Naples Illustrated October 2025

THE GALLOPS AND GEARS OF SHORE ACRES FARM

Janie and Mike Yag

BEST OF SHOW

A NAPLES COUPLE SHARE THEIR LAKE FOREST 58 PALM BEACH ILLUSTRATED SHOWCASE RESIDENCE

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THE HOME

ISSUE

HORSEPOWER

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P R O V I D E N TJ E W E L R Y. C O M

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REDEFINE

LUXURY W E S T PA L M

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NAPLES

JUPITER

FORT MYERS

PA L M B E A C H

WE LLINGTON

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3 0 3 TU R TL E H A TC H R D | $ 6 ,9 5 0 ,0 0 0

VENETI A N BA Y

7 0 9 1 V E RD E WA Y | $3 , 7 9 5 , 0 0 0

PELI C AN BAY

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M O O RI NGS

S HOR E S OF NAP LE S V I LLA 1 | $ 2 ,19 5 ,0 0 0 LE P A RC #1 0 3 | $8 , 9 9 5 , 0 0 0

O L DE NA PL ES

MOO RI NG S

5 6 3 3 R D S T N | $ 8,4 9 5 ,0 0 0 3 4 5 3 C RA Y T O N RD | $ 7 ,5 0 0 , 0 0 0

A S P E N • T H E H A M P T O N S • PA L M S P R I N G S • M A L I B U • M A N H AT TA N • B E V E R LY H I L L S • L A G U N A B E A C H • A N D M O R E

800 HARBOUR DRIVE, NAPLES, FLORIDA 34103 (239) 261-3939 © 2022 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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273 10TH AVE S OL DE NA P L E S | $ 12, 900, 000

MICHAEL G. LAWLER PA

HARBOUR POINT BUSINESS CENTER 239.261.3939 | 800 HARBOUR DR | NAPLES, FL 34103

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Design

INSPIRED BY YOU

Your home should feel like nowhere else.

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DISCOVER HOW YOUR STORY CAN INSPIRE YOUR SPACE.

Visit our showroom on 5th Avenue in Naples.

Our award-winning team crafts timeless, bespoke interiors that reflect your life, your travels, and your aspirations – spaces that are as beautiful as they are personal, and as enduring as your story.

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Schedule your Complimentary Design Profile at dwest.com or call 239.514.1234.

7/23/25 4:15 PM

Built in Naples.

TRUSTED BY NAPLES.

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MORANWM.COM Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about Moran Wealth Management, LLC, including its services and fees, request the firm’s disclosure brochure using the contact information above or visit adviserinfo.sec.gov. Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a separate entity and not affiliated with any other entity or practice that uses the same name. This communication contains certain forward-looking statements that indicate future possibilities. Due to known and unknown risks, other uncertainties and factors, actual results may differ materially.

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Your Home’s True Potent ial

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Discover the difference in exceptional flooring.

D OW N TOW N N A PL E S

N O R T H N A PL E S

670 Ninth Street North

13250 Tamiami Trail North

Half mile north of 5th Avenue South 239.220.3535

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2 blocks south of Wiggins Pass Road 239.596.5959

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2025 | NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM FOR THE LATEST IN ALL THINGS LUXURY

FEATURES 100 MANE ATTRACTION At Shore Acres Farm, it’s all about the horses (and cars)

By Patricia Janeway

108 BY DESIGN Fall fashion fit for both the runway and your hallway Photography by Alberto Gonzalez

116 SHOWSTOPPER Maximalism dominates in an Illinois show home owned by part-time Neapolitans

By Darby Kordonowy

124 COURSE CORRECTION How the EAA Reservoir will reroute water and rehydrate South Florida

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Louis Vuitton trench coat For buying information, turn to page 159.

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ALBERTO GONZALEZ

By Jane E. Enos

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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Don’t Let Perfection Pass You By.

A new standard of excellence is rising on the Vanderbilt Beach skyline—an address in Naples destined to surpass all others. With each passing day, this extraordinary vision comes closer to reality through magnificent coastal residences, 50,000 square feet of inspired amenities, and impeccable service by the first name in luxury. At The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples, every moment of every day will be yours to enjoy.

Limited residences remain available but are selling quickly—the time to secure your place in this unfolding masterpiece is now.

Occupancy 2026

2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 106, Naples, Florida 34109 Phone 239-249-6260 The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples Pricing from $5.2 million. RCRNaples.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, NAPLES ARE NOT OWNED, SOLD OR DEVELOPED BY THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C. OR ITS AFFILIATES (“THE RITZ-CARLTON”). STOCK RESIDENCES, USES THE RITZ-CARLTON MARKS UNDER A LICENSE FROM THE RITZ-CARLTON, WHICH HAS NOT CONFIRMED THE ACCURACY OF ANY OF THE STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS MADE HEREIN. ORAL REPRESENTATION CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY THE DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATIONS OF OFFERS TO BUY.

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CONTENTS

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DEPARTMENTS 24 FROM THE EDITOR 28 RSVP Soirees from the social season

INSIDER 43 SPOTLIGHT

78

Porche Studio Naples drives into town

Sleek sculptural decor speaks volumes

44 AROUND TOWN

80 DESIGNER DEFERENCE

A new bookstore finds Third Street South, news from Home Base Florida, and more

Christopher O’Guin harnesses old-world techniques to create decorative finishes for walls and ceilings

Expert insights into the history, markings, and upkeep of sterling silver

STYLE 53 LITERATI Behind the doors of Hilfiger Homes

54 THE LOOK Textile-focused accessories

56 REAL TALK WITH...

Edie Parker founder Brett Heyman

58 THE EDIT What our editors put on their shelves

60 BIJOUX Evil eye jewelry for the spooky season

62 BEAUTY Soap that raises the bar

RESIDE 67 AT HOME WITH...

The Solomon family, Naples residents

70 ROOM ROUNDUP Select spaces leaving lasting impessions

76 INSPIRED LIVING Pro tips for home staging 12

ELEMENTS

JOURNEYS 87 WANDERLUST Three landmark resorts that will leave you California dreaming

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92 FAMILIES Turning 16 in the City of Light

94 FLORIDIANA Fort Lauderdale’s Pier 66 spins again

96 HIGH ROAD The Vantage coupe is a true speed demon

98 HIGH SEAS All that we love about the Hinckley 41

EAT + DRINK 141 ACCOLADE Restaurant DiGusto earns impressive award for authentic Italian fare

142 LOCAL BITES Savory seafood from the new Amber Cove, as well as the latest on Ella’s Flats and Manatee Coffee

BALANCE 147 RETREAT A weekend wellness event boosts minds and bodies

148 HEALTH & FITNESS A Paralympic medalist shares triumphs and challenges, how to leverage body-weight exercises, foods fighting inflammation, and more

150 TRENDING

NICK SHIRGHIO

48 WORTH IT

ASHLEY MEYER

COURTESY OF SAN YSIDRO RANCH

20 OUR ADVISORY BOARD

X ON THE COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK SHIRGHIO MODELS: JANIE AND MIKE YAG LOCATION: SHORE ACRES FARM, NAPLES

Up the ante on your walking routine

SCENE 155 TOP BILLING Local photographer John Eder frames Naples Botanical Garden’s vibrant flora

156 CALENDAR What to see and do this month

BON VOYAGE 160 ESCAPE TO...

Southern Croatia, where the relics of antiquity fuse with coastal Mediterranean charm

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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First Presbyterian Church In the Heart of Naples with the Love of God: we worship, we love, we grow, we serve _________________

Sunday morning worship 10 a.m. in person or livestream

JOIN US FOR OCTOBER EVENTS

Publisher Meegan Wyatt 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

National Sales Director Deidre Wade, 561-472-1902, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com Advertising Services Coordinator Elizabeth Hackney MARKETING Marketing Manager Rebecca Desir Marketing Art Director Saige Roberts

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Zlata Kotmina, Kristen Desmond LeFevre

Saturday 10|4 Blessing of the Animals 10 a.m. _______

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sebastian Clarke, Gabriella Di Falco, Patricia Janeway, Erika Klein, Darby Kordonowy, Victoria Scott, Liza Grant Smith, Katherine van Dell, Mary Thurman Yuhas CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alberto Gonzalez, Nick Shirghio SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS Olga Hayes, Reagan Rule, Helen Werner

Friday 10|24 Pumpkin Patch/Fall Festival Trunk or Treat Silent Auction

ADVERTISING Account Managers Kathleen Beuttel, 239-298-7506, kbeuttel@naplesillustrated.com; Jennifer Dardano, 561-472-1905, jdardano@palmbeachmedia.com; Dina Turner, 561-472-2201, dturner@palmbeachmedia.com

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 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

Games, Food, Crafts, Corn Maze & more!

5:30 p.m. _______

Group Publisher Terry Duffy Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013) HOUR MEDIA, LLC CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo

Sunday 10|26 Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan

Rev. Fraser Aitken, preaching The Harp & Thistle Pipe Band St. Andrew’s Society

10 a.m.

250 Sixth Street S Naples FL 34102 239.262.1311 16

PUBLISHERS OF:

Palm Beach Illustrated • Naples Illustrated • Palm Beach Charity Register • Naples Charity Register • Florida Design • Florida Design Naples Florida Design Miami • Florida Design Sarasota • Florida Design Sourcebook • Palm Beach Relocation Guide • Southwest Florida Relocation Guide Fifth Avenue South • Naples 100 • Art & Culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County • Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club • Naples on the Gulf: Greater Naples Chamber • Jupiter • Stuart • Aventura • Vero Beach Magazine Community Report: Collier Community Foundation • Advances: Tampa General Hospital • Naples Realtor: Naples Area Board of REALTORS Annual Report: Woods Charitable Trust • 850 Business Magazine • At the Beach • Emerald Coast Magazine • Footprints: Hilton Sandestin Beach Northwest Florida Weddings • Panama City Beach Visitors Guide • Sandestin Living: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort • Tallahassee Magazine Tallahassee Meeting Planner • Tallahassee Newcomer • Cultural Arts Alliance #ArtMatters • Destin County Wine Auction Magazine Tallahassee Physician & Medical Resource Guide • Visit Tallahassee: Leon County Division of Tourism • Watersound Lifestyle

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 | Subscriptions 800-308-7346

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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WHEN DESIGN MATTERS...Inspiration MATTERS ...Inspiration Starts Here!

AWA R D -W I N N I N G | I N T E R I O R D E S I G N | F I N E F U R N I S H I N G S | C L I V E DA N I E L .C O M NAPLES, FL 2777 TAMIAMI TRAIL N. 239.261.HOME (4663)

SARASOTA, FL 3055 FRUITVILLE COMMONS BLVD. 941.900.HOME (4663)

FORT MYERS, FL 8650 GLADIOLUS DR. #200 239.944.HOME (4663)

BOCA RATON, FL 1351 NW BOCA RATON BLVD. 561.440.HOME (4663) IB#26001785

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Fall in Love with Blue

5510 Shirley Street North Naples Store and Warehouse 326 13 th Avenue South Downtown Naples Store 239.649.0906

All showroom furniture is available for immediate delivery.

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OUR ADVISORY BOARD

ASHLEY SMITH Aurora Investment Managers LLC, partner and portfolio manager

IGOR KOPYLOV

KARL ROUWHORST

VICKI BAKER UBS Private Wealth Management, executive team assistant

CHAD JENSEN Method & Concept, creative director, managing partner

CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL Stock Development, vice president, sales and marketing

SHAWN MCCONNELL NCH Healthcare, marketing and communications director

DONNA MCGINNIS Naples Botanical Garden, president and CEO

BRENDA MELTON Celebrity Martini Glass Auction, founder

MICHAEL WYNN Sunshine Ace Hardware, president

ASHLEY GERRY NCEF, trustee; CMON, board member 20

AUDREY SNOW OWEN

IGOR KOPYLOV

SHELLY STAYER CHAIRWOMAN, Naples Illustrated Advisory Board Johnsonville Foods, president/co-owner

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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3084 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, Florida 34103 239.263.7900 BorelliConstructionOfNaples.com

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Structural & Valvular Heart Disease

C E N T E R O F E XC E L L E N C E At the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, our Structural & Valvular Heart Disease Center of Excellence specializes in treating complex heart conditions with unmatched expertise. Our multidisciplinary team of sub-specialty experts deliver first-in-class care, using the latest innovations and technologies to ensure every patient receives the best possible outcome.

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Scan to learn more

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A DAY IN THE LIFE Second tower now selling First tower move-in early 2026 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.

TheResidencesEsteroBay.com | 239.788.0155 O P E N D A I LY

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5000 COCONUT ROAD

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B O N I TA S P R I N G S , F LO R I D A 3 4 1 3 4

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay are not owned, sold or developed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. or its affiliates (“The Ritz-Carlton”).

LB Estero Bay Investments, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from The Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein.

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FROM THE EDITOR

THE MEANING OF HOME JESSI NORVELL OF MEGAN DIPIERO PHOTOGRAPHY

Like anything else, the idea of home can differ—shaped by our experiences, emotions, and shifting perspectives. It can feel warm and simple, as in that wistful phrase from The Wizard of Oz, or more complex, fleeting, and bittersweet, as Thomas Wolfe reminds us in You Can’t Go Home Again. Whether we view it a steadfast sanctuary or mutable milieu, home holds many meanings, and this issue of Naples Illustrated reflects some of this breadth.

Our cover spotlights Neapolitans Mike and Janie Yag, a couple who have built a comfortable life on Shore Acres Farm, an equestrian complex they established on the east side of Naples. The Yags own more than two dozen Selle Françias (French saddle horses), while Shore Acres boards another approximate two dozen steeds. In addition to impressive riding and jumping facilities and a barn any horse owner would covet, this article showcases the Yags’ residence (also sited on the farm), as well as Mike’s impressive collection of luxury automobiles.

Read more about this interesting pair and the remarkable farm they call home, starting on page 100.

Many individuals buy and sell real estate with little regard of provenance; however, this is certainly not the case for part-time Neapolitans Chris and Anna Bower, who spend a portion of their time at Pembroke Lodge, their storied residence in Lake Forest, Illinois. An impressive 30-room manse—built by renowned architect Henry Ives Cobb—Pembroke Lodge debuted as the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, an enterprise led by the Lake Forest chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. The Bowers, enthusiasts of architecture and design, opened the home to several top-tier interior designers who, room by room, transformed the aesthetic to better reflect the estate’s heritage. For more on this incredible property, including photography of the stellar design work, turn to page 116.

