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Naples Illustrated January 2026

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HAUTE LOOKS SET THE PACE FOR SARTORIAL VICTORY NEED FOR SPEED

ARTFUL ACUMEN

ADVICE ON BUYING AND COLLECTING ART FROM A SEASONED EXPERT

MAKING WAVES FULL-THROTTLE DESIGN ABOARD FOUR SLEEK SUPERYACHTS

Design

INSPIRED BY YOU

Your home should feel like nowhere else.

Your Extraordinary Awaits

At The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples, the Gulf is yours like never before with a prestigious marina-front location steps from one of the most beautiful beaches on Florida’s west coast. Stunning residences feature captivating seaside and sunset views, enriched by a one-of-a-kind lifestyle with an owners-only club, full-service marina, extraordinary dining experiences, and legendary service.

Introducing The Park Residences—the final residential offering at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples. Adjacent to the idyllic Park and limited to just 20 exclusive residences, this is the last opportunity to become part of this extraordinary Gulf-front way of life.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

No two days are alike when you live just steps from a marina. You could walk over to your private fishing charter. Go paddleboarding. Watch the boats glide by as you relax beside a private lagoon. Or really mix things up with a spa day or 18 holes at Saltleaf Golf Preserve also in the neighborhood. This is the life at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, now rising in the new coastal village of Saltleaf on Estero Bay. Cheers. Priced from the $3 millions. Second tower now selling First tower move-in early 2026

HERMÈS LOUIS VUITTON LILLY PULITZER FERRAGAMO TORY BURCH TIFFANY & CO. GUCCI SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
ALICE + OLIVIA VAN CLEEF & ARPELS OMEGA VERONICA BEARD RALPH LAUREN ZIMMERMANN + 50 MORE
Guest Cottage Suite with Cabana Club Room & Private Fitness Studio

Discover the difference in exceptional flooring.

DOWNTOWN NAPLES

Half mile north of 5th Avenue South 670 Ninth Street North 239.220.3535

NORTH NAPLES

2 blocks south of Wiggins Pass Road

13250 Tamiami Trail North

239.596.5959

FEATURES

142 MODE: OVERDRIVE

The racetrack meets the runway when fashion takes a daring turn toward highoctane elegance

152 THE GOOD LIFE AT SEA

Opulence looms large aboard four impeccably appointed superyachts

160 DOWN TO A FINE ART

When it comes to collecting artwork, Tania Buckrell Pos is an in-the-know name to know

166 OLD SOULS, NEW SPARKLE

Insider intel on unearthing vintage and antique jewelry finds that hold their worth

Photography by Gabor Jurina
Yacht designer Nuvolari Lenard is responsible for Apho, a vessel owned by Michael Lee-Chin.

OUR HOME. OUR FUTURE.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S SUCCESS IS PERSONAL TO EVERYONE WHO LIVES, WORKS, AND GIVES HERE.

Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Jim Schwartzel understands what makes our region special. He has watched it grow from quiet coastlines and small businesses into one of Florida’s most vibrant communities and has been part of that growth every step of the way. Throughout his career, Jim has worked to strengthen the community that shaped him by creating opportunities, supporting local businesses, and preserving the natural beauty of our coast. He believes advancement should always reflect the values he was raised with: hard work, integrity, and pride in the place we are blessed to call home.

ON THE COVER:

PHOTOGRAPHER:

GABOR JURINA MODEL:

DELFINA MORBELLI

LOCATION: THE CONCOURS CLUB, MIAMI HAIR: HEATHER

BLAINE MAKEUP: TARYLL

ATKINS CLOTHING:

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

GOWN, EARRINGS; FENDI

COAT. FOR BUYING

INFORMATION, TURN TO PAGE 219

DEPARTMENTS

42 OUR ADVISORY BOARD

46 FROM THE EDITOR

50 FROM THE PUBLISHER

56 RSVP

Soirees from the social season

INSIDER

71 SPOTLIGHT

Anne Fontaine moves to Fifth Avenue South

72 AROUND TOWN

The latest from Mercato, Naples Woman’s Club, Naples Boat Show, and more

76 Q&A

A chat with Alexander Shelley of Naples Philharmonic

78 WORTH IT

Expert insight into Art Deco design and furniture

STYLE

83 IT LIST

Pack it up with chic trunks

84 THE LOOK

Breezy silhouettes, wood platforms, butterfly accessories, studs, and fringe signal the return of boho

86 REAL TALK WITH...

Akris creative director Albert Kriemler

88 THE EDIT

Our editors make the case for polka dots

90 BIJOUX

Mix and match gems for kaleidoscopic color

92 BEAUTY

Reset your routine for the new year with vegetarian, vegan, cruelty-free, and natural products

RESIDE AT HOME WITH...

Richie Cacace and Maurizio Gamba, residents of the Olde Cypress community

100 SHOWCASE

An Old Naples cottage converges with modern design and appointments

106 INSPIRED LIVING

These innovative AV finds will take your home entertaining to the next level

110 ELEMENTS

Travel via aesthetics with resortcore design

112 DESIGNER DEFERENCE

Margaret Short enlivens top-tier events

JOURNEYS

119 WANDERLUST

Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island is a paradise powered by imagination

124 QUICK TRIPS

The Cloister at Sea Island presents a transformative study in Southern hospitality

128 FLORIDIANA

Whether you prefer a resort, an inn, or a rental, Key West can deliver the beach vacay of your dreams

132 STAYCATIONS

Four ways to enjoy LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, a Naples gem

134 HIGH ROAD

Party tricks plus plenty of practical features put the Vistiq EV in a category of its own

136 HIGH SEAS

The new 39 LS from Tiara Yachts boasts a cockpit fit for Parrotheads

EAT + DRINK

173 OPENINGS

Spice it up at Caiman Cantina

174 LOCAL BITES

Naples Winter Wine Festival honors vintner Darioush, a taste of Greece at Estia, Empty Bowls Naples returns, and more

180 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

Raise a glass to 2026 with the Pom Voyage

BALANCE

185 BOUNDARIES

Putting relationships ahead of politics

186 HEALTH & FITNESS

The boosts of ballet, digital dentistry, skin care delivered to your door, and more

190 SEASONED WITH STYLE

To move forward, start by looking back

192 TRENDING

Tools for rebounding like a pro

194 WEALTH

The pros and cons of private credit

SCENE

215 TOP BILLING

Lew Paper shares his latest book

216 CALENDAR

What to see and do this month

GOOD DEEDS

224 GIVING WITH HEART

Nena Beynon is an example of kindness

Editor in Chief Jane E. Enos

Creative Director Olga M. Gustine

Executive Editor Mary Murray

Managing Editor Allison Wolfe Reckson

Senior Editor Gaylene Salomons

Copy Editors Kelley Marcellus, Kat Smith

Dining Editor Karen Feldman

Libations Editor Jules Aron

Fashion Editor Katherine Lande

Automotive Editor Howard Walker

Travel Editor Paul Rubio

Web Editor Abigail Duffy

Social Media Editor Megan Roberts

DESIGN

Senior Art Director

Ashley Meyer

Art Directors

Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto

Digital Imaging Specialist

Leonor Alvarez-Maza

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Kristen Desmond LeFevre, Jacquelynn Powers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sebastian Clarke, Patricia Janeway, Erika Klein, Chloe Krammel, Korrine Munson, Joe Pye, Victoria Scott, Liza Grant Smith, Katherine van Dell, Chelle Koster Walton, Mary Thurman Yuhas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Lori Hamilton, Gabor Jurina, Chloe Krammel, Nick Shirghio

SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chris Bright, Reagan Rule, Lane Wilkinson

SUBSCRIPTIONS

800-308-7346

Naples Illustrated 3066 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 102, Naples, FL 34103 • 239-434-6966 • Fax: 239-435-0409

Naples Illustrated is a registered trademark of Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC Corporate Headquarters: P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480 naplesillustrated.com

SOUTH

Florida gave us our roots. Now, the nation will see how deep they run.

Publisher Meegan Wyatt

ADVERTISING

Account Managers

To learn more about these projects and Barron Collier Companies, visit us at barroncollier.com.

Kathleen Beuttel, 239-298-7506, kbeuttel@naplesillustrated.com; Harvey Dana, 305-984-6684, hdana@palmbeachmedia.com; Jennifer Dardano, 561-472-1905, jdardano@palmbeachmedia.com; Dina Turner, 561-472-2201, dturner@palmbeachmedia.com

Advertising Services Coordinator

Elizabeth Hackney

MARKETING

Marketing Manager Rebecca Desir

Marketing Art Director Saige Roberts

PRODUCTION

Production Director Selene M. Ceballo

Production Manager Lourdes Linares

Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis

Senior Designer Jeffrey Rey

Advertising Design Coordinator Anaely J. Perez Vargas

Production Coordinator Ileana Caban

Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone

OPERATIONS

Accounting Specialist Becky Briand

Accounts Receivable Specialists Ana Coronel, Avery Morales

Distribution Manager Judy Heflin

Logistics Manager Omar Morales

Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva

Circulation Assistants Cathy Hart, Britney Stinson

Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple

IT Manager Omar Greene

SUBSCRIPTIONS

800-308-7346

Group Publisher Terry Duffy

Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos

Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt

National Sales Director

Deidre Wade, 561-472-1902, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com

In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013)

HOUR MEDIA, LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

President John Balardo

Born in Florida.

For over a century, Barron Collier has been a force behind Florida’s growth, helping turn untamed land into thriving projects from Sarasota to the Space Coast. Now that legacy is crossing state lines and picking up speed. With bold new ventures rising in Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, we are bringing a century’s worth of know-how, grit, and vision to places ready for what’s next. This is more than breaking new ground. It’s building foundations for a brilliant future.

The Lifestyle. The Luxury. The Lakefront.

Spectacular Clubhouse Under Construction, Sports Park Now Open.

Caymas, Naples’ premier luxury lakefront community, is redefining resort-style living with exceptional amenities and beautifully crafted residences by Stock Luxury Homes and Pulte Homes.

The spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, featuring resort pools, indoor/outdoor dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center, private movie theater, immersive golf simulator, and elegant social spaces, will be the centerpiece of this extraordinary community.

Residents are already enjoying the Sports Park, now open with 6 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, sports gathering space, dog parks, and a dedicated lifestyle director.

Nowhere else in Naples will you find such grand designer homes paired with this exceptional level of lifestyle and lakefront luxury.

Residences by Stock Luxury Homes and Pulte Homes.

OUR ADVISORY BOARD

CHAIRWOMAN,

Naples Illustrated Advisory Board

Johnsonville Foods, president/co-owner

UBS Private Wealth Management, executive team assistant

Method & Concept, creative director, managing partner

NCH Healthcare, marketing and communications director

Aurora Investment Managers LLC, partner and portfolio manager

CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL

Stock Development, vice president, sales and marketing

Naples Botanical Garden, president and CEO

NCEF,

SHELLY STAYER
DONNA MCGINNIS
MICHAEL WYNN
Sunshine Ace Hardware, president
CHAD JENSEN
VICKI BAKER
BRENDA MELTON Celebrity Martini Glass Auction, founder
ASHLEY GERRY
trustee; CMON, board member
SHAWN MCCONNELL
ASHLEY SMITH
KARL ROUWHORST

why just visit PARADISE when

Don’t settle for a weekend getaway when you can live it each and every day. While others talk about a resort-style lifestyle, Kalea Bay delivers a 5-star experience. Wake up to jaw-dropping waterfront views of endless horizons. Indulge in amenities that redefine luxury: a rooftop lounge for picturesque sunsets, a relaxing spa and numerous restaurants that rival Michelin-star dining. Go ahead and ditch the suitcase. Make Kalea Bay your forever address. Final Tower now under construction from $3.5M.

CARL RUTHMAN, MD, PROUDLY EXPLAINS THAT STAGE-SHIFTING IS THE SCIENCE OF CATCHING LUNG CANCERS EARLIER, thanks to one of the most advanced microscopy systems in Florida. This means much better outcomes for patients.

Making an impact matters to Dr. Ruthman, who was drawn to NCH’s comprehensive, cutting-edge approach to providing high-quality care.

Discover why NCH was named one of America’s Top 50 hospitals for Overall Clinical Excellence.

He points to frequent breakthroughs in clinical trials, the Graduate Medical Education program nurturing tomorrow’s innovators, and the fact NCH is a nonprofit pillar in the community. Dr. Ruthman says all of it helps him feel empowered to make the best decisions for patients. “It’s just a really special place for a physician to practice medicine.” Watch Dr. Ruthman’s full story and more at

FROM THE EDITOR

THE FINER LIFE

Luxury is woven into every corner of Naples; it’s easy to see why so many of us proudly call this city home. From world-class shopping and a vibrant arts and cultural scene to an array of exceptional dining experiences—and even weather that feels distinctly luxe—life here is a celebration of the finer things. This edition of Naples Illustrated is dedicated to the unique spirit that defines our city.

Issue after issue, I continue to be amazed by Katherine Lande—our talented fashion editor—who presents the latest sartorial statements from top fashion houses within our pages with creativity and élan. In this edition, high-power looks from the likes of Balenciaga, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, and others are juxtaposed against the fast-paced backdrop of The Concours Club, a membersonly venue for car enthusiasts, located within the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. Turn to page 142, where the raceway meets the runway, for these. And find additional fashion-related content in our Style section, commencing on page 83.

Few things say—or rather scream—luxury more than superyachts. In this issue, we bring four vessels front and center in a feature showcasing visionary naval architecture and discerning interior design. Flip to page 152 to behold opulence at sea, as writer Howard Walker explores the imagination behind these magnificent luxury boats from revered names within the yachting industry.

Art has a way of elevating everyday life and often adds depth and meaning to our experiences. But what really makes a piece of art valuable and what should collectors consider when buying and selling? Expert Tania Buckrell Pos shares insider knowledge on navigating the often-elusive world of art, offering important information on acquisition in an article by Senior Editor Gaylene Salomons. See page 160 for this.

If art nourishes our souls, jewelry feeds our styles. In addition to a page of stunning gemstone-based adornments, curated by Executive Editor Mary Murray (page 90), this edition includes an in-depth article on vintage and antique pieces, works of art in their own right. Don’t miss this feature from Katherine van Dell, a respected jewelry specialist and gemologist, who shares edifying details about the design, craftsmanship, and history of rare treasures from iconic heritage brands. Refer to page 166 for this.

This month, may you find abundant ways to relish life within our community, where style, culture, and charm converge at nearly every turn.

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

ELEGANCE IN ACTION

As we welcome a new year, we embrace 365 daily opportunities to nurture our health and happiness—all while savoring an elevated quality of life afforded by our vibrant coastal community. Naples Illustrated enjoys a proud history of showcasing the very best in sophisticated living, and this issue takes luxury content to new heights.

Bringing refined living to life are the city’s exceptional shops and culinary hotspots, each contributing to Naples’ signature charm. Waterside Shops stands out as a true gem. This upscale shopping destination is an open-air haven humming with energy, offering everything to satisfy discerning shoppers’ desires— from iconic fashion finds to fabulous dining options to delightful seasonal happenings. Just a few minutes away, The Village Shops on Venetian Bay feature unique yet equally appealing shopping opportunities. Its one-of-a-kind specialty stores, fine jewelers, and upscale boutiques set within a chic waterfront location ensure enjoyment for all visitors. Besides these, let us not forget the enticing storefronts and restaurants located along Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South.

There are also countless ways to take in arts and culture in our area. For top-quality theater, Gulfshore Playhouse, The Naples Players, and TheatreZone offer extraordinary productions, while Artis—Naples, in addition to its other programming, showcases fabulous artwork at The Baker Museum, as well as incredible music from the Naples Philharmonic. Additional Naples-based organizations contribute to our community’s cultural fabric, too, such as Opera Naples, Gulfshore Ballet, United Arts Collier, and Naples Arts Institute, and rounding out our arts scene are the many galleries in our town featuring works to peruse and purchase.

I would be remiss without acknowledging the philanthropies that contribute to our city and beyond. Naples Illustrated is proud to support several of these, especially via sponsorships of galas and signature events. Fostering Success, an organization striving to create positive outcomes for foster children within our community, stands out as a deserving nonprofit. The League Club, a local grant-making organization, also deserves recognition, along with its incredible two-day design extravaganza, Naples Tables. Other organizations we are proud to partner with include Imagine Solutions and the NextGen Speaker Series. Both attract top-tier speakers who educate, enlighten, challenge, and inspire audiences.

As we step into 2026, let’s continue supporting the businesses, arts, and philanthropic organizations that make Naples so special. Each visit, purchase, and act of giving strengthens the spirit of our community, ensuring every day offers a chance to live, enjoy, and thrive.

Here’s to a healthy and fulfilling year ahead!

JESSI
PRIVATE DINING CLUB

FOOD MAKES THE MOMENT

Barbatella | Barbatella Gelato Bar | Campiello Ristorante | D’Amicos The Continental

The Club Room | Janes Garden Café | The Courtyard Bar at Ridgway

Ridgway Bar & Grill | Tommy Bahama | Sea Salt

Scan for Events

CELEBRATING THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

WHO: Collier Community Foundation

WHAT: Celebration of Philanthropy

WHERE: Arthrex One, Naples

DETAILS: Surprise grants, totaling $650,000, were announced at this year’s award luncheon. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

5.

Shelia Davis 6. Richard LeBer, Jane Enos 7. Jason Kurek, Katie Valentin, Kelly Krupp 8. Brad Galbraith, Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Keith Laakkonen, Tom McCann 9. CCF team 10. Kim Ciccarelli-Kantor 11. Melanie Kalnins, Jan Rich, Claudine Leger-Wetzel

1. Bryce Alexander, Keith Laakkonen, Cindy Love, Jamie Ulmer, Steve Popper 2. Aysegul Timur, Tom Oliveri 3. Julie Van Tongren, Michael Schroeder 4. Josh Espinosa, Tony Curatolo, Steven Merkel
Paula DiGrigoli,

Built on the historic site of the former Naples Harbour Club, Harbour House reflects the city’s enduring coastal legacy. Developed by Borelli Construction and designed by MHK Architecture, this collection of luxury residences serves as a landmark reborn on Naples’ Miracle Mile. Breaking ground in 2026.

Residences starting at $6.5M

INSPIRING LUNCHEON

WHO: David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health WHAT: From Tragedy to Triumph WHERE: Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples

DETAILS: Brian Roland and his wife, Nicole, shared their story of triumphing over tragedy at a luncheon held in support of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

Roland

and Remi Roland, Jack Black 4.

Chrisy Rob James, and Julie Chirichella 5. Sue Lennane, Diane McGinty, Robin Stranahan, Katie Russo 6. Roland family 7. Kellie Jacoby, Chrisy Rob James, Brian Roland, Julie Chirichella, Tania Gatt-McGirl 8. Remi Roland 9.

Montgomery, Allison Rainey, Jennifer Ferris

1. Edee DeLuca, Brian and Nicole Roland, Michael DeLuca
2. Brian Roland, Lisa Roland, Nicole Roland, and Remi
3. Brian Roland, Lisa Black, Nicole
Tania Gatt-McGirl,
Jodie
CHRIS BRIGHT

239.596.1613 romanza.com

IN SUPPORT OF STRONG WOMEN

WHO: Steel Bleu WHAT: Women of Steel Conference WHERE: Arthrex One, Naples DETAILS: This third annual one-day conference organized by Cotrenia Hood, brought together female leaders, innovators, and changemakers to inspire one another.

1. Jackie Nelson, Courtney Curatolo

2. Barbara Melvin, Brittni Brown

3. Shontra Powell, Rose Fuller, Jennifer Johnson 4. Cotrenia Hood

5. Donna Adams-Pickett 6. Shalonda Washington 7. Emma Heaton

8. Julie Schmelzle 9. Publix leadership team with Cotrenia Hood (center) 10. Meg Hardt

Beyond Concierge. This is major domo.

From everyday needs to extraordinary moments, Major Domo at Villa Miami doesn’t follow—it leads. Delivering a lifestyle defined by precision, where even the smallest details are managed with quiet intention—seamlessly, behind the scenes.

Half- and Full-Floor Bayfront Residences Starting at $6M.

WINGS ON THE WATER

WHO: Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation

WHAT: Aqua Ball WHERE: Vineyards Country Club, Naples

DETAILS: At this annual fundraiser, guests gathered to support the mission of drowning prevention in the community through swim lessons, water safety education, layers of protection, and Florida nonprofit drowning prevention initiatives.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

8.

9.

1. Curtis Nelson, Lindsay Pursglove, Brittany Nelson
2. Rich and Terri Gallo, Cindy Tantum 3. Leland Ballo, Stewie the Duck, Taylor Irvin 4. Holly Vingson-Ruiz, Diann and Vincent Keeys 5. Tamara Nicola, Melissa Blazier 6. Justyna Dejcz
7. Elyse Chengery, Zak Kearns
Wynn Watkins, Stewie
Leslie Metsch, Stewie, Stacy Nicolau 10. Michael Gillmore, Terri Ballo 11. Taylor Irvin, Stewie, Mariah Augus, Sophia Long

A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL TALENT

WHO: Bayshore Arts District

WHAT: Embellished Wearable Arts Fashion Show

WHERE: Dimension Nightclub, Naples DETAILS: This second annual evening fundraiser raised nearly $100,000 to support the creation of affordable art studio space for working artists in the Bayshore Arts District.

1. Judah McLean, Jackie Morelisse

2. Julie Koester, Blake Renda

3. Roberta Beranek, Jennifer Wideberg, Michelle Tricca

4. Kelly Voll Foley 5. MacKenzie

Renfro 6. Lauren Maxwell 7. Eric Olson, Henk Morelisse, Philippe

Martin 8. Sharon DeLaura

9. Barbara Hansen, Rebecca Maddox

10. Mia Powers 11. DJ Jake

TIMELESS. AND YET

UNDENIABLY

MODERN.

THE MARVEL THAT IS INFINITY SITS AT THE HEART OF THE PRESTIGIOUS COLONY, ONE OF THE GULF’S ICONIC PRIVATE CLUBS.

Infinity at The Colony offers a classic sporting club lifestyle where elegant residences celebrate a vibrant coastal vernacular.

