A Vacation Insiders Guide
Naples, Florida Your Gulf Coast Escape
MEET YOUR HOSTS MICHAEL & RIKKE...
Hailing from Denmark and England, we're world wanderers and parents to three beautiful daughters. We're proud to call Naples home, and even prouder to be your hosts on the gulf coast. Come see Southwest Florida through our eyes!
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OUR STORY Our love affair with Naples began when we purchased our first home here over 15 years ago and truly took off in 2012 — that's when we decided that a life of sun, surf and sand suited us and made the gulf coast city our home. Since then, we've been growing our offering of homes to provide our guests with truly memorable stays. Whether it's a beach backyard, perfect pergola or Key West attitude, every one of our homes has a personality all its own. We saw the opportunity to infuse our own roots into southwest Florida and took it: our picture-perfect gardens are a result of Michael's English green thumb, and our ultra-chic interior design and furnishings can be credited to Rikke's Scandinavian heritage.
From sugar sand to shopping bags, Rikke and Michael will give you the skinny on how to see Naples like a local. With the uncanny ability to find the best sunsets and latest fashion, their knowledge and passion make them the perfect insiders to Naples!
OUR NAPLES In 4 words we'd describe this wonderful city as tropical, relaxing, sunny and sophisticated! Whether it's the stunning wilderness of the Everglades or downtown-style trendiness you're looking for, there's both to be had when you stay in breezy Naples. From Bayfront to Tin City, downtown Naples offers up European-inspired streetscapes, upscale boutiques, and mouthwatering dining — not to mention the historic Naples Pier. And just outside the shops and restaurants, a world of wilderness waits to be discovered.
From across the pond to on the gulf, we've finally found our home in Naples and can't wait to welcome you when you join us.
And so, without any further intro, here's our Naples in 3's...
RIKKE & MICHAEL'S INSIDE GUIDE TO NAPLES... A Quick Orientation... All of our homes are in close proximity to many restaurants, shops, beaches, and more! They are about 20 miles from SW Florida International Airport, a modern and efficient airport with relatively short lines, making it our choice! Alternatively, Ft Lauderdale is 1 hr 45 mins, Miami is 2 hrs, and Tampa 2 hrs 40 mins. Ask us about our negotiated special rates with Enterprise’s Exotic Car Collection. Please check our website FAQs for further practical information and, if you have any specific questions not covered there or in this guide, please call us at 1.239.785.4719
Our 3 all-time favorite places to eat... Inca's Kitchen For Peruvian cuisine you'll be dreaming about long after your stay, Inca's Kitchen is a must-visit. We recommend stopping in for predinner drinks at Paradise Wine Bar before digging in to incredible ceviche and finishing the night off with dulce de leche.
Roy's Restaurant Experience a touch of Hawaiian cuisine and attitude at Roy's Restaurant, right in the heart of Downtown. Find a steal of a meal on the Prix Fixe menu and inventive cocktails during Happy Hour in the open air bar — and make sure you leave room for chocolate lava cake.
3 for the culture vulture Art Festivals...
World-known art festivals bring masterpieces to this gulf city during every season. From the Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts to the Naples Fall Art Festival, there's always something here for the aesthete.
Fort Myers...
Immerse yourself in history and natural beauty at Edison & Ford Winter Estates, where you'll find 20 acres of fragrant gardens, a museum and a research laboratory. Tours are customized to suit the interests of every visitor.
Downtown Mansions...
Take a sneak peak into the life of luxury by strolling down upscale 5th Avenue and 3rd Avenue South. Or set your sights on the multi-million dollar homes in Port Royal which is the very definition of luxury waterfront living!
Barbatella Feast on inspired Italian cuisine in a stunning courtyard at Barbatella, an upscale eatery in the 3rd Avenue South district. It's the perfect spot if you like your pasta, pizza and paninis with a side of downtown flair and live music. Be sure to take a look at their impressive wine list.
3 for the explorer Airboat Rides...
Don't miss the chance to explore the Everglades in an iconic vessel propelled by aircraft engines! Captain Doug's Everglade Airboat Rides are the best way to explore the Floridian wilderness and a must-do during your stay.
Deep Sea Fishing...
Grab the group and cast a line on a halfday or full-day charter of your choice — there are several but we usually go with Captain Mike. Bring home your catch of the day for the freshest seafood dinner you've ever tasted!
Sanibel & Captiva Islands...
These sister islands have it all — 15 miles of beaches, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 kinds of fish, 230 species of birds, 250 species of shells and — get this — 0 traffic lights! Hit the beach and see how many shells you can collect.
3 experiences not to miss... Legendary Sunsets... It's hard to a describe a Naples sunset, but here's a few words that come to mind: breathtaking, awe-inspiring, otherworldly. Grab a camera to capture Mother Nature's nightly display of color at one of the city's best sunset-watching spots, or just sit back and watch as deep oranges and pinks dance across the sky. Our favorite way to watch the sun go down is with a drink in hand at The Naples Beach & Golf Hotel.
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Upscale, Downtown... They're chic. They're swanky. They're the upscale downtown districts of Naples. Reminiscent of iconic California beach towns, these luxuryladen neighborhoods boast world-class shopping and top-of-the-line style. Experience a day in the life of the rich and famous by popping into the boutiques on 5th Avenue and 3rd Street South, then drive immediately south for a tour of Port Royal's mansions.
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Barefoot Beach... Voted #2 beach in the USA, this 342-acre preserve boasts picturesque shorelines and a diverse population of animal species, including the land-dwelling gopher tortoise and a variety of sea turtles. After dipping your toes in the crystal blue waters, we recommend getting up close and personal with wildlife on nature trails and canoe tours through the estuary waters.
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Our 3 hidden gems...
Corkscrew Sanctuary...
Just 30 minutes east of Naples is a rugged wonderland off Corkscrew's famed boardwalk where white-tailed deer frolic, alligators slide through the mud and otters play in the marsh. Venture 2.5 miles through pine flatwoods and wet prairie to the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. No nature lover should skip it.
Cayo Costa...
Accessible only by private boat or ferry, camping at Cayo Costa is only for the true adventurer at heart. Catch sight of hundreds of bird species and, if you're lucky, a pod of dolphin or manatees as you traverse the nature trails through oak-palms, pines and mangroves. Be sure to bring your snorkeling and fishing gear to this paradise off the beaten path.
The Bay House...
The Bay House serves up shellfish towers, cold water lobster and a heaping selection of mouthwatering seafood in upscale digs with floor-to-ceiling views of the Cochatchee River. Check out the live entertainment schedule for a night out at the adjoining Claw Bar, where you can boogie after having your fill of fresh shellfish dishes.
Thanks for staying with us!
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