Another feature article addresses a topic that’s in all our backyards: the Everglades. Several months ago, I had the opportunity to take an aerial tour of South Florida with Steve Davis, chief science officer for The Everglades Foundation. As Davis and I soared above the Everglades, he explained several of the critical challenges affecting this vast biome. He also educated me on a vital restoration project currently underway to help address some of these issues: the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir. To read more about this nearly $4 billion undertaking and why it’s so crucial to South Florida’s ecology and economy, flip to page 124.

For more on home and design, don’t miss the latest content in our Reside section, where we spotlight the stunning Naples abode of residents Anthony and Ashley Solomon (page 67). Drenched in warm hues and blending chic sophistication with bohemian flair, it’s a space that is both inviting and inspiring.

I will always consider the Southern Illinois house I was raised in my home sweet home and remember the carpenters who painstakingly built it: my father and mother. Here’s hoping your associations of home— past or present—are just as fond.

Jane E. Enos jenos@naplesillustrated.com

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NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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Clockwise: Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly conducts the Naples Philharmonic; Community Day; Art After Hours; Naples International Film Festival. Opposite: 2024-25 Florida Contemporary exhibition; Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley with the Naples Philharmonic.

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Come and share in a love of the arts

From music to sculpture, symphony to ballet, brush strokes to poetry—the spoken word, the big themes, the fine detail, the shared experience—and from Broadway to Bach and back again, it all finds celebration and connection here. Come and share your love of the arts with us, as we share our love of the arts with you.

The 2025-26 Florida Contemporary exhibition is generously sponsored by Naples Illustrated.

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Home of The Baker Museum & Naples Philharmonic 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard Naples, FL 34108 artisnaples.org

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NICK SHIRGHIO

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WHO: Community School of Naples Veterans and First Responders Fund WHAT: Flight of Fashion WHERE: Private hangar, Naples Airport DETAILS: To honor and support family of the community’s active service members, veterans, and first responders, guests came together for an evening of fashion and fun, raising money for students of those who have served our nation.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated 1. Lukas and Teresa Krapf 2. Brian Roland 3. Tom and Laina Kennedy, Yasmin and Erik Papenfuss 4. Chad and Lori Oliver 5. Ashley Gerry, Heather Dockweiler 6. Olga and Ryan DeCaprio 7. Art Degaetano, Steve Hagenbuckle 8.

Kathy Beuttel, Erin Bryant, Adair Scott, Meegan Wyatt 9. Kristi and Jeff Gargiulo, Allison and Jon Lubert, Nikki and Nick Richmond 10. John Allen, Kristi Gargiulo, Nikki Richmond

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NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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Naples | Palm Beach | Greenwich | CocoonGa llery.com

EARTH-SOURCED, HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE + DECOR

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UPLIFTING AND INSPIRING LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO: The Education Foundation of Collier County—Champions For Learning WHAT: Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers WHERE: Naples United Church of Christ DETAILS: More than 400 members of the community attended the thirty-fifth annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers to honor the very best of Collier County’s educators. This year’s honorees included 54 teachers of distinction, seven teachers of the year, and four Golden Apple recipients.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

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REAGAN RULE AND OLGA HAYES

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8 9 1. Jack and Sydney Whittaker, Melissa and Tom Janes 2. 2025 Teachers of Distinction 3. Craig DeJager, Gina Manville DeJager, Walter Manville 4. Amarillys Berrios, Alexa Flores 5. Diane Mascianica, Michaelene James, Leo Hogan 6. Sydney Whittaker, Erin Powell, Gina Manville DeJager, Amarillys Berrios 7. Stephanie Viviano, Dottie and John Whipple 8. Channing Frampton 9. Kathy Sachs, April Jennings, Anne and Albert Girod 10. Bob Hyde, Jeffrey Kunberger, Leslie Ricciardelli, Alfonso Mancini

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NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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WHO: 2L Foundation WHAT: Love & Light Gala WHERE: Ferrari of Naples DETAILS: Founded by Onur Haytec, the 2L Foundation’s second annual gala event was a night of generosity and inspiration, featuring keynote speaker Tim Tebow. More than $585,000 was raised to support the mission of helping and protecting children.

1. Melanie Blume, Tim Tebow, Alyssa Smith, Michelle Dangelo 2. Lance and

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Candice White 3. Christopher Menton, Valerie Sorge, Jelena and Onur Haytec, Garsy Hadi 4. Daniel and Ashley Novaes 5. Onur and Jelena Haytec, Tim Tebow, Ashley and Adam Gerry 6. Vanessa Kahn, Larry Catena 7. Brad Stevens, Kristin Cartwright 8. Theresa Mascari, Tim Tebow, Vicky Strumillo 9.

Alex Marlowe, Robert Kiffney, Patrick Dearborn, Jay Campbell, Ira Dean, Adam Gerry 10. Ashley Gerry, Jennifer

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Dean 11. Joe and Mary Smallwood

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CRAFTED W I T H

B R I L L I A N C E

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 across Southwest Florida.

NAPLES | ESTERO | SARASOTA HOBE SOUND | WELLINGTON | PALM BEACH

239.249.6400 | StockCustomHomes.com BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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WALKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WHO: NAMI Collier WHAT: Hope Shines Walk WHERE: Arthrex, Naples DETAILS: To show support and raise community awareness of mental health, friends and family gathered for the twenty-third annual Hope Shines Walk around the Arthrex corporate campus.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAMI COLLIER

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8 1. Ron and Jill Bellestri, Alexander Bellestri, Kristi Yates, Libby Lewis 2. Back Country Boys 3. Alba Lucia Espinosa, Kellie Nuara 4. Sue Huff, Joaquin Hernandez, Amy Turner 5. Leslie Turner, Tracy Hoffman 6. Colette Joseph, Lisa Gonzalez, Ruth Girlando, Amanda Vaturi, Orjena Fisheku, Kaludia Fisheku 7. Jane Brown, Lisa Casey 8. Back row: Kevin Borders, David Gordley; front row: Brad Johnson, Carrie Gordley, Jennifer Johnson, Michelle Borders

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9. Ryan, Gracie, Hannah, and Kaitlyn Adams

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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Full-Service Interior Design Fine Furnishings Space Planning Interior Architectural Detailing 3D Rendering Project Management

www.reneegaddis.com 239.431.8352 15940 Old 41 N., Suite 530 • Naples, FL 34110

See more work #reneegaddisinteriors

FL LICENSE IB26001518

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PREVAILING OVER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WHO: The Shelter for Abused Women & Children WHAT: Mending Broken Hearts with Hope Luncheon WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón DETAILS: This year’s twenty-fifth anniversary luncheon to help continue preventing, protecting, and prevailing over domestic violence featured keynote speaker Denise Brown.

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HELEN WERNER PHOTOGRAPHY

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1. Barbara and John Jordan, Kelli Burns 2. The Shelter for Abused Women & Children board of directors with CEO Linda Oberhaus and Denise Brown 3. Diane McCaw, Suzanne Costa 4. Bill Barnett, Christine and Terry Flynn, Sharon Sheline 5. Tom Butz, Corey Lazar, Dan Bennewitz, Dave Ridenour 6. Shari Kapelina, Michele Scurfield, Melissa Behm 7. Linda Meak, Linda Oberhaus, Denise Brown 8. Sherie Marek, Carol Joseph, Cindy Scalise, Barbara Crooks 9. Jen Grossman, Della Robbins 10. Beth Brady, Barb Cabay, Sue Hay, Kathryn Bettis 36

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PINE RIDGE 172 HICKORY RD | $3.3M

SOLD PARK SHORE 250 PARK SHORE DR 601 | $1.925M

PORT ROYAL 1570 GALLEON DRIVE | $11.9M

OLDE NAPLES 625 5TH AVE S PH302 | $2.695M

ROBYN PFISTER GRIFFIN & ROBERT FORBIS GRIFFINFORBIS.COM 792 BROAD AVENUE SOUTH, NAPLES, FL 34102

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239.777.7866 8/27/25 2:04 PM

Theatre worth the

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2025/26 SEASON

OCT. 23-NOV. 23 PREVIEWS: OCT. 21, 22

NOV. 14-DEC. 21 PREVIEWS: NOV. 11, 12 & 13

JAN. 15-FEB. 15

PREVIEWS: JAN. 11, 13 & 14

Directed By Matt Lenz

JAN. 29-MAR. 1 PREVIEWS: JAN. 27, 28

MAR. 5-APR. 4 PREVIEWS: MAR. 1, 3 & 4

MAR. 26-APR. 26 PREVIEWS: MAR. 24, 25

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! To get tickets, visit us at GULFSHOREPLAYHOUSE.ORG or contact our box office at 239.261.7529

APR. 30-MAY 31 PREVIEWS: APR. 26, 28 & 29

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

Sponsored by

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HELOC rates as low as

5.74% APR*

INTRODUCTORY RATE1

A smarter way to borrow.

Scan the QR code to learn more, visit our new Naples branch at 10975 Tamiami Trail, or call 1-800-341-4333. *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender.

1 Rates and terms are accurate as of 05/06/2025 and are subject to change without notice. Borrowers with credit scores 700 and above may receive an introductory 5.74.% fixed APR for the first 12 months with up to 75% Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) ratio and a maximum loan amount of $500,000.00. After the initial 12-month period, the APR becomes variable, adjusting based on the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus an applicable margin. Subject to creditworthiness.

Borrowers with credit scores 620-699 for first-lien HELOCs or 640-699 for second-lien HELOCs may receive a 6.99% fixed APR for 12 months with up to 75% Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) ratio and a maximum loan amount of $500,000.00. After the initial 12-month period, the APR becomes variable, adjusting based on the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus an applicable margin. Subject to creditworthiness.

Secondary Home: Home Equity Line of Credit products securitizing second home introductory rates as low as 6.99% APR, Prime + Margin for life thereafter. Minimum draw at closing required. Closing costs will be paid by Teachers, but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the minimum balance requirement on the HELOC is not met for the first 36 months of account opening.

Teachers offers either an amortizing or an interest only repayment option. (1) The amortizing loan has a 20 year drawdown period followed by a 10 year repayment period. (2) The interest only loan has a 10 year draw period followed by a 20 year repayment period.Lines up to $50,000 require $15,000 minimum advance and must maintain a minimum balance of $10,000 for 36 months to avoid repayment of closing costs.

Lines $50,001 - $100,000 require $30,000 minimum advance and must maintain a minimum balance of $20,000 for 36 months to avoid repayment of closing costs. Lines $100,001 - $200,000 requires $60,000 minimum advance and must maintain a minimum balance of $40,000 for 36 months to avoid repayment of closing costs. Lines $200,001.00 -$500,000.00 require $150,000.00 minimum advance and must maintain a minimum balance of $100,000.00 to avoid repayment of closing costs. Variable rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate as published 30 days prior to interest rate adjustment date, applied at loan origination.

The annual percentage rate may change monthly. The rate cannot increase or decrease more than 1.0 percentage point at each adjustment, with a rate not to exceed the maximum legal limit for Federal Credit Unions (currently 18%). The annual percentage rate will never go below 3% at any time during the term of the plan. Rates/terms are subject to change without notice and Teachers reserves all rights to revoke, suspend or modify this promotion at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and not all applicants may qualify for the lowest rate displayed. Maximum loan amount offered is $500,000.00. All offers of credit are subject to credit approval and property valuation; applicants may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms. Loan-to-Value (“LTV”) restrictions apply. Hazard insurance is required on all loans secured by real property; if the premises are located in a special flood hazard area, flood insurance may also be required. This offer is only available for owner-occupied primary residences and is not available for properties located in North Dakota, Idaho, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Mississippi, Iowa, Kentucky, or West Virginia. Please consult with a Teachers Federal Credit Union representative for more information. Membership required, $1.00 minimum Regular Savings account is required at or prior to HELOC opening. Consult a tax professional regarding the deductibility of your interest payments and charges.

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REFINED LUXURY ENRICHED BY NATURE

R E SI DE NC E SNA P L E S .C OM

Now Under Construction • From $13.75 Million • 239-776-3060 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. This project has been fi led in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Naples is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR NB, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affi liates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. Copyright 2025 © All Rights Reserved.

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INSIDER THE INSIDE TRACK TO NEAPOLITAN LIVING

SPOTLIGHT

«

Luxury sports car enthusiasts have a new place to gather in downtown Naples at Porsche Studio Naples. The fifth studio of its kind from the high-powered brand, the new space is located on Fifth Avenue South and opened in June. Highlights include a Porsche racing simulator straight from Germany, a coffee bar, a boutique with Porsche apparel, and other features. Porsche Naples Director of Marketing & Operations Danielle Greenberg explains the purpose of the studio is to provide opportunities for immersion within the Porsche brand without the pressure of buying a car. “Porsche is more than a car,” Greenberg says. “It has become more of an experience and a lifestyle. So, that’s why with our studio, you can come and grab a coffee. Or, you can race on the simulator. But really, you

can just dream about what Porsche really is.”

Visitors will also be met with a distinctive scent that’s unique to Porsche. “We want people to tie that in with the Porsche studios,” Greenberg notes. “All of your senses are being elevated. Your sight, touch, and smell.” Those senses can be connected to building your own Porsche model on a configurator.

“We have live paint and interior samples,” Greenberg adds. There is no charge for entry to Porsche Studio Naples; however, those who visit can make a difference when they purchase art displayed in the studio. Per Greenberg, 20 percent of proceeds from purchased art will benefit The Salvation Army Naples. (porschestudionaples.com) –Victoria Scott

COURTESY OF PORSCHE NAPLES

DREAM DRIVES

The world's fifth Porsche Studio opens in downtown Naples, providing aficionados a place to experience the high-powered brand in handson ways.

NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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INSIDER SHOP LOCAL

A New Page for Third Street South

Lindsay Smith and Shan O’Fee-Byrom (at left) will open Books on Third this fall, offering books, gifts, and more.

emporium. Along with an assortment of fiction and nonfiction books, Smith says, “We will offer a larger art, travel, and architecture section.” The store will also sell children’s books, games, toys, and accessories, as well as fresh florals. The co-founders are excited to offer a robust event calendar that will include author visits, talks, and book signings, as well as topical speakers, book clubs, and more. “It has been exciting to see the space come to life,” says Smith. (booksonthird.com) –Gaylene Salomons

COURTESY OF THIRD STREET SOUTH

The Third Street South shopping district welcomes a new addition this month: Books on Third. Founders and Neapolitans Shan O’Fee-Byrom and Lindsay Smith met through their children; they have six between the two of them. As their children got older, the mothers felt ready for new pursuits. Both are avid readers, and O’Fee-Byrom had always wanted to open a bookstore, though not alone.