COLONY CLUB AMENITIES

• Private Bay Club dining on Estero Preserve

• Private golf, practice facility & grand clubhouse

• Racquet Centers with 18 tennis & pickleball courts

• Dayboat shuttle to a glorious private beach club

• Private marina

• Kayak Park

INFINITY AMENITIES

• Beach entry pool with sun shelf

• Lap pool with shaded daybeds

• Hot & cold plunge pools

• Pickleball courts

• Poolside café with food & bar service

• Beau Welling par-3 putting course

• Bocce & yoga lawns, fire pits, barbeques

• Game room bar, arcade games & more

• Private theatre with reclining & bar seating

• Fitness center with massage, sauna & steam

• Sunset roof terrace with fire pits

Luxury Innovation

Luxury and innovation with our state of the art facilities located in Michigan and Florida.

Cutting-Edge Care

Highest standards of care by integrating the latest medical techniques and technology

ELEGANCE ON DISPLAY

Known for her iconic white blouses, Anne Fontaine has a passion for fashion. Born and raised in Brazil, the creative who loved to draw and sketch clothing as a child, moved to Paris when 17 years old. At age 22, she launched a collection of ready-to-wear women’s apparel at her eponymous Paris boutique alongside her partner and husband, Ari Zlotkin. Soon after, they opened stores in Boston and Tokyo. Naples has been home to an Anne Fontaine boutique since 2006. Last year, the store—which was located at Waterside Shops—moved to Fifth Avenue South. It is one of only 17 boutiques in the United States; there are currently 34 stores worldwide. Fontaine will visit the downtown Naples boutique on January 22, where she will offer styling tips. The next day, January 23, she will attend an evening event at a local country club, where her brand will serve as the fashion show partner. Naples Illustrated spoke to Samantha Quartuccio, retail operations director for Anne Fontaine in New York City, about the founder’s visit. Turn the page for a brief Q&A with Quartuccio. (annefontaine.com) –Gaylene Salomons

THE INSIDE TRACK TO NEAPOLITAN LIVING

INSIDER

ELEGANCE ON DISP Y (Cont.)

NI: Does Fontaine visit her boutiques regularly?

Samantha Quartuccio: Yes, she does. She loves to attend store events and meet her clients.

Where does Fontaine live?

She lives part time in New York City and part time in France. Her time in France is split between Honfleur in Normandy, which is where the Anne Fontaine design studio is located, and Paris, where the European corporate office is located. The corporate office for the United States is in New York City. Has Fontaine visited Naples previously?

Yes. However, this is her first time at the new boutique on Fifth Avenue South, which opened in January 2025. What are Fontaine’s impressions of our coastal town?

Anne loves being by the water; she is part Brazilian and grew up on the beach. She spends a lot of her free

time with family on beach vacations. Anne loves Florida, as she is inclined to warm, humid climates. Sometimes we joke about moving the corporate office to Florida because Anne truly prefers to be there rather than in New York. What does the Anne Fontaine brand offer to the women and visitors of Naples?

Anne’s designs celebrate the joy of dressing up and the art of selfexpression. She loves to design and style for warmer climates, as it is her preferred weather. Her collections offer an array of options from daytime to nighttime chic. Clients will always find gala or special event options and of course a fabulous new white shirt. —G.S

INSPIRATION

The Power of CONVERSATION

One Southwest Florida resident traded his successful sales career in corporate America for an opportunity to inspire others. Shawn French launched the first episode of his podcast, The Determined Society, nearly five years ago. Since then, it’s garnered a massive following. French says he has close to 1 million listeners per month. Notable guests have included comedian Jay Leno, author Charles Spencer (brother to the late Princess of Wales, Diana), and actor Frankie Faison. Other big names are UFC champion Tito Ortiz, actor William H. Macy, and American businesswoman and former supermodel Kathy Ireland. French says the overall theme of each episode is the same. “What we want to do is lead people to chase their dreams no matter how they feel at the moment,” he explains. “I’m always able to bring that theme of the show back in, while still promoting these celebrities, public figures, and best-selling authors.”

French explains that impactful conversations meant to unify people are vital within today’s society. “There’s so much divisiveness and evil going on in the world,” he says. “Showing we have more in common than we don’t is paramount.”

French says his podcasts are posted Mondays and Fridays. He credits their success to his supportive listeners, wife, and team. (thedeterminedsociety.com) –Victoria Scott

Shawn French poses with Jay Leno, a guest of his podcast.

NAPLES, FLORIDA

(ACROSS FROM WATERSIDE SHOPS WITH GULF OF MEXICO VIEWS)

UPGRADE

A Local Hub Levels Up

One of Naples’ most popular shopping and dining destinations received some TLC over the summer. Mercato broke ground on its piazza expansion project in late July. It tripled in size and now includes improved landscaping, lighting, some soft seating, and other features. Mercato General Manager Michael McLean says the project, located in the heart of Mercato, will help accommodate the influx of visitors coming to the area. Work spanned from cocktail lounge Beeline to retailer Tommy Bahama on the north side and from Narrative Coffee Roasters to the former Bravo! Italian Kitchen, located on the south side.

The improvements also include a new, state-of-the-art stage. “The stage will be the anchor for some of the events,” says McLean. “We’ll continue to have a lot of the same music and host our concert series.”

NAPLES BOAT SHOW SAILS INTO ITS FIFTY-NINTH YEAR COMMUNITY

Boat enthusiasts in Collier County can get ready to anchor down at the annual Naples Boat Show, January 22-25, at Naples City Dock and Sugden Regional Park. Marine Industries Association of Collier County (MIACC) owns and manages the event. MIACC Executive Director Tiffany Sawyer-Schank says the event features around 250 boats and garners from 5,000 to 7,000 visitors annually. Recurring boat brands featured include Hinckley Yachts, Boston Whaler, Sea Fox Boat Works, and Grady-White. Sawyer-Schank says the show serves an important purpose. “This event is the only way [MIACC] can really make money to survive and continue to fight for boaters’ rights,” she explains. Sawyer-Schank notes that tickets to the event are $15 per person in advance and $20 at the gate. (naplesboatshow.com ) —V.S.

The piazza project will also enhance walkability. Work crews flattened the curb, allowing the street to merge effortlessly into the piazza. McLean says traffic will still be permitted on the main street, which will only be closed for large events.

The project concluded in October, with an unveiling event held in November. Visitors can enjoy a few new venues, including Shake Shake and Pura Vida Miami. Violí, a Greek restaurant, now occupies Bravo! Italian Kitchen’s former space. (experiencemercato.com) —V.S.

Scholarships Boost Collier County Students

Naples Woman’s Club’s mission is to improve the lives of others through service, philanthropy, and education. One of the nonprofit’s largest initiatives is its Circle of Support Scholarship Program. Launched in 2015, its objective is to provide higher education scholarships to students in Collier County. Circle of Support co-founder Blanche Hawkins reports 48 Collier County students received $362,000 in 2025 alone. “Education changes lives,” says Kimberley Schumacker, a Naples Woman’s Club education and scholarship committee co-chair. “They are first-gen students now inspiring their younger siblings; they’re paying it back and forward to make a difference in Collier County.”

Collier County native Rodrigo Velasco-Hernandez is one example of that. He earned a scholarship in the spring of 2024 and is the first person in his family to graduate from high school and attend college. “I never thought I would be able to afford it,” he says. “[The scholarship]

alleviates the financial burden. I’m debt-free. It allows me to focus on my education and experience more than the average student.” VelascoHernandez is set to graduate from American University in Washington, D.C., in May; he plans on pursuing master’s degrees in both teaching and education policy and leadership.

Student Ashley Ames is another example. She and her brother, who both attend Florida Gulf Coast University, received the Persistent Student Scholarship. “I’m so grateful for the Naples Woman’s Club scholarship program,” explains Ames. “It really helps students who need it the most.”

Applicants apply online through the Collier Community Foundation, and guidelines apply. The Circle of Support is the major funding arm for the First Year College Scholarship, the Persistent Student Scholarship, and a handful of others. Those interested in funding these scholarships can find more information on the Naples Woman’s Club website. (napleswomansclub.org) –V.S.

JAN 28 - FEB 1 | 2026

PALM BEACH COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS FOR YOU AND A GUEST

STANLEY WHITNEY | CASTERLINE|GOODMAN GALLERY
ANDRE LHOTE | GLADWELL & PATTERSON

Q&A

UNDER THE BATON

CONDUCTOR

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this season Artis—Naples highlights art’s power to unite with its theme, America 250: E Pluribus Unum—Out of Many, One. Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley will lead six Naples Philharmonic Masterworks programs, starting with the world premiere of African Queens, January 8 and 9. He will also conduct an exploration of two bold and contrasting works Beethoven composed around 1804 on January 23 and 24. Shelley explains the performances offer “a compelling exploration of the artistic voices, traditions, and ideals that have shaped American culture.”

Naples Illustrated spoke with the accomplished conductor about his leadership role with the Naples Philharmonic, a longstanding cornerstone of Southwest Florida’s arts community. Read on for more. (artisnaples.com)

XNI: As you enter your second season, how are you feeling about your role?

Shelley: I am enjoying every moment of my time in Naples and every aspect of my work. I have one of the most rewarding and interesting jobs I can think of: rehearsing and performing with the marvelous musicians of the Naples Philharmonic as we continue to grow this wonderful orchestra; conceiving of themes and collaborating on programming with my brilliant colleagues across the organization as we strive to provide thought-provoking and enriching culture for our audiences; and finally, building an ever-deeper relationship with our fascinating and sophisticated community.

Before each performance, the audience is invited to join you for a half-hour discussion about the program. Are you finding these individuals eager to learn?

Absolutely! Because we present such a rich variety of cultural offerings at Artis—Naples, I am aware that at any given time we will have patrons in the room with knowledge and passion across various disciplines. I love drawing parallels between genres and exploring how the human experience is examined and articulated across a range of art forms. During the prelude conversations, I truly relish engaging with our informed and enthusiastic audiences.

This season’s programming highlights the unifying power of artistic expression. How can you contribute to this theme as a conductor, especially considering we are living in increasingly divisive times?

The essence of a conductor’s job is to bring people together—to

create a sense of symbiosis and a common goal. Music does the same. Across borders, across language groups, across culture and time, it has the capacity to express the innermost feelings we all share and have shared since time immemorial—whether hope, or longing, fear, joy, love, rapture, desolation; the list goes on and on. This is the power and uniquely meaningful importance of sharing music. It affirms there is far more that binds us than separates us. Ultimately, this is why I am a musician and why it is such a rewarding responsibility and privilege.

Do you believe music will continue to help unite and inspire people?

As our world shifts and as computing and artificial intelligence potentially evolve to a place that far outstrips our own abilities, I believe humanities and the arts will play a far greater role in our lives than ever before. I believe we will be rewarded by refocusing our energies on the “why” of life—philosophical, metaphysical, profound questions about the nature of perception and the value of human empathy, interaction, and understanding. This is the realm of music and art.

DARRON
Conductor Alexander Shelley leads the musicians of the Naples Philharmonic.

DECO Dreams

WORTH IT A CENTURY AFTER ITS DEBUT, ART DECO STILL SETS THE STANDARD FOR MODERN ELEGANCE

Born “between the wars,” the Art Deco period spanned the 1920s and 1930s. Its formation was a direct response to the fluidity of the Art Nouveau period and the austerity that immediately followed World War I. Art Deco made its grand entrance onto the global stage at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, and the style quickly spread internationally, influencing everything from the Manhattan skyline to luxury ocean liners steaming across the Atlantic.

Art Deco furnishings are identifiable by geometric balance and refined craftsmanship. Designers incorporated simple but elegant motifs of sunbursts and Greek key designs while also exploring the use of exotic materials such as macassar ebony, zebrawood, and rosewood. Ivory, brass, and silver inlays provided exquisite depth. Chrome also burst into the spotlight through the use of seamless tubular steel.

One of the most iconic and important designers of the period was Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Ruhlmann’s pieces featured tropical timber, ivory details, and an unparalleled attention to detail. Today, many of these elements (such as ivory and rosewood) are subject to strict trade regulations and conservation laws that can limit collector interest and reduce market value.

Eileen Gray, an Irish-born designer and architect, took an innovative approach by using tubular steel and chrome. Her Bibendum chair is highly sought-after, and her E1027 table is still produced and reproduced, highlighting the timeless quality of her designs.

American designer Donald Deskey, best known for the interiors of Radio City Music Hall, brought Art Deco furniture to the masses with his collaboration with Widdicomb Furniture Company. Many of these pieces are still available and can be found (in varying levels

of condition) at both thrift stores and high-end design showrooms.

Glassware by the likes of René Lalique and Daum epitomized luxury, combining geometric forms and exquisite details. As with Deskey’s work, many examples by these makers can be found buried in the back of vintage stores or center stage in museum exhibitions.

One of the most recognizable home relics of the Art Deco era is the Skyscraper tea and coffee service. Designed by Louis Rice, the

circa-1928 set is easily identified by its stepped lids and smokestack handles. It was originally made in silver and silver plate, but more modest examples in chrome with Bakelite handles can be found in vintage stores.

A century later, the Art Deco period continues to inspire tastemakers from the chic apartments of Paris to the shores of Palm Beach. One of the world’s greatest meccas for Art Deco design is Miami Beach, which will host its annual Art Deco Weekend January 9-11. «

DANIELFORTUNE
Notable examples of Art Deco decor include Louis Rice’s Skyscraper tea and coffee service (above right) and Eileen Gray’s E1027 side table (right) and Bibendum chair (below).
Left and above: 1923 corner cabinet and the salon at the Hôtel du Collectionneur at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, both by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Naples Tables 2026

Beautiful Purpose

At Naples Tables, beauty is on full display. From the artistry of the designer tablescapes to the elegance of the gathering itself, what makes it truly special is the purpose behind the beauty. Beautiful Purpose captures the duality of the splendor of the event and the deeper intention that fuels it.

EVERY DETAIL, EVERY DESIGN AND EVERY DONATION SUPPORT THE LEAGUE CLUB’S MISSION TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM AND IMPACTFUL GRANT MAKING.

Please join us for an opening night party that is a magical evening with style and sparkle! View over 50 spectacular designer tablescapes, chat with the designers over cocktails and appetizers, and enjoy live music. Meet renowned designer Vern Yip, a visionary transforming homes across America, and known for his creativity, generosity, and a global elegance. Vern’s work on Trading Spaces, HGTV, the upcoming Home Reimagined show, plus his philanthropic work in serving 16 years as a US Ambassador for UNICEF beautifully aligns with the spirit of Naples Tables.

We are so thankful that Naples Tables has grown to be a Naples favorite since its debut, yet each year is uniquely stylish and exciting. The League Club members, friends, sponsors, and talented designers come together to create and enjoy spectacular tablescapes that raise funds for the Community Trust Fund benefiting local nonprofits that address critical needs in our community.

Grants in 2025 totaling $762,412 funded many critical needs of our community to carefully vetted nonprofit agencies serving the needs of children, families, the elderly, and veterans. The grants directly impact the need of at-risk children and adults in housing, food scarcity, literacy and education, physical and mental health, and the arts.

THE LEAGUE CLUB HAS PROVIDED OVER $8 MILLION IN GRANTS TO MORE THAN 220 NONPROFIT AGENCIES IN COLLIER AND LEE COUNTIES SINCE OUR FOUNDING IN 1986.

OVER 600 MEMBERS SHARE A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY THROUGH MONTHLY EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS, INTEREST GROUPS, FELLOWSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND VOLUNTEERING DIRECTLY AT MORE THAN 50 LOCAL AGENCIES.

THE LEAGUE CLUB IS GRATEFUL TO OUR EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE MEDIA SPONSORS:

SIPPIN’ PRETTY Cocktail trunk ($169,000), Hermès, hermes.com

3 1

MAKEUP MUSTS Centenary vanity case ($1,845), Globe Trotter, us.globe-trotter.com

2

PINKIES UP High Tea trunk (price upon request), Louis Vuitton, us.louisvuitton.com

6

7 STILL BEJEWELED Jewelry box in Triomphe canvas and calfskin ($3,400), Celine, celine.com

FEET FIRST Gucci Savoy maxi rigid shoe trunk ($130,500), Gucci, gucci.com

4 RULE OF THREE Fragrance trunk for three bottles ($3,890), Fendi, fendi.com

5 PET FRIENDLY Travel bowl trunk with two engraved bowls (price upon request), Goyard, goyard.com

THE LOOK

STYLE BOHO IS BACK

LET YOUR INNER FREE SPIRIT SHINE WITH ROMANTIC AND EXPRESSIVE DRESSING

STARBURSTS

PERFECT CIRCLE

Leather studded waist belt ($990), etro.com

bracelet with diamonds set in 18-karat black gold ($38,000), Buccellati, greenleafcrosby.com

POINT TAKEN Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Babylone 90 clogs ($1,500), Saint Laurent, ysl.com

SEEING DOUBLE Luxe Colette earrings ($375), Mignonne Gavigan, mignonne gavigan.com

STYLE NOTES X

HIPPIE CHIC:

Curate your look with fringe and studded accessories.

FLY AWAY:

Add wanderlust glamour with butterfly accents.

HIGH UP:

Finish your outfit with a stacked wood platform clog.

LA DOUBLE J RESORT 2026

TERRIFIC TASSEL

Delfina necklace with sterling silver and onyx ($300), Julietta, shopjulietta.com

Fashion meets magic with mythical prints, otherworldly fabrics, and uplifting silhouettes.

FANTASTIC FRINGE

STAY THE NIGHT

Printed Leather

Peekaboo ISeeU small handbag with Night Butterfly inlay ($6,500), Fendi, fendi.com

medium suede crossbody

Marissa Collections, Naples, Valentino Garavani bag ($5,200), Valentino, valentino.com

KNOCK ON WOOD

Miso wooden platform sandals in black suede ($375), Larroudé, larroude.com

NAPLES
Etro,
Macri cuff

What inspired you to look to midcentury minimalist painter Leon Polk Smith for the Spring 2026 collection?

The spark came when I encountered Smith’s paravent at his 2023 show at Haus Konstruktiv in Zurich. I thought I knew his minimal language, but Seven Involvements in One shifted my perception. It held the room with pulse and bravado, far from anything minimal.

How did his artwork influence the designs of the collection?

REAL TALK WITH...

in times that feel a bit dimmer, a touch of that optimism is exactly what we need.

What techniques were used to translate Smith’s graphic art into wearable pieces?

Working with an artist, the challenge is never to simply place the image onto fabric—that was already done beautifully by Yves Saint Laurent in the ’70s—but to integrate it fully into the garment through new fabrics, workmanship, and cuts. One of Smith’s most important motifs was the curved line, and we wove it into the collection: in the texture of our drape-fringe knit, in the cutouts, and in the wave embroidery crafted in our hometown, St. Gallen.

Albert Kriemler

Akris’

creative director

reflects on the artistic spirit of his Spring 2026 collection

His work made me ask: how far can the pulse of two colors and a line carry a shape? It inspired me to see a garment with the same clarity— simple, direct, built from a grid of lines and colors. From the start, this approach brought its own refinement: minimal yet charged, a tableau of color that moves.

How does the ethos of Akris align with Smith’s storied career?

What drew me in is how a few precise choices—line, proportion, color—become so powerful in his work. From that clarity emerges not coldness, but sensuality and surprising warmth. It isn’t about being minimal, it’s the pursuit of the essential. Abstraction as a way to reveal, not reduce.

Describe the color palette of the collection and how it was derived.

I’m a real color maniac, and after two seasons focused on a single hue—white, then blue—it just felt right to expand the spectrum. Leon Polk Smith’s colors have this energy and optimism I love. And perhaps,

Do you have a favorite standout look from the collection?

I love the white mini leather dress with the patches. It’s modern, it’s sophisticated, and there’s something about it that stays with you. It’s instantly memorable.

COURTESY OF AKRIS
The Akris Spring 2026 collection was inspired by the work of mid-century minimalist painter Leon Polk Smith.

CRAFTED WITH BRILLIANCE

Elevate your custom homebuilding journey with the award-winning expertise of Stock Custom Homes. Trust in our renowned craftsmanship to curate a residence that embodies your refined way of life. Build your dream home on your cherished homesite, or explore our select collection of exquisite custom homes currently being meticulously crafted throughout Florida.

THE

EDIT

Connect the Dots

CELEBRATE NATIONAL POLKA

DOT DAY JANUARY 22 WITH THESE EDITOR-CURATED HOME AND FASHION FINDS

EN POINTE

Camille polka dot ballet flats ($930), Repetto x Comme des Garçons, repetto.com

SPOT-ON ENTERTAINING

Deco Dot 12-piece dinnerware set ($165), Kate Spade, katespade.com

Make meals memorable with this stoneware set (including four dinner plates, four accent plates, and four mugs). Dotted with charm, these pieces will add a playful twist to any tablescape while keeping the aesthetic elevated and elegant.

—Jane E. Enos, editor in chief

COLOR ME HAPPY

Pleated-sleeve mini dress ($925), Zimmermann, zimmermann.com

Flouncy, feminine, and totally flattering, this Zimmermann mini is giving Pretty Woman vibes. The pleated skirt and frilly three-quarter sleeves create a flirty silhouette that snatches at the waist and lengthens the legs, especially for us shorter gals. Perfect for a polo match or weekend brunch. —Jacquelynn Powers, contributing editor

I’ve long been a fan of Repetto ballet flats, so I was thrilled to discover this darling iteration. Repetto’s classic lines and construction meet Comme des Garçons’ artsy vibes via hydro-dipped polka dots that give the Camille flat a très chic look. — Nikolopoulos, editorial director

RAIN CHECK

RING MY BELL

($9,450),

moschino.com

dampen a day. Tuck this colorful

Openclose polka dot umbrella ($90), Moschino, There is nothing worse than an unexpected rain shower to dampen a day. Tuck this colorful canopy—dotted with black dots, hearts, and peace symbols—into your backpack or purse when the weather seems questionable. —Gaylene Salomons, senior editor

PRINT IT

Kivet organic cotton gray duvet cover set ($467 for king), Marimekko, perigold.com

Baby Vine polka dot ring Bea Bongiasca, beabongiasca.com

For those days when you want just a peek of polka dots, the Baby Vine ring will do the trick. This special-edition piece by Italian jewelry brand Bea Bongiasca features a marquise-cut diamond and hand-painted black enamel polka dots set in 18-karat white gold. It’s one of those heirloomquality finds that is at once contemporary and timeless.

