is taking shape, with Saltleaf Golf Preserve and its clubhouse now open. The marina village including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay and Saltleaf Marina underway. And even more coming soon.
WALK on the WILD SIDE
Hear the “Estero Bay” in our name, and you might conjure up visions of blue water and boat charters. But our Florida nature is so much more than that. Case in point: the private 144-acre preserve you’ll find right in Saltleaf, just northeast of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay.
This unique piece of land is unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere in the country. Head straight east, and you’ll encounter multiple landscapes along your journey a microcosm of sorts that tells a greater story of how the topography took shape over time. From wetlands at lower elevation to the relic sand dune sitting just 10 feet higher, it’s a subtle gradient shift that is seen in the flora and fauna, too. Bald cypress and swamp oaks give way to saw palmetto and scrub oak. Sightings of wading birds (think all types of herons) become glimpses of bald eagles.
It’s a side of Florida most don’t get to experience, and it’s impressive to be sure. But it’s incredibly important, too. The preservation of this land is vital to sustaining a healthy tortoise population, promoting biodiversity, and helping to protect the endangered Florida scrub jay the only bird species in the world endemic to Florida, with fewer than 10,000 remaining.
Multiple trails are being planned that will take you on the hour-long walk through the preserve. Or, if you happen to have a tee time at Saltleaf Golf Preserve, you can see it all from your cart as you head from the front nine to the back nine. For those who want an even more immersive experience, plans are underway for educational programming and activities … stay tuned. No matter how you get out into this little piece of wild, it’s an opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful new way. All right in our own backyard.
Walk through the preserve on any given day, and you’ll likely come across a few of its inhabitants.
Some you might see:
• Great Blue Heron
• Little Blue Heron
Great Egret
• Snowy Egret
• Tricolored Heron
Roseate Spoonbill
• Limpkin
• Bald Eagle Osprey
• Black Crown Heron
• Big Cypress Fox Squirrel
Florida Black Bear
• Gopher Tortoise
BIRDIES. EAGLES.
If you’re of the mindset that life is better on the links, you’ll find that Saltleaf Golf Preserve is one of those courses that make every round remarkable, whether you’re a duffer or scratch golfer. The course is currently open to the public, which means everyone is welcome, from fun-seeking families to daily tee-timers and all levels in between. London Bay has invested $30 million in the new 18-hole course, the short course and the clubhouse, bringing next-level facilities to the area.
The all-new, 18-hole championship course was designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Raymond Floyd, and showcases the strategic design for which the four-time major champion is known. But the 7,075-yard, par 72 course (with a 126 slope rating) isn’t what makes it stand out as one of the most unique golf destinations in the country. No, that distinction has everything to do with the fact that the whole course has been designed to harmonize with the natural landscape. Here, formal bunkers have given way to tall grasses and naturally exposed sandy terrain. And you’re taken on a journey through a diverse ecosystem as you navigate each hole.
Tropical plants. Live oaks. Sabal palms. They’re just a few of the native species you may encounter during your round. And then there’s the wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the green with an osprey, woodpecker or occasional deer. Many kinds of wildlife make their way to the golf preserve and who could blame them, with the connection to the adjacent nature preserve, which you can experience from your golf cart as you travel to the back nine, where the fairways bend around the pines.
And while it’s been described as “resort golf” (as in less fuss, more fun), there’s the possibility for championship-level play as well. Just ask Mark Lye, former pro golfer on the PGA and Champions tours, who, along with his wife, will become full-time residents of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay and frequent visitors of Saltleaf Golf Preserve. “They did a great job of working with the environment to create the course, rather than going against it to create artificial challenges,” Lye told us. “And there are a number of tees to match your style of play. If you’re a novice you can play way up. If you’re a champion, you can play way back.” We’ll let you guess where Lye is teeing off from.
And if all that sounds like perfection, but you don’t have the time for a round of 18, a nine-hole course provides a perfect shorter option for those in search of a quicker game. You can read more about it below. No matter how many holes you play, make sure to end your day at the Saltleaf Bar & Grill in the clubhouse, where you can enjoy refreshing handcrafted cocktails. Cool off with the bay breeze. Listen to live music. See why people rave about the food. And, of course, relive your best shots.
NOW OPEN
Saltleaf Bar & Grill at Saltleaf Golf Preserve
The Saltleaf Bar & Grill is our first restaurant to open to the public, and provides the perfect destination after a round of 18, nine holes on the short course … or no golf at all. The signature cocktails are worth the trip alone — including this one you can craft yourself at home.
Schedule a tee time at SaltleafGolf.com.
ONLY HAVE TIME FOR NINE?
The Leaf is Saltleaf Golf Preserve’s 1,010yard short course, with greens identical to (and as impeccably maintained as) the adjacent 18-hole championship course. It’s a great way to spend time with the family, work on your game, or get in a little cardio as you walk the course (no carts allowed on this one). One of the few nine-hole, par-three short courses in Southwest Florida, The Leaf is equal parts fun and challenging for all ages and abilities.