Since December of last year, the two have been planning this new chapter of their lives.

Together they scoured the town and found what they believe is the perfect location for their independent bookstore: the balcony space above Tony’s Off Third and Ridgway Bar & Grill. “We fell in love with Third Street,” says O’Fee-Byrom. “There is an old-fashioned charm about it. It feels like a community.”

Their enterprise includes a carefully curated book and gift

PARTNERING

Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, Home Base Florida, part of the large national nonprofit Home Base, continues to provide healing opportunities for local veterans and military families impacted by the ofteninvisible wounds of war. Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center, a captive-bred exotic animal rescue center in east Naples, once again collaborated with Home Base Florida’s Adventure Series program, an initiative aimed at strengthening bonds with veterans and their families through a variety of free events.

Veterans were invited to the sanctuary and introduced to Shy Wolf’s rescued animals, which often come from abused, abandoned, and neglected situations. As the animal encounters take place in a peaceful and natural environment, veterans and animals are given the opportunity to experience unconditional love and courage. Following the animal encounters, the veterans assisted in a hands-on volunteer project building planters for the property. “Only through generous partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits is Home Base Florida able to host [such] activities,” says Armando Hernandez, Home Base Florida senior director and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. (homebase.org/florida) —G.S. 44

COURTESY OF TRISTA MEISTER

Collective Healing

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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Everything

BY DESIGN

Explore world-class luxury showrooms, elevated workspaces, and awe-inspiring event venues— now open to the public.

ALL UNDER ONE ICONIC ROOF

WWW.DCOTA.COM

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INSIDER ENRICHMENT

Say It in Spanish

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GOLFING FOR A PURPOSE Monies raised at charity events this past summer continued breaking records. Grace Place for Children and Families, a nonprofit family literacy center committed to providing pathways out of poverty through education, raised $481,929 at their annual Swing of Grace charity golf tournament. The event, held at Bonita Bay Club, brought together community members, donors, and supporters for a day of purposeful play.

The funds raised will directly benefit Grace Place’s educational programs, scholarship initiatives, and support services for students and families in Golden Gate. Grace Place first started in 2004 with one employee. Twenty-one years later, it boasts 120 employees,

ELISE PFISTER

Maria Thimothy has always loved languages.

The native Spanish speaker, who immigrated to Chicago from Mexico, studied French at Northwestern University; she learned Italian to help her while traveling as a young graduate. Later, as an assistant director at a French institute in the Chicago area, she developed a Spanishimmersion preschool and kindergarten program for the organization’s sister school.

Thimothy and her husband moved to Naples seven years ago with their children. As a mother committed to maintaining bilingualism in her own home, she saw a need in the area for Spanish-learning resources. With her background in language and at her husband’s prompting, she founded LingoStars, an organization offering full immersion workshops combined with fun activities to help more area children learn Spanish.

Thimothy believes learning another language is a great opportunity, affording numerous cognitive, academic, and social benefits. “You even learn your own language better,” she says.

Thimothy recommends starting young to achieve native-like fluency in another language.

LingoStars offers numerous Spanish immersion classes and workshops—all taught by a team of native Spanish speakers—to children between the ages of 5 and 8, regardless of language proficiency. The fun, engaging classes focus on Thimothy’s methodology of “present, practice, and produce.” Currently, she is looking for a physical space where she plans to someday open a Spanish-immersion preschool. (lingostars.com) –G.S.

1,200 students, and more than 300 volunteers, as well as an operating budget greater than $6 million.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, sponsored, volunteered, and supported this year’s tournament,” said Lära Fisher, CEO of Grace Place.

“This community continues to prove it cares enough to make a difference.” (graceplacenaples.org) —G.S.

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INTERMISSION A quiet pause before the last act unfolds.

15 spacious residences up to 5,700 square feet – with private parking, designer finishes, and sprawling amenities that steal the show.

Now Under Construction • 239-362-9558 • EncoreNaplesSquare.com • From $3.5M Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the developer. For correct representations make reference to the information contained herein and to the documents required by section 718.503, florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. Community features, amenities and pricing approximate and subject to change without notice.

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INSIDER WORTH IT

SILVER LININGS

BY SEBASTIAN CLARKE AND KATHERINE VAN DELL

From the beginnings of civilization and the earliest uses of currency, silver has been prized for its versatility, durability, and beauty. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used silver for coins, adornment, and ceremonial objects. By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, silver had become a symbol of wealth as silversmiths crafted elaborate pieces for both the aristocracy and the growing middle class. A great deal of silver from this period still exists, and thanks to a robust system of assay and hallmarking, one can often identify where a piece was made, as well as when and by whom.

The British system is one of the most detailed and standardized in the world. A typical hallmark on British sterling silver can include the lion passant, the symbol for sterling silver (.925); the leopard’s head, the mark of the London Assay Office; a date letter, a single letter in a specific font and shield shape representing the year; a maker’s mark, usually the initials of the silversmith or company; and a duty mark, a monarch’s head used between 1784 and 1890 to show tax was paid.

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LF OR TU NE

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORY, MARKINGS, AND UPKEEP OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR PRECIOUS METALS

E NI DA

European countries often follow the Common Control Mark (CCM) system, which uses numbers like “800,” “835,” or “925” to indicate silver purity. In the United States, there is no mandatory hallmarking system. Instead, makers usually stamp “Sterling” or “925,” a maker’s mark such as “Tiffany & Co.,” and occasionally a pattern name or number. Early examples of American silver are usually coin silver; in many cases, silver coins were melted down to produce flatware and other articles.

Silver hallmarks vary, but the British system has standardized symbols that indicate such details as purity and maker, as pictured below.

All these systems of identification can help you verify the authenticity and origin and put a value on an object. Of course, in a modern world of commodity trading, more modest and smaller pieces of silver, even from the eighteenth century, have a higher scrap value than intrinsic or collectible value.

Silver plate, often marked E.P.N.S. (electroplated nickel silver), was brought into mass production by the mid-nineteenth century with the invention of electroplating, the process whereby an electrical current is used to deposit a thin layer of silver on a base metal such as copper or brass. This enabled makers to produce tea services, candlesticks, trays, and more at a much lower cost. Today, with rare exceptions, silver plate has an extremely limited value.

Silver is meant to shine, so cleaning it—as laborious as it can be—is rewarding. Store your silver in a soft cloth bag or even a pillowcase, just not in plastic as it can tarnish the silver. Cleaning silver plate isn’t advised as each cleaning will remove a small amount of an already thin layer.

Tastes are constantly changing, and while we don’t often give or receive silver as a gift, it has timeless appeal that can work in any environment. «

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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TON Y IS A PHON Y, 2017 98” X 78”, OIL ON CANVAS

BY SYLVESTE R STALLON E P R O U D T O E X C L U S I V E LY R E P R E S E N T S Y LV E S T E R S TA L L O N E ’ S A R T W O R K

2 2 6A WO R T H AV E N U E

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PA L M B E AC H , F L

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NEW EXHIBIT N O V E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 2 5 - M AY 3 0 , 2 0 2 6 Step into Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film, an immersive journey through Florida’s cinematic history, from silent films to blockbusters. Explore iconic locations, rare artifacts, and behind-the-scenes stories that showcase how the Sunshine State became a star on the silver screen.

300 N. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-832-4164 | pbchistory.org GET TICKETS Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum

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NAVARRA & VENETIAN MEDALLIONS

766 5th Avenue South, Naples 239.649.7200 15245 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 15, Fort Myers 239.274.7777

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STYLE

HILFIGER HOMES BY TOMMY AND DEE HILFIGER WITH PHOTOGRAPHY

BY DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN, PUBLISHED BY VENDOME PRESS

CURATED FINDS, LUXE ACCESSORIES, AND RUNWAY REPORTS

LITERATI

HOUSE & HILFIGER FLORIDIANS AND INTERNATIONAL STYLE ICONS TOMMY AND DEE HILFIGER DISH ON HILFIGER HOMES, A NEW BOOK SHOWCASING THEIR DISTINCTIVE RESIDENCES

BY KATHERINE LANDE What makes a house a home?

Tommy: A house becomes a home when it reflects who you are: your passions, your history, your memories. It’s not just about style—it’s about creating a place where you feel comfortable, inspired, and surrounded by the things and people you love.

Dee: For me, it’s in the little touches: the scent when you walk in, the music playing, the way the light fills the room. A home should be welcoming and lived-in, while still feeling thoughtfully designed.

How do you approach the design process?

Tommy: We start with a clear vision and the mood we want the space to evoke, then blend classic and modern influences, layer textures, and add elements that make it distinctly ours.

Dee: From that vision, we build together—drawing inspiration from a

Coral House in Palm Beach (above) is one of the seven unique residences featured in Tommy and Dee Hilfiger’s new book, Hilfiger Homes. (vendomepress.com)

fabric, a color palette, an architectural detail, or a vintage reference—and ensure every choice is intentional and practical for how we live.

What are your favorite places to source furniture and decor?

Tommy: We love sourcing pieces from all over the world, whether it’s a vintage market in Paris or an antique shop in Palm Beach. Those one-of-akind finds give a space so much personality.

Dee: Our travels have led us to incredible finds from local artisans and hidden shops. Each one carries the spirit of its origin and brings character, soul, and cherished memories into our home.

NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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CHANEL FALL/ WINTER 2025 The iconic tweed suit is reimagined in a matching head-to-toe runway look.

THE LOOK

Fashionable FABRICS WEAR TEXTILES WITH A FOCUS ON TACTILITY AND TEXTURE

HOME RUN Tweed baseball cap ($350), La Double J, ladoublej.com

BY KATHERINE LANDE

X STYLE NOTES CLASSY COUTURE: Dress up in boucle, shearling, and tweed.

COZY COUTURE: Comfort is key for an effortlessly chic ensemble.

CONSCIOUS COUTURE: Choose pieces made from sustainable fabrics.

TOP TO TOE Fantasy tweed hat ($1,775), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Naples, chanel.com

TWEEDLEDEE Adamantine slingback pumps in tweed ($1,450), Valentino, Marissa Collections, Naples, valentino.com

COLD FEET Zabelle shearling sandals ($698), Cult Gaia, cultgaia.com

OLDEN DAYS Pilgrim tweed clutch ($2,395), Roger Vivier, rogervivier.com

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COURTESY OF CHANEL

FRINGE BENEFITS Cotton and yarn textile Puzzle bag with fringe ($5,150), Loewe, loewe.com

CIAO, BELLA Medium Sicily handbag ($2,395), Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com

SUBLIME SLIPPERS Shearling ballet flats ($980), Ferragamo, Naples, ferragamo.com

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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Collective wisdom and synergistic design make all the difference in the world.

Here is but one example.

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A testament to 25 years of trusted expertise and pioneering vision.

239.596.1613

Let our dedication to timeless aesthetics turn your aspirations into luxurious realities.

romanza.com

8/27/25 11:09 AM

STYLE

What influenced you to launch Edie Parker?

I have collected vintage acrylic bags since high school. Every time I wore them, people had a big reaction— nostalgic, curious, excited. After working at brands like Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana for many years, I saw an opportunity in the evening bag category and set out to remake them for a new generation.

The Edie Parker brand includes whimsical handbags, home decor, smoking accessories, and more.

COURTESY OF EDIE PARKER

Where does the name come from?

Edie Parker is named after my daughter, whose full name is Edie Parker Heyman. I started the business shortly after she was born, so it’s both a dedication to her and the result of not having the energy to come up with another name I loved so soon!

REAL TALK WITH...

Brett Heyman

The founder of Edie Parker dishes on the playfully chic handbag brand’s origins, inspirations, and future What are the greatest inspirations for your collections?

Our brand is bold and bright, so we are often inspired by color combinations found in paintings from the past 60 years. I am always looking at Jonas Wood paintings and Gabriella Crespi objects.

Any advice for emerging accessory designers?

There is already a lot of stuff for sale.

If you are going to add to that, make things that don’t exist, that feel exciting and have a point of differentiation.

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BY KATHERINE LANDE

How did the idea for Flower by Edie Parker (your collection of premium cannabis products and related accessories) come about?

We were looking at other product categories to expand into. The predictable path would have been shoes, jewelry, or clothing. But we didn’t have a lot to say in those categories, and we were very inspired by the idea of elevated smoking accessories, collected like bar accessories, to add to our home collection.

While researching the category and visiting dispensaries, we realized there was not a THC brand speaking credibly to women, and nothing that shared our ethos. It all felt minimalist or medicinal. We were inspired by the idea of cannabis “for a good time,” with packaging and messaging that conveyed that.

Favorite entertaining hack?

With a big group, I’m a big fan of a buffet and eating casually in the living room. Nobody feels stuck and the mood tends to be much livelier.

Best hostess gift?

Our Gemstoned lighter case.

What’s next for the brand?

We are coming to Florida! We will be launching THC products in Müv doors starting this fall. Stay tuned for accessories and wearables inspired by some of our favorite Florida spots.

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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9/2/25 3:10 PM

PRESENTED BY

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STYLE PICTURE THIS Aspen 12-inch HD frame ($229), Aura, auraframes.com As the mom of two little ones, my default gift to the grandparents is a digital picture frame—and Aura’s are best in class. The new Aspen frame is the brand’s thinnest yet, making it perfect for a shelf. Users can upload an unlimited number of photos and videos with the free Aura app, so your kids can say “Cheese!” with abandon.

—Mary Murray, executive editor

DOUBLE TAKE Raul clay vases ($59-$79), Joon Loloi, joonloloi.com I love organic shapes and vessels that appear ancient. If I can’t source them from some fabulous part of the world, I turn to Joon Loloi. I’m currently loving their Raul clay vases, handcrafted by Honduran artisans using time-honored techniques. They’re stunning in their earthiness and simplicity—no flowers needed!

—Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director

THE EDIT

Shelf Life

ENHANCE YOUR ENVIRONS WITH SOME OF OUR EDITORS’ FAVORITE FINDS FOR BOOKSHELVES AND BEYOND BUNNY ON THE SHELF Nordic abstract rabbit sculpture ($149), ArtZ, artzmiami.com Rabbits make me smile. I perch a cobalt blue resin bunny on a shelf’s edge for a fun and quirky way to add some animation to my inanimate compilations. —Gaylene Salomons, senior editor

BORN LUCKY Tianlong dragon sculpture ($1,200), Lalique, us.lalique.com If your Chinese astrology sign is the dragon (like mine), own it with pride.