Marimekko’s Kivet (stones) signature print channels circles cut with scissors. This whimsical iteration graces a reversible, 100-percent sustainable, ethically manufactured cotton king duvet cover plus two king pillow shams. Surely the stuff dreams are made of. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor

Daphne

Passionate and Spirited

Unleash your inner arts fan

Jan 19—Tango After Dark

Jan 7—All That Jazz – Trumpeter Joe Magnarelli with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra

Jan 12-13—Four O’clock at the Movies with Elaine Newton –One Battle After Another

Jan 18 Wine Tastingwith Master Sommelier George Miliotes

Jan 23—Alexander Shelley Conducts Beethoven –Naples Philharmonic Masterworks

Jan 25—The Cleveland Orchestra led by Franz Welser-Möst

Jan 27-Feb 1—& Juliet, the hilarious new Broadway musical

Jan 28—Free Art After Hours, 6-9pm – visit The Baker Museum

Jan 29—Exhibition lecture: Panel Discussion with the artists of Florida Contemporary 2025-26

Feb 3-7—The Paul Simon Songbook – Naples Philharmonic Pops

Feb 7—Conversation with Colm Tóibín hosted by Elaine Newton

Feb 10-15—Chicago – The Broadway tour production

Feb 17-18—The Philadelphia Orchestra led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Feb 20—Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with the New Breed Brass Band – Shorty Gras Tour

Feb 24—Miami City Ballet with the Naples Philharmonic

Feb 27-28—Dvořák & Copland – Naples Philharmonic Masterworks

National Geographic Live Presents Wild Cats Revealed with Sandesh Kadur
Photo by Kia Caldwell
Jan 8-9
New World Symphony – Naples Philharmonic Masterworks led by Alexander Shelley
Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway –Naples Philharmonic Pops led by Jack Everly
Photo by Joel Barrios
Kansas – The Classic Rock Band
Jan 10
Jan 22
Jan 13-17
Rising Jazz Star Samara Joy
19
Photo by Federico Paleo Photo

2

1 5 6

BIJOUX

Mix & Match

8

EMBRACE ECLECTIC COLOR WITH PIECES THAT SPORT A VARIETY OF GEMS

1. IT WAS ALL YELLOW Lugano heavy bezel diamond necklace with mixed-cut cognac diamonds, kite-cut champagne diamonds, rose-cut yellow diamonds, and brilliant round diamonds set in 18-karat gold and white gold, price upon request. (luganodiamonds.com)

2. PUZZLE PIECE Brooke Gregson engraved sapphire studs set in 18-karat gold, $5,900. (brookegregson.com)

3. DEALER’S CHOICE Jacquie Aiche necklace with graduated chrysoprase cylinder beads, various gemstones, and diamonds set in 14-karat gold, price upon request. (jacquieaiche.com)

4 9

4. I WANT CANDY Eden Presley Cab Candy earrings with tourmalines and diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $12,700. (edenpresley.com)

7

5. READY TO POP Retrouvaí one-of-a-kind Lollipop cuff with pink tourmaline in carnelian, green tourmaline in pink opal, aquamarine in turquoise, ruby in dendrite, pink tourmaline in green jade, light blue sapphire in rhodochrosite, and pale yellow sapphire in trolleite, all set in 14-karat gold, $65,000. (retrouvai.com)

6. BRILLIANT BOUQUET Oscar Heyman one-of-a-kind ring with a ruby, tsavorite, emerald, spinel, aquamarine, padparadscha, pink sapphire, yellow sapphires, sapphires, and diamonds set in platinum, price upon request. (oscarheyman.com)

7. APPLES AND ORANGES Claudia Mae oval and trillion chunky Nomad ring with spessartite garnet and pink sapphires set in 14-karat gold, $8,250. (claudiamae.com)

8. RIOT OF COLOR Effy Jewelry multi-stone drop earrings with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $2,415. (effyjewelry.com)

9. PRETTY PASTELS Provident Jewelry bracelet with multicolored sapphires and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, price upon request. Provident Jewelry, Naples (providentjewelry.com)

RISE TO THE NEWEST HEIGHTS OF NAPLES LIVING

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Step outside to enjoy the city’s best: Naples Pier, Lowdermilk Park, and world-class dining and entertainment. Then, come home to elevated amenities, from a private dipping pool and sun deck to serene lounges.

Here, every detail is crafted to inspire. This is Naples living, redefined.

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BEAUTY

ETHICALLY STUNNING

with antioxidant-rich rice, and grape-seed

A clean slate awaits with sophisticated vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and naturally derived formulas: Femmue Brilliant Cleansing Oil, with antioxidant-rich camellia seed, olive, rice, and grape-seed oils, plus aromatic jasmine, lavender, and cedarwood ($54, femmue.com); Juara Candlenut Perfume Oil, with tropical freesia, white jasmine, bergamot, rose, and coconut ($40, juaraskincare. com); Sothys Glow Defense Cream ($116), boasting a plant-derived prebiotic that rebalances microbial flora, and Ultra-Lipid SOS Serum for a soothed skin barrier ($90, sothysusastore. com); Tronque Rich as Croesus Firming Butter, with biotech ceramides, mamaku, niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, Atlantic Ocean kelp, New Zealand red seaweed, and red maple bark ($130, tronque.com); Tarte Maracuja Juicy Multi-Stick, a lip and cheek tint that offers an on-the-go flush, plus vitamin E, shea butter, superfruit complex, and more ($30, tartecosmetics. com); and David Mallett Australian Salt Scrub, a scrubshampoo with purifying Murray River pink salt and white clay ($78, david-mallett. com). —Abigail Duffy

Financial Planning Together A Smarter Way to Bring Your

Your financial life is made up of many meaningful chapters, each with its own goals, emotions, and decisions. Our role is to bring those moments together with clarity and purpose, so your planning feels aligned with the life you’re building here in Naples. With decades of experience and a deeply personal approach, our team helps you navigate every stage with intention and confidence.

At Henssler, everything you need lives under one roof, from long-term planning and investment guidance to tax, estate, business, and retirement considerations. Instead of managing your financial world in pieces, you gain a coordinated experience shaped around your values, your family, and your vision for the future.

When every part of your financial life works together, the path forward becomes clearer, and the future feels much more your own.

RESIDE

DESIGN AND DECOR FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

RICHIE CACACE AND MAURIZIO GAMBA

Eight years ago, after enjoying the excitement of New York City for 20 years and thriving in a successful career in retail advertising, Richie Cacace, a former small-town Connecticut boy, was ready to make a move. This was not a pandemic-related shift but a change he felt ready for personally. He considered Southwest Florida, where his parents had owned a home since 1986, dismissing the state’s bigger cities, like Miami and Orlando. Naples checked all the boxes for him—a warm climate,

not too big, not too small, near water, and only a two-hour flight from close family. He just had to convince his partner, Maurizio Gamba. Gamba enjoyed a global lifestyle. He was born in Columbia. When 12, he moved to Barcelona, Spain. He later lived in Paris. He often visited Italy, where his father’s family owned a hotel and winery. Gamba studied at the New York Film Academy for one semester; he eventually graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Cambridge in England.

While working as a liaison for the family businesses in 2013, Gamba, who was based in New York City, met Cacace.

It turns out Southwest Florida was an easy sell. Gamba admits he does not like cities. “I crave quiet spaces,” he says. Although he had never heard of Naples, Florida, after he visited, he was convinced. The two made the move. Eight years later they declare in unison, “We love it. It’s been fabulous.”

They found a nearly 3,000-square-foot courtyard home built in 2006, complete with a casita, in the Olde Cypress golf community in North Naples. They added their own unique flair to the Mediterranean-style home, which had been well-cared for and updated. Older photos of the home (found online) show a stark space. To enliven it, Cacace and Gamba filled the various rooms with elegant furniture and art (purchased from local artists, including David Newman and Susan Reynolds) and added accent paint and wallpaper. They turned the covered lanai into a verdant and private garden space. It is here they especially enjoy entertaining and relaxing with their beloved

dogs, Scotch and Bailey.

While the couple are devoted to their work (Cacace says he has trouble sitting still), they both make time for daily workouts and occasional dinners out. (Third Street South is their destination of choice.) Cacace first tried real estate when he moved to town but soon found himself volunteering at events such as Naples Art Institute’s annual signature run-

Above and below: Richie Cacace and Maurizio Gamba added unique flair to a Mediterranean-style home in Olde Cypress. Right: They study a pair of glasses from MauriGamba, an eyewear brand founded by Gamba, within their home office.

way show, Scene to Be Seen. He then began organizing other charity events—such as Hats in the Garden, Starry Nights, and The American Cancer Society’s Bucket List Bash— through his event planning company, Richard Anthony Management.

During the pandemic, Gamba discovered a business opportunity based upon his love of accessories— in particular, footwear and eyewear. He suffers from astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision) and wore thick glasses when young. He founded MauriGamba, a modern luxury line of eyewear. He now spends his days designing glasses and lightweight sunglasses that boast stateof-the-art polarized lenses. Gamba reports it took three attempts to get the glasses distributed through the world’s largest eyewear company, EssilorLuxottica, a multinational eyewear distributor headquartered in Europe.

He considers this a rare feat, noting, “J.Lo was even declined.”

As the designer behind the MauriGamba brand, Gamba shares he is “committed to empowering people to elevate their personal style.” With Cacace’s assistance, he recently launched the 2026 collection, which includes “click-ons,” at one of the couple’s favorite local

restaurants, Barbatella.

Although Cacace sometimes yearns for the quick excitement of New York City, where he could walk to and from work and pick up a breakfast sandwich from a local bodega along the way, he and Gamba have embraced the coastal energy of Naples, where they have clearly found their home. «

Left: A ceramic bust by local artist Susan Reynolds hangs in the guest bathroom. Above: Cacace and Gamba pose on their lanai with their beloved pets, Bailey and Scotch.

SHOWCASE

PAST MEETS PRESENT

A COMPLETE RENOVATION FUSES THE CHARM OF AN OLD NAPLES BEACH COTTAGE WITH A MODERN SENSIBILITY

Decked out in cheerful cottage landscaping, oozing coastal appeal, and within walking distance of the Naples Pier, this lovely and pleasant home puts a smile on the face of passersby. “The homeowner fell in love with it immediately,” recalls L.A. DeRiggi,

the interior designer of the historic home.

Once a dark green, one-story cottage, the circa-1940 abode underwent an extensive renovation led by MHK Architecture, C&E Builders, and DeRiggi, founder and principal designer at Hudson Park Interior Design.

Using the home’s history as a guide while incorporating today’s sensibilities, the more than 4,000-square-foot residence blends the best of yesterday and today. “We collaborated a lot before we brought this home to life, and that is the reason it is so special,” notes DeRiggi.

I love my furniture! Palm Casual has a very large selection of outdoor furniture including custom finishes and a variety of fabric options. Kyle was super helpful in guiding me to select the perfect furniture. I highly recommend Palm Casual.

The lower half of the front elevation, under the transom window, contains the original facade—maintaining a 7-foot door and replicating the original windows. Exterior porch lanterns and sun-loving bougainvillea snuggled against the trellised walkway mold a beachy aesthetic. As if out of the ’50s, a welcoming wooden front-porch swing beckons visitors to sit for a spell. Surprisingly, the porch flooring is made from a modern, wood-looking composite material built on tracks for water runoff.

Inside, stone, wood, and marble appear in abundance. “We used a variety of woods in different stains that coordinate so the house wasn’t matchy-matchy, but it all works together,” shares DeRiggi. “Our role is to make the interiors feel complete before furniture comes in.”

Deep, rich colors and white mosaic tile flooring in the foyer introduce what lies beyond. Natural alabaster discs on the mod-

ern bronze light fixture—against a cypress wood ceiling—unite new and old. The acrylic painting, Golden Light, was created by local artist, Carmelo Blandino.

The floating stairwell was originally designed to include iron cross railings. Instead, the designer opted for a softer look, adding wooden ones. A large window over the staircase floods the space with natural light.

The great room television is perched within a marble-lined inset above a gas fireplace; Poliform built-ins are nestled nearby. A cypress tongue-and-groove ceiling and wooden beams hover over the dramatic space. Natural light pours into rooms through a wall of glass doors running from the great room to within the kitchen. “The view through the windows is beautiful,” says the designer. “The great room overlooks a waterfall, a spa, and a verdant wraparound living wall in the pool area.”

Inside this Old Naples beach cottage, stone, wood, marble, and tile combine harmoniously.
Grounding the home’s design in a variety of natural materials helped create a clean and modern space that feels sophisticated and refined, as evidenced (clockwise from top left) in the butler’s pantry, the kitchen, the great room, and a bathroom.

A chef’s dream, the kitchen features Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, as well as an oversize island with a raised island bar top for dining. Marble and limestone add interest to the backsplash. Continuing the great room’s cypress beams and herringbone-pattern flooring, the kitchen—by design—is not cookie-cutter. “When the doors to the outdoor living area are open, the space between the great room and kitchen becomes a huge entertaining area,” shares DeRiggi. The butler’s pantry provides a private extra workspace equipped with a full sink, a dishwasher, and a washer and dryer, while shelves store frequently used dishware.

Black reflective doors and floor-to-ceiling cabinets in the primary suite’s walk-in closet fool the eye, making the small space seem larger. Swathed in brown and gray marble with white veining, the spa-like primary bath serves as a sanctuary for the homeowner.

“This project celebrates the harmony of Old Florida charm and modern metropolitan sensibility,” says DeRiggi. “By grounding the design in natural materials, we created a home that feels sophisticated and effortless while elevating it with timeless refinement.” «

Left: The primary bathroom exudes a spa-like atmosphere.
Right: Walls of greenery add color to the pool area.

RESIDE

INSPIRED LIVING

AV CLUB VIPS

MEET THE AUDIOVISUAL SUPERLATIVES FOR THE CLASS OF 2026

PICTURE THIS

SOUNDS GOOD

Artwork makes a statement within a home and often serves as a focal point in a room. But what if, instead of a static piece, you could change that statement depending on your mood, entertaining endeavors, or seasonal decor? The Artcast app lets you do just that. For a monthly subscription fee of $5 (a free option is also available), you can stream a huge selection of high-resolution images—more than 100,000—on up to five televisions. You can control the display duration of the artwork, choose a digital frame, craft custom playlists, and even select musical soundtracks. Browse through fine art (by genre or artist), travel and culture, nature and scenic, as well as selections for specific times of the year and those designed for sleep and relaxation. (artcast.tv)

Forget old-school clunky sound systems that you tried to hide so they wouldn’t detract from your interior design. Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Shape is the perfect marriage of “audio” and “visual,” a scalable speaker system that transforms music into living room art. This “wall of sound” is fully customizable—from the color to the fabric cover to the arrangement of the hexagonal speakers themselves. The sound is not optimized at a fixed position but rather distributed across all speakers, creating the feeling and spatial effect of a live performance, with the wall as the stage, the frontman audible in the center, and the instruments coming in from the side and seeming to stay in place regardless of where you move. The Beosound Core connection hub is hidden behind one of the hexagonal tiles and enables wireless music streaming via your mobile device. (bang-olufsen.com)

BLACK TIE BEACH

WATCH PARTY

Outdoor movie nights just got a major upgrade. The Soundcore Nebula X1

Outdoor Entertainment System is the world’s first cinema-grade 4K triple laser projector. For those not fluent in tech speak, “4K” refers to a resolution known as ultra high-definition (UHD). Triple laser projectors use three separate laser sources for the primary colors to create the image—resulting in higher brightness, a wider color gamut, and superior color accuracy ideal for home theater enthusiasts. For when flicks go alfresco, the Nebula X1 allows you to take your theater outside without sacrificing quality. It is supremely portable (thanks to a retractable handle) and only requires one power cord to deliver top-quality surround sound. It also has an automatic setup feature wherein it intelligently scans your projection surface and, in one click, adjusts the image to the best position, size, and clarity. Bonus: a liquid cooling system—instead of a fan—means it is much quieter than its competitors. (seenebula.com)

MAKING YOUR DREAM HOME A REALITY

At PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS GROUP, homeowners and top designers alike continue to be impressed by our team’s skill, professionalism, and attention to detail. Specializing in condo remodeling and custom homes, we are proud to deliver the quality craftsmanship and personalized service that makes us the trusted choice for discerning homeowners.

Our highly qualified professionals are committed to design integrity and take pride in their deep knowledge of both traditional and cutting-edge construction methods and materials. Their expertise ensures that every project is completed with precision, care and lasting value. Professional Contractors Group is among the select few known for completing projects within the agreed timeline. Our reputation speaks for itself “Where Quality Doesn’t Cost It Pays”

9201 Brookwood Ct. #6 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 (239) 498-2929 www.pcgflorida.com

CONDO REMODEL

RESIDE

ELEMENTS

RELAXED RESORTCORE

RAISING

CANE

CHANNEL THE LUXE ALLURE AND PAMPERED EASE OF A TROPICAL RESORT INTO YOUR INTERIORS

This 8 Oak Lane green cane rectangular tray ($54) sports a trellis pattern evocative of caning that is steeped in Southern hospitality. Summerfields, Naples (summerfields naples.com)

TRAVEL LIGHT

Inspired by a botanical print from the designer’s travels, the Granada pillow cover ($168 for 20-inch square) from Serena & Lily features light ocean hues, hand-embroidered metallic threads, and a tassel pull. Serena & Lily, Naples (serenaandlily.com)

GOURD VIBRATIONS

SUITE DREAMS

Embrace the curves and inviting glow of this stylish Gourd table lamp ($779) by Chapman & Myers for Visual Comfort & Co. Visual Comfort & Co., Naples (visualcomfort.com)

The focal point of any captivating resort suite is the bed. This Birch Lane Rosalie woven canopy bed ($3,905 for king) is an instant showstopper. Birch Lane, Naples (birchlane.com)

MONKEYING AROUND

Each Zen monkey in this three-piece figurine set ($387) from Currey & Company is expressive—and adorable—in his meditative practice. Naples Lamp Shop (napleslamp shop.com)

ON MUTE

For this Old Naples project, designer Amanda Lantz of Lantz Collective was tasked with stepping away from neutrals and bringing a muted tropical palette to the owners’ primary suite. “We started with a Kravet rug for inspiration, letting its soft hues guide the direction of the room, then added a playful Schumacher Grand Palms wallpaper for soft patterning,” Lantz explains. “Pink accents added visual interest to the space, while the warmth of wicker accents and a large botanical artwork by Eric Dever complemented the room’s serene atmosphere.” Naples (lantzcollective.com)

LIFE’S A BEACH In Beaches (Abrams Books, $45), famed photographer Gray Malin shares some of his stunning aerial beach photographs from around the world. Books on Third, Naples (booksonthird.com)

TEAK

CHIC

Artesia’s Alder side table ($770) exudes modern sophistication with its striking play on positive and negative space. Peach Tree Designs, Naples (peachtree designs.com)

@anastasiiaphotography

anastasiiaphotography.com

DESIGNER DEFERENCE

CREATIVE LICENSE

FOR 26 YEARS, A SELF-TAUGHT EVENT PLANNER HAS WOWED CLIENTS AND GUESTS WITH SPECTACULARLY EXECUTED VINTNER DINNERS AT THE NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL

Margaret Short brings a lot to the party. Through the company she founded in 2008, Margaret Events, she takes care of planning all the details—from decor and flowers to lighting, entertainment, and food. “I tackle all aspects,” she says.

The Naples native first worked in the volunteer center at Community School of Naples, when she moved back to town after completing college in Orlando. In her position she was often organizing events. She discovered she loved the work. Later jobs included serving as a personal assistant to various Naples Winter Wine Festival trustees, where again, she found herself organizing and planning events. “I did not end up where I thought I would be,” she shares, calling her path to founding a successful event company, “a winding one.”

Short now plans approximately 40 to 50 events per year, ranging in size from small gatherings to weddings or charity functions

with up to 200 guests. Every year since the company’s inception (26 years ago), Short has created exclusive vintner dinners as part of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Last year she orchestrated five separate ones. This year, because she likes to be present at every soiree she plans, she will scale back to four. The intimate dinners (capped at 40 people) are “splashy and fun events that require detailed planning,” she explains. Although she has organized all details of these dinners many times, Short strives to always deliver a unique experience. “I love creating something intimate and special—related to a theme—that inspires people to want to give,” she notes. The planning begins during the quieter days of summer. The host reaches out and collaborates with Short. “We help them

ERIK KELLAR
Margaret Short plans all details of select vintner dinners held as part of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, striving to deliver a unique experience to each one.
NICOLENIXON

dream—they share their focus, and we run with it,” she says. This year’s wine festival theme, “Picture This,” will inspire four separate vintner dinner parties, with themes ranging from “Where Dreams Take Root” to “Snapshot of Generosity.”

Where does Short find inspiration? Sometimes she sees something in a magazine and decides to incorporate it into her designs. “I pull bits and pieces together to create something new,” she says. She also gets inspiration from traveling. Short and her husband, who both love to dive, recently traveled to Tahiti. She shares that she dreams of arranging an event in an aquarium or a coral-reef setting, though she’s not exactly sure how to pull this off.

Short and her husband visit Italy and U.S. locations regularly. She has even spent time

living in California, in Napa, a place she loves and still visits and where she helps with harvest parties. About the Golden State, Short says, “Things are done there before they are done anywhere else.” She mentions California is where she met a sculpture artist she later hired to create numerous metal spheres filled with LED lights for a vintner dinner held in an airplane hangar. The unique creations filled the room, turning it into a dazzling wonderland.

Ultimately Short is concerned with making an event the best it can possibly be.

Involved with the most minute details, she especially loves working with chefs and caterers. “They are the heart and soul of an event,” she says. Short points out that events must make sense for the number of people and size of the venue. When asked what makes an event great, she is quick to answer. “A great team—when the process flows, and everyone is having fun, it is a success.” (margaretevents.com) «

I love the joyful, bold, colorful vibe of the gallery and so will you. The creative works from both established and emerging artists bring a sense of wonder and delight with their uplifting use of color and inviting compositions

The gallery is nestled in the heart of the unique Bayshore neighborhood near Naples Botanical Garden. My mission is to have delighted clients and successful artists. Original art has brought much joy into my life, let me help you bring it into yours.