Bonus: you can get through all nine holes in just 60–90 minutes. Can’t wait to play?
The Saltleaf Bar & Grill Birdie Bourbon
1.5 oz. Woodford Reserve bourbon
.5 oz. Amaro Averna
.25 oz. honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and hot water, then cool)
2 dashes orange bitters
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in bourbon. Add in Amaro Averna, honey syrup and bitters. Stir well for about 15-20 seconds to chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh orange twist.
ESTERO BAY 101
Estero Bay holds centuries of history. For 5,000 years, Florida’s first aquatic preserve has been home to mangrove forests and thriving oyster beds. It provides a refuge to wildlife, from gopher tortoises to bald eagles. And offers those who visit the opportunity to meander through mudflats and seagrass beds or participate in some dolphin or manatee spotting. You could easily spend your day experiencing the diverse ecosystems of this long, shallow bay.
Shore Stories: Tell us a little bit about your background. Were you always drawn to the water?
Taylor: I was born and raised in New England and spent most of my upbringing on the water, from professional wakeboarding to racing sailboats around Nantucket. This ambition led me to Florida, where I met my wife in Naples in the early 2000s. We had the fantastic opportunity to relocate to St. John to manage a watersports company before returning to establish my own watersports venture in 2010. It began as a small kayak shop, evolved into charter tours, and ultimately transformed into a luxury boat club based in Bonita Springs.
SS: And now you’re in charge of the new Saltleaf Marina, which is just starting to take shape. What’s your vision for it?
Taylor: For the first couple years, it will be to build a lifestyle from a watersports perspective. Kayak and paddleboard rentals, that sort of thing. I also want to create a network that’s private for the folks at Saltleaf, with high-end charters that will bring you to the beach or Sanibel and Captiva for shelling, a five-star fishing charter for residents, and a 50-passenger tour boat with someone serving drinks.
But our location on the estuary also makes it easy to get to the waters beyond the borders of its barrier islands (many worthy of exploration themselves). Four channels give access to the Gulf of Mexico … and will take you to Sanibel, Captiva and beyond. And whether you own your own boat, or just want temporary use of one, the Saltleaf Marina will offer just what you need for aquatic adventure, with both private and public slips, along with rentable boats, kayaks and paddleboards. Feel like staying closer to the shore? There’s a community gathering area (and retail store) just below the waterfront restaurant.
And here’s the beauty of it all (besides, well, the actual beauty of it all). The new marina will provide access to a beloved shoreline that has been closed for over a decade for residents of Saltleaf and the entire Southwest Florida community.
TAYLOR MASIERO
Director of Marina Operations
and life on the bay.
Saltleaf’s boat, the EOS, is a motoryacht that will be used for tours with prospective residents as well as for small events with owners before the first tower opens.
SS: What do you think is so special about Estero Bay, and having the marina operate on its waters?
Taylor: The bay is protected from the elements for the most part, all the way to Fort Myers Beach. You definitely have the feeling of being on a preserve. It’s less congested and commercialized, with smaller boats, which feels more calm and relaxing. You can go out and experience the water without having to go on the Gulf of Mexico, and get to places you can only reach by boat. It’s also easy to get to Marco Island, Sanibel, Cabbage Key, Gasparilla and Naples Bay all in a day, thanks to the intercoastal waterway. The restoration of the marina is going to bring back that access for the whole community.
SS: Besides boating, what are some other ways people can enjoy the preserve?
Taylor: Where the marina sits is by some of the most beautiful parts of the preserve. There’s a non-motorized ‘water trail’ loop for kayaks and paddleboards, and quiet spots to do some fishing. And the grass flats by the bay are a good spot to look for manatees and dolphins.
SS: How would you describe the perfect day on the bay?
Taylor: Getting the family and friends on the water and finding a quiet beach for the first half of the day. The second half, we’re finding another beach for kayaking and paddleboarding. The sun sets on the water, and in that last 30 minutes of dusk, usually no one is out, and you have the bay to yourself. Then back to the marina and dinner at the waterfront restaurant.
Shore Stories had the opportunity to talk with Taylor Masiero, Director of Saltleaf Marina, about his vision for the marina,
BONITA SPRINGS
BEYOND BAY THE
Southwest Florida and beautiful beaches are a given. (A location on the Gulf of Mexico will do that for you.) But there are some hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems in our little city that are worth exploring. We did our best to narrow down the list.
THE IMPERIAL RIVER
Running right through Downtown Bonita Springs, this 9.3 mile river has a boat ramp for boaters and kayakers to launch their watercraft and a fishing pier for anglers to drop a line into the briny waters. Feeling ambitious? Paddle all the way to Estero Bay (or the Gulf of Mexico, if you’re so inclined). And while you’re out on the water, keep an eye out for manatees the mangroves are a favorite hangout.