This striking red crystal sculpture captures everything the beast is said to represent: majesty, intelligence, ambition, and—best of all—good fortune.

—Jane E. Enos, editor in chief

END ALL BE ALL Library bookends ($1,250) Assouline, assouline.com I can never get enough books to line my shelves or chic bookends to hold them.

This pair is made to mimic a serious stack of tomes— making my library look even more well-stocked—and they’re hefty enough to support even my largerformat coffee-table books.

—Kristen Desmond LeFevre, contributing editor 58

ALL AFLUTTER Botanist lacquer box ($175 for large), Jonathan Adler, jonathanadler.com As a perennial nature enthusiast, I’m currently coveting Jonathan Adler’s vivid, velvet-lined Botanist box. Available in three sizes, it may be stacked or shown off as a stand-alone treasure to embellish a shelf, with the added bonus of a metamorphosis into secret storage if desired. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor

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Supported by

Celebrate family and friends.

Share memories of loved ones. Discover special displays, music, dancers, and much more!

Plan your visit at naplesgarden.org

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STYLE

1

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3 BIJOUX

The Eyes Have It

4

THWART BAD LUCK WITH THESE LITERAL AND PLAYFUL TAKES ON THE EVIL EYE SYMBOL

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BY MARY MURRAY

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1. CRY ME A RIVER Guita M eye necklace with Suleiman agate and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $5,200. (guitam-jewelry.com) 2. CHIC CYCLOPS Ali Weiss Jewelry large evil eye charm with diamonds and sapphires set in 14-karat gold, $2,800, chain sold separately. (aliweissjewelry.com) 3. SEEING DOUBLE Lionheart Soraya evil eye dangle earrings with diamonds and sapphires set in 14-karat gold, $6,895. (lionheartjewelry.com) 4. OUT OF SIGHT Juliana Krys diamond clasp bracelet with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $7,595. (julianakrysjewelry.com) 5. CLOSE WATCH Jacquie Aiche eye large dome ring with enamel and diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $8,850. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com) 6. POINT OF VIEW Buddha Mama evil eye ring with morganite, diamonds, and pink sapphires set in 20-karat gold, $16,700. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com) 7. TUNNEL VISION La Enovesé Designs evil eye cuff with emerald and sapphire cubic zirconia set in 24-karat gold filled, $585. (laenovesedesigns.com) 8. BABY BLUES Eden Presley Protect Yourself earrings with turquoise, pearls, and diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $3,200. (edenpresley.com) 9. DON’T BLINK Effy Jewelry evil eye bracelet with diamonds and blue sapphires set in 14-karat gold, $2,447. (effyjewelry.com)

NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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The Art of Living Vibrantly

It’s All Here. The Best of Naples.

Sports Park Now Open, Clubhouse Opens Fall 2026.

Caymas, Naples’ premier luxury lakefront community, has elevated resort-style living with the opening of its exceptional Sports Park. This recreational centerpiece features 6 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, dog parks, plus a sports pro shop and gathering space where residents can connect and play.

Construction is now underway on our spectacular 30,000-square-foot social clubhouse, scheduled to open Fall 2026. This stunning centerpiece will complete the Caymas lifestyle with resort-style pools, indoor/outdoor dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center, private movie theater, immersive golf simulator, and an array of luxury amenities. Nowhere else in Naples will you find such a grand selection of designer homes paired with this exceptional level of lifestyle offerings.

Residences by Stock Luxury Homes and Pulte Homes.

Located 2 miles south of I-75 on the east side of Collier Boulevard.

9385 Caymas Terrace, Naples, FL 34114 | 239.249.6265

caymasnaples.com Residences from $1 million ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

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STYLE BEAUTY

ASHLEY MEYER

RAISE THE BAR

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Lather up with soap bars that boast heady aromas, skin-loving ingredients, and sumptuous suds: Baobab Collection Soap Paris, with details from the Eiffel Tower and the aromas of mimosa and lime blossom ($30), and Soap Miami, embossed with South Beach’s Art Deco buildings and scented with sea salt, maritime pine, and cypress ($30, us.baobabcollection. com); CaswellMassey Orchid Bar Soap, a blooming concoction of Cattleya orchid, bergamot, nashi pear, freesia, and vanilla ($14, caswellmassey. com); Carrière Frères Solid Body Soap Bosci, a distinctly natural and vegetal bar made with organic coconut, sunflower, and safflower oils, plus shea butter ($35, carrierefreres.com); Flamingo Estate Green Goddess Soap Brick, infused with fresh mint, pea tendrils, African rosemary, and ginger ($44, flamingoestate. com); Soft Services Green Banana Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant, an exfoliating powerhouse that tackles keratosis pilaris, rough skin, and more ($30 for two, softservices.com); and C. O. Bigelow Valobra Reseda Bar Soap, with soothing wheat germ oil cream ($9, bigelowchemists. com). —Abigail Duffy

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3 2 Y E A R S O F E X P E R I E N C E F R O M P O R T R OYA L TO B O N I TA B E AC H

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RESIDE

DESIGN AND DECOR FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

AT HOME WITH ...

THE SOLOMON FAMILY IN THEIR COQUINA SANDS HOME, A FAMILY OF FOUR COMFORTABLY RESIDES WITH A FEARLESSLY CURATED COLLECTION OF MODERN AMERICAN MAXIMALISM

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK SHIRGHIO

X Art and accessories, bold draperies, and new and vintage furniture—all served on a platter of dark wood floors—provide a feast for the senses in the beautifully proportioned and defined rooms of the Solomon home. A mix and match of antiques and family heirlooms, such as

an oriental chest that once lived in dad Anthony’s childhood bedroom, are perfectly placed throughout the nearly 4,000-square-foot home.

Every room contains artwork—collected from years of travels and visits to art fairs—meaningful to the family. “We have more art than we can hang on the walls,” says mom Ashley.

When asked if they like their home, children Aidan and Margot Jude (MJ) quickly respond with, “We love it.” When they visit, MJ’s friends think she lives in a museum and are afraid to touch. But they needn’t be, for as Ashley explains, “This is the way we live; this is as perfect as you will ever see it.”

Anthony is the president and owner of the Ronto Group, a land and condominium de-

veloper in South Florida responsible for such completed projects as Naples Square, Seaglass at Bonita Bay, Eleven Eleven Central, TwinEagles, and Hideway Beach. The company was founded by Anthony’s father in 1967 in Toronto, Canada, and this year celebrates 50 years of business in Florida. Current projects include Encore Naples Square, Rosewood Residences Naples, Rosewood Residences at Lido Key, and Infinity at The Colony.

Anthony joined the family firm in 2005, shortly after completing college in Canada, the country of his birth. Ashley, also from Canada, moved south around the same time.

Their children were both born in Naples. MJ is a junior at Naples High School, and Aidan NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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In direct contrast to the prevailing trend for lighter and brighter palettes that dominate contemporary home decor, especially in coastal towns, Ashley wanted striking colors, patterns, and textural juxtaposition. “I think it was a reaction to the monochromatic and unadorned spaces I had been living in since moving to Southwest Florida,” she remarks.

Her search led to Miami-based interior designer, Alex Alonso, the founder and creative principal of Mr. Alex Tate Interior Design.

“Our studio is known for creating eclectic, layered looks,” explains Alonso. As the fam-

GABRIEL VOLPI

GABRIEL VOLPI

attends University of Florida, where he is studying business administration.

The family purchased their California Mission–style home—with a white stucco exterior and a red-tile roof—in 2015. Designed

by Stofft Cooney Architects and built by BCB Homes in 2006, it is situated on a large lot with western exposure in the coveted and centrally located Coquina Sands neighborhood.

After a floor-to-ceiling renovation—adding millwork to the living room ceiling, new flooring, and a glass-enclosed wall for their extensive wine collection—Ashley, herself a qualified interior designer, set out to find someone she might collaborate with to realize the bold sensibility she was craving.

GABRIEL VOLPI

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ily already owned a great mix of collectibles and antiques, Alonso says he saw possibility.

“I like immersive rooms, with lots of history and details.”

Collaboration in design is, for Alonso, indispensable. He believes design is successful when well-grounded in partnership. Although Naples was outside of his jurisdiction (most of his work is currently done in Los Angeles), he happily agreed to partner on the project, abiding by his design mission to create fearlessly. He and his team provided the

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perfect sounding board for Ashley.

The project took time. “We wanted to get it right,” explains Alonso. He remembers Ashley envisioned a swanky look in the living room— like that seen in the lobby of an exquisite boutique hotel. The team pulled it together utilizing the vintage piano Ashley purchased from the home’s previous owners. A showcase bar made of a rosy-pink marble, a small sitting area, and a stunning chandelier of brass and parchment paper hanging from the high ceiling add to the drama.

Elsewhere in the home, the multifarious look continues. There is an antique art deco–style armoire that sits in the hallway across from the formal dining room; an irregular shaped, funky upholstered breakfast nook in the kitchen; a blackwalled guest bathroom; wallpaper on the ceiling of the dining room; and tile laid in wall insets.

Although their home’s interior is full and busy (mirroring the lives the family members lead), it provides a cozy sanctuary. It is a welcoming place where family and friends gather to celebrate the major Jewish holidays and where kids are free to visit, relax, and enjoy, providing all the comforts that a good home should. «

GABRIEL VOLPI

Although the interior of the Solomon home is full and busy, mirroring the lives the family leads, there are a plethora of cozy and elegant spaces in which to gather.

Furniture Home Accessories Artwork Jewelry & Gifts “... a treasure trove of a home store.”

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407 Fifth Avenue South 239.643.4202 PeachTreeDesigns.com

NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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RESIDE ROOM ROUNDUP

ROOMS WE LOVE A SAMPLING OF MEMORABLE SPACES REFLECTS THE CREATIVE MINDS OF TALENTED LOCAL DESIGNERS

BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS

Some spaces are so special, they receive endless accolades. But what elements come together to create these outstanding and memorable rooms? Interior designer Renée Gaddis, principal at Renée Gaddis Interiors, has composed numerous noteworthy spaces. Her recipe for the exquisite includes lighting, architectural details, and one-of-a kind appointments for warmth. She abides by the 70/30 design rule, meaning 70 percent of a room should anchor the space, while 30 percent should be left for unexpected contrast.

Texture, bold color, and unique style also come into play. “Once you understand the basic fundamentals of design and scale, you can then push the envelope and create a cohesive and unforgettable space,” says Gaddis. Six local designers shared some of their favorite spaces and how they came to be. Read on for more.

LORI HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY

X

SLEEK STUDY Romanza Interior Design Emblematic of its stately Naples home, this striking study epitomizes purposeful elegance. Natural light flows through the sleek glass doors and fuses with the owner’s mementos, softening the elegant room. “Families and guests alike want to feel invited to sit and relax while their eyes enjoy the surroundings,” says Jennifer Stevens, senior design director at Romanza Interior Design. She thoughtfully selected fabrics, woods, and accessories. “Touch-friendly furnishings are key to producing a livable and sophisticated space,” shares Stevens. (romanza.com)

TRICIA SHAY PHOTOGRAPHY

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W Design Owners of a Kalea Bay condo came to W Design looking to create a home that would tell their story and still look beautifully put together. “You can learn a lot from a person by the objects on their shelves or the books on their table,” says Wendy Barry, owner and principal designer at W Design. Working in unison, the W Design team explained that many accessories were specially curated for this home. Barry says, “We love this space. It feels found, eclectic, and collected over time, while remaining serene, sophisticated, and grounded by a monochromatic color palette of earthy neutrals.” (wdesign.com)

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GILDED ELEGANCE.

Unique alabaster panels meet gold in this stunning chandelier, bringing timeless sophistication to any room.

& Since

KANSAS CITY

10530 Marty St. (913)642-1500

ST. LOUIS

909 S Brentwood Blvd. (314)222-6300

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50 Years

wilsonlighting.com

1975

NAPLES

2465 Trade Center Way (239)592-6006

BONITA SPRINGS

3333 Renaissance Blvd (239)948-9000

8/27/25 11:09 AM

RESIDE

PHILLIP CATES PHOTOGRAPHY

SEASIDE HAVEN Mercedes Courland Interiors Just like an artist creating a painting, Mercedes Courland, president and creative director at Mercedes Courland Interiors, implements a process employing intuitive vision in her designs.

“The result is a subtle creation that stimulates the senses,” she says. Drenched in textural Phillip Jeffries woven wallpaper—reminiscent of the condominium’s seaside location—this bedroom exudes a calming, modern, and coastal attitude. To increase the room’s beachy elegance, the designer selected a bold marble-based lamp, crisp white bed linens accented in blue, and artwork made from real sand dollars. A few fun accessories highlight the space’s comfortable and welcoming aesthetic. “I like to research and curate special elements that have universal harmony together; it’s a process that involves ingrained creativity,” says Courland. (mercedescourland.com)

NICHOLAS FERRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

COLLECTIVE PIZZAZZ Diana Hall Design This delightful abode in Bonita Springs lacked space for the client’s collection of books, photos, and knickknacks. Interior designers Diana Hall and Taylor Morrison of Diana Hall Design solved the dilemma by adding bump-outs with well-lit shelving. The result: oodles of space and added appeal. “Interviewing the client is a key factor in creating a space that meets all needs. The living room was designed for both entertaining and as a primary TV-viewing space,” says Hall, principal designer for the firm. “This small space delights the senses.” Original artwork above the TV provides a novel and colorful focal point. “I always add a little something unexpected to a space,” shares Hall. (dianahalldesign.com)

Kate Killeen Design Easily modified to welcome a little girl or boy, this charming nursery, found in a Naples home, was designed by Kate Killeen, CEO and principal designer at Kate Killeen Design. “My favorite element in this space is the gorgeous jungle mural. It is playful but sophisticated and was designed to work for an infant, toddler, and a young child,” explains Killeen.

White wall paneling, a striped area rug, and a circular side table ensure the space is sweet—yet not suffocating. “My philosophy with designing any room, including nurseries, is to always aim for timelessness, staying away from fads and focusing on high quality.