HARBOUR HOUSE

Along Gulf Shore Boulevard, a new standard of luxury living is taking shape - and at the heart of it is Borelli Construction of Naples. As the developer behind Harbour House, the Borelli family is bringing more than four decades of craftsmanship, integrity and local expertise to one of Naples’ most anticipated residential offerings. This boutique collection of 14 single-family–style residences reflects the signature Borelli approach: timeless architecture, thoughtful floorplans and enduring materials selected to perform beautifully in Florida’s coastal climate.

Founded in 1979 and now in its third generation, Borelli Construction has long been known for creating homes that blend sophistication with livability. At Harbour House, that philosophy is elevated through a collaboration with Naples’ leading design partners - from MHK Architecture’s coastal-modern vision to refined interiors by R & Co. Designs and lush outdoor environments by Outside Productions International. Every detail is shaped by people who know and love Naples, ensuring a community that feels grounded, elegant and authentically local.

With its prime location near Lowdermilk Park and an emphasis on elevated coastal living, Harbour House represents Borelli Construction at its very best: family-built, future-focused and undeniably Naples. Transforming

Preserving Paradise

As your gateway to the region, the Naples Airport is committed to providing an exceptional experience throughout your stay in paradise. It’s why we work continuously and proactively with the local community to address excessive aircraft noise through the Fly Safe and Fly Quiet initiative. The program’s voluntary curfew is aimed at reducing aircraft-related noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Decreasing the Decibels

Learn more about our efforts to elevate quality of life for Naples residents and visitors at flynaples.com/noise-abatement-measures or scan the QR code for details

JOURNEYS

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE MOST FASCINATING CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

WANDERLUST

FANTASY ISLAND

FRAMED BY CARIBBEAN BLUES, LAYERED WITH BALINESE DETAIL, AND KISSED BY SAFARI INSPIRATION, RICHARD BRANSON’S NECKER ISLAND IS A LOVE AFFAIR BETWEEN BAREFOOT EASE AND ECCENTRIC GLOBAL STYLE

Private islands sell different dreams. Some lean into the barefoot castaway fantasy, others double down on high-octane excess. Necker Island, Richard Branson’s not-sosecret (yet highly secretive) playground in the British Virgin Islands, somehow does both. It’s equal parts hot-tubs-andpalm-fronds and disco-balls-and-dancing-on-tables, a mashup that could only come from Branson himself.

Inset: The primary suite of the 10-bedroom Great House. Below: Go from cold to hot as the Beach Bar swimming pool segues to the oceanfront mega hot tub.

Though Necker is usually reserved for fullisland buyouts, a handful of “Celebration Weeks” each year open the doors to individual travelers, offering a rare chance to step into Branson’s fun house.

The arrival sets the stage. After landing in Tortola, you’re whisked to a nearby dock and board a launch bound for Necker. By the time the boat glides into Red Dock, you’re handed a glass of Necker Champagne (Branson’s own label from Champagne Malard) and ushered into his world, where even first impressions feel larger than life. Steps away, the Beach House anchors one of the island’s social orbits: an airy, bilevel pavilion with billiards, a wraparound bar, lounges overlooking the sea, and a tennis court just beyond. From there, golf carts ferry guests to their villas, which are scattered

across the island in a series of Balineseinspired compounds. Some are sleek and newly refreshed; others carry the weight of Necker lore. Together, they form a patchwork of fantasy escapes, each one appealing in its own way.

The freshest is Bali Hi, rebuilt after Hurricane Irma and now gleaming with traditional Balinese flourishes and contemporary sparkle. Its infinity pool gazes over Turtle Beach, while the outdoor shower at the suite dubbed Bali Beach looks down on the island’s resident flamingos. The Temple House, meanwhile, has hosted world leaders aplenty in its open-air living room and features three sleek suites that share their own infinity pool. Temple Sunrise, the villa’s premier unit, is brimming with artifacts collected on Branson’s travels.

Then comes the island’s heart: the Great House, perched atop the island summit. It’s less fresh but more storied, a sprawling fortress of volcanic rock with countless alfresco

View-heavy pools and tubs (left and above) abound on Necker Island as does prime beachfront (below). Balinese inspiration surfaces across both exteriors and interiors (center left and bottom left).

spaces, a thatched roof, chandeliers with ostrich eggs, and deities carved into stone and wood. It feels part safari lodge, part shrine, part Branson’s private living room—and every inch will cue the yodel-like soundtrack from White Lotus in your head.

Mementos are scattered about, from Princess Diana’s circa-1990 post-visit thank-you note to photos of former President Obama wrestling with Branson in the pool on a sunny afternoon. Stately wooden communal tables abound here, too, as meals are typically served as group affairs. Around the edges of the Great House are smaller delights: a selfserve espresso bar, lawn chess on the terrace, cushioned swings, and a rooftop where breakfast is served when weather permits. There are also multiple levels, one of which houses a mini putting green, where guests hit fish-food golf balls into the sea. At the very peak lies the Crow’s Nest, a hot tub with 360-degree views of the surrounding British Virgin Islands.

The 10 bedrooms of the Great House are spacious and well-positioned, though the overall structure could use a little zhuzh. Still,

the primary suite makes a statement, and even the smaller rooms bring a sense of the exotic with raised four-poster beds, mosquito net draping, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Down at Palm Beach sits Branson’s own villa, complete with a helipad, tennis court, and the comforts the billionaire covets at home. The area nearby anchors the water sports center, where the action unfolds daily: kitesurfing, Seabobbing, Hobie races, kayaking, paddleboarding, and lessons in eFoiling. The Samudra Spa sits close by, with two treatment

rooms and a red-light therapy chamber on the way. Tennis dominates social life across the island, with cardio drills in the morning, “tipsy tennis” in the afternoon, and the rare chance to trade volleys while lemurs dangle from branches.

Ah, yes, the animals. More than 115 lemurs roam here, representing six species. Add kangaroos, miniature ponies, Galápagos tortoises, and some 400 flamingos, and Necker starts to feel like billionaire Noah’s Ark. Most are rescues or donations, and together they create a surreal menagerie that gives the island its sense of whimsy. Feeding the lemurs by hand is a highlight, as is stumbling across kangaroos during a hike.

Meals take the same theatrical approach. Sundowners precede Japanese feasts around the Crocodile Table, while Caribbean Night on Turtle Beach brings lobster hot off the grill under a canopy of braided lights. One evening

Above: the cluster of villas in the Bali Lo enclave. All other images: Communal dining on the beach and poolside is part of the Necker experience, as is luxuriating in the comfort of your villa and playing “tipsy tennis.”

requires all white, another (Flamingle Night) commands all pink with inflatable flamingos bouncing across Palm Beach. But nothing tops the famous Sushi Kayak Lunch, when copious amounts of sashimi, nigiri, and rolls sail across the Beach Bar pool on a wooden kayak.

Between meals, days are filled with guided hikes, yoga, cardio tennis, pickleball, paddleball, and the simple pleasure of drifting be-

tween infinity pools and hot tubs. (The most popular is a mega-tub at the swim-up Beach Bar.) Kangaroo Yoga is a favorite as are Hobie races around the island. Off-island, the Baths of Virgin Gorda—grottoes and tidal pools formed by massive granite boulders—make for an excursion that recalls the best of the Seychelles’ natural splendor.

Naturally, Branson’s mark is never far away. There’s Virgin-branded everything in the gift shop. Yet the spectacle feels oddly endearing. Necker is less about polish and more about personality, the distillation of one man’s restless imagination into 74 acres

of Balinese pavilions, theme nights, frolicking lemurs, and an experiment in renewable living. (The island runs on 70 percent solar and wind power, desalinates its own water, has a mangrove replanting initiative, and more.)

For all its quirks and contradictions, Necker delivers what few private islands can: celebrity and proximity without compromise. From Miami, you’re here in under four hours door to door thanks to a new American Airlines route to Tortola followed by a 30-minute boat trip. You may not leave with the keys to the Virgin empire, but you’ll carry the memory of sipping Champagne at Red Dock, maybe hanging with Sir Richard himself, and realizing why Necker is, in every sense, a true Billionaires’ Eden. (virginlimitededition. com/necker-island) «

ULTIMATE GE TAWAY

Experience your perfect escape this season at Naples’ newest boutique waterfront hotel. Indulge in modern luxury, exceptional comfort, and stunning coastal views — your paradise awaits at The Perry Hotel Naples.

• Modern EXPERIENCE the ESSENTIALS

•Modern guest rooms with private balconies

•River and pool views with serene surroundings

•Spa-style bathrooms with rainfall showers

•In-room Nespresso coffee stations

•Rooftop Celebrity Chef Dining Experience at Tigress Restaurant & Easy Tiger Bar

•A complimentary daily water shuttle is also available, offering a scenic ride through the Cocohatchee River

•Pet-friendly and minutes from Mercato & Wiggins Pass

Whether you’re planning corporate travel, weddings, family reunions, or a luxury getaway, make this season one to remember in Perry-Dise.

JOURNEYS

QUICK TRIPS

SEASIDE SANCTUARY

INFUSED WITH SOUTHERN CHARM, THE CLOISTER AT SEA ISLAND’S HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE, LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS, AND ENDLESS ACTIVITIES ARE SURE TO KEEP GEORGIA ON YOUR MIND

While staying at new hotels can have its excitement, I prefer properties with interesting histories and heritages. The Cloister at Sea Island measures up, as I discovered during my recent stay at this secluded Southern oasis in Sea Island, Georgia.

Nearly a century old (established in 1928), The Cloister rests on a private island and encompasses approximately 50 verdant acres surrounded by salt marshes, a river, and the sea. The aesthetic reads as Spanish Mediterranean Revival, and South Floridians will likely recognize the property’s original architect: Addison Mizner. Largely responsible for the look and feel of many Boca Raton structures, Mizner created the Cloister Inn, now known as The Boca Raton.

Today, The Cloister at Sea Island is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the holding company for The Broadmoor, a storied hotel in Colorado Springs, as well as Windstar Cruises. One of the South’s finest and most luxurious resorts, The Cloister is pristine inside and out. Accommodations boast warm woods and stone floors—echoing those found in the resort’s common areas—as well as dark, sturdy furnishings clad in deep, bold hues. The design is thoughtful and sophisticated yet comfortable; no vacancy here for stodginess or stuffiness.

Outdoor spaces showcase lush greenery and sprawling live oak trees. In fact, many U.S. presidents have planted oak trees at the resort, a tradition commenced

COURTESY OF SEA ISLAND
JANE E. ENOS
Clockwise from far left: The Cloister’s main building; kayakers enjoy nearby waters; restaurant Georgian Rooms; guests linger in the vast lobby; the solarium houses both plants and birds; an aerial view of The Cloister’s beach.

JOURNEYS

by President Calvin Coolidge and continued by the likes of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George Bush (both H.W. and W.).

There are a range of dining options on property to please diverse palates. While Southern Tide is a more casual restaurant, its stellar views of the Atlantic make for a memorable meal. Located at The Beach Club, about a three-minute walk from The Cloister’s main building, this eatery features a seafood-centric menu, including fresh oysters, local fish selections, shrimp and grits, and other coastal favorites. Also serving exceptional fare is the River Bar & Lounge, a delightful spot for lunch. Menu offerings include the Sea Island Seafood Gumbo, petite steak frites, and croque madame.

For an elevated experience, Georgian Rooms is a must. This jackets-required favorite exudes a Ralph Lauren–inspired aesthetic, with hunter green walls, rich woods, tan leather banquettes, plaid barstools, and American-themed art by Junius Stearns, Rembrandt Peale, Richard T. Scott, and others. The filet is superb, but the true showstopper is the restaurant’s signature dessert: the Georgian Rooms Cigar. This playful culinary creation encases chocolate ganache within a delicate cigar-shaped shell, which rests upon meringue “ash” concealing the butterscotch-blond chocolate crémeux beneath. It is a slightly mischie-

vous and unforgettable ending to an already impressive dinner.

The Cloister bustles with activity and features a robust lineup of programs. Explore the resort and surrounding area by bike or opt for a horseback ride on the south side of Sea Island beach. If fishing appeals, several private charter boats await. (One morning, I set out in the marsh with a seasoned guide whose angling expertise turned my novice cast into success, as I reeled in an elusive speckled sea trout.) For leisurely days, a beautiful beach and several pools beckon. And, if the mood turns competitive, Sea Island again delivers with exceptional pickleball and tennis facilities, as well as three championship golf courses.

To feel truly pampered, spend some time at The Spa at Sea Island. This luxurious 65,000-square-foot haven, which has earned the prestigious Forbes five-star distinction, sets a serene tone upon entry with its garden-like atrium. An impressive variety of treatments are available, including numerous massages, facials, and specialty packages such as the Sea Island Escape, a 90-minute service blending body brushing, hydrating scalp and foot treatments, and a full-body massage.

The Cloister at Sea Island effortlessly fuses history, elegance, and Southern spirit with a resort experience that feels both timeless and indulgent. Whether you’re savoring a fine meal, casting a line, unwinding at the beach or spa, or simply playing mah-jongg in the lobby, The Cloister invites guests to slow down, appreciate the surroundings, and embrace Lowcountry living at its finest. (seaisland.com) «

Clockwise from above: the garden-like atrium at The Spa at Sea Island; The Cloister’s fitness center features an adults-only lap pool; the resort offers both horseback riding along the beach and boat rides showcasing Lowcountry vistas. COURTESY

Because you deserve the best

Always a leader. Driven by excellence. You arrived where you are today by seeking the best and not settling for less, and only one retirement community offers the level of excellence you’re accustomed to. Where brilliantly designed residences command stunning lakefront vistas from your expansive lanai. And, of course, where concierge physicians and personalized healthcare are included. Download your complimentary Information Kit today.

or call

FLORIDIANA

Key West, Three Ways

WHETHER YOU’RE DRAWN TO THE CHARM OF A HISTORIC INN, THE FRILLS OF A BEACHFRONT RESORT, OR THE SECLUSION OF A PRIVATE RENTAL, KEY WEST INVITES YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE ISLAND IN YOUR OWN WAY

RESORT: CASA MARINA KEY WEST, Curio Collection by Hilton

After an $80 million top-to-bottom renovation, Casa Marina has reclaimed its place as Key West’s most glamorous resort. Long celebrated as the island’s grande dame, the circa-1920 landmark now feels like the ultimate Florida daydream brought into the present—airy, elegant, and unmistakably Key West.

The soaring lobby sets the tone with restored wooden beams, arched windows, and green-tinted furnishings that hint at the sea beyond. Step outside to 1,100 feet of private beach—the largest on the island—where loungers line the sand and two historic piers frame postcard sunsets.

The guest rooms balance heritage and new-age polish with rattan textures, woven fabrics, and open, sun-washed layouts. Days drift between the dual oceanfront pools, the serene Spa al Mare, and beachfront dining at Dorada Key West, where BajaMed flavors meet local catch. The Canary Room turns cocktail hour into theater, with island-painted walls and pours featuring a house-exclusive Papa’s Pilar Rum. Just far enough from Duval Street to feel secluded yet central to the island’s spirit, Casa Marina is where Old Key West sophistication and modern luxury meet—an icon reborn for the next century of sunseekers. (casamarinaresort.com) —Paul Rubio

Clockwise from above: The restored lobby, refreshed exteriors, Baja-Med cuisine at Dorada, The Canary Room bar, and beachfront spa treatments are all part of Casa Marina 2.0.

JOURNEYS

INN: KEY WEST HISTORIC INNS

For travelers drawn to the island’s authentic charm, Key West Historic Inns offers five beautifully preserved properties that keep the past alive without sacrificing comfort. Each inn occupies a distinctive corner of Old Town, tucked along quiet residential streets yet within walking distance of Duval Street and the Historic Seaport. Shady gardens, wraparound porches, and vintage architectural details remind guests that this is the Key West of another time, carefully refreshed for today’s traveler.

The largest of the group, Winslow’s Bungalows, comprises several whitewashed cottages and homes dating back to 1856. Tropical landscaping, hammocks, and hidden pools create a sense of discovery at every turn. Interiors marry retro-chic accents with island ease, while the daily continental breakfast adds to the homey rhythm of the stay.

On Eaton Street, Fitch Lodge captures the essence of Old Key West in a cluster of restored conch houses. Its covert lobby and serene pool attract guests who prefer a neighborhood feel. Among its most coveted rooms is the 800-square-foot Seaquarters, featuring two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a generous living area. Together, these historic inns are a testament to the enduring soul of Key West: storied, welcoming, and unabashedly unique. (keywesthistoricinns.com) –P.R.

RENTAL: LUNARA BAY

Key West is known more for its relaxed attitude than its focus on bespoke luxury, but Lunara Bay is here to change that. The waterfront enclave of 26 four-to-eightbedroom residences, some of which have direct water views, feels more like a private gated community than a vacation rental.

The homes are grand in scale, with lots of public areas for gathering. Indoors, expect cool coastal palettes, furniture you can sink into, and entertainment-ready kitchens. Sliding glass doors open to an outdoor dining patio overlooking a fenced area with a swimming pool, summer kitchen, grill, fire pit, and lots of seating to accommodate a crowd. Indeed, the best way to experience Lunara Bay is with friends and family, so bring your entire crew.

Guest Experience Managers (GEMs) are on hand to stock the fridge and plan fishing trips or sunset sails. Come dinnertime, they can make restaurant reservations (yes, even the tough ones) or hire a private chef to whip up some fresh Florida lobster or whatever your heart desires. The idea is to make everything seamless so you can sit back and chill out—maybe with the archetypal margarita in hand. (lunarabay.com) —Daphne Nikolopoulos

CONCH REPUBLIC CRAVINGS

NI’s editors dish on their favorite sips and bites in Key West

“Find me at Hot Tin Roof savoring the ultimate tropical trifecta: the Hot Tin Tini (a spicy pineapple vodka martini), plantaincrusted swordfish with tequila poblano sauce over roasted corn salsa, and Cuban bread pudding soaked in white chocolate with a ladle of dulce de leche and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.” —Paul Rubio, travel editor

“My sister married a Conch, so I’ve gained locals-only insight. A family tradition after a fun night out is breakfast at Riviera Coffee & Sandwich Shop, where the egg and cheese sandwich cures any hangover and the café con leche jump-starts the day.” —Mary Murray, executive editor

“My Key West mornings always start at La Grignote, a French café on Duval Street where everything is homemade, from buttery croissants to smoked-salmon eggs Benedict and colorful salads. Pro tip: grab extra croissants to go for that inevitable 4 p.m. hangry moment.”

—Jacquelynn Powers, contributing editor

“We usually stay at Pier House, where I can’t resist the conch fritters and Pier House Punch at the Three Palms Beach Bar. A major bonus is the view—it’s right on the water.”

—Jane E. Enos, editor in chief

“My first stop on the island is always Blue Heaven for Key West pink shrimp and grits.”

—Kristen Desmond LeFevre, contributing editor

SOAK UP THE SUN

RADIANT DAYS SET THE TONE AT LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT, A LOCAL ESCAPE BOASTING ELEVATED EXPERIENCES STAYCATIONS

WHERE TIDE MEETS TABLE

Many locals know and love LaPlaya’s signature restaurant, Baleen, for its sweeping Gulf views, ultra-fresh seafood, perfectly grilled steaks, and colorful cocktails served in a romantic beachfront setting—yes, even with tables right in the sand. In late 2025, Hector Espinosa took the reins as resort executive chef, infusing bold creativity and a fresh perspective. In a town where water is everywhere yet true beachfront dining is a rarity, Baleen is a gem—offering a front-row seat to Naples’ most breathtaking sunsets and top-notch cuisine.

BEACH BOUND

You could easily spend an entire day on LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort’s treasured strand of sand. Mornings might unfold with a swim in the calm, clear Gulf, followed by a stroll along the shoreline, where seashells glint in the sun. Beachfront loungers and private cabanas offer exceptional views of the horizon, and cocktails and lunch arrive without the need to slip on shoes. When afternoon comes, wade in and out of waves, flip through a good book, or simply take in the salty sea breeze. As golden hour approaches, the beach transforms into a glowing, postcard-perfect scene, culminating in an unobstructed sunset—magic that lingers long after the last ray of light. (laplayaresort.com)

SERENE SCENE

ON COURSE FOR FUN

Tee time, anyone? Those searching for a staycation involving ball striking will appreciate LaPlaya Golf Club’s beautiful 18-hole, par-72 course, which is approximately four miles away from the resort and designed by acclaimed architect Bob Cupp. Stretching 6,902 yards (from its tournament tees), the course features tree-lined fairways, ample water hazards, and smooth TifEagle Bermuda greens. Should your game need polishing, head to the 7-acre practice facility, which includes a full-length driving range, as well as areas to hone shorter shots, chip shots, and putts.

SpaTerre, LaPlaya’s boutique spa, is a sanctuary dedicated to wellness, boasting a full complement of services. Guests can select from an array of massages, such as therapeutic deep-tissue, tension-relieving reflexology, and uniquely restorative Himalayan salt stone therapy. Beyond massage, signature offerings—such as the Javanese Royal Treatment and the SpaTerre Signature Facial—provide bespoke experiences rooted in tradition and innovation.

JOURNEYS

HIGH ROAD

ELECTRIC AVENUE

THINK OF CADILLAC’S LUXURY THREE-ROW VISTIQ EV AS A MINI-ESCALADE

Ignore the fact that Cadillac’s extra-large Vistiq is an EV with a plug and a big pack of Duracells. What you have here is a terrific, supercapable, super-luxe, family-size SUV with a bunch of cool party tricks.

At the top of the list is its ability to accelerate like a rock emerging from David’s Goliath-slaying sling. Here’s a 6,200-pound whopper that, courtesy of its 615 ponies, can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. That’s quick. No, that’s insanely quick.

Then there’s 23. It’s the number of speakers in the Caddy’s standard AKG Studio sound system, with crystal-clear, multidimensional sound

courtesy of Dolby Atmos processing. There are even speakers in the front-seat headrests.

Yes, there are louder vehicular sound systems out there. But the difference here is the whisper-quiet running that comes with the Vistiq’s silent electric power. At 75 mph on I-95, you can hear every fingerpick on the Beatles’ “Blackbird.”

This new Vistiq sits midpoint in Cadillac’s growing armada of EVs, above the entry Optiq and Lyriq, but below the just-too-huge Escalade IQ. Vistiq pricing starts at a competitive $79,090 for the Luxury spec and tops out with the Platinum at $98,190. The mid-range Vistiq Sport I’ve been driving stickers from right around $80,000.