DOWNTOWN BONITA SPRINGS
Think less skyscrapers, more murals. Where chain restaurants give way to local cafés for a charming, old-Florida feel. Come meander awhile and enjoy this laid-back scene. While you’re here, pick up a coffee, ice cream cone, fresh produce even fishing tackle for excursions on the nearby Imperial River.
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Riverside Park
Pack a picnic and catch a concert at the bandshell. Attend a community event (outdoor movies are just one you’ll find). Visit the butterfly garden. Or relax and take in the view of the scenic Imperial River. From art festivals to holiday celebrations, you might say this is the social hub of Bonita Springs. (And just wait until you see it decorated for the holidays.)
Artist Cottages
Search for locally made treasures at six historic artist cottages, located next to Riverside Park. See artisans in action, as they create and showcase their collections of handmade jewelry, paintings, ceramics, sculptures and more.
Promenade Shops
This open-air shopping center is more than just stores. It’s a place to stroll through the lush landscaping, over the bridges and along a snaking river. Of course, if you are looking to treat yourself to a little something, the high-end boutiques, gourmet market and restaurants provide plenty of opportunities to do just that. (Make sure to come to the Farmer’s Market October through July for everything from homemade lobster bisque and mini donuts to artisanal cheeses and handmade goods.)
Coconut Point
This mall has it all the name-brand stores you know and love, along with conveniences like salons for both hair and nails, jewelry repair … even a place to buy tickets for the Southwest Florida Symphony. There’s definitely enough here for a full day of browsing and buying, with plenty of restaurants to refuel when you’ve shopped up an appetite.
Rooftop
at Riverside
It’s Bonita Springs’ newest hot spot on Old 41 where everyone can choose-their-own gourmet adventure, thanks to a variety of Southwest Florida’s finest food trucks. They’re serving up everything from crepes to pizza to that Floridafavorite, grouper, and the specialty cocktails are waiting for you at the bar.
Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge
Chartreuse is Bonita Springs’ first (and only) craft cocktail bar and dessert lounge. And oh, what cocktails they are all seasonally inspired and handcrafted, with some including up to 8 (yes, 8) ingredients. Come for the drinks, stay for the swanky, 1930s Old-Florida vibe.
Fish House Restaurant
Okay, so this one might not be a “hidden gem” exactly. It’s been a Bonita Springs favorite for fresh seafood for 30 years. Come by car … or by boat, where you can pull up to the dock for a bite. And just try to make a decision from the incredible menu. (Hint: starting with the Bahamian Conch Chowder is always a good idea.)
Dolly’s Produce Patch & Eatery
For 27 years, this nostalgic spot has been a beloved Bonita Springs landmark. And rightfully so. The daily breakfast and lunch specials are always a taste of down-home goodness. And the legendary made-from-scratch pies? Don’t even get us started.
Barefoot Beach Preserve
Take the boardwalk from the parking lot over the dunes to this special white sand beach, covering more than 340 acres of unspoiled coastline. Rent a cabana for some shade, and keep an eye out for playful dolphins. From May through October, Barefoot Beach is a nesting site for sea turtles a sight that is rivaled only by the magnificent sunsets.
Lovers Key State Park
The land where this beloved state park resides was donated to the people of Florida so that all residents could enjoy its beaches and mangroves. And the ways you can enjoy them are numerous take a kayak out on the water. Soak in the sun from the sugar-sand shore. Keep an eye out for dolphins or manatees. Or rent a bike and hop on the 5 miles of multi-use trails. (In other words, get the day pass. You’ll use every minute of it.)
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THE TEAM BEHIND SALTLEAF
Developed by London Bay Development Group, Saltleaf benefits not only from 35 years in luxury building, but from the expertise of London Bay’s carefully chosen partners. The bold architecture of Arquitectonica, which will be seen in the Saltleaf Marina and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay. The interior design magic of Meyer Davis, whose work will be seen in the residences, waterfront restaurant and more. EDSA’s awardwinning landscape architecture. And the strategic expertise of Raymond Floyd, designer of The Preserve, the 18-hole course at Saltleaf Golf Preserve.
COME VISIT
The beauty of our sales gallery is that it feels like a home. Filled with all the things you need to visualize your day-to-day life here.
Like a full-sized model kitchen, wet bar and master bath with every detail on display, all the way down to wine storage and soaking tub. The immersive setting also features a 3D scale model of the property and a virtual reality exploration of amenities, Estero Bay views and more.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, are located in Saltleaf’s Marina Village, and priced from the $3Ms. But they’re just the first opportunities to live in the community. (In other words, we have big plans for this place.)
Come see us today, and secure your favorite residence and sunset views.