I also make sure to include details that make it personal,” relays Killeen. (katekilleendesign.com) 72

RICK BETHEM PHOTOGRAPHY

ROCKABY BABY

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BUILDING DREAMS THROUGH EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN

KITCHEN + BATH | INTERIORS + DESIGN | DESIGN + BUILD 8951 Bonita Beach Road SE, #593 | Bonita Springs, FL

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|

239.489.0018

|

www.AMBIANCECREATIONS.org

8/20/25 11:55 AM

RESIDE

AMBER FREDERIKSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT Calusa Bay Interior Design Liz Brown and Zoey Alfrey, interior designers at Calusa Bay Interior Design, composed this resortlike space for their clients who—when lounging on their large outdoor living area—crave privacy. Employing lush green tropical plants as a living wall instantly produced this desired effect. Inside the relaxing refuge, two comfortable white lounge chairs juxtapose textured appointments without overwhelming the space or blocking the hideaway’s open view. “The design feels both intentional and breezy, like a curated retreat that doesn’t try too hard,” imparts Brown. “Every detail plays a role in turning this outdoor area into a true showstopper. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to stay awhile.” (calusabaydesign.com)

/ LA #791

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COURTESY OF MOSHE GOLDSTEIN AT ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

RESIDE INSPIRED LIVING

All the World’s a Stage TWO WORLD-CLASS STAGERS SHARE THEIR TIPS AND MAIN TAKEAWAYS

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH STAGER: Vesta Home One of the country’s leading luxury home staging firms, Vesta has designers in each of its four core markets (one of which is South Florida) and is known for transforming multimillion-dollar properties to help them sell faster and at a higher price. (vestahome.com)

3. Add layering. No matter what style the home is, it needs a layering effect so you feel a sense of livable luxury.

What’s your go-to color palette?

I always prefer a neutral palette. To me, it brings a sense of peace. In my experience, people often struggle to picture themselves in a space filled with bold colors. When the space is neutral, they can easily imagine adding their own personality and style through color and decor. That does not exclude all colors; it’s the way you use color. I like to incorporate black, blues, and green.

What are some keys to furniture placement?

I prefer using fewer larger-scale pieces rather than filling a room with smaller items. It creates a clean, simple, and elegant feel that makes the space look more cohesive and well-balanced.

What are the most pivotal rooms in a staged home?

The main living space and the primary bedroom. The living area is where people spend most of their time—it needs to feel open, inviting, and functional.

The primary bedroom, on the other hand, should feel like a retreat. It’s where you end your day, so it should evoke peace, comfort, and a sense of calm.

KEITH LEMELIN

Representative: Linda Kennedy, Florida Creative Director NI: How do you help people envision that this could be their home?

Kennedy: I try to avoid over-personalization. Too many personal touches can make it hard for a buyer to envision themself living in the home. Instead, I focus on adding warmth and comfort— enough to make the space feel inviting but still neutral enough to imagine it as their own.

How important is the entryway, and what do you do to maximize that first impression?

Very important! An inviting entryway helps establish an emotional connection with the home. It’s also the first and the last impression, so it gets double the attention. With a large mirror, the buyer can literally see themself in the home.

What are three strategies for successful staging?

1. Even if the client wants color, I first want to neutralize it as a base.

2. I want to encourage flow, so I strategically use the placement of the furniture to pull the prospective buyers from room to room.

Vesta Home’s Linda Kennedy prefers staging homes in a neutral color palette to allow prospective buyers to better visualize themselves in a space.

SHAWN HOOD

STAGER: Amour Leserene Based in West Palm Beach, Amour Leserene has collaborated with top real estate agents across the country. In order to maximize results, the company only takes on three to four staging projects per season. (amourleserene.com)

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Representative: Josef Huainigg, CEO and Founder NI: How do you help people envision that this could be their home?

Huainigg: We’re not here to fill a space— we’re here to tell its story. Our goal is to make every room feel inevitable, like it was always meant to be that way. We take out anything that feels too personal or distracting: photos, heavy styling, or overly specific decor. Instead, we bring in subtle layers: natural textures, thoughtful objects, soft lighting, and art that feels intentional but not overbearing. It’s about creating atmosphere, not decoration.

How important is the entryway, and what

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do you do to maximize that first impression?

The entry sets the tone—it should feel clear, confident, and calm. Whether it’s a grand foyer or a simple hallway, we use proportion, symmetry, and a few strong design choices (like a mirror, bench, or console) to create a moment that invites people in without overwhelming them.

What are three strategies for successful staging?

1. Give the eye a place to rest. Visual clutter kills connection.

2. Play with texture and tone. This brings depth, especially in neutral homes.

3. Always guide the view. Position furniture to highlight a window, fireplace, or architectural detail.

“Wow” elements, yea or nay?

It’s mostly about flow, but I love including one or two unexpected moments. That might be a

sculptural pendant, a strong piece of art, or a beautiful material detail. It should feel memorable but not compete with the architecture or distract from the home itself.

What are some keys to furniture placement?

Proportion is everything—too small and the space feels lost; too big and it overwhelms. We think in terms of movement and conversation: where do people naturally walk, sit, gather? It should feel intuitive and effortless, even though it’s all very intentional.

What are the most pivotal rooms in a staged home?

The main living space. It sets the emotional core of the home. If someone can imagine themself there—relaxing, hosting, just being— they’re sold. The kitchen and primary suite come close, but the living room is usually where the connection happens.

JOSEF HUAINIGG

Amour Leserene’s Josef Huainigg emphasizes the importance of atmosphere, proportion, and flow when staging a home.

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RESIDE ELEMENTS

Maximizing Minimalism THESE SCULPTURAL SELECTIONS PROVE THAT IMPACTFUL STYLE CAN COME IN SIMPLE PACKAGES

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

VENJHAMIN REYES

PERPETUAL MOTION Dial up the sleek quotient of any lackluster room with ET2 Lighting’s ever-flowing Perpetual LED pendant ($1,688). Scan Design, Naples (scandesign.com)

PILLOW TALK The Graphic Mocha Mousse pillow ($210), from Housse Studio’s exclusively designed collection for Republic of Decor, makes a statement with its understated elegance. Republic of Decor, Naples (republicofdecor.com)

YOUR SERVE Dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant, this pair of porcelain salad servers ($38) from Pampa Bay is perfect for tossing into your entertaining routine. Arabesque of Naples (arabesqueofnaples.com)

NOOK LOOK Designer Robin Lang of Freestyle Interiors created this dining area that glows with its minimalist intention. “Minimalist in design, this sophisticated and elegant nook was designed for our clients in an upscale Naples condominium,” Lang explains. “Chrome chairs and a white gloss table base with stone top create an airy and reflective space for dining in comfort.” Naples, Bonita Springs (freestyleinteriors.com)

SERENITY NOW Vietri’s Pietra Serena collection offers pieces that celebrate simplistic beauty, like this refined dinner plate ($192 for set of four). Summerfields, Naples (summerfieldsnaples.com)

SIDE BY SIDE Captivating curves and bluestone construction make this Kenley side table ($499) by Dovetail Furniture an impactful piece for modern interiors.

Matter Brothers Furniture & Design, Naples (matter brothersfurniture. com)

FRAME OF MIND The luxe Penelope armchair (starting at $10,764 in velvet) by Italian furniture designer Hessentia boasts a frame that plays on negative space. Casa Italia, Naples (casaitaliaonline.com)

WATERFRONT WONDER Accent Decor’s large ceramic Waterfront bowl ($259) showcases artisanal craftsmanship thanks to a unique undulating opening and ruffled effect at the rim that resembles crashing ocean waves. Feel At Hom, Naples (feelathom.shop) 78

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FOR THE PAST 23 YEARS, A DECORATIVE ARTS SPECIALIST HAS COVERED THE WALLS AND CEILINGS OF NAPLES-BASED HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF NATURAL AND EXQUISITE FINISHES

OTO GRAPHY

MICHAEL BIONDO PHOTOGRAPHY

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS

There is a lot more than meets the eye to DE K the Venetian-plaster comRIC positions Christopher O’Guin creates in and on clients’ homes. Based on age-old techniques, no two are exactly alike. Made from natural materials, they are ecologically friendly and healthy to live with. And, as there are at least four layers, they endure far longer than a simple coat or two of matte or eggshell white paint.

When we meet at O’Guin Decorative Finishes studio on Trade Center Way in the middle of a humid Florida summer, the town is quiet.

But not this business.

O’Guin mentions it is his busy time, coinciding with the condo renovation season that occurs every year in Southwest Florida—from May through November.

O’Guin happened upon his career organically. His parents owned a painting and wall-covering business in Northwest Indiana, where he grew up. Interested in the business, he trained as a painter. Along the way, he discovered PH

ON THE SURFACE

Christopher O’Guin, owner of O’Guin Decorative Finishes, has perfected Venetian plaster techniques and finds the finish works well in a range of home styles.

LE ON

DESIGNER DEFERENCE

SPM PHOTOGRAPHY

DIANA TODOROVA PHOTOGRAPHY

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a lesser-known aspect of the industry that intrigued him: old-world finishing techniques. He noticed antique tools hanging on paint store walls and wondered about their use. As ancient painting techniques were largely handed down from generation to generation and through apprenticeships, O’Guin says, “I had to find people to teach me.” Eventually he and his brother opened their own teaching studio in the ’90s, and O’Guin practiced his craft serving high-end contractors in the Chicago area.

Soon after, O’Guin began looking for markets where he might relocate and expand his offerings. He targeted three specific areas nationwide and ultimately chose Naples, where he found a vibrant design community and growing building industry. He also found homeowners to be more experimental and creative with their vacation or second homes here. “People are here to play golf, boat, and visit with friends,” he says. “They are more relaxed, and that shows in their homes.” He moved the business to Florida in 2002. Through word of mouth and connecting with architects, high-end contractors, and interior designers, O’Guin has amassed a sizable portfolio of work, including both residential and commercial applications.

Although finishes come in and out of fashion just as colors do, O’Guin shares that traditional Venetian plaster has remained popular. The decorative wall coating known for its smooth, marble-like appearance is made from lime putty, marble dust, and water. It is applied by trowel in thin layers to create a polished, lustrous surface. With natural tints, any color combination is possible. “The finish tends to work equally well

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in a Mediterranean, traditional, or modern home,” says O’Guin. “It adds drama and movement, unlike paint, which is static. Venetian plaster is increasingly being used for more contemporary applications. It is a livable finish that provides a great background for art and lighting.”

Decorative applications work well on exterior walls, too. O’Guin cites an example of a large British Colonial–style home on the beach. Creating a coral-stone look required scoring individual blocks while the stucco was still wet and then designing a unique pattern so “every stone had its own personality,” says O’Guin. It was a time-consuming task, taking one and a half years to realize. But as O’Guin explains, if real coral was used, it would have to be quarried and shipped from the source (in this case Barbados). “It’s typically loose, wet, and brittle; there is a lot of waste,” explains O’Guin. “With this carved stucco application, the environmental impact is reduced and the material more resilient.”

VENJHAMIN REYES

RESIDE

The pool wall of this home is finished with a decorative faux concrete.

O’Guin constantly experiments with different materials, seeking to blend new technology with age-old techniques. He consults with architects and other experts to create finishes that are better and last longer. He explains how one of his favorite companies recently introduced a selfcleaning exterior wall. “Biomimicry made this possible,” says O’Guin, who tries to stay abreast of industry trends.

Paradoxically, as humans add more technology to their lives, they are increasingly seeking handmade artisan finishes to realize more tranquil and Zen-like atmospheres in which to relax, recharge, and unplug. O’Guin, with one foot firmly planted in the past and the other exploring new ground, is perfectly positioned to continue offering Neapolitans a fine finish for their homes. (oguins.com) «

Celebrating

YEAR YE ARS S

of Impact Discover how bold ideas, generous donors, and powerful partnerships have transformed Collier County. Our 2025 Community Report is a tribute to the past — and a roadmap for the future. Don’t miss the stories shaping tomorrow.

Coming soon from the

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Presented by Health Care Logistics, Inc.

NOVEMBER 8, 2025 I 5:00 – 10:00 PM NAPLES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER 206 Ridge Drive Naples, FL 34108

Two Decades of Boots, Bids and Boogie Let’s Celebrate the Ride Together!

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Thank you to this event’s Magazine Media Sponsor

Scan the QR code or visit www.ntrc.org/barndance to learn more and reserve your tickets.

Naples Therapeutic Riding Center’s mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with physical, social, and mental health needs through therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs.

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8/27/25 2:06 PM

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here’s to coming

Home

#1 COMMUNITY IN THE U.S. FOR ALL AGES SINCE 2018 S H O P P I N G & D I N I N G | N AT U R E & R E C R E AT I O N | Y E A R - R O U N D E V E N T S | AWA R D - W I N N I N G H E A LT H C A R E G O L F & C O U N T R Y C L U B S | P O O L S , PA R K S & T R A I L S | N E W H O M E S F R O M T H E H I G H $ 2 0 0 S T O O V E R $ 2 M +

© 2025 Lakewood Ranch

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*Prices subject to change without notice.

8/25/25 5:02 PM

JOURNEYS

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE MOST FASCINATING CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

WANDERLUST

WEST COAST REVERIES WITH GOLDEN-HOUR MAGIC, MICHELIN-CALIBER MEALS, AND STAYS THAT SET THE BAR, THESE THREE PROPERTIES CAPTURE CALIFORNIA DREAMING AT ITS FINEST

BY PAUL RUBIO

SAN YSIDRO RANCH, MONTECITO Nestled into the coastal foothills of Montecito, San Ysidro Ranch is more than a hotel—it’s a legend cast in lavender and stone. Spread across 550 acres of lush hillside gardens and oakshaded pathways, this hideaway has long been the backdrop for love stories both iconic and discreet. John and Jacqueline Kennedy honeymooned at the ranch in 1953. Winston Churchill found writing refuge here. Today it remains a gold standard in romantic American destinations.

The property’s 38 standalone accommodations—most of them vine-draped cottages—are individually decorated with antique furnishings, original art, and handmade four-poster canopy beds.

Clad in hand-painted wallpaper, the bathrooms come with radiant-heated floors, freestanding Parisian soaking tubs, and outdoor rain showers. Most cottages also include private patios with

COURTESY OF SAN YSIDRO RANCH

Inset: The gardens at San Ysidro Ranch erupt with color, aroma, and beauty. Below: Relax at the ranch’s hilltop pool.

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Inset: Feel the magic of the transitional indoor-outdoor space at Stonehouse restaurant. Below: Head underground to the Secret Cellar for a private wine tasting.

oversize sunken spas and dining areas, many with ocean or mountain views.