All you EV range-anxietists out there are probably asking “But what’s the range?” The EPA estimates 305 miles, which was pretty close to my real-world, full-charge figure of 295 miles. Good, though perhaps no cigar compared to the 465 miles you get with the Escalade IQ.

Given the Vistiq’s honking 102-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and up to 19.2-kW charging speeds, plugging into a DC fast-charger can deliver around 80 miles of range in 10 minutes. And these days, all GM EVs can utilize any of the 30,000-plus Tesla Superchargers out there.

Step up into the cabin—and it is a big step up—and you’re greeted by the kind of interior space normally reserved for Madison Square Garden. No wonder they call the Vistiq the “Baby Escalade.” Take your pick from six- or seven-seat configurations with either a middle-row bench or comfy captain’s chairs. Even in the third row, there’s limo-like comfort, despite the battery pack raising the floor and stealing some space.

Up front, the Vistiq comes with a 33-inch-wide curved LED display that looks like something out of your local Cineplex. And I like that Caddy has grouped all the climate controls on a separate tablet that sprouts from the center console. However, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto connectivity is offered as GM is moving toward a built-in Google infotainment system.

As you’d expect of an upscale Caddy, the cabin materials are top-notch, easy on the eyes, and soft to the touch. But another of those strange choices is that proper leather isn’t even on the options list—just the synthetic stuff. My favorite? The carbon fiber–like trim with copper-colored inlays.

While cargo space behind the third row is a modest 15.2 cubic feet, the second and third rows can fold down to create 80.2 cubic feet. There are Airstreams with less.

PRICE:

Out on the road, the Vistiq is all about smoothness and luxury, quietness and refinement. It might be worth stepping up to the Premium Luxury and Platinum models to get the standard air suspension, which gives an extra-smooth ride. But no matter the model, the ride is plush, with lumps and bumps nicely absorbed and body lean well-contained.

The steering is precise and nicely weighted too, though there’s never any doubt that you’re helming a 6,000-pound-plus honker. The good

news? There are huge brakes at each corner to slow things down.

As for one more party trick to enjoy, there’s the little red “V” button on the steering wheel. It stands for “Velocity Max,” and one press raises the electric output to 129 percent of its peak, unlocking the full 650 lb-ft of torque and that zero-to-60-in-3.7-seconds thrust. Whoa, Nelly. «

HIGH

5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE

TIARA YACHTS’ 39 LS LUXURY CRUISER COMES WITH A FEATURE PARROTHEADS WILL LOVE

I can’t tell you how overjoyed I was to discover that Tiara’s brandnew 39 LS luxury center console cruiser features a “Buffet Lounge.”

Alas, I mistakenly thought it was a new venue to hear Jimmy’s greatest hits, imbibe a few margaritas, maybe get a tattoo—a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling.

However, as I found out when I stepped aboard the 39 LS at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the “buffet” in “Buffet Lounge” has only one “t,” is pronounced “buff-hay,” and refers to the cruiser’s brilliant swiveling cockpit sofa with attached galley and grill. Connections to the late, great James William Buffett, not so much.

But then I started thinking that Tiara might be missing an opportunity here. This swiveling unit—which can rotate 360 degrees for views of the water and your splashing offspring—actually is the ideal Jimmy Buffett Lounge. It’s the perfect place for friends and family to gather for a few cheeseburgers in paradise on the built-in grill. There’s also a fridge for keeping those Landshark lagers frosty, plus speakers for

cranking up all those songs you know by heart. My first choice? Obviously: “Somethin’ ’Bout a Boat.”

This shiny new 39 LS is the successor to Tiara’s beloved 38 LS, though the two have as much in common as a Champagne flute and a tin cup.

The 39 features a brand-new hull design based around a pair of Mercury Verado 600 V12s, instead of the previous triple 300 V8s. The V12s not only up the performance (think: 54 mph flat-out compared with 48 mph with the triple 300s), but their slender design means a bigger, more kid-friendly swim platform.

The clean-sheet design also allowed Tiara’s designers to integrate a powered dropdown terrace to expand the cockpit. This is where the Buffet Lounge comes into its own. Lower the terrace, spin the sofa to face portside, and it becomes an instant happy place to applaud the kids’ twists off the balcony. Spin it another 45 and sunset-viewing over the stern will deliver more oohs and aahs than a manatee sighting.

While the cockpit is the social center of the 39 LS, I love the forward-bow seating

POWER FILE

PRICE: $1,355,500 LENGTH: 39 FEET, 6 INCHES BEAM: 12 FEET, 6 INCHES DRAFT: 3 FEET, 5 INCHES POWER: 2 X 600-HP MERCURY VERADO V12S TOP SPEED: 54 MPH FUEL CAPACITY: 500 GALLONS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT’S THE PERFECT CRUISER TO TAKE YOU TO THAT ONE PARTICULAR HARBOR.

area, with its twin sofas and varnished table. Check the options box and you can get a Bimini-style sunshade to cover it all.

Stroll along the wide starboard side deck and the helm is a steerer’s delight. It offers seats for three, a 19-inch Garmin display, a Fusion stereo powering 14 JL Audio speakers dotted around the boat, and a Hinckleystyle wood steering wheel. And Tiara continues to design some terrific hardtops. On the 39 LS, it features the famed Holland, Michigan–based boatbuilder’s trademark wraparound windshield, a built-in glass roof panel, and beefy angled-back rear supports with sturdy handrails.

While the Tiara is essentially a big center console, it works as an overnighter or for a weekend getaway. Down below, there’s a spacious cabin with 6-foot-plus headroom. Up front, there’s a queen-size bed, along with a space beneath the cockpit for storage or a twin-berth cabin for the kids.

A standout feature on a boat this size is the head, which comes with a separate full-headroom shower, toilet, and sink. It’s all pretty fancy looking too, with lovely wood paneling, modern wallcovering, and a floating mirror.

Everywhere you go, above and below deck, the build quality, craftsmanship, fit, finish, and materials are exceptional. During my tour with Tiara design manager Gabe Rose, I mentioned that I loved the varnished teak trim pieces in the cockpit. “They’re plastic, though you’d never know,” he told me. “They’re used not to cut costs, but for ease of maintenance.”

I’m sure the boat-loving Jimmy Buffett would be impressed with the faux teak. No scratches when you run that shaker of salt over it. « JAN. 15 - FEB. 15 PREVIEWS: JAN. 11, 13 & 14

JOSE M. HORAK, DMD
PATRICK J. CARRIGAN, DMD
KURTIS P. HUSSEY, DMD
KATIE N. RODRIGUEZ, DMD, MS
EDWARD A. SCHERDER, DMD, JD
ROBERT C. HEDGEPATH, DMD

Mode:

Overdrive

The season’s statement looks take on the thrill of the racetrack

Gabor Jurina

Photography by

buying information,

Shot by Naples Illustrated on location at The Concours Club, Miami
Ferragamo dress, coat, wedges For
turn to page 219.
Fashion editor: Katherine Lande

For buying information, turn to page

Fendi coat
Opposite page: Stella McCartney tank top, handbag; Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses.
219.

For buying information, turn to page

Tory Burch top, polo, pants, belt, heels, earrings Opposite page: Dolce & Gabbana vest top, belt; Chanel necklace.
219.
Balenciaga dress, heels
Opposite page: Chanel dress, mules, gloves, necklace For buying information, turn to page 219.

Louis Vuitton dress, ankle boots

For buying information, turn to page 219.

Model: Delfina Morbelli, The Industry Model Management, New York

Hair: Heather Blaine, Creative Management, Miami

Makeup: Taryll Atkins using Mac Cosmetics, Artist Management, Miami

Digital tech: JP Cunningham

Fashion assistant: Zlata Kotmina

Racecar drivers: Michael Benyahia, Roderick MacLeod

Located at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, The Concours Club is a membersonly destination designed for discerning automotive enthusiasts. It boasts a cutting-edge driving circuit engineered for all skill levels, as well as world-class amenities such as Verge, an exclusive dining concept from chef Brad Kilgore, and wine experiences by master sommelier Dan Pilkey. (theconcoursclub.com)

SEAThe Good Life at

THESE FOUR VESSELS DESIGNED PURELY FOR PLEASURE DELIVER UNABASHED LUXURY FROM BOW TO STERN

A Natural WONDER

Roughly translated, the Chinese word “ahpo” means “great lady” in English—a perfect moniker for the magnificent superyacht built for billionaire and philanthropist Michael Lee-Chin. Introduced in 2021, this six-level, eight-stateroom world cruiser from German shipyard Lürssen, is Lee-Chin’s idea of the ultimate, nature-inspired retreat.

Italy’s renowned Nuvolari Lenard is responsible for Ahpo’s bold design. The firm distinguished the superyacht with a needle-sharp soaring bow, a helicopter-rated foredeck, and a trio of dramatic semicircular hull windows on each side. A sleek white-with-black-accents exterior color scheme ensures the vessel turns heads just in case its 377-foot frame isn’t impressive enough.

As one might expect, Ahpo brims with standout amenities and features. The superyacht’s expansive interior mixes formal elegance with Asian-inspired sentiments. Throughout, various spaces are marked by a refined palette of natural stones, rich woods, and soft fabrics in neutral tones complemented by contemporary furnishings, intricate lighting, and polished steel and chrome accents.

One of Ahpo’s highlights is the owner’s suite. Taking up two levels, the sprawling space is decked out in soothing shades of pink and cream and features his-and-her bathrooms outfitted with handmade metal tubs from Catchpole & Rye. Equally spectacular is the vessel’s spa, featuring a Himalayan salt sauna and a Turkish hammam lined with ivory and purple onyx mosaics.

Onboard entertainment options are covered with an IMAX Dolby movie theater that provides armchair seating for 12 and a jungle-like rear deck with a glass-enclosed “winter garden” that can accommodate up to 22 diners. In the boardroom, a table with a map of Jamaica inlaid in bronze nods to Lee-Chin’s Caribbean heritage. (lurssen.com)

If there’s a sense of ebb and flow within the interior of the 255-foot Greek-built Malia, it’s because of the decree laid down by its interior designer, Alessandro Massari: no 90-degree angles. He believes curved surfaces fool the eye into thinking spaces are more expansive.

Within this superyacht’s myriad spaces—from the lightfilled main salon to the sprawling primary suite to the eight guest staterooms—graceful curves prevail. The vessel’s dramatic upper salon, which doubles as a venue for movie nights, is all about twists and turns. The generous cushioned sofa forms a perfect 180-degree arc. Edging up to it from

behind is a quarter-moon-shaped credenza handcrafted from freeform layers of madrona burr. The ceiling is defined by playful waves of eucalyptus slats highlighted by slivers of LED lighting.

Introduced in 2023, the luxury vessel is part of the portfolio of Athensbased Golden Yachts. Its bold exterior was conceived by young Greek designer Stefano Vafiadis, who broke with Golden’s tradition of incorporating long, flared bows in its superyacht designs. Malia’s is bolt upright; its superstructure is low and slender. A defining feature is its open

GUILLAUME

Curves ABOARD

foredeck—large enough to land a helicopter. Its considerable length gives the visual impression of speed; even at anchor, Malia appears as if she’s scything through the waves at her 19-knot top speed. This is a vessel designed for fun. An aft beach club features two drop-down terraces and an opening stern door for panoramic views. Here there’s a juice bar, sauna, Turkish hammam and massage room, and a rotating sofa to watch all the in-water action. (goldenyachts.gr)

Champagne TASTES

Launched from a shipyard in Naples, Italy, in 2023, the exquisite Anjelif possesses all the characteristics of a top-shelf bottle of bubbly. From the alluring golden color of its aluminum hull and superstructure to the Armani Collection fabrics used onboard, the 163-foot cruiser is the magnus opus of Italian entrepreneur and owner Francesca Angelini and Rome-based architect Marco Casali, who collaborated on every aspect of the fivestateroom superyacht.

From the axe-shaped bow (the circle on the top is a touch-and-go helipad that also functions as an under-the-stars dance floor or alfresco cinema) to the dynamic sweep of the upper deck to the profusion of glass from waterline to rooftop, the superyacht oozes opulence.

The glamour extends beyond the yacht’s exterior and amenities. A lover of rare precious stones, Angelini tapped Italian gemstone supplier Taurini to provide the rose quartz, jade, lapis lazuli, and green labradorite

used on the floor-to-ceiling panels in each of the yacht’s bathrooms.

Just as noteworthy is the vessel’s focus on wellness. Angelini insisted her guests breathe the cleanest of air. A system was devised that employs cutting-edge cold plasma technology to sterilize incoming air by eliminating airborne viruses, bacteria, and pollutants.

As expected, the yacht excels when it comes to performance. While the vessel’s diesel engines can push it to a top speed of more than 20 knots, a bank of batteries powers a pair of electric motors that propel Anjelif along in zero-emission, near-total silence at 8 to 9 knots, so there’s no need for noisy generators during nighttime anchorages. (columbusyachts.it)

The superyacht design rulebook was reimagined with the creation of This Is It . Defined by nearly 6,500 square feet of shimmering exterior glass, a sweeping and perfectly arched aluminum superstructure, and a massive 47-foot beam, the futuristic catamaran—built by the creative minds at The Italian Sea Group’s Tecnomar division—defies convention.

Even the yacht’s name includes a story. Back in 2022, Tasos Papanastasiou, a self-made financial wizard from Cyprus, asked Tecnomar for a superyacht unlike any other. None of the designs generated much enthusiasm until Papanastasiou was shown rough renderings of a catamaran concept the design

team had been playing with. “This is it!” he exclaimed. The name stuck. Launched in 2023, This Is It was the undisputed star of the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show. It wasn’t just the avant-garde exterior that drew gasps of amazement; the cavernous interior, offering sumptuous accommodations for a total of 12 guests, garnered accolades.

Designed by The Italian Sea Group’s Gian Marco Campanino and Mattia Piro, the yacht’s interior spaces are marked by silk and Alcantara suede, natural woods, and heavy-grained, embossed leathers. Throughout, light tones of beige and platinum are accented by touches

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IYC

THE IT Factor

of gold, bronze, titanium, and carbon fiber, all of which provide the ideal backdrop for Minotti furniture.

The appeal of a wide-beam, twin-hulled catamaran as a platform is the vast interior space it provides. This Is It’s designers used every inch to accentuate the vessel’s impressive volume.

With a stern deck boasting an array of sun loungers, comfy sofas, and informal dining and entertaining spaces, the 143-footer feels as spacious as most 200-foot monohull superyachts. (iyc.com) «

Above: Tania Buckrell Pos advised Dutch Canadian clients on the art they chose for their South Florida home.

DOWN TO A FINE ART

An internationally renowned art advisor helps people build their personal collections while inspiring them to discover beauty and meaning in each creation

Tania Buckrell Pos regards art as essential to the human experience. As she points out, art is everywhere, seen in everything from an iPhone to an automobile to a house. In her immediate family, including among husband Michael and sons Theo and Oscar, an oft-repeated motto is, “Art is life, and life is art.” She adds, “Life is rather dull without it.”

Buckrell Pos started out as an artist herself, studying art history at York University in Ontario, Canada, where her undergraduate work included painting. Many of her large abstract creations have been on exhibit, and a

Inset: Georg Baselitz’s Zero Dom (2015) is a bronze patinated sculpture positioned (in the home of Chantal Voorbraak) to interact with Anselm Kiefer’s painting, 30 000 000 Jahre (2014)
Opposite page: a closer view of 30 000 000 Jahre, composed of acrylic, emulsion, oil, wire, plaster, and other materials.

few are on permanent display in Canada’s capital city.

“One day I quit [painting] cold turkey,” she says, when she moved to the United Kingdom to study for her master’s degree in fine and decorative arts. “I realized I did not need to paint anymore.” Instead, Buckrell Pos spent her spare time in London studying art, as well as many weekends traveling to see more art in nearby European cities. “You observe so much of life through art,” she says. “I began to realize how interconnected it is to everyday life and how trends often start because of art.”

In the early 2000s, when internet-based companies were burgeoning, Buckrell Pos settled in London and worked for an online art company, where she became well-acquainted with the commercial side of the industry. During those dot-com years, Buckrell Pos witnessed the art world becoming, in her words, properly global. Ultrahigh-net-worth individuals from Russia, the Middle East, and Asia were seeking to purchase trophy pieces.

Buckrell Pos recognized she was perfectly positioned to start her own consulting business within the world of buying and selling art. She carved out a niche with her Londonbased company, Arts & Management International LLP, educating and advising private clients on the newly emerging global art market. To avoid any partiality, she does not hold inventory, unlike dealers who historically own and sell their own stock.

In an industry where authenticity, condition, and provenance drive price, her job requires copious amounts of research confirming the title and exhibit history of artwork clients might be interested in. Understanding market indicators and trusting her business instincts, Buckrell Pos has brokered many multimillion-dollar deals, often through auction.

Inset: Found in a hidden alcove of the home, Paradigm Chamber Structural (2015) by Conrad Shawcross was created from weathered steel.
Below right: The Serenity Now (2014) is an acrylic on steel work by Dylan Lynch.
Mary Weatherford’s painting, The Special (2016), features a flash of neon on linen.

SO YOU WANT TO START COLLECTING …

An art advisor for 35 years, Tania Buckrell Pos helps clients who are often intimidated by the process of collecting art to navigate what she considers a largely unregulated and opaque industry. When you decide to buy art, Buckrell Pos says, “you position yourself on a never-ending learning curve.”

She suggests beginning by training your eye. Visit nearby museums, art galleries, and exhibitions. “The more you see, the more you will want to see,” she says. When traveling, visit local art museums and galleries or even travel solely for the purpose of seeing art. “Go to Art Basel in Miami—the whole world descends on this fair,” she points out.

The highly esteemed international art fair

In 2008, Buckrell Pos stunned the art world when she placed the winning bid of $80.4 million for French painter Claude Monet’s Le Bassin aux Nymphéas (1919) at an Impressionist & Modern Art sale at Christie’s in London. It was a world record. Buckrell Pos quickly made headlines for purchasing the most

founded in Basel, Switzerland, in 1970 brings together prominent artists, galleries, curators, and collectors, offering a platform for innovative and groundbreaking works. Besides Miami Beach, there are Art Basel events in Hong Kong and Paris. From these larger fairs, others are spawned. Miami hosts numerous satellite art fairs happening concurrently with Art Basel. Buckrell Pos recommends visiting them as well.

Other advice: Read about art. Subscribe to artnet.com and The Art Newspaper, resources that cover the international art world. When ready to make a purchase, Buckrell Pos is adamant about one thing: “Buy what you love—because you might live with it for years to come.”

expensive piece of art ever sold at auction on behalf of an anonymous client, far exceeding the expected selling price. The underbidder for the rare signed and completed Monet— whose companion piece hangs in The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York—was Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft.

As further proof of her status as a major player in the art world, Buckrell Pos was the first to be offered a work by Leonardo da Vinci following the authentication process. That sale of Salvator Mundi at Christie’s auction house in New York shattered records, selling for $450.3 million. The oil painting on a walnut panel, believed to be completed around 1500, is likely the last work done by da Vinci. Despite not closing the deal due to pricing, she was able to gain access for a client who, “would have never otherwise been offered the work,” she says. “Opening doors is an important aspect of what I do.”

Using that skill is how Buckrell Pos helped some Dutch Canadian clients, who own a home in South Florida, build their art collection. The couple were on a waitlist to purchase a work by then-emerging artist Michael Armitage. As waitlists for such artists can be lengthy, Buckrell Pos suggested her clients purchase two of Armitage’s pieces, gifting one to the National Gallery of Canada. While it helped expedite their purchase, Buckrell Pos says “It was a feel-good donation that increased the artist’s exposure.”

Inset: Konstantino Dregos created Lapsus (45) (2014) from acrylic, paint, chalk, charcoal, wax pastels, and varnish.
Left: White Lies 17 (2017), composed of paper, concrete, and metal, is by Brazil-based sculptor Lucas Simões.

About working with Buckrell Pos, one of the said Dutch Canadian clients recounts her late husband’s time with the art expert as an “amazing joy,” recalling how she helped develop his interest in art, as well as their travels to fairs and museums together. She explains that when he had the funds to invest in art and became seriously interested in it, Buckrell Pos was their “rubber stamp” for purchases. Art turned out to be a great investment— long term—for them. When it came time for the family to downsize their estate, Buckrell Pos assisted with the sale of some of their collection. She points out there are three reasons people sell art: disaster, divorce, or death. “You can’t carve up a masterpiece,” she quips. It turns out the Armitage

was the best performing piece in the family’s portfolio, securing a massive equity multiple in price when it sold. “It’s a good beginning and ending story,” she says.

As a trusted advisor for RBC, one of the largest banks in the world with branches in Southwest Florida, Buckrell Pos regularly visits her parents, who own a vacation home in the area, as well as clients. She was recently hired as the art advisor for a couple who are building a “stunning home in a beautiful neighborhood in Naples,” she reports. She will help them source the art for their new residence, which is expected to be completed within the next two years. Buckrell Pos is excited to take her new Naples clients on a journey of education and discovery as they assemble their collection. While she would be honored to set another record-breaking sale within the art world, for Buckrell Pos, authentic success is helping someone acquire a piece of art they simply cannot live without. «

Inset: Small Ache V (2013) is a cast-iron sculpture by Antony Gormley.
Above left: Leonardo Drew fashioned 144l ( 2020) of wood.
Shot on location at a private residence in South Florida.

NEW SPARKLE Old Souls,

Inset and opposite page, top: Tiffany & Co.’s contributions to Netflix’s Frankenstein prove the allure of antique jewelry.

The film (now streaming) showcases 27 Tiffany & Co. jewels and objects, a mix of historic, archival, contemporary, and bespoke pieces.

The Scarab necklace, for example, was designed in the early 1900s and boasts iridescent glass beetles set in gold. Opposite page, bottom, from left: 1914 Cartier “panther skin” wristwatch; 1970s David Webb Chimera

from

bracelet,
Greenleaf & Crosby in Palm Beach.

VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE JEWELRY FROM ICONIC AND INFLUENTIAL HERITAGE HOUSES APPEAL TO THOSE WHO LOVE THE ETHOS, AESTHETIC, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP OF A BYGONE ERA—AS WELL AS THOSE SEEKING AN APPRECIABLE COLLECTIBLE

Louis-François Cartier, founder of the maison that bears his name, is said to have lived by the mantra: “Never imitate, always innovate.” Innovation would become the firm’s guiding principle—but Cartier’s genius was never about abandoning the past. Rather, it lay in weaving history into modernity: reviving age-old motifs, color palettes, architectural principles, and textiles; reimagining ancient patterns, storybook gemstones, and Indiana Jones–esque objects; and transforming them into designs that felt at once timeless and groundbreaking.

His sons—Louis, Pierre, and Jacques— honed this vision and brought it to the wider world, propelling Cartier onto the global stage in the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They understood that style is cyclical, with each era rediscovering and reinterpreting what came before. Their creative genius, coupled with astute business acumen and a talent for cultivating relationships with royalty— whether royal by blood, wealth, or fame—was a delicate alchemy that cemented Cartier’s reputation as a house of enduring importance.

When considering the 178-year oeuvre of a firm like Cartier, one inevitably encounters the question of exemplarity. How might a particular era, stylistic element, or individual object be identified as most representative of a brand—perhaps surpassing all others in historical or collectible value? For the true connoisseur, this question is less about resolution than about pursuit—a pursuit that, for some, can last a lifetime.

It may come as a surprise that the term “vintage,” at least in the context of jewelry, refers to a piece that is more than approximately 25 but less than 100 years old. Which means that—to the shock and horror of millennials like myself—those late 1990s and early 2000s trends that feel like yesterday are, technically speaking, vintage. By the same standard, nothing less than a century old can be considered antique. But it does mean that, in 2026, pieces from the height of the Art

Deco period now qualify as antiques. Looking further back, beyond the twentieth century—which is, it’s safe to say, the most likely era one encounters when buying second-hand jewelry—can feel like a blur of loosely defined eras, imperial and geographic references, and trade terminology that can be difficult to grasp. Humanity has adorned itself since the dawn of time, but it’s worth considering this relatively brief timeline in light of a few truths. Jewelry, though not always made from

precious materials, has traditionally been val-

precious materials, has traditionally been valued for its rarity and refinement. Such rare and fine objects were long reserved for royalty or the elite as emblems of elevated social status. These materials also hold intrinsic value: gold and other precious commodities can be melted and reworked indefinitely, meaning many early pieces were dismantled, repurposed, or lost entirely over the centuries.

So, we return to the question of exemplarity: did one era surpass the rest in terms of creative output, beauty, or collectability? It depends on whom you ask. If you wish to remain objective, you might look to auctions. Auctions have long served as mirrors of demand. While they have inherent limitations as cultural barometers, they provide a transparent platform through which to assess value. As auction specialists, we constantly study recent results as indicators of the strength of current and future trends— and how those trends influence value—as well as other societal factors.

“Antique and vintage jewelry is currently experiencing a resurgence, gaining a new and

Cartier pieces and historic images, clockwise from above: Designer Aldo Cipullo secures his Love bracelet: Louis-François Cartier; the Love bracelet; 1967 Crash wristwatch, designed by Wright & Davies for Cartier London; Cartier’s Juste un Clou design (shown here as a ring) dates to the 1970s.

younger audience thanks in part to a number of celebrities and influencers,” says Natalie Betteridge, owner of Greenleaf & Crosby, the 130-year-old jewelry purveyor of estate and contemporary jewelry, located on Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue.

Betteridge points to Taylor Swift, whose engagement ring features an elongated, oldmine-cut diamond in a heritage-inspired gold mounting and comes at a critical time as labgrown specimens threaten the natural diamond market.

“The unique qualities of Swift’s ring have inspired a new generation of consumers to seek more well-worn items imbued with unique stories from the past to wear now,” Betteridge adds.

True connoisseurs of vintage and antique jewelry often seek designs from lesser-known, sometimes esoteric makers whose work is defined by a particular era or design style. While such pieces enjoy appreciation and perform well in the secondary market, they often appeal to a more niche audience. In today’s market, the most widespread and robust demand is for pieces signed by important makers— many of which are household names, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, David Webb, and Harry Winston. These names consistently represent the pinnacle of auction results, as Angela Hedges, the New York City–based head of brand heritage, archives, and valuations at Harry Winston can attest.

“Recent large, single-owner collections sold at auctions are far surpassing expectations,” Hedges says,

Above: Greenleaf & Crosby’s Estate Collection includes such vintage gems as this 1960s Boucheron necklace and bracelet set, featuring rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. A famed French jewelry house, Boucheron was founded by Frédéric Boucheron in 1858. Right and below: Other Tiffany & Co. pieces featured in Frankenstein include the Wade necklace (made around 1900) and Starburst and Moon brooches.

noting that mid-century signed Winston pieces command strong interest and often achieve prices well above estimates. “These sales underscore not only the strong market demand but also the house’s diverse and experimental design range.”

While many houses have histories spanning the full spectrum from vintage to antique, a renewed focus on the jewelry of the late twentieth century is evident in both broad auction results and TikTok-fueled nostalgic references to ’90s chic. In stark contrast to the boldness of the 1980s, the 1990s represent a certain refinement—epitomized by the understated elegance of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. This

Down to Details

DATING VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE JEWELRY IS A STUDY IN DETAIL, AND THIS QUICK GUIDE CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE THE ERA IN WHICH YOUR PIECE MAY BELONG. FOR A VIDEO ON HOW TO USE A LOUPE FOR CLOSER INSPECTION, VISIT NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM/LOUPE.

Georgian (circa 1714 to 1837): Handmade featuring naturalistic motifs, Rococo and neoclassical influences, closed-back settings, and foil-backed gemstones. High-karat gold and silver, often with rose-cut diamonds, garnets, topaz, and paste stones.

Victorian (circa 1837 to 1901): Romantic (1837 to 1860) include sentimental motifs, hair jewelry, and secret compartments. Grand (1860 to 1880) features larger designs, bold gemstones, heavy gold, and mourning jewelry. Aesthetic (1880 to 1901) include lighter designs with Japanese and Renaissance influences, and diamonds from new mining sources.

Belle Époque/Edwardian (circa 1890 to 1915): Elegant, lacy, and refined designs in platinum and diamonds. Delicate yet strong mountings. Motifs include bows, garlands, wreaths, and lace-like openwork.

Art Nouveau (circa 1890 to 1910): Artistic and nature-inspired with organic lines. Motifs include dragonflies, flowers,

peacocks, and female figures. Pliqueà-jour enamel, opals, moonstones, and horn with emphasis on artistry and symbolism over intrinsic material value.

Arts and Crafts (circa 1880 to 1920): Simple forms and natural motifs as well as cabochon-cut stones, silver rather than gold, and minimal ornamentation. Celebrates the maker’s hand and regional craftsmanship.

Art Deco (circa 1920 to 1939): Bold, geometric, and symmetrical designs reflect modernity and industrial progress. Linear patterns, contrasting gemstones, platinum, and onyx. Ancient Egyptian, Asian, and the Machine Age influences shape a sleek aesthetic.

Retro (circa 1939 to 1950s): Oversize designs featuring large, colorful, semiprecious stones and sculptural gold work. Ribbons, scrolls, and volutes dominate, evoking Hollywood glamour.

Second Half of the Twentieth Century (circa 1950 to 2000): The 1950s showcase sleek designs with midcentury elegance, femininity, and some Victorian aesthetics. The 1960s and ’70s feature playful experimentation, textured gold abstract forms, colorful gemstones, and the influence of pop art and space-age design. The 1980s are known for statement pieces, bold gold, oversize chains, and opulence. The 1990s shifted toward minimalism, understated luxury, and refined simplicity.

deeply restrained luxury resonates with today’s emphasis on ethical sourcing and minimal ecological impact, values embraced by a new and emerging class of buyers.

Provenance—whether a piece was owned by or associated with the great tastemakers of the last century—can have a significant impact on value. One example is the Van Cleef & Arpels Manchette cuff, which is among the firm’s most iconic designs. Inspired by Neil Armstrong’s 1969 lunar landing and the cratered surface of the moon, Van Cleef & Arpels seamlessly merged a widely celebrated American triumph with the free-form gold movement of the 1970s. These bracelets were favorites of style icons, most famously Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, who was photographed wearing a pair alongside Muhammad Ali in 1977. While Onassis’ original cuffs were sold as part of her estate in 1996, even examples not owned by her benefit from the association. In 2016, a pair owned by Nina Gore Auchincloss Steers Straight—Onassis’ stepsister— with serial numbers sequential to Onassis’ own, sold for $162,500 against an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000, proving the added value of celebrity provenance.

Part of the success of many storied brands lies in this exact ability to tap into the aesthetics of a generation and transform them into iconic objects of desire. Cartier’s Love bracelet, for instance, was devised in 1969 by Italian jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo after a breakup, as the story goes. The bracelet, designed intentionally not to slip over the hand like other bangles, separates into two pieces and requires another person’s help to secure it around the wrist with a miniature screwdriver that accompanies every bracelet. Initially presented to Tiffany & Co., the conservative house rejected the design—and its subtext—

Maria Christina, Duchess of Teschen
Queen Victoria
DANIEL

as too unconventional. Cipullo then brought it to Cartier, where it was enthusiastically embraced and marketed under the slogan “Make Love, Not War.”

The Love bracelet remains Cartier’s most successful design some 56 years later. Early examples from the inaugural 1970 launch are signed by Cipullo and especially collectible. That Cipullo signature is generally an indication of age and authenticity—a critical concern, as the Love bracelet is among the most widely faked pieces in the world. Faux versions can be increasingly difficult to identify with confidence. In the realm of “super fakes” (extremely high-quality replicas), the Love bracelet is perhaps the most imitated, alongside Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra designs. Many super fakes are sold with boxes, papers, and even forged receipts. This is why bona fide authentic pieces on the secondary market can command premiums comparable to retail prices. As always, it is essential to work with a trusted source—and while there may be a premium to purchasing directly from the boutique, doing so can be the best way to protect your investment.

Ultimately, whether your heart is set on Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels, Art Deco or retro, vintage or antique, signed or unsigned, when buying jewelry on the secondary market, if the stars align and a piece is verifiably representative of the height of materials, aesthetics, industrial triumphs, cultural ethos, and creative minds of its era, then it is, by definition, important and collectible. This is why my advice to prospective bidders, buyers, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts is always the same: no matter your taste, seek out what most epitomizes the era or maker (or both) you desire. Set a budget. Buy the best you can afford. And most importantly—buy what you love. «

Van Cleef & Arpels has become synonymous with a number of memorable designs including Alhambra, an emblem of luck that debuted in 1968 and continues to be a bestseller, gracing
everything from rings to necklaces to bracelets. The Manchette cuff (inset) was inspired by the 1969 moon landing and was a favored accessory among many prominent celebrities and socialites.

EAT+DRINK

BOLD FLAVORS, COOL COCKTAILS, AND LOCAL FAVORITES

CANTINA TIME

Casual, fresh, and festive, stirred with a measure of Florida sunshine—that’s the vibe Grant Phelan envisioned when he decided to replace Two Fillets in North Naples with his new concept:“Caiman Cantina isn’t trying to be your typical Tex-Mex restaurant,” says the CEO of Phelan Family Brands. The restaurant’s executive chef, Rafael Elisea, grew up near Jalisco, Mexico. He brings his culture and family background to the kitchen, where everything is made from scratch. Phelan says, “We built this place around the kind of food families in Mexico have

been making forever, [including] recipes passed down and perfected through time—not in a boardroom.”

This eatery is the latest from the company known for Deep Lagoon Seafood, Chops City Grill, and The Bay House, among others. Phelan believes in giving diners a variety of concepts, offering different experiences for various occasions. The menus at Caiman Cantina include both traditional options and several less familiar dishes. For example, fresh guacamole crujiente comes topped with crispy pork rinds and cotija. Camarones a la Nayarita combines shrimp in

dried chile sauce with chorizo and vegetables. Pollo en mole, the famed Oaxacan chicken dish, is served, too, as are assorted burritos, enchiladas, tamales, fajitas, and tacos. Cocktails are also well-crafted, with options like mojitos, palomas, and daiquiris concocted with housemade tamarind syrup.

“What we hear most is how much [the food] reminds [customers] of real Mexican cooking, the kind that tastes homemade,” says Phelan, who notes he’s got his eye on a location for a second Caiman Cantina. (caimancantina.com) –Karen Feldman

A Generous Pour

TRIBUTE DARIOUSH AND SHAHPAR KHALEDI, HIGHLY REGARDED NAPA VINTNERS, HAVE EMBRACED THE NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL AND ITS PHILANTHROPIC TRADITIONS IN A MAJOR WAY

Word of mouth can be especially effective when the right voices whisper into the right ears—which seems to be a big key to the success of the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), the annual event that raises millions for Naples Children Foundation (NCF). Recruiting new donors, including vintners, chefs, guests, and bidders, has resulted from an ever-growing grapevine of influential and passionate supporters and board members. Case in point: Darioush Khaledi, winery owner, entrepreneur, and this year’s Honored Vintner along with his wife, Shahpar. More than a decade ago, Khaledi was invited to the festival by his friends Bob Clifford, now an emeritus trustee of NCF, and Jeff Gargiulo, past festival chair and NCF board member.

Khaledi is substantially involved with five charities, but NCF is the only one outside his home community in California. The festival’s rallying cry, “It’s All for the Kids,” is what keeps Khaledi returning, now with a lead role in his twelfth year. When remembering his first Meet the Kids Friday, he admits, “I cried through half of the program.” Being moved in such a way has led him to donate multiple auction lots that have raised more than $2.3 million to date.

The beautiful homes in Naples are what struck him initially. “I was thinking, why can’t I move here?” says Khaledi, high praise from a man who lives in a top U.S. luxury tourism destination. Each year, 50,000plus guests visit his striking Napa Valley winery, which was designed to resemble the ancient city of Persepolis, a tribute to his Persian heritage.

When asked what his hopes are as the featured vintner for the

twenty-sixth annual Naples Winter Wine Festival to be held January 30-February 1, Khaledi gets right to the point. “Whatever we raised last year for our live auction lot, I want to make more,” he says. Khaledi and Shahpar are digging deep into their cellar for rare back vintages. The couple recently became members of Exclusive Resorts, a luxury vacation club, specifically to enhance their auction offering. The centerpiece of the lot is a stay at a private villa bordering the emerald jungle and white sand beaches of Mexico’s Riviera Maya at Rosewood Mayakoba. The NWWF team is further enhancing this prize by adding private air transportation on a Cessna Citation Sovereign and a yachting excursion.

About his giving strategy, Khaledi quips, “I’ve never had a strategy in my life.” He explains his goal in both business and philanthropy is continuous improvement, “to every day do better than yesterday.” Feeling inspired heading into this year’s festival, Khaledi adds, “We are really changing the lives of so many people; I’m all for it.”

While there can be only one winner of the Khaledis’ live auction lot, a privileged group of VIPs will attend a Friday night vintner dinner where Darioush wines will be served. During the live auction at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón January 31, attendees will raise glasses of Darioush signature Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. (napleswinefestival.com)

Winery owner Darioush Khaledi and his wife, Shahpar, will serve as this year’s Honored Vintner at the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

DINING FIT FOR THE DEITIES

Greek cuisine called my name. My appetite conjured up succulent lamb chops, dolmathes, tzatziki, and of course, baklava. These cravings were fairly standard as I came to find out when I perused the menu and gleaming iced fish display at Estia in North Naples. I’d been shortsighted, shortchanged! Lavraki, tsipoura, meli … how had such exotic words and flavors eluded me?

In this new world for Naples, Greek and island collide. Clean, green, bright, window-y with a fountained water feature off the patio and clever accents—all set a stage for the freshness, originality, and sensory happiness to come.

With a Meli cocktail (a perfect balance of honey and passionfruit juice spiked with vodka) and house-made Sangria in hand, my companion and I listened as our server rhapsodized. We followed most of his suggestions. Evidently, the Estia Chips (thin, fried slices of zucchini and eggplant)

is the app not to miss. The chips were a bit limp, though the tzatziki dip was everything I wanted it to be. He was spot-on with his whole-fish lavraki recommendation to share. This butterflied Mediterranean sea bass was delicate with just enough boost from the ladolemono—a Greek-style piccata treatment with the terroir of fine Greek olive oil. Ordering it, though, left my taste buds to deal with an I-want-a-lamb-chop tantrum. That’s where Estia came through: the option of a frenched chop on the side of any dish. The best surf and turf imaginable. We went rogue for dessert. Clearly, the restaurant had redefined my notions of Greek food by this point, so it was “no” to baklava and “yes” to a cheesecake like none other. Think: pistachio crust, Greek yogurt cream and honey, and spiced kadaifi (shredded phyllo dough)—an epic end to a dining experience fit for a Greek goddess. (estiarestaurant.com) —Chelle Koster Walton

NI ’s curated dining guide for Greater NAPLES

THE LISTINGS

The Naples area is packed with an abundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on can’tmiss places for dining delights.

AMERICAN

THE 239 NAPLES Family-owned and located in Mercato, this restaurant touting Southwest Florida serves up many locally sourced provisions and offers an array of gluten-free options, such as gluten-free tacos, meatloaf, and coconut shrimp. 9108 Strada Place, Naples (the239naples.com)

BELLY BLISS CAFÉ An all-day spot, offering breakfast delights, sandwiches for lunch, and candle-lit dinner service by evening. 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Ste. 156, Naples. (bellyblissnaturalcafe.com)

BICYCLETTE COOKSHOP Chef/partner Kayla Pfeiffer’s style melds modern decor and attentive service with a menu of small plates, shareables, and more. 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (bicyclettecookshop.com)

BISTRO 821 A longtime Old Naples favorite, thanks to a diverse menu that fuses Asian, European, and domestic flavors. 821 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bistro821.com)

BRICKTOP’S Boasting classic American dishes and an outstanding brunch featuring gems like brioche French toast and lobster Benedict. 5555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (bricktops.com)

COOPER’S HAWK WINERY Signature dishes paired with Cooper’s Hawk wines in a casual setting. 11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (chwinery.com)

EJ’S BAYFRONT CAFÉ An extensive breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu served daily in a pet-friendly environment on Naples Bay. 469 Bayfront Place, Naples (ejsbayfrontcafe.com)

THE HANGOUT BY TWO GUYS Brothers Peter and Larry Falisi dish out a relaxing vibe with Italian dishes based on family recipes and “secret ingredients,” along with a mix of tacos, quesadillas, sliders, and vegan entrées. 2360 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (hangoutnaples.com)

HAROLD’S PLACE A casual bar and grill that serves classic burgers, seafood, salads, and more in setting complete with a chickee bar and poolside dining. 2555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (naplesharoldsplace.com)

HOBNOB Elevated comfort food and sophisticated fare in a modern yet warm atmosphere. Beef and fish are brought in fresh daily and filleted on site. 720 Fifth Ave. S. Unit 101, Naples (hobnobnaples.com)

LAKE PARK DINER A healthy spin on classic diner fare, with an emphasis on organic meats and produce. 944 Seventh Ave. N.; 8856 Founders Square, Naples (thelakeparkdiner.com)

THE LOCAL Fresh, healthy meals dominate the menu, and its acclaimed brunch is one of the best in town. 5323 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples (thelocalnaples.com)

M WATERFRONT GRILLE Contemporary decor, fine cuisine, and views of Venetian Bay from every seat in the dining room. 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (mwaterfrontgrille.com)

MICHELBOB’S CHAMPIONSHIP RIBS & STEAKS Family-run since 1976, Michelbob’s offers a full bar and comprehensive menu of barbecue favorites. 371 Airport-Pulling Road N., Naples (michelbobs.com)

MIDNIGHT TAVERN This laid-back gastropub serves American favorites—specialty burgers, handhelds, fries, salads, and appetizers—along with live music three nights a week. 2800 Davis Blvd., Naples (midnighttavernfl.com)

EAT+DRINK

OAK & STONE Enjoy artisan pizzas and other gourmet delights, a self-pour beer wall, whiskey flights, and a brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. 2270 Logan Blvd., Naples; 10191 Estero Town Commons Place, Estero (oakandstone.com)

OLD VINES MERCATO Offering lunch, dinner, latenight bites, and more substantive fare in addition to a well-chosen wine list and creative cocktail selection. 9105 Strada Place, Ste. 3125, Naples (oldvinesnaples.com)

RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL Chef Tony Ridgway continues wowing diners with classic American cuisine in a downtown Naples location. 1300 Third St. S., Naples (ridgwaybarandgrill.com)

THE ROOSTER A smorgasbord of savory Southern offerings, including biscuits and gravy to crow about. 600 Goodlette Road N. Ste. 101, Naples (theroosternaples.com)

SEASONS 52 A rotating menu of healthy, seasonal dishes and international wines. 8930 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (seasons52.com)

SEVENTH SOUTH WATERFRONT Owner Barry Larkin and chef Jay Schrednitz haved moved Seventh South to the Bayshore Arts District, bringing along their sustainable seafood program, hand-cut steaks, craft cocktails, and Sunday brunch. 2891 Bayview Drive, Naples (seventhsouth.com)

SOLUNA Chef William Andraca brings his blend of classic techniques, locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails, and gracious service to dinner and Sunday brunch. 403 Bayfront Place, Naples (solunanaples.net)

TAVERN ON THE BAY This popular sports bar boasts huge televisions, great comfort food, and a lovely view of the Gordon River. 489 Bayfront Place, Naples (tavernonthebay.net)

TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT & BAR Born in Naples, the Tommy Bahama laid-back lifestyle is full throttle in its original festive eatery and bar at 1220 Third St. S., Naples; and Coconut Point, 23150 Fashion Drive #101, Estero (tommybahama.com)

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN The eclectic menu features anti-inflammatory dishes that will make you feel good from the inside out. 5375 Tamiami Trail N. Ste. 15, Naples (truefoodkitchen.com/naples)

WARREN AMERICAN WHISKEY KITCHEN Whiskey devotees adore this place and its vast selections, but there is more to love beyond that, including seafood towers, steaks, shareables, burgers, and lobster rolls. 111 Tenth St. N., Naples (warrennaples.com)

Som Enchanted Evening

At Angelina’s Ristorante in Bonita Springs, wine seems as much a food group as the house-made pastas and is given the same level of attention as the painstakingly plated Italian fare. The careful curation is due, in large part, to the restaurant’s two Certified Sommeliers, Dinah Leach and Nick Kattman. Both have passed the rigorous Court of Master Sommeliers exam, demonstrating extensive knowledge of tasting, theory, and service.

“We’re making wine ap-

proachable,” Kattman says. “We have 650 choices on the wine list currently. There’s truly something for everyone.” The restaurant also offers 5-ounce pours from its Coravin wine-preserving system, which allows oenophiles to enjoy an exceptional glass when they only want one.

After discussing what guests plan to order and asking about their wine preferences, Kattman may recommend something surprising, like an Etna Rosso,

a pale ruby red wine made from grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. The minerality and moderate acidity make it a wellbalanced companion to rich dishes like meatballs, lobster with spinach fettuccine, and black grouper.

Any wine may be decanted, but there are two main reasons to do so. “If it’s red and perhaps older, there may be sediment,” he says. For young wines, splash decanting—in which the sommelier allows the wine to splash into the decanter by turning the bottle upside down—aerates the wine, allowing the flavors to develop. Kattman encourages people to request tableside decanting.

“It adds extra finesse to the experience,” he says. “It makes it a little more special.” (angelinasofbonitasprings. com) –K.F.

THE WINE LIST

SEAFOOD

THE BAY HOUSE Overlooking the Cocohatchee River, this eatery features a beautiful dining room plus Southern-inspired seafood. 799 Walkerbilt Road, Naples (bayhousenaples.com)

BAYSIDE SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR This Venetian Bay favorite boasts grand water views, prime grilled meats, and seafood specialties. 4270 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (baysideseafoodgrillandbar.com)

THE BOATHOUSE ON NAPLES BAY Arrive by car or dock your boat at this waterfront seafood restaurant overlooking Naples Bay. 990 Broad Ave. S., Naples (boathouseonnaplesbay.com)

THE CLAW BAR Located a short walk from Fifth Avenue South, this eatery offers a sophisticated blend of Southern traditions and high-quality ingredients. 221 Ninth St. S., Naples (theclawbar.com)

THE DOCK AT CRAYTON COVE An open-air restaurant serving delicious fresh catches prepared with Caribbean and Latin influences. 845 12th Ave. S., Naples (dockcraytoncove.com)

LA PESCHERIA A creative, stellar eatery that honors the culture of Italian fish markets. 474 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (lapescherianaples.com)

OCEAN PRIME Enjoy exceptional hospitality, a delectable seafood and steak menu, luxe cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere, right along Fifth Avenue South. 699 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (ocean-prime.com)

PINCHERS CRAB SHACK Pinchers serves fresh, local seafood in a casual, family-friendly setting. 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 591 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 28580 Bonita Crossing Blvd., Bonita Springs (pinchersusa.com)

SAILS This bona fide “pescatarian’s haven” features exquisitely fresh seafood prepared to perfection. 301 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (sailsrestaurants.com)

SEA SALT Chef Fabrizio Aielli is a master at marrying organic local produce, wild-caught fish, naturally raised meat, and poultry with modern cooking techniques. 1186 Third St. S., Naples (seasaltnaples.com)

SYREN OYSTER & COCKTAIL BAR The youngest sibling of The Claw Bar, The London Club, and Bellasera Hotel, this venue boasts a waterfront setting and a menu that highlights seafood. 909 Tenth St. S., Naples (syrenoysterbar.com)

THE TURTLE CLUB Fresh seafood, fine steaks, and chops are nearly overshadowed by the spectacular beachfront setting. 9225 Gulf Shore Drive N., Naples (turtleclubnaples.com)

USS NEMO UNDERSEA CUISINE & ADVENTURES

Everything is a cut above, but the signature misobroiled sea bass is a must. 3745 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (ussnemorestaurant.com)

EAT+DRINK

HAPPENINGS

SOUP’S ON

Picking a handcrafted bowl and savoring some soup may seem like an enjoyable but insignificant act. When hundreds of people join in, though, it can help nourish more than 120,000 Southwest Florida adults and children who don’t have enough to eat. Celebrating its twentieth year, Empty Bowls Naples is set for January 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Cambier Park. Advance tickets are $40 and available online. At the event, attendees select a bowl created by volunteer potters throughout the year and sample soup from more than 50 area restaurants and clubs. Other highlights include performances by local entertainers, a silent auction, a pottery sale, and a paint-a-bowl event. All proceeds go to fight hunger. In 2025, nonprofit organization Empty Bowls Naples Inc. awarded $225,000 in grants to 14 organizations working to eliminate hunger, including St. Matthew’s House, Baker Senior Center, and Midwest Food Bank Florida. Since awarding its first grants, Empty Bowls Naples has distributed $1.23 million. (emptybowlsnaples.com) –K.F.

STEAK

THE CAPITAL GRILLE Fine dining with an array of dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. 9005 Mercato Drive, Naples (thecapitalgrille.com)

CHOPS CITY GRILL A modern take on the traditional, with prime aged steaks, local seafood, and more than 100 whiskey selections. 837 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 8200 Health Center Blvd. Ste. 100, Bonita Springs (chopscitygrill.com)

THE CONTINENTAL This D’Amico restaurant is a stylish steak house and gastropub. 1205 Third St. S., Naples (damicoscontinental.com)

THE GRILL Luxurious dining in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples features rich decor, aged prime beef, chops, and fresh seafood. 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (ritzcarlton.com/naples)

JIMMY P’S CHARRED Known for its tasty Wagyu beef, the popular butcher shop’s steaks and other fine foods are served in the restaurant next door. 1833 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (jimmypscharred.com)

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Sophisticated decor, prime meats, and fine seafood make for a special night out. 23151 Village Shops Way, Bonita Springs (ruthschris.com)

SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE In the winning tradition of late NFL coaching icon Don Shula, the “Shula Cut” is one of the best steaks in town. 5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (shulasnaples.com)

FRENCH

BISTRO LA BAGUETTE This traditional French bistro serves classic combinations like coq au vin and chateaubriand and offers cooking classes for various group sizes. 3560 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (bistrolabaguette.com)

CÔTE D’AZUR This intimate bistro in the style of Provence serves standouts like Maine lobster roasted in a clay pot. 11224 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (cotedazurrestaurant.com)

THE FRENCH BRASSERIE RUSTIQUE Rustic French cuisine and lighter fare with desserts prepared by an in-house pastry chef. 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (thefrenchnaples.com)

MEXICAN

FELIPE’S MEXICAN TAQUERIA A casual eatery serving fresh classics plus handcrafted cocktails. 4255 Tamiami Trail N.; 2220 Logan Blvd. N. Ste. 810, Naples (felipestaqueria.com)

FLACO’S This restaurant and steakhouse has been a Naples staple since 1996, offering a wide range of tried-and-true Mexican favorites. 2371 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Napes (flacosrestaurant.com)

TACOS & TEQUILA CANTINA The many varieties of tacos are made with fresh, local products and handmade tortillas. 4834 Davis Blvd.; 8971 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 10952 Eagle Village Drive, Fort Myers (tacosandtequilanaples.com)

ITALIAN

ANGELINA’S RISTORANTE A place for a special night out, with elegant cuisine and a 4,000-bottle wine tower. 24041 Tamiami Trail S., Bonita Springs (angelinasofbonitasprings.com)

BAKERY AT GRAPPINO Stop into this spot for breakfast fare and house-made breads, such as focaccia, brioche, and olive-rosemary loaves. Sweets, smoothies, and coffee drinks are also a favorite here. 90 Ninth St. N., Naples (aielligroup.com)

BARBATELLA Pizzas and pastas are delish, but don’t overlook offerings like the grilled salmon. Save room for the signature Nutella pizza. 1290 Third St. S., Naples (barbatellanaples.com)

CAMPIELLO RISTORANTE & BAR This mainstay on Third Street South is a perennial gathering place for great food and people-watching. 1177 Third St. S., Naples (campiellonaples.com)

GRAPPINO This latest venture from Ingrid and Fabrizio Aielli celebrates Fabrizio’s Venetian roots and houses one of the country’s most comprehensive grappa bars. 90 Ninth St. N., Naples (grappinonaples.com)

MOLTO TRATTORIA The homemade pasta, sauces, pizza Napoletana, and home-style cuisine are all topnotch. 368 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (moltonaples.com)

PAZZO! CUCINA ITALIANA The “friendly neighborhood” restaurant has been serving dishes using made-from-scratch sauces, pastas, and desserts for more than 20 years. 853 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (pazzoitaliancafe.com)

ASIAN

BLACKBIRD MODERN ASIAN Creative and artfully presented Pan-Asian cuisine, inventive craft cocktails, and sensuous Asian decor define this welcome addition to Naples Bay Resort featuring executive chef Tim Nickey. 1500 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (blackbirdmodernasian.com)

I LOVE CURRY Mumbai native “Chef Di” shares his professional skill and passion for traditional, authentic Indian cuisine through a popular food truck, restaurant, and catering operation. 2740 Bayshore Drive Unit #11, Naples (ilovecurry124.com)

PJK NEIGHBORHOOD CHINESE RESTAURANT Naples residents and restaurateurs Paul Fleming and Jody Goodenough-Fleming serve a coastal Chinese menu with locally sourced seafood, plus dim sum and craft cocktails. 835 Fourth Ave. S., Naples (pjkchinese.com)

SUSHI ONE Freshness is paramount at Sushi One and each order is painstakingly prepared by hand. 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (sushionenaples.com)

TIGRESS RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP BAR Get a bird’s-eye view of the serene Cocohatchee while exploring Cantonese-style cuisine as interpreted by chef and restaurateur Dale Talde. 12155 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (perryhotelnaples.com)

GLOBAL

CELEBRATION PARK NAPLES This waterfront bar and food truck park has something for everyone, from Maine lobster and Greek gyros, to Asian fusion and Southern barbecue. 2880 Becca Ave., Naples (celebrationparknaples.com/food-trucks)

DEL MAR This Fifth Avenue South fave offers seafood, family-style shareables, Turkish flatbreads, and wood-fired entrées, such as lamb shank and ribeye, infused with the flavors of the Mediterranean coast. 494 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (delmarnaplesrestaurant.com)

ESTIA A successful yet small restaurant group in and around Philadelphia, Estia now has a Naples address and features Greek and Mediterranean faves, including an array of fresh whole fish. 8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples (estiarestaurant.com)

FUSE GASTROBAR Chef-owner Greg Scarlatos uses flavors and ingredients from around the world to create a diverse menu. 2500 Tamiami Trail N. #115, Naples (fusegastrobar.com)

KEEWAYDIN’S ON FIFTH It’s always island time at this vibrant downtown spot that boasts bold Caribbean flavors paired with sweet tropical ingredients. 711 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (keewaydins.com)

LÍMON ROOFTOP BAR At this location atop the AC Hotel, find creative cocktails and dishes, including tapas, flatbreads, larger shareables, and more. 455 Twelfth St. S., Naples (limonrooftop.com)

MEDITERRANO This restaurant serves up authentic dishes like Mediterranean sea bass with figs, apricots, and raisins. 336 Thirteenth Ave. S., Naples (mediterrano-naples.com)

UNIDOS RESTAURANT & BAR Nuevo-Latin dishes with coastal flair define this restaurant that boasts an impressive cocktail menu, a delicious ceviche bar, and many creative culinary options. 1 Ninth St. S., Naples (unidosrestaurant.com)

VERANDA E The signature restaurant at Escalante hotel offers an eclectic fusion of Asian and French-influenced flavors in a romantic tropical setting. 290 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (hotelescalante.com)

& Faye Derham

EAT+DRINK

REFINED RESOLUTIONS

THE PERFECT POUR FOR A PROMISING NEW YEAR

As we turn the page to a new year, an elegant toast can set the tone for what lies ahead. The Jack Rose and the Sidecar are two classic cocktails that subtly honor new beginnings. Born during Prohibition, the Jack Rose, with its vibrant hue, refl ects strength and renewal, while the Sidecar’s timeless balance of citrus and spirit exudes grace and resilience. Both serve as perfect inspirations for this reimagined New Year’s sip. The warm, fruity notes of apple brandy evoke abundance, while the pomegranate juice reminds us of fruitful possibilities. A delicate bee pollen sugar rim adds a subtle sweetness—an understated touch for a celebration of new beginnings.

Pom Voyage

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. Calvados (apple brandy)

1/2 oz. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao

1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz. pomegranate juice

Bee pollen sugar for rim

Pomegranate seeds or lemon twist for garnish (optional)

« Rim a chilled glass with lemon juice and dip it into a mixture of bee pollen and sugar. Add the Calvados, dry curaçao, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice to a shaker and shake with ice until well chilled. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with pomegranate seeds or a twist of lemon.

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We feature an extensive selection of fine wines from many regions all over the world. Try our house wines or other from our wine list. Bella Purisic brings her expertise to Bonita Springs, coming from family that owns four of the Best steakhouses in New York.

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BALANCE

YOUR BEST SELF: FITNESS, NUTRITION, MINDFULNESS, WELL-BEING

According to a July 2025 survey from Pew Research Center, 80 percent of U.S. adults believe that Republican and Democratic voters are unable to agree on basic facts, underscoring divisiveness throughout the country. “This usually shows up when someone on the listening end or sharing end believes only their view is right,” explains Christina Shaw, a life coach and owner of Aligned + Kind in Naples. Shaw notes these disagreements shouldn’t cost you your relation-

ships and emphasizes that healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and listening to one another without interrupting or trying to prove someone wrong. “When we lead with curiosity and allow others to fully express their thoughts, we create space for honest, open dialogue,” she says. Shaw also encourages focusing on common interests, like shared hobbies or sports. This, she explains, “can help humanize us and create a path to connecting and sharing what we value.”

Still, if certain topics trigger you, Shaw recommends you define clear boundaries. And if someone is becoming aggressive or belittling, she advises taking a step back. Still, Shaw reminds, “It’s okay—and even healthy—to have people in your life who think differently. When we allow ourselves to speak freely and give space for others’ ideas, this allows us to influence each other through compassion and understanding.” (alignedandkind.com) –Erika Klein

BALANCE

EXERCISE

The Benefits OF BALLET

For an exercise that combines coordination, flexibility, strength, and cardio, have you considered ballet? Gulfshore Ballet offers classes in Fort Myers for students of all ages. “Dance builds muscle, [and] you have to work very, very hard on your body; your body’s your tool,” notes Artistic Director Iliana Lopez. Besides the many physical gains, she points out ballet may also bring a multitude of mental health benefits, including increased focus and reduced stress.

“The discipline and the perseverance required foster mental toughness and increased self-confidence,” Lopez explains. With their oldest student in their 70s and other students starting in their 50s, Lopez adds, “It’s never too late.”

If the dance floor isn’t for you, you may still benefit from a seat in the audience. Gulfshore Ballet puts on regular performances in the area with the goal of bringing people together through art. Watching a show, Lopez notes, “becomes really magical, and I think it takes you out of the everyday stress and worry, listening to the beautiful music and watching the beautiful dancers on stage. It’s two hours of pure joy.” Catch Gulfshore Ballet’s next show, Don Quixote , in Naples at the Wang Opera Center in February. (gsballet.org) –E.K.

Dentistry Goes Digital

Scheduling a dentist appointment to place a crown and filling your mouth with putty for an impression are things of the past at Ayan Dentistry in Naples. Owner and dentist Darlenn G. Ayan leaned into digital dentistry to improve the patient experience, as well as results. Her office offers state-of-the-art technology, including intraoral scans to create digital impressions for crowns, implants, and retainers; CAT scans to help with procedures like implant placement; and lasers for cavity detection. With on-site production, patients may wait only an hour for a crown to be created, making it possible for same-day placement.

Ayan initially had hesitations about focusing on digital techniques but reports results surpass those of traditional methods. With impressions, for instance, the traditional putty material “might have had a little pull, a little void,” she explains. “Now, when I do a scan, there’s no distortion; it is exactly what it is.” The results, she notes, are longer-lasting fillings and restorations and increased patient comfort. Ayan adds that her patients appreciate seeing images of cavities or other issues in their mouth. “I love what I do because I feel like I’m really offering a great service to my patients,” she says. (ayandentistry.com) —E.K.

GENE
SCHIAVONE AND DAMIEN
HANLEY
YELNAH

BALANCE

TECHNOLOGY

SKIN CARE, DELIVERED

No longer considered strictly the realm of the celebrity set, facials, peels, and injectables now make the list of everyday skin-care essentials.

Skin Clique, a physician-founded aesthetics company started in 2018 by Dr. Sarah Allen, offers an in-home or in-office care model. Women embraced the convenience. By 2025, the company grew to include more than 700 providers across 42 states.

LIGHTS OUT FOR ACNE

If you’re dealing with stubborn acne, consider trying blue-light therapy. The treatment works by killing certain types of acnecausing bacteria; however, a research-based review from 2019 notes more studies should be done to assess long-term effectiveness. The therapy is available in spas, though Miami-based Zero Gravity Skin offers its

Sapphire line of blue-light devices for home use. While the standard Sapphire device (priced at $4,399) should be used on clean skin— according to Kelse Beeri, the company’s director of digital marketing—the similar but more costly Sapphire X device (priced at $6,995) is compatible for use with skin-care products. “People love it; it’s one of our top

devices,” Beeri says of the Sapphire X.

Beeri recommends using the device three times a week for the first month for 3 to 5 minutes per area, including on your face, neck, and back—and then once a week after that. She adds the therapy may also help to minimize blemishes and dark spots from sun exposure. “I think it surprises people that blue-light technology can help clear your skin in many ways, not just from acne,” Beeri notes. (zerogravityskin.com) –E.K.

One Monday morning, Nialah Pemberton Swilley, a board-certified nurse practitioner, knocked at my front door to administer a three-step chemical peel ($350) from ZO, the skin-care brand founded by Dr. Zein Obagi. Dressed in black scrubs, Pemberton Swilley, who drove from her home in Cape Coral, unpacked a large black bag on my kitchen island. She asked about my skin and outlined what to expect. After three gentle passes of the product (with a cotton pad), my face was tingling. Pemberton Swilley assuaged the sting with a fan. The process took a mere 20 minutes, and I was provided after-care instructions. Within the expected two to three days, my skin began to shed lightly, though peeling and redness were minimal. By day five, my skin was glowing.

As promised, Pemberton Swilley emailed me a series of go-to product suggestions (sold through Skin Clique), based on her assessment of my skin and coinciding with the company’s personalized approach to long-term skin health.

While many women love checking into a spa for aesthetic-based treatments (myself included), others will be delighted to know they can join a clique of gals who enjoy medicalgrade skin-care procedures administered in the privacy and convenience of their home or office. (skinclique.com) –Gaylene Salomons

Nobody Does it Better

Savor History & Romance

Trieste to Athens Mediterranean Cruise

8-nights aboard Seven Seas Splendor Jul 20 to Jul 28, 2026 Fall for the

Roundtrip Miami Thanksgiving Cruise

7-nights aboard Seven Seas Grandeur Nov 22 to Nov 29, 2026 Holiday in

Roundtrip Miami Festive Sea Cruise

7-nights aboard Seven Seas Prestige Dec 18, to Dec 28, 2027

Roundtrip Miami New Year Cruise

10-nights aboard Seven Seas Prestige Dec 28, 2027 to Jan 7, 2028

BALANCE

SEASONED WITH STYLE

NEW YEAR, ANCESTRAL ME

REDISCOVER NATURE’S ORIGINAL RESETS

We live in an age of apps, hacks, and endless noise. The average person now consumes as much as 74 gigabytes of data a day, the equivalent of 16 movies. And every January, that same noise urges us to “new year, new me” ourselves into someone sleeker, faster, healthier. But maybe the best reset this new year is to stop chasing that newness altogether. What if our ancestral roots are the timeless antidote to our modern excess? Sometimes, the best way forward is to go back. This is how to get there.

SYNC WITH THE SUN

XLong before peptides and protocols, humans relied on the ultimate biological regulator: the sun. Today, artificial light and late-night screens disrupt what nature designed, with some studies showing that light at night (also known as LAN) or artificial light at night (ALAN) may contribute to the causation of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, as reported by Harvard Health Publishing. When your light exposure is off, so is your biology. The fix is simple: in addition to limiting LAN and ALAN, step outside at sunrise for five to 10 minutes and soak in the sunlight.

TURMERIC CARDAMOM CRUNCH

This modern snack is rooted in ancient ingredients. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, while black pepper greatly enhances the body’s absorption of it. Cardamom stimulates digestive enzymes, and cinnamon balances blood sugar.

Ingredients (makes 3 cups)

3/4 cup raw almonds, chopped

3/4 cup raw cashews, chopped

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup coconut flakes

1 tsp. ground turmeric

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. black pepper, freshly cracked

Pinch of sea salt

2 tbsp. raw honey

2 tbsp. melted coconut oil

1/3 cup goji berries

ANCIENT APOTHECARY

Healing was once a symbiotic partnership with the earth. Raw honey, for example, is an antimicrobial that has been used for centuries to heal wounds. Unrefined sea salt is rich in trace minerals that support adrenal function, hydration, and nerve signaling. Oregano oil strengthens immunity without disrupting the gut. Lion’s mane is a functional mushroom that enhances focus and supports neural growth, while adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil train your body to stay steady under stress. Start small by incorporating one of these natural tools into your daily routine.

NATURE’S MEAL PLAN

Yes, seasonal eating is trendy, but it’s also a timeless biological rhythm. Recent studies in both human and animal populations have found that the microbiome shifts with the seasons, blooming differently in summer versus winter. When you eat what naturally grows in the current season—winter root vegetables, spring herbs, summer berries, autumn squash—you feed the microbes meant to thrive right now, supporting digestion and nutrient absorption.

VPreheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine nuts, oats, and coconut flakes in a large bowl. Stir in turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and sea salt. In a small bowl, whisk honey and melted coconut oil. Pour the honey-oil blend over the dry ingredients and toss until well coated. Spread the granola evenly on the baking sheet and press down. Bake for 15 minutes. Once baked, sprinkle the goji berries on top and press them down into the granola. Let the granola cool completely on the pan before transferring it to an airtight glass container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

CHLOE KRAMMEL
ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE KRAMMEL

Step into a space where artistry meets precision. At NCOLOR Salon, every shade, cut, and style is crafted to enhance natural beauty and confidence. From sun-kissed dimensional color to transformative color correctionsleveraging our luxurious and conditioning European hair color-each service is tailored to reflect individuality and lifestyle.

Experience the difference of expert stylists who understand the balance between trend and timelessness. Using premium products from brands such as Oribe, Kerastase, and Shu Uemura and advanced techniques, N Color Salon delivers results that shine with health, depth, and dimension.

Indulge in a personalized salon experience designed for Naples’ most discerning clientele.

BALANCE

TRENDING

Post-Workout POWER

EQUIP YOUR FITNESS ARSENAL WITH ESSENTIAL RECOVERY TOOLS

CHERRY ON TOP

Skip the sugary sports drink or messy powder.

QUITE THE FLEX

The CastleFlexx mobility tool ($239) features a unique foot hammock to promote proper dorsiflexion for increased blood flow, accelerated healing, and faster recovery. It also aims to relieve discomfort from sciatica, plantar fasciitis, hamstring tightness, and herniated discs. (castleflexx.com)

The For Wellness Hibiscus Cherry Recovery Gummies ($68 for 90 gummies) blend whole American tart cherries (packed with antioxidants to reduce soreness and support muscle repair) with allnatural glucose for refueling and essential electrolytes—like potassium and sodium—to rehydrate. Savor them during a workout for increased energy or after to aid in recovery and muscle repair. (forwellness.com)

PERFECT FIT

John Gagliardi, a former Division I and professional athlete, noticed that the footwear athletes chose after training and competition were often loose, overly cushioned, and potentially detrimental to their ability to recover. In response, he founded Kane developing a shoe in partnership with a sports podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon. Made in Brazil from sugarcane-based EVA foam, the ultra-durable Revive molded shoe ($80) is washable, quick drying, and designed for active recovery. (kanefootwear.com)

FINGER ON THE PULSE

Featured on Shark Tank , Firefl y uses OnPulse technology to distribute electrical pulses and stimulate the peroneal nerve in the leg. This triggers muscle contractions that boost blood flow and enhance the body’s natural recovery process. The original starter pack ($116) comes with two pairs of devices and one pair of accessory straps, with each device delivering 30 hours of recovery treatment. (fi reflyrecovery.com) and began in

SOAK IT ALL IN

A modern alternative to an Epsom salt bath, the Coach Soak magnesium bath soak ($26) supports deep recovery and full-body relief thanks to a formula that is crafted with pure Dead Sea magnesium chloride flakes, 21 essential minerals, vitamin C crystals, and natural oils. Add up to two cups to a warm bath or an ice bath and soak for at least 20 minutes for improved circulation, eased muscle tension, and nourished skin. (coachsoak.com)

WEALTH

NOT SO PRIVATE ANYMORE

PRIVATE CREDIT HAS LONG EXISTED, BUT IT HAS ONLY RECENTLY CAPTURED MAINSTREAM ATTENTION AS INVESTORS LOOK BEYOND BANKS FOR YIELD AND STABILITY

When J.P. Morgan Chase CEO and chairman Jamie Dimon warned, “When you see one cockroach, there are probably more,” on an October 2025 earnings call, he was raising concerns about credit in nonbank lending markets—including private credit, a once-obscure form of financing that’s now in the headlines.

Those closest to the industry say the fears are overblown. Elie Azar, CEO and chief investment officer of White Wolf Capital Group in Miami, explains that the market is expanding because it fills a void left by banks.

“That sort of freaked everyone out. Whatever Jamie Dimon says moves markets,” Azar says. “But private credit has existed since the inception of finance. At the end of the day,

any debt made to a private company is technically private credit.”

According to J.P. Morgan Private Bank, the private credit market has grown about 14.5 percent a year over the past decade, far faster than corporate borrowing (5.5 percent) and commercial bank loans (3 percent).

Private credit (a major segment is direct lending) refers to loans made to companies by nonbank lenders such as private funds. Once niche, it now rivals the high-yield bond market in size. The money comes from institutions and high-net-worth investors rather than depositors, and the loans are often tailored to each borrower. That flexibility and speed come at a higher cost. But for many companies, it’s worth it.

After the 2008 financial crisis, tighter regulations made banks more cautious about midsize loans. Private lenders filled the gap, giving growing companies more options and investors a new source of yield, says Sitara Sundar, head of alternative-investment strategy and market intelligence for J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

“The demand for credit didn’t go away,” she says. “It’s an evolution of the credit ecosystem.”

Those lenders often move faster and can structure deals around cash flow rather than hard assets. That flexibility is what draws Azar’s clients. “They’re paying more for freedom,” he says. “There are no personal guarantees, and we underwrite based on cash flow, not just assets.”

Please join us for our signature fundraising event in support of our mission to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. The evening features sunset cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner, live music, and dancing in The RitzCarlton, Naples’ Vanderbilt Ballroom. Inspirational speakers and a live and fund-a-need auction highlight the community’s commitment to investing in students and educators, showcasing the transformative power of education.

BALANCE

The arrangement also allows firms to stay private longer. Jay Ritter, a University of Florida economist known for his IPO research, notes that the trend is measurable. “Companies have been staying private longer,” he says. “One reason is the growth of private credit. It gives mature private firms another way to raise cash without going public.”

For investors, private credit promises floating-rate income and diversification from traditional bonds. But as the market swells, some wonder whether performance can hold up if the economy slows. Sundar says the fundamentals remain strong.

Default rates hover around 2.5 percent— slightly higher than high-yield but lower than leveraged loans—and she hasn’t seen signs of looser standards. She also notes that private credit funds are structured differently from banks. They match multiyear loans with committed, multiyear capital, so they’re not subject to demand-deposit runs like the one

that hit Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023.

“When banks retrench, private lenders often step in to ensure there’s a reliable source of capital,” she says. “They’re complementary, not competitive.”

Ritter cautions that innovation can sometimes disguise risk. Some funds have boosted returns through synthetic risk transfer deals—insurance-like contracts that shift exposure from banks to private lenders.

“In good times, selling that kind of protection looks great,” Ritter says. “But in a recession, those bets can backfire.”

Azar expects the market could double in size within seven years if default rates stay low. Ritter remains cautious but acknowledges the shift is here to stay. “Investors are chasing performance,” he says. “All it takes is a few high-profile blowups to remind everyone that yield and risk travel together.” «

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OLDE NAPLES

• Beautifully

•

•

FEB 27FEB 28

$

Sip, savor, and let your senses wander. The SWFL Wine & Food Fest unites masterful chefs and vintners for a journey from Napa’s golden vineyards to Tuscany’s timeless hills, from the sea’s delicate treasures to indulgent spices. No itinerary needed—simply arrive ready to be transported.

HOSTED BY:

Board of Trustees of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

Chairs of the 2026 SWFL Wine & Food Fest

David & Katy Ciccarello

Michael & Renee Ciccarello

CHEF VINTNER DINNERS

FRIDAY|FEBRUARY 27, 2026

THE GRAND TASTING & LIVE AUCTION

SATURDAY|FEBRUARY 28, 2026

12 pm THE GRAND TASTING

2:30 pm LIVE

HYATT

DESIGN STORE

SCENE

THE HOTTEST CULTURE AND COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

TOP BILLING

PAPER TRAIL

The Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival has been bringing Jewish authors and books of Jewish content to our community for the past 11 years. On January 28 at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center in Naples, Lew Paper—an acclaimed author, historian, and former attorney—will discuss his latest book, Legacy of Lies. This work of historical fiction creatively reimagines the details behind Jimmy Hoffa’s mysterious disappearance. “Hoffa has always fascinated me,” Paper shares. “He was a colorful figure with a commanding presence.” Paper, who traces a love for reading and writing back to his high school and college days, published his first book about John F. Kennedy 50 years ago. Six more followed.

Paper and his wife, Jan, retired to Naples full-time in 2016. There is no such thing as a typical day for him. “I keep busy physically and mentally—riding bike, playing tennis and some golf, and writing,” he informs. When asked what book he plans to write next, 79-year-old Paper responds, “Finding a topic that interests or appeals to me does not come easy.” For now, he says he will remain focused on doing what he can to make Legacy of Lies successful. (jewishbookfestival.org) –Gaylene Salomons

SCENE

JANUARY 2026

ARTS & EVENTS

GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES

1 Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden, a seasonal staple, Naples Botanical Garden, to Jan. 4, visit website for ticket information. (naplesgarden.org)

2 Sean Chambers, blues guitarist, Performing Arts Center, Arts Bonita, Bonita Springs, tickets start at $48. (artsbonita.org)

3 Forest Bathing Wellness Walk, guided meditation with nature, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, $40. (rookerybay.org)

Moon Walk: Nights in Nature, moonlight hike in the reserve, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, also Jan. 18, $20. (rookerybay.org)

5 Corkscrew Night Tour, experience the swamp after dark, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, also Jan. 14 and 21, $40, $15 for ages 12 to 16, with adult. (audubon.org/corkscrew)

6 Birding in the Garden, take a morning walk through the 90-acre preserve and discover the avian species that call the garden home, Naples Botanical Garden, also Jan. 13, 20, and 27, included with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)

Early Birding Tour, naturalist-guided tour of the awakening swamp, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, also Jan. 13, 20, and 27, Naples, $30. (audubon.org/corkscrew)

7 Ancient Forest Tour, a 2.25-mile guided tour highlighting the area’s history and ecology Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, $30. (audubon.org/corkscrew)

Yates McKendree Band, traditional blues performer and his band, Performing Arts Center, Arts Bonita, Bonita Springs, tickets start at $43. (artsbonita.org)

8 Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, based on the 1993 film with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, TheatreZone, Naples, to Jan. 18, tickets start at $50. (theatre.zone)

Clockwise from above: Dancers perform Tango After Dark at Artis—Naples; steel artwork from “To Reverberate Tenderly,” an exhibition from Sonia Louise Davis at The Baker Museum; Arrieros somos by Guillermo Meza, from the permanent collection at The Baker Museum; comedian Jay Leno takes the stage at Artis—Naples.

10 An Evening for Better Tomorrows, fourteenth annual fundraising gala celebrating the achievements at Baker Senior Center Naples, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Naples, $750. (bakerseniorcenternaples.org)

Kansas, classic rock band performs, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $85. (artisnaples.org)

11 Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, a favorite thriller and the world’s longest running play, Moran Mainstage, Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples, to Feb. 15, tickets start at $39. (gulfshoreplayhouse.org)

Jay Leno, comedian and former host of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno performs, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $129. (artisnaples.org)

12 Jewish Book Festival, event with Amy Fish, author of One in Six Million, Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, Naples, $30. (jewishbookfestival.org)

Sunset Stroll, watch and learn as the day turns into night at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, $40 $20 for ages 12 to 16, with adult. (audubon.org/corkscrew)

14 Beau Jest, a comedy about love, deception, and family expectations, Kizzie Theater, The Naples Players, to Feb. 15, tickets start at $55. (naplesplayers.org)

WINGED WONDERS

January has gone to the birds—at least at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Avian species have a storied history in Florida. At one time, birds were heavily hunted for food and for their feathers. Although shooting and hunting are now controlled, habitat loss continues to threaten the species. To highlight the beautiful creatures locally found in nature, numerous bird-themed activities are scheduled during the reserve’s annual Festival of Birds, January 15-19, including an Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop, January 17, where birds are the focus. In a three-hour class, instructor Sonny Saunders will help participants learn to take topquality photos; $55. (rookerybay.org) –G.S.

2 PICKS

THEATER SEASON IS HERE. GRUMPY OLD MEN: THE MUSICAL TELLS THE STORY OF MAX AND JOHN, TWO NEIGHBORS AT ODDS. THIS PRODUCTION, BASED ON THE 1993 FILM, INCORPORATES FUNNY ONELINERS AND LIGHT-HEARTED TUNES AND RUNS JANUARY 8-18 AT THEATREZONE, NAPLES; TICKETS START AT $50. (THEATRE.ZONE)

HEFTY CARS WILL BE ON DISPLAY JANUARY 31 AT NORTH COLLIER REGIONAL PARK, NAPLES, AT THE WEST COAST MUSCLE CAR SHOW THE $20 ENTRY FEE BENEFITS AVOW KIDS, A NO-COST GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. (AVOWCARES.ORG) G.S.

Franz Welser-Möst conducts The Cleveland Orchestra at Artis—Naples January 25.

Cherish the Children Luncheon, world-renowned illusionist Jason Bishop shares his story in support of Youth Haven, The RitzCarlton, Naples, $300. (youthhavenswfl.org)

Star Light, Star Bright, celebration in support of Pathways Early Education Center, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Naples, $450. (pathwaysearlyeducation.org)

15 It Takes Two: Broadway Duets, Performing Arts Center, Arts Bonita, Bonita Springs, tickets start at $43. (artsbonita.org)

Watercolors & Wildlife: Painting with Jan, birds, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, also Jan. 29, $85. (rookerybay.org)

16 Illuminate the Future – Elevate Gala, an evening supporting education for students at Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, $750. (guadalupecenter.org)

17 Empty Bowls, annual fundraiser to eliminate hunger in the community, Cambier Park, Naples, $30. (emptybowlsnaples.com)

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, $55. (rookerybay.org)

Red Gala, evening fundraiser in support of Path2Freedom, Naples Botanical Garden, $400. (path2freedom.org)

18 Naples Concert Band, saxophonist Stephen Parker performs Gershwin favorites, Cambier Park Bandshell, Naples, free. (naplesconcertband.org)

19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, free admission for children ages 4–17, Naples Botanical Garden, general adult admission tickets $27; children 3 and under free. (naplesgarden.org)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, annual event presented by the NAACP Collier County branch, beginning at Broad Avenue South and finishing at Cambier Park, Naples, free. (naacpcolliercounty.org)

JULIA WESELY

SCENE

Tango After Dark, show from a world-class Argentinian dance company, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $65. (artisnaples.org)

21 Great Futures Gala, signature fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples, $750. (bgccc.com)

22 Naples Boat Show, Sugden Regional Park and Naples City Dock, to Jan. 25, $15; kids 12 and under free. (miacc.org)

Wild Cats Revealed, film by National Geographic Society Fellow Sandesh Kadur, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $49. (artisnaples.org)

23 2026 Breakthrough T1D Naples Gala, an inspiring evening in support of those living with type 1 diabetes, Naples Grande Beach Resort, $600. (breakthrought1d.org/southernflorida/)

Vanessa Collier, saxophonist and vocalist, Performing Arts Center, Arts Bonita, Bonita Springs, tickets start at $53. (artsbonita.org)

24 An Evening of Opera’s Greatest Hits, Opera Naples resident artists perform arias and scenes from the operatic canon, Wang Opera Center, Naples, tickets start at $39. (operanaples.org)

Nash to Naples Songwriter Fest, concert featuring live performances from Nashville songwriters in support of Home Base Florida Veteran and Family Care, Cambier Park, Naples, premium lawn seating $62; kids 12 and under free. (nashtonaples.com)

25 The Cleveland Orchestra, Hayes Hall, Artis— Naples, tickets start at $97. (artisnaples.org)

Gulf Coast Big Band Jazz Concert, Cambier Park bandshell, Naples, free. (gulfcoastbigband.com)

28 Jewish Book Festival, author event with Lew Paper, author of Legacy of Lies, Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, Naples, $30. (jewishbookfestival.org)

31 Art in the Park, curated one-day art show, Cambier Park, free (naplesart.org)

Golden Gala, celebrate the YMCA of Collier County’s essential work in the community, Hideaway Beach Club, Marco Island, $295. (ymcacollier.org)

House & Garden Tour, Naples Garden Club’s main fundraiser featuring unique homes and gardens from Naples’ premier neighborhoods, tickets start at $289. (naplesgardenclub.org)

West Coast Muscle Car Show, Avow Hospice benefit event, North Collier Regional Park, Naples, $20. (avowcares.org)

COLOR IN THE GARDEN

It’s all about the beauty of color at “ChromaFlora,” Naples Botanical Garden’s outdoor exhibit January 24 through May 25. The botanical origin of pigments and the biological reason for colorful floral hues will be explored in the various tropical landscape designs, where all colors of the spectrum will be on display. Visit the garden between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Tickets are $27; $12 for children ages 4-17; children 3 and under and members are free. (naplesgarden.org) –G.S.

VISUAL ARTS & GALLERIES

Arts Bonita. “Crooked Highway,” works by Jason Hackenwerth, Visual Arts Center, Main Gallery, to Jan. 15; “Brut POP: Signal Noise for the Masses,” works by Walt Nichols, Visual Arts Center, Tranovich Gallery, to Jan. 15. (artsbonita.org)

The Baker Museum, Naples. “Tamara de Lempicka,” photographs and Art Deco paintings, through Feb. 8; “Sonia Louise Davis: To Reverberate Tenderly,” multisensory exhibition, to May 24; “Florida Contemporary,” annual exhibition celebrating the state’s vibrant art scene, to June 28; “The Passion of Collecting: Stories in Glass and Ceramics from the Sibrack Collection,” to fall 2026; “There & Here: New Perspectives of the Permanent Collection,” from Jan. 10. (artisnaples.org)

Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch. “Aztec Dancers: A Living Tradition,” photos by Lisette Morales, to Jan. 31. (colliermuseums.com)

Marco Island Center for the Arts. “Magic of the Sea,” featuring Douglas David, Jim Freeman, Peggy Keigley, Jan. 12 to Feb. 24. (marcoislandart.org)

Museum of the Everglades, Everglades City. “Sharing the Path: Understanding Our Environment Through the Learned Wisdom and Traditional Knowledge of Indigenous People,” exhibit exploring indigenous knowledge, to Feb. 14. (colliermuseums.com)

Naples Art Institute. “Joan Miró: Fire in the Soul,” a selection of works from the leading figure in modern art, to April 4. (naplesart.org/miro-fire-in-the-soul)

Naples Botanical Garden. “ChromaFlora,” color exhibit of plants inspired by the painter’s palette, Jan. 24 to May 25. (naplesgarden.org)

©2026 Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC. All rights reserved. Naples Illustrated [ISSN 10996303] [USPS # 16626] is published monthly, except August, by Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC. Known office of the publication: 3066 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34103. Periodical postage paid at West Palm Beach, FL and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Naples Illustrated c/o Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC., P.O. Box 3344, Palm

or

circulation@naplesillustrated.com. Volume 29, No. 1, January 2026. Visit our website at naplesillustrated.com Naples Illustrated and Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC. retain exclusive rights to all editorial and photographic materials used, which cannot

“Chromaflora” celebrates the colorful natural hues found at Naples Botanical Garden, such as the McDowell Philo orchid (top) and Myrmecophila brysiana (above).

MODE: OVERDRIVE

BUYING INFORMATION

COVER

Mother-of-pearl embroidered illusion gown ($12,590), pear rhinestone stud earrings ($590), Oscar de la Renta, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples, oscardelarenta.com; Black silk taffeta coat ($7,550), Fendi, fendi.com

PAGE 143

Dress ($1,650), shearling bolero coat ($6,200), peep-toe wedges ($1,290), Ferragamo, Waterside Shops, Naples, ferragamo.com

PAGE 144

Black silk taffeta coat ($7,550), Fendi, fendi.com

PAGE 145

Hardcore tank top ($350), Dartmoor nylon small shoulder bag ($925), Stella McCartney, stellamccartney.com; DG Sharped sunglasses ($415), Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com

PAGE 146

Light tulle vest top with Dolce & Gabbana logo ($695), calfskin belt ($575), Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com; metal and pearl necklace ($4,450), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com

PAGE 147

Embellished top ($1,495), jersey polo ($395), wide-leg wool pants ($895), large belt ($210), Twisted heels with Monk strap ($500), Clown earrings ($250), Tory Burch, Waterside Shops, Naples, toryburch.com

PAGE 148

Wrap dress ($1,850), heels ($1,050), Balenciaga, balenciaga.com

PAGE 149

Jacquard taffeta dress (price upon request), patent mules ($1,325), satin gloves ($1,125), metal and pearl necklace ($4,450), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com

PAGE 150

Long-sleeve high-neck dress with A-line skirt ($3,250), Talisman opentoe ankle boots ($4,250), Louis Vuitton, Waterside Shops, Naples, us.louisvuitton.com

17th Annual Bash for the Bay Presented by Carter Fence

FEBRUARY 19, 2026

6 - 10 pm

Naples Lakes Country Club

Cocktail Hour • Plated Dinner Silent & Live Auctions with Exclusive Eco-Adventures

Dancing to DJ Ken Hodsdon of SWFL Entertainment

Emcee: Jason Dunning, Gulf Coast News Meteorologist

Auctioneer: Christopher Marchand of Marchand Auctions

Proceeds benefit conservation, education and research programs in the 110,000-acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Ticket = $300 Table Sponsor = $3,000

Get your tickets today! RookeryBay.org/Bash 239-530-5972

Presenting Sponsor

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Publication Date: May 2026

From the publishers of Naples Illustrated

Believing in Girls

Friday, February 27, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Ritz Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Florida

Sponsorships available, contact: marianne.kearns@pacecenter.org.

Ticket price: $250. Scan QR Code to register.

Palm Beach Media Group delivers the finest reader experience across a family of Lifestyle, Design and Special Interest titles for the Florida market. Find us on your local newsstand or by visiting our website to see how we cover Florida from a reader’s point of view.

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GOOD DEEDS

GIVING WITH HEART

The official battle cry for Nena Beynon’s beloved West Virginia University Mountaineers is “Let’s Go!”—a call to action representing the energy, pride, and spirit of her alma mater. The catchphrase also exemplifies the former educator’s enthusiasm toward her philanthropic journey— from the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drop she and her husband, Bill, started 21 years ago to feed thousands of local families in need to her active involvement with nonprofits such as Champions for Learning and Take Stock in Children. Accordingly, the Women’s Foundation of Collier County will recognize her this month as one of five Women of Initiative for her leadership and generosity benefiting women and girls. Then, as

trustees for Naples Children Foundation, the Beynons will co-chair the organization’s twenty-sixth annual Naples Winter Wine Festival for the fourth time in five years. “What I look forward to most is for our patrons to see what their money will go toward and what it can do for the community,” shares Nena, referring to Meet the Kids Day, her favorite part of the three-day fundraiser. “Nena has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the Naples Winter Wine Festival,” says the event’s senior vice president, Lisa Juliano. “Her deep passion for improving the lives of the most vulnerable children in our community is truly inspiring and motivates others to pay it forward.” –Patricia Janeway

NICK SHIRGHIO

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