Hotel Trip Report: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

One of our all-time favorite family resorts in Florida.

We've stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón multiple times, and it continues to exceed our expectations. If you're looking for a luxury resort that's just as enjoyable for kids as it is for adults, this is one of the best we've found.

One of the biggest reasons we keep coming back is the incredible service. Every stay, the staff goes above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The hospitality here is truly exceptional and is one of the things that sets this resort apart.

Room Upgrade

Despite only having Marriott Gold Elite status, we've been upgraded on every stay. While upgrades are never guaranteed, we've had great luck here, making each stay feel even more special.

The Pool Area

This is hands down our kids’ favorite part of the resort.

The lazy river is one of the best we've experienced. It's long, beautifully landscaped, and perfect for relaxing while the kids play. The waterslides keep our kids entertained for hours, and the pool staff constantly surprises guests with little touches like frozen grapes, popsicles, and other complimentary treats throughout the day. It's these small details that make the experience feel truly luxurious and relaxing.

Access to Two Ritz-Carlton Resorts

One of the biggest reasons we recommend Tiburón is that you get the best of both worlds.

A complimentary shuttle runs about every hour and takes you to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples on the beach in about 10 minutes. As a guest of Tiburón, you have access to many of the amenities at the beach resort, so you can easily spend one day floating in the lazy river and another relaxing by the Gulf.

The best part? Tiburón is often significantly fewer Marriott Bonvoy points than the beachfront Ritz-Carlton, making it one of the best values in the Marriott portfolio. You're able to save a substantial number of points while still enjoying many of the amenities at the beachfront property—a win-win in our book.

Currently Undergoing a Full Renovation

Another reason we're excited to return is that the resort is currently undergoing a complete renovation. The updates are expected to make an already incredible property even better. If you're planning a future stay, you'll likely get to enjoy beautifully refreshed rooms and updated public spaces while still experiencing the outstanding service the resort is known for.

The Grounds

The resort is absolutely beautiful. The grounds are meticulously maintained, and everything feels peaceful, upscale, and relaxing. Whether you're walking to breakfast, heading to the pool, or enjoying an evening stroll, the property has a calm, luxurious atmosphere that keeps us coming back.

Would We Stay Again?

Without hesitation. This is one of the few hotels we return to again and again. Between the outstanding hospitality, incredible lazy river and waterslides, thoughtful poolside amenities, consistent room upgrades, beautiful grounds, and the ability to enjoy two Ritz-Carlton resorts during one stay, it's our favorite luxury family resort in Florida.

Our Travel Pointers: Exactly How We Booked This

If I were booking this resort again today, I'd get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card while it's offering the current 100,000-point welcome bonus (this limited time bonus is ending soon and will probably go back to 75k in the next couple weeks).

After spending $5,000 in the first three months, you'd earn the 100,000-point bonus plus the points from your $5,000 in spending. Those Chase Ultimate Rewards points can then be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy to book your stay.

Why would I do it this way? Because Chase frequently offers transfer bonuses to Marriott. While there isn't one available right now, they tend to pop up several times a year. A common bonus is at least 50% more Marriott points when you transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards. That means your 100,000 Chase points could become 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

If I already had the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, I would get the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card instead. This card currently has a welcome bonus on 125k points + 1 Free Night Award (up to 50k points) after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned in the points and miles world is to earn your points before you need them. When you already have a stash of flexible points, you can take advantage of transfer bonuses and book award stays when prices are at their best instead of scrambling to earn points at the last minute.

Pro Tip: Instead of adding your partner as an authorized user, consider having each of you open your own card. Once you've been approved, refer your partner to the same card (as long as you can both meet the minimum spending requirement, or stagger the applications by a month or two if needed). This strategy allows you to earn two welcome bonuses instead of one, helping you build your points balance much faster for future trips. 

If you're thinking about getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred, I'd really appreciate it if you'd use my referral link. If you're approved, you'll receive the same welcome offer, and I'll earn referral points at no additional cost to you. Those referral points help us book more family trips, which means I get to keep testing hotels, sharing reviews, and finding the best ways to maximize points for you.