Nestled along the pristine shores of the Gulf of Mexico, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples is one of the great destinations for families, couples, and golf buddy trips in southwest Florida.
The beachfront resort – one of only a handful of properties actually on the beach along the Paradise Coast – has made an impressive comeback after being closed in various stages since Hurricane Ian decimated the Naples area in September 2022. Fortunately, the course was still open after Hurricane Helene.
The resort’s newly renovated guest rooms and suites offer views of the Gulf of Mexico and make a headquarters to explore all things Naples, including the city’s eclectic shopping and dining areas.
The original course at Naples Beach & Golf Club opened in 1929. LaPlaya Golf Club was born in 1958 as the Palm River golf community – really the first of its kind in Southwest Florida. Located just a few miles from the resort, much of the Palm River neighborhood (not affiliated with LaPlaya) still stands as a gateway to LaPlaya Golf Club.
In 2001, the Palm River course, through a partnership of new owners Stephen J. Lockwood Co. and Barron Collier Companies, brought in acclaimed golf course architect Bob Cupp to re-design the course, which reopened as LaPlaya Golf Club in 2002 – the same year the resort made its debut.
The course plays 6,902 yards from the back tees and features five sets of tee boxes. Cupp basically created a “what you see is what you get,’’ layout, but with plenty of water hazards and some narrow fairways to keep players honest.
The resort’s Baleen restaurant is one of Naples’ top rated and offers views of the Gulf. There’s even a dining option right on the sand if you make a reservation.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is a showcase for how a combination resort and members club can seamlessly operate.