Each cottage tells its own story. The Kennedy Cottage is a 2,700-square-foot carvedstone sanctuary with a private courtyard and sculptures. The 1,450-square-foot Churchill Cottage brims with heirlooms: a 1900 Western Electric oak wall phone, a framed Life cover of Churchill himself, and a signed guest book page. A restored 1930s Art Deco chandelier and playful British bulldog touches add charm to the history. Others are less about legacy and more about flexing creative muscle in California-meets-European elegance, with names like Lotus, Fig, and Honeysuckle.

Arriving guests are greeted by ancient ol88

ive trees and rows of lavender. Meandering paths lead through gardens bursting with fragrant jasmine, magnolia, jacaranda, and roses—all set against Pacific vistas and views of the Channel Islands. The sensory experience continues with on-site activities, from a serene hilltop pool flanked by mountain and ocean scenes to the intimate spa nestled at the base of the property.

Dining is a serious affair here. Located in a former nineteenth-century citrus packing house, the Stonehouse restaurant serves multicourse menus packed with hyper-local ingredients—many grown on property or caught just offshore. Think: pan-seared abalone with house-made squid ink capellini or Santa Barbara diver urchin, all savored under a canopy of bougainvillea. Meals are included in the nightly rate, so there’s no excuse to skip a single course. For a truly private experience, request dinner inside the 1825 Old Adobe cottage, with its original stone walls and wood beams intact.

Below the restaurant, a hidden labyrinth reveals one of the ranch’s most remarkable assets: a 15,500-bottle wine cellar. Here, among rare vintages and global varietals, guests can reserve the Secret Cellar, an intimate tasting room tucked deep within the collection. Sommeliers lead private flights tailored to your palate, often pairing pours with local cheeses or stories of a vineyard’s provenance.

Romantic, rarefied, and steeped in California history, San Ysidro Ranch is the kind of place you don’t just visit—you remember it. (sanysidroranch.com)

COURTESY OF SAN YSIDRO RANCH

Each cottage at San Ysidro Ranch tells its own story by design, view, and history.

They include the Gardenia Cottage (above) and the Kennedy Cottage (right), where John and Jacqueline honeymooned.

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JAY GRAHAM

CARRIE ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

JOHN TROXELL

FARMHOUSE INN, FORESTVILLE Surrounded by vineyard-lined backroads and towering redwoods, Farmhouse Inn is a 25-room boutique retreat in the heart of Sonoma County. In the blink-and-you-mightmiss-it town of Forestville, this family-run hideaway delivers a food-forward, wine-rich experience rooted in ease and authenticity.

Each room and suite strikes a balance between rustic character and elevated comfort; sliding barn doors, crackling fireplaces, private patios, and deep soaking tubs are standard fare in the cottages, barn suites, and farmhouse rooms. Upon check-in, guests are welcomed with hand-cut soaps, artisanal beauty products, and generous pours of local wine. Days unfold at an unhurried pace— lounging poolside under yellow parasols, mingling at the nightly wine hour featuring a rotating lineup of boutique regional producers, and capping off the evening with s’mores around the communal firepit.

At the heart of the property is The Restaurant, where husband-and-wife chefs Craig Wilmer and Amanda Hoang celebrate Sonoma’s seasonal bounty inside the property’s original farmhouse. Ingredients are sourced from nearby farms and the inn’s Chalk Hill Culinary Gardens, resulting in a style that feels both vibrant and true to its terroir. A recent tasting included celery root and Dungeness crab with yuzu emulsion and mint, black cod banquette with Chalk Hill sunchokes, and a moon cake with vanilla bean ice cream and burnt cinnamon caramel. For a more casual bite, Farmstand—open for lunch—offers the same farm-to-table ethos with a relaxed touch.

The wine experience runs deep here. Coowner Joe Bartolomei, a fifth-generation Russian River Valley farmer, has curated a network

of 25 boutique winery partners that offer guests exclusive tastings and behind-the-scenes access.

The concierge team tailors each itinerary to your palate—whether you’re drawn to earthy Pinot Noirs or offbeat skin-contact whites. On my most recent visit, I sipped through the range at Croix Estate and sought out bold, small-lot reds—Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel—at Passalacqua. I opted for just two tastings, but your schedule can be as light or indulgent as you like. All tastings are complimentary as part of your stay at Farmhouse Inn. And while Bartolomei’s taste is impeccable, as my dad always said when visiting wine country, “The best wine is free wine.” (farmhouseinn.com)

SEAN MATTIMORE

COURTESY OF FARMHOUSE INN

Boutique retreat Farmhouse Inn has just enough frills and more than enough sublime cuisine to brand it a top stay when visiting Sonoma wine country. Accommodations include farmhouse rooms, barn suites, and cottages.

Dining at The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn is a study in farm-to-table excellence, from setting to presentation to taste.

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From the beachfront backdrop of Caruso’s to the bold cocktail presentations, Rosewood Miramar Beach impresses at every turn.

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ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH, MONTECITO Situated along one of Southern California’s most exclusive stretches of coastline, Rosewood Miramar Beach channels a rare kind of magic: the atmosphere of a private estate paired with the easygoing luxury of a world-class resort. Spanning 16 acres of sculpted gardens and manicured lawns in Montecito, Rosewood feels less like a hotel and more like an invitation into a parallel world—one where you can wander barefoot between clapboard bungalows, traverse a working train track under the watch of a crossing guard, and arrive at the only true beachfront suites in Santa Barbara County.

Accommodations range from polished hotel rooms in the main house to garden bungalows tucked along winding paths and coveted terrace-level suites that open directly onto the sand. Interiors channel West Coast comfort— whitewashed palettes, black-and-white marble bathrooms, and just enough nautical nods to remind you where you are. Outside, everything is immaculate. Whether you’re beachside or poolside, the world gives way to Pacific breezes, the hush of waves, and a laid-back grace that defines the American Riviera.

While many guests opt to lounge poolside, the beach here isn’t just for admiring. A beach butler sets up loungers and umbrellas and can

outfit guests with boogie boards and beach games. Elsewhere on property, you’ll find two pools (one adults-only), bocce courts, and a Sense Spa that leans into quiet indulgence.

Dining is anything but standard resort fare.

At Caruso’s, the signature fine-dining restaurant perched above the waterline, coastal California cuisine gets the Michelin treatment.

Expect white-glove service, a jacket-required dress code, and refined dishes like Santa Barbara spiny lobster with saffron zabaglione or local abalone presented with delicate restraint.

The ambience—white leather chairs, dark wood, and tuxedoed servers—is unapologetically old-school in all the right ways.

For something more relaxed, Ama Sushi delivers an intimate, 10-seat omakase experience focused on sustainable ingredients and precision technique; it’s best enjoyed at the counter, where each course is presented by the chef.

Meanwhile, Miramar Beach Bar is your go-to for Champagne at sunset or a casual flatbread under the California sun.

Despite its unassuming vibe, Rosewood Miramar Beach is a place that draws attention—the kind that doesn’t need to announce itself. Industry insiders and A-listers come here to go unnoticed. And once you’re here, you’ll understand why: Rosewood Miramar Beach doesn’t try to impress. It simply does. (rosewoodhotels.com) «

COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH

The sprawling grounds of Rosewood Miramar Beach span mountain, sea, and several Instagram-ready pools.

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Iconic and superlative.

PORSCHE 911 TURBO. In 1974, the 911 Turbo proved that even the dream of a 911 could be taken even further: with a fascinating symbiosis of outstanding performance, confident elegance and pure emotion. Experience its 50th anniversary up close: at the wheel of the 911 Turbo 50 years.

Porsche Naples 3147 Davis Blvd.

Naples, FL 34104 Tel. 239-232-8331 porschenaples.com

© 2025 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times. European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.

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JOURNEYS FAMILIES

SWEET 16 IN PARIS LE ROYAL MONCEAU MARKS THE MILESTONE WITH A SINGULAR CELEBRATION IN THE CITY OF LIGHT

BY DAPHNE NIKOLOPOULOS

THE TRAVEL BUDS

PETAR LAZAREVIC

«

At Paris’ iconic Trocadéro, a teenage girl steps out of a black car, her silver sequined dress catching the midday sun. A photographer captures her walk, paparazzistyle, as she moves toward a staircase. A smile, a stroll, a moment of reflection in front of the Eiffel Tower—all interpreted through his lens, which usually is pointed toward celebrities and runway models.

Onlookers turn to watch, likely wondering “Who’s that girl?” What appears to be a shoot of a young starlet actually is the culmination of a carefully orchestrated, highly curated program celebrating the girl’s sixteenth birthday in the French capital.

Considering that coming of age is a transformative moment in a child’s life, commemorating the milestone deserves to be magical. That was the thinking behind Le Royal Monceau— Raffles Paris’ new “Paris Sweet 16” program, a

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VINCENT LEROUX STEPHAN JULLIARD

VINCENT LEROUX PIERRE PERUSSEAU

personalized experience to create lifetime memories for the celebrated teen.

The Parisian fairy tale begins with a family stay at the luxe Le Royal Monceau, located steps from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées.

The hotel is a dream of its own, with its art-filled spaces, glam suites, and multi-mirrored bathrooms. Sweet amenities and a view of the city set the stage for fun things to come, including spa visits and a master class on the art of the crêpe (or chocolate mousse), led by the hotel’s pastry team.

Then, shopping. A stop at Printemps

is always de rigueur in the City of Light, but on this occasion the experience is elevated via a stylist who will curate a chic Parisian wardrobe and beauty must-haves for a girl on the verge of adulthood. No baby tees or sweatpants here! The idea is to train the eye and create a true appreciation of fashion, something that will serve her well into the future.

The pièce de résistance, of course, is the photo shoot. On the morning of the shoot day, hair and makeup artists from the legendary Patrick & Marcel salon arrive at the suite to do

their magic. Patrick & Marcel’s artists are the stylists of choice for celebrities during Fashion Week, and it shows in the transformational results.

With a glamorous new look, the birthday girl is escorted to iconic Paris locations to sit for an editorial-style shoot with one of the city’s pre-eminent fashion and red-carpet photographers—names like Tiziano and Pierre Perusseau. The dramatic images, both candid and posed, capture youthful beauty and an unforgettable moment in time in the world’s most magical city. (raffles.com/paris) «

Clockwise from top left: Le Royal Monceau’s iconic staircase and grand entrance; breakfast in bed is always a good idea; local teen Anastasia Lioubin poses in front of the Eiffel Tower. Opposite page: Le Royal Monceau suites enjoy a dramatic view of the Arc de Triomphe.

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BARRY GROSSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF PIER 66

JOURNEYS FLORIDIANA

BACK IN ROTATION FORT LAUDERDALE’S ICONIC PIER 66 IS REIMAGINED WITH A LUXE SPA, FINE DINING, AND A SKY-HIGH LOUNGE THAT WILL SPIN YOU RIGHT ’ROUND

Although it got its start in the 1950s as the Phillips 66 fuel dock, Pier 66 became a seaside icon in 1965 when a hotel was added.

With its space-age, Googie-style, spire-topped tower, the hotel was the crown jewel of the Fort Lauderdale skyline. And its seventeenth-floor rooftop lounge gave patrons a 360-degree view of the city’s glittering waterways, from ocean to Intracoastal and back again in 66 minutes.

But fate intervened in 2017, when extensive water damage from Hurricane Irma nearly erased the landmark. Now, after a breathtaking $1 billion transformation, the beloved former petrol platform and humble hotel have been reborn as a mid-century luxury resort spanning 32 acres.

Beyond its 325 plush rooms, 90 private residences, and three dazzling pools, Pier

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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIER 66

BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE

66’s marina is one of the largest superyacht marinas on the East Coast—featuring 164 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 400 feet long—apropos for a resort located in what’s known as the “Venice of America.”

The centerpiece of any stay at Pier 66 is its 13,000-square-foot Zenova Spa & Wellness facility. There’s the usual spa fare, all expertly delivered for a day of pure relaxation. But be sure to get your chill on in the one-of-a-kind Snow Room, a frosty retreat that makes for a calming oasis in a city built on sun and fun. For a unique hot-cold contrast therapy experience, pair a visit to the Snow Room (which is super-cooled to around 14 degrees Fahrenheit) with the Southeast’s first ceremonial Aufgussinspired sauna, sensory showers, vitality pools, and more.

When you’re hungry, Pier 66 teems with culinary adventures. At Calusso,

Southern European elegance meets South Florida’s seaside bounty, while Sotogrande channels Mediterranean zest with shareable Spanish plates. For breakfast vibes, Garni serves all-day French-inspired brunch, including Champagne mimosas and caviar crêpes. The Nectar Room is an adultsonly spot with pan-Asian bites and artisanal cocktails. Saltbreeze keeps it casual, offering family-friendly Latin dishes and standout frozen drinks by the pool.

And then there’s Pier 66’s pièce de résistance: the restored Pier Top lounge. Grab a table and watch the world go by (literally) while you nosh on bites like caviar cones and tuna tartare topped with gold flakes. Cocktails include the house favorite 66, a mix of Empress Gin, dry Curaçao, prosecco, lime yuzu soda, lemon, grapefruit, and blood orange.

More than just a stay, Pier 66 is a portal to Fort Lauderdale’s golden era. Whether you’re tracing its nostalgic silhouette or partaking in modern indulgences, this reinvented landmark serves—and spins—as the place to be in South Florida. (piersixtysix.com) «

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8/26/25 10:49 AM

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JOURNEYS HIGH ROAD

VANTAGE POINT

ASTON MARTIN GIVES ITS ENTRY-LEVEL VANTAGE COUPE MORE POWER AND EVEN SEXIER LOOKS

HOWARD WALKER

BY HOWARD WALKER

«

MAX EAREY/ASTON MARTIN

Channeling that classic Tom Cruise line from the original Top Gun movie: “I feel the need. The need for speed.” To feel the speed, simply dial up Sport+ drive mode to add a triple shot of espresso to the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Now foot to the floor and brace yourself.

It’s not the off-the-line thrust that will release a tsunami of adrenaline and send your pulse into hyperdrive (though zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds isn’t exactly hanging around). No, it’s the ferocity of the mid-range, slingshotout-of-the-on-ramp surge that will clench your jaw, tingle your fingers, and have you uttering expletives like Gordon Ramsay on Kitchen Nightmares.

The source of all this mindwarping forward motion is Aston Martin’s new Vantage coupe, which has just had a major makeover to transform it into a true Porsche 911–Ferrari Amalfi– Mercedes-AMG GT combatant.

While the bones of the Aston are pretty much unchanged from the 2017 original, continuous evolution has kept it as a major player in the supercar-lite 96

game. But this 2025 version takes the Vantage to a whole new towering level in terms of power, performance, handling, and looks.

Take that mighty V8. It’s still essentially the same motor supplied

by Mercedes-AMG and used in the AMG GT. But it’s been extensively tweaked by Aston engineers, who endowed it with bigger turbos, modified camshaft profiles, a higher compression ratio, and improved cooling. It now makes an impressive 656 hp at 6,000 rpm—up 128 hp from its predecessor. Max torque? That soars by 85 lb-ft to 590 lb-ft. Peterbilt 18-wheelers have less muscle.

The company’s handling wizards also worked their magic to help the Vantage sweep around curves like a Hot Wheels slot car. It gets a new set of Bilstein adaptive dampers similar to those in Aston’s latest DB12 and Vanquish rocket ships, plus even more precise electric steering that wouldn’t seem out of place on Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin F1 racecar. There’s also additional stiffening for the bonded-aluminum monocoque structure, a wider track, weight management that gives a perfect front-rear balance, and super-sticky Michelin Pilot S5 tires developed specially for the new Vantage.

Speaking of wide track, take a moment to gaze at the car’s jaw-dropping shape. Yes, it’s evolved from that 2017 model, but it feels totally new.

The signature Aston grille is a whopping 40 percent bigger and capable

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POWER FILE

MAX EAREY/ASTON MARTIN

of channeling around 30 percent more cooling air into the PRICE: FROM $200,500 ENGINE: engine bay. Furthermore, this Vantage has new slender 4.0-LITER TWIN-TURBO V8 LED headlights and the kind of bulging fenders that must POWER: 656 HP TORQUE: 590 have been modeled after Chris Hemsworth’s biceps.

LB-FT TRANSMISSION: 8-SPEED But arguably the most compelling feature of this BritAUTOMATIC 0-60: 3.4 SECONDS ish beefcake is its interior. Gone is the unruly ergonomic TOP SPEED: 202 MPH LENGTH/ mess that was the previous Vantage. This latest version WIDTH: 177/78 INCHES WEIGHT: has a 10.25-inch touch screen display integrated into the 3,880 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT: center console. Gone too is the eccentric push-button BECAUSE THIS CLASSIC BRITISH gear selector, replaced with a more conventional, more COUPE HAS EVOLVED INTO A FOLLOW HOWARD WALKER’S THE WHEEL WORLD intuitive single-lever shifter.

TRULY MAGICAL SPORTS CAR. BLOG ON NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM Aston aesthetes will recognize the exceptional cut and stitching of the glove-soft Bridge of Weir leather, the lovely throaty exhaust? Just addictive. satin metal trim, and carbon-fiber weave. And those front seats are perfect The price of entry for this Vantage coupe is $200,500; the newly thrones for spirited driving, supporting and cosseting in all the right places.

Aston resisted the temptation to squeeze in vestigial rear seats inca- launched Vantage Roadster costs around $15,000 more. Start checking a few options boxes, and it’s easy to hit the $270,400 sticker of our test car. pable of accommodating any human form. Instead, there’s a decent That paintwork alone adds $14,100. amount of luggage space under that lifting glass tailgate.

But while this new Vantage is the “starter” Aston, I think it might be the On the road, our Cosmopolitan Yellow tester drove like a bolt of white lightning. The overall feel is firmer, tauter, more responsive, and most appealing in the range. It boasts sublime looks, breathtaking performance, and truly dynamic character, all in a more compact package. more aggressive. Every backroad curve feels as if those 21-inch rims are That need for speed? Definitely satisfied. « running on rails. Instant acceleration accompanied by that sonorous,

V

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JOURNEYS HIGH SEAS

PRACTICAL MAGIC

HINCKLEY’S VERSATILE 41 WEEKENDER COMES WITH OUTBOARD POWER TO DELIVER THRILLING SPEED

COURTESY OF HINCKLEY YACHTS

BY HOWARD WALKER

«

We love Hinckleys. All that salty Maine lobster boat style. All that artisan-crafted, mirror-varnished brightwork. To this day, the sight of a flag-blue-hulled Hinckley Picnic Boat slicing through the chop, Stars and Stripes fluttering off the transom, will make any boat lover’s heart soar.

It’s been almost a century since Henry R. Hinckley built his first boat at the Manset Boatyard in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Since then, Hinckley has done a fine job of combining classic design and old-world craftsmanship with some of the newest technical innovations, everything from waterjet propulsion to carbon composite construction and joystick control.

In 2017, it was the first builder to experiment with electric power, launching the fully electric, achingly gorgeous, 28-foot Hinckley Dasher.

To kick off the new year, Hinckley will splash what just might be its most appealing model to date, one that could well provide the template for the ultimate Florida family cruiser: the Hinckley 41.

Developed from the brand-new Hinckley Picnic Boat 39, the 41 trades waterjets for a transom stacked with triple Mercury Verado outboards. Standard power is a trio of 350-hp V10s, delivering a combined 1,050 hp and a top speed of 53 mph. Opt for the Verado 400s and you should see around 60 mph flat out. That’s a big step up from the 41-mph max of the Picnic 39 with jets and twin 480-hp Volvo diesels.

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But the beauty of outboard power—in addition to ease of maintenance, silent running, and a 2-foot-2-inch draft—is space. Removing two honking diesels leaves a lot of room under the cockpit floor. In this new 41, it means lazarettes on each side that are big enough for a small armada of water toys.

What is carried over from the 39 is the terrific forward open seating area.

Hinckleys of old always had a raised forward deck to allow for a decent-

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POWER FILE sized cabin. This new 41 has both, as well as PRICE: FROM $1.93 MILLION a deep, U-shaped sofa up front with space LENGTH: 38 FEET, 11 INCHES for half a dozen adults. These might just be BEAM: 11 FEET, 1 INCH DRAFT: the best seats in the house. Then again, the 2 FEET, 2 INCHES POWER: cockpit seating (which can accommodate 3 X 350-HP MERCURY seven) is hard to beat. There’s even a deVERADO V10 WEIGHT: ployable SureShade canvas awning.

19,000 POUNDS TOP SPEED: On the same level as the cockpit is an 53 MPH WHY WE LOVE IT: open salon nestled beneath that big-winBECAUSE IT JUST MIGHT dowed hardtop. It has yet another sofa and BE THE PERFECT LUXURY a kitchenette with a sink, cooktop, fridge, FLORIDA FAMILY CRUISER. and separate wine chiller.

Forward to starboard is the lovely helm—always a standout Hinckley feature. Here there’s a bench seat for two, a gorgeous wood wheel, and a varnished instrument panel with a pair of big Garmin touch screens. With tall side windows and that deep Clearview windshield, all-around visibility is excellent.

Steps from the salon lead down into the compact cabin, which has a double bed and an enclosed head and wet shower. Yes, it’s big enough for a couple to stay overnight, but the space is more likely to be used for changing, taking a shower, or grabbing an afternoon nap in air-conditioned comfort.

What hasn’t changed is the elaborate construction of that smoothriding hull, which is laminated with vacuum-infused epoxy resin and strengthened with carbon fiber and Kevlar. Also unchanged is the astonishing level of craftsmanship and quality that goes into the build. All that varnished wood that rings the cockpit, frames the side decks, and lines the interior of the salon is pure Hinckley. Too daunting a DIY job to revarnish? The builder has full-service centers in Stuart and Fort Myers.

This new 41 will have a base sticker just under $2 million, or closer to $2.5 million nicely loaded with those bigger 400 Verados and maybe a Seakeeper stabilizer and fancier instrumentation. Just think of it as the price of perfection. «

ON STAGE AT The world’s best-selling mystery novel takes the stage. Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit delivers twists until the very end.

BY AGATHA

CHRISTIE

BY LAUREN GUNDERSON

THE KIZZIE THEATER

A moving true story of passion, resilience, and a woman far ahead of her time. Discover the world of mathematician Ada Lovelace, who dared to dream big.

T H R O U G H

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Mane

ATTRACTION JANIE AND MIKE YAG’S UNBRIDLED ENTHUSIASM FOR A FRENCH EQUINE BREED LEADS TO THE CREATION OF SHORE ACRES FARM, A SUBLIME ENVIRONMENT FOR BOTH HUMANS AND HORSES

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Above: An aerial view shows the 53-acre equestrian facility, Shore Acres Farm, located east of Naples in Golden Gate Estates.

Right: Mike and Janie Yag stand in front of their contemporary farmhouse, located on the property. The couple relocated from a home in the Seagate area of Naples to be closer to the farm.

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quote famously attributed to Sir Winston Churchill claims, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” That adage proved true seven years ago for Neapolitans Janie and Mike Yag, each coping with the recent loss of a parent. “Janie was depressed, and so was I,” Mike reflects.

Recalling his wife’s fond memories of being around horses as a young girl living in Nova Scotia, Canada, Mike suggested she saddle up at a nearby stable, hoping it would lift her spirits. She returned home, he says, “smiling from ear to ear. They say horses are great therapy, and that’s what this ride was for Janie.”

The following week, Janie signed up for riding lessons on a Selle Français called Quaker de Kreisker. After four sessions, she leased the 14-yearold bay gelding but was determined to own him. “I became very possessive,” she admits. “I didn’t want anyone else to ride him; I wanted him to be my horse.”

That acquisition ignited the Yags’ love affair with the Selle Français (which translates to “French saddle”), a breed renowned for its showjumping ability. A few months later, they traveled to France, where the horses are bred and where they purchased three more at the Agence Fences Elite Auction in Fontainebleau, under the guidance of esteemed international broker Jean Fourcart.

Unable to find a local boarding facility for their foursome that met their needs, they contemplated moving to Wellington, Florida—“The mecca of the equestrian world,” Janie remarks—but decided to stay in Naples and 102 NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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Opposite page: The pristine barns feature air-conditioned rider lounges, tack rooms, and kitchenettes.

Left: The Yags’ Selle Français, as well as horses owned by boarders, occupy one of three barns on the property.

Below: A former trainer for the farm, Tony Cadet, takes a ride in the paddock as the sun rises above Shore Acres Farm.

build their own farm instead. They put their home in the Seagate neighborhood on the market, purchased a 47-acre tract of land in Golden Gate Estates and, over time, acquired the surrounding parcels for a total of 84 acres.

The couple harnessed the talents of Steve Peel, co-founder of Gulfstream Homes in Naples, to help execute their vision. “When I first saw the property, it was just a cow field, and I don’t think they even knew at the time what it would turn into,” he recalls.

What resulted is the Yags’ 4,800-square-foot, four-suite contemporary

farmhouse and 53-acre equestrian facility, collectively known as Shore Acres Farm. The name is an homage to the similarly deeded site of their former oceanfront carriage house in Narragansett, Rhode Island, where they wed in 2014.

Home on the Range Working closely with Peel, the Yags tapped into their considerable design expertise—Mike’s in architecture and space planning as founder of a trade show exhibit company and Janie’s from her studies at the Rhode NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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Island School of Design—to create the plan for their home, which was completed in January 2020. The goal was an open-yet-cozy layout that offered vistas of the farm from every room. Mission accomplished.

Mahogany and glass French doors, faithfully replicated from the Seagate home, open to a capacious, light-filled great room, where the couple spend most of their time. The comfortable space, anchored by a floor-to-ceiling stacked-stone hearth, is furnished in soft earth tones accented with the shade of blue in the Shore Acres Farm logo. “We wanted a light palette to highlight the colorful antique posters throughout the house,” Mike says.

Among their collected works is a circa-1902 lithograph of Australian cancan dancer Saharet that was shielded from Adolf Hitler’s plan to seize fine art and cultural treasures for a Führermuseum. As Mike recounts, “The original owner hid the poster, along with his extensive art collection, in a barn on his farm in Germany. Most of the art

was destroyed in a fire, but our Sarahet poster was one of the few items that wasn’t damaged because she was in the middle of a stack of other fine pieces.”

Adjacent to the great room, a bright, open kitchen and towering wall-width bar complete the main living area. A wall of 10-foot-tall folding glass doors leads from there to an expansive covered lanai, creating a seamless space for entertaining up to 30 guests. The gathering spot is replete with an inground pool and spa, half bath, outdoor kitchen, quartz-top island bar, dining area, gas fireplace, and flat-screen televisions. “This is where everybody who comes to see us spends all their time,” Janie says.

“We wanted our home to feel comfortable when it’s just the two of us but also keep the same ambience when having family and friends here,” Mike adds. Visitors include the pair’s combined six children, ranging in age from 31 to 40, and four grandchildren, who have their choice of three en-suite guest rooms bedecked in a crisp white aesthetic. A spacious primary suite with a luxe spa-like bath provides a tranquil retreat for the owners, whose personalities match the warmth of their surroundings.

A Stable Environment As they were designing their farmhouse, the Yags also focused on creating a state-of-the-art equestrian facility, touring properties in Wellington and throughout France for layout and design inspiration.

Janie took the reins on equestrian-related matters, researching the

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Janie and Mike, seated on their lanai, wanted their 4,800-squarefoot home to feel comfortable for times when it’s just the two of them, as well as when family and friends visit.

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highest-quality hay and feed, stall flooring, barn ventilation, fly-spray systems, automatic waterers, arena footing, paddock fencing, and other critical components—a daunting task for one new to the horse business. “It’s almost better when you don’t know what you don’t know because you learn the correct way,” she says, adding, “I asked the right people to find the best.”

The Yags commissioned Morton Buildings in Port Charlotte to create the storage and equine-associated structures—including three barns with a total of 48 generously sized stalls—made to withstand

a category 5 hurricane. Today, the barns house the couple’s two- to three-dozen horses, mostly Selle Français (the figure fluctuates based on births and sales), as well as those owned by boarders, which number around 24 in season.

The pristine, chandelier-crowned barns feature air-conditioned rider lounges and tack rooms, kitchenettes stocked with snacks and cold beverages, laundries, and bathrooms with showers, as well as other amenities not often found in equestrian boarding facilities. To wit, Wi-Fi pipes in soft rock and country music 24/7.

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Clockwise from far left: Mike stands next to his favorite car, a 2022 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante; no farm is complete without a couple of canines, and Mike had a custom doghouse built for the Yags’ pups; another vintage poster in the Yag home reflects a love for horses and automobiles.

Dual Horsepower

Forty-two 5,000-square-foot fenced paddocks provide the horses plenty of room to roam and graze. Equestrians can hone their skills in a 14,500-square-foot open-air covered arena and a smaller competitionsize outdoor arena—both equipped with jumps, a 5-acre natural riding area, and private and semiprivate trails.

“It’s an impressive facility,” says Gulfstream Homes’ Peel, whose company also handled the build-out of the barns and storage structures. “As a home builder, we don’t often have the opportunity to be involved in something so complex.”

Janie’s passion for the horses is perhaps equaled by Mike’s enthusiasm for his impressive car collection. His favorites include a 2022 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante, a 2024 Porsche 911 Turbo S, and a 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS. “I have horses, and he has horsepower,” Janie quips.

The automobiles are housed in an immaculate garage, which sits adjacent to an enviable man cave—a handsomely appointed 1,400-squarefoot, one-bedroom apartment where Janie and Mike lived while their home was under construction. That space is presently occupied by trainer and professional rider Jennifer Olsen. General manager Jesus Arguello and his family also live on-site in a 2,100-square-foot home.

A 2,000-square-foot, three-bedroom guest apartment above the 18-stall barn previously housed French Grand Prix champion Tony Cadet and his wife and daughter. The longtime head trainer, professional rider, and world-class competitive show jumper for Shore Acres Farm recently returned to France with his family to continue training young horses from there.

While Shore Acres Farm provides an idyllic home for the Yags and their team, as well as a first-rate boarding facility for their riding clientele, it is undeniably dedicated to the comfort and care of its equine residents—a concept reflected in the tagline: It’s All About the Horse.

As Mike sums up: “We love our riders and team members, but we owe everything to the horses because they give us so much.” « NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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By

DES IGN RUNWAY LOOKS HAVE CURB APPEAL WHEN LUXURY FABRICS AND DIVINE TAILORING MEET THE COMFORT OF HOME

Photography by ALBERTO GONZALEZ

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Shot by Naples Illustrated at the Danielle Rollins showroom in West Palm Beach Brunello Cucinelli jacket, pants, scarf, gloves; Martin Katz necklace worn as bracelet.

For buying information, turn to page 159.

Fashion editor: Zlata Kotmina NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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Dolce & Gabbana dress, bag; Jimmy Choo pumps; Wolford tights; Alessandra Richard earrings.

Opposite page: Chanel tweed jacket, tweed pants, tulle blouse, tulle skirt, earrings For buying information, turn to page 159.

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Chanel tweed top, tweed shorts, tulle top, tulle skirt, handbag, earrings, necklace Opposite page: Lilly Pulitzer dress; Manolo Blahnik pumps; vintage hat; Martin Katz earrings, ring; Danielle Rollins bangles.

For buying information, turn to page 159.

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Zimmermann dress; vintage earrings, necklace, ring; Monies bangle; Ashley Pittman bangle.

For buying information, turn to page 159.

Model: Clair Pimentel, Ford Models Hair and makeup: Gina Simone, using Artistboxxx, artistboxxx.com

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A Neapolitan couple share their historic Illinois home, known as Pembroke Lodge, the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens

BY DARBY KORDONOWY

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SHOWSTOPPER

Perched on a wooded ridge in Lake Forest, Illinois, Pembroke Lodge is more than a 30-room Georgian limestone mansion; it’s a living time capsule of American design.

Built in 1895 by prominent architect Henry Ives Cobb, the 15,000-square-foot estate was originally commissioned by real estate and mining entrepreneur David Benton Jones. In the late 1930s, Jones’ daughter, Gwethalyn, hired architect David Adler and his sister—legendary interior designer Frances Adler Elkins—to redesign the first-floor interiors. Adler also added a pool and pool house, while the lush 3.5-acre grounds were designed by none other than Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary behind Central Park. This year, under the ownership of part-time Neapolitans and design enthusiasts Chris and Anna Bower, Pembroke Lodge debuted as the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, an initiative that tapped acclaimed interior designers to thoughtfully reimagine this important architectural relic.

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OLIVIA LEIGH

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RYAN MCDONALD

Curated Character

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Thomas Birkman of Birkman Interiors—headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky— revived David Adler’s original ash-paneled study (and 1930s millwork) with linseed oil, restoring its warm patina. From there, he crafted a creative design concept around the idea of a pair of worldly, well-traveled homeowners who had returned to their abode following a life of exploration. “This is their cabinet of curiosities,” Birkman explains. The room unfolds in elegant vignettes: a Moroccan brass tray table, a Portuguese bobbin-leg writing desk, English Regency antiques, and a reconstructed Ralph Lauren chair reupholstered in wool plaid.

The room’s pièce de résistance is a pair of exuberant club chairs upholstered in a Manuel Canovas Turkish textile. Details include a LeRoy Neiman painting, vintage Playboy magazines that pay cheeky homage to Hugh Hefner’s Chicago roots, and an issue of The Chicagoan, a publication from the Jazz Age that once rivaled The New Yorker.

RYAN MCDONALD

Just past Pembroke Lodge’s foyer lies a soft, refined salon designed by Joey Leicht of Lake Forest–based Joey Leicht Design.

Setting a dreamy backdrop is the handpainted, embroidered silk wall covering from Fromental. The mantle and millwork were fabricated by Clive Christian Interiors, known for crafting cabinetry for the British royal family; a Murano glass chandelier, sourced from Barovier&Toso, the oldest glass atelier in Venice, hangs from above, adding a touch of regality. A custom marble console, carved to mimic draped fabric, and a Frances Adler Elkins– inspired corner banquette, add touches of femininity to the space. What truly enlivens the room, however, is the punch of the tropical rose–color doors.

WERNER STAUBE

RYAN MCDONALD

Punch of Pink

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Sunny disposition

Creative risk-taking shaped this colorful space, known as the garden room, into one of the showhouse’s most transportive aesthetics. Designer Amy Kartheiser— of Chicago-based Amy Kartheiser Design—explains the color story is rooted in the landscape just outside the windows. “The green of the grass, the blue of the sky, and the yellow of the sun—these were our starting points,” she explains. These guided every element of the room, beginning with the custom-painted trelliswork in a bespoke Benjamin Moore blue that wraps the walls. The specially made dining chairs are upholstered in Pierre Frey textiles with Samuel & Sons trim; each chair features sunny yellow fronts and embroidered backs with threads of blue and green that echo the room’s palette.

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HEATHER TALBERT

Playing in PASTELS

Upstairs and once a jewelry closet, the refined-yet-playful mah-jongg room designed by Liz Aibel Sherwood of White Couch Design in Winnetka, Illinois, features a custom game table wrapped in grass cloth. Lacquered to match the ceiling’s desert-rose hue, the table is flanked by vintage René Prou iron chairs, reupholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, which serve as a subtle nod to Frances Adler Elkins’ iconic loop chairs. Sculptural seating elements like a Jane Churchill–clad settee, inspired by Jean Royère, and a petal-pink gossip chair imbue the space with softness and silhouette. Color cues were drawn from a House of Harris wall covering featuring lotus and heron motifs, hearkening back to mah-jongg’s Chinese origins. Vintage lamps with pleated silk shades, scalloped Samuel & Sons–trimmed drapery, and a photograph by Nick Mele complete the inviting space.

HEATHER TALBERT

Dress to IMPRESS

Designer Elise Metzger of Forward Fruit Design in Chicago transformed this dressing room into a joyful, creative escape. Inspired

by Edith Wharton’s palette at The Mount and her grandfather’s vintage paisley pajamas, Metzger hand-painted individual paisley motifs in watercolor and translated them into a custom wallpaper mural. At the heart of the room is a sculptural, curved vanity (sketched by Metzger and crafted by Trim Tech Designs) with a seamless surface and integrated jewelry drawers. Blue chairs in a Schumacher moiré, a terra-cotta–color chandelier from Jayson Home, and green trim complete the layered visual narrative.

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DUSTIN HALLECK

Nook for a book

The reading room offers a tapestry of visual richness with floral textiles and vintage finds. Custom millwork in Benjamin Moore’s Georgian Brick grounds the space, while a wave-detailed cornice adds whimsy to the atmosphere. Shelves are layered with handmade ceramics, found objects, and art for depth. Maresca Textiles ottomans trimmed in Schumacher silk bouillon fringe and a chinoiserie desk complete this storybook sanctuary. “I wanted guests to feel like this room is an escape; it offers a moment of quiet and the opportunity to get lost in a book,” says designer Carly Moeller of firm Unpatterned, based in Chicago.

Inside the laundry room designed by Suzanne Sykes, of Chicagobased Suzanne Sykes Interiors, appliances are concealed behind custom cabinetry, inspired by Louis XVI–style commodes and detailed with antique brass escutcheons and ring pulls sourced from Europe. A hand-carved Greek marble farmhouse sink serves as a focal point, complemented by a checkerboard floor of tumbled stone.

Thibaut’s garden-themed wall covering, a Perrin & Rowe Edwardian faucet, faux interior mullions, and brass decor add charm and character, proving utility spaces can be both functional and beautiful.

AIMEE MAZZENGA

Wash whimsy

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HEATHER TALBERT

Cabana life

HEATHER TALBERT

VanityFLAIR

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HEIDI LANCASTER

Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design, based in Evanston, Illinois, transformed a row of utilitarian dressing rooms into a playful cabana, an homage to 1920s beach clubs, Moroccan riads, and the timeless glamour of the American seaside.

Within this space, tucked just behind the pool pavilion, she created a central banquette and draped the hallway in pearlescent-stripe Sanderson fabric, evoking the sheen of a sun-bleached canvas. Arched ceilings, part of David Adler’s original architecture, were echoed in custom wave-like panels. Trompe l’oeil curtains, hand-painted by a local artist, frame a pair of inset murals from French wallpaper house Isidore Leroy. Accessories from Parisian brocantes, as well as vintage ribbon trims, white enamel garden tables, and antique hardware, add charm to the room. “It’s romantic, a little mysterious, and full of texture,” says Jay.

Designer Katy Evans—of Katy Evans Design in Lake Bluff, Illinois—reimagined a pair of powder rooms, drawing inspiration from Frances Adler Elkins’ chinoiserie-inflected work at the Helen Shedd Reed House. Thibaut’s Wild Wisteria Mural in ochre, based on an eighteenth-century watercolor, wraps the walls in botanical sophistication. A skirted vanity in emerald green and a rust-color velvet chair echo the mural’s hues, while a contrasting trompe l’oeil Sanderson wall covering, reminiscent of an antique mirror, appears beneath an ornate vintage mirror for added depth and dimension.

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Botanical beauty

Just beyond the estate’s historic pool, designer Courtney Chessen of Manderine Home, with locations in Winnetka, Illinois, and Darien, Connecticut, transformed the pavilion into a breezy, Florida-inspired retreat. Verdant botanical wallpaper mirrors the surrounding landscape, while a framed Hermès scarf with orange and lavender tones informs the room’s palette. Lavender drapes in outdoor Thibaut fabric with Quadrille Fabrics trim offer shade and softness and are complemented by a lacquered bamboo coffee table, Kingsley Bate lounge seating, and a tropically upholstered daybed. Thoughtful lighting—from a sculptural pendant to layered ceramic lanterns—ensures the space glows well into the evening.

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COUrSE What Florida’s Nearly $4 billion water project means for its people, ecosystems, and economy 124 NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

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Correction

By Jane E. Enos Photography by Nıck Shirghio

The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, once built, will help restore Florida’s natural hydrology.

It’s incredible to ponder the sheer scale of the Everglades, a sprawling 3 million acres of wetlands, wilderness, and wonder. For some perspective, that’s larger than both Delaware and Rhode Island combined. But the Everglades we know is a mere shadow of its former self; it once encompassed a massive 6 million acres. From the headwaters of the Kissimmee River near Orlando through Lake Okeechobee (or Lake O) down to the shimmering waters of Florida Bay, this thriving ecosystem, called the River of Grass, flowed slowly and broadly, nourishing an entire peninsula.

Unchecked development and short-

sighted engineering share the blame when it comes to the dramatic decline of this subtropical wetland biome. Over centuries, a web of canals, levees, and urban sprawl gradually restricted the flow of vital fresh water, the very lifeblood of the ecosystem.

Starved of this resource, the land began to wither. Today, restoration efforts are working to turn the tide, aiming to revive this ecological giant—project by project.

At the heart of Everglades restoration is the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a large-scale water project, located just south of Lake O, designed to capture, clean, and redirect water southward. This NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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Part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the EAA Reservoir will hold about 78 billion gallons of water.

approximate $4 billion development, backed by bipartisan support and both federal and state funds, includes conveyance improvements, stormwater treatment areas, and a massive reservoir capable of holding the equivalent of about 118,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. The EAA Reservoir is a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, first authorized by the U.S. Congress in 2000. Though the reservoir’s related 6,500-acre stormwater treatment area (known as A2) is closer to being operational, the reservoir itself won’t be completed for several years. Once finished, however, this project will help reestablish the historic River of Grass, sending clean, fresh water south through the Everglades (while reducing flows to estuaries), ultimately benefiting the environment, public health, and Florida’s economy.

Storing Water, Saving Ecosystems The Everglades faces no shortage of environmental threats, but one of the most damag126

ing is polluted discharges from Lake O. When the lake’s levels rise too high, water laced with problematic toxins (largely nitrogen and phosphorus) is drained through a system of manmade canals, originally built to control flooding and support agriculture in the area.

These channels funnel the contaminated fresh water east to the St. Lucie River and west to the Caloosahatchee, unleashing flows that devastate coastal ecosystems.

“High-volume releases [from Lake O] basically convert estuaries into freshwater environments, which is damaging to the health of habitats and species,” says aquatic ecologist Steve Davis, chief science officer for The Everglades Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the River of Grass. “When you add in the fact that this water is polluted, it’s a double whammy in terms of impact—from environmental concerns, including toxic algae, to human health issues, to real estate values, to tourism.”

Once completed, the EAA Reservoir will be a game-changer for South Florida’s water

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[the reservoir] is another tool for water management, but it’s the most important tool ... .”

—Steve Davis, The Everglades Foundation

system. Capable of holding an astounding 78 billion gallons of water and designed as a giant holding tank, it will absorb overflows from Lake O and nearby waterways, helping to lower the lake by an estimated 6 inches— and at times, even more.

That drop matters. It means less pressure to make harmful, sudden discharges into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River, where nutrient-laden fresh water fuels toxic algal blooms, choking coastal ecosystems. Instead of being released to the east and west, water will flow into the EAA Reservoir and later into the A2 stormwater treatment area, where engineered wetlands (native plants and microbes) act as a natural filter, stripping out phosphorus and other pollutants. Only after that cleansing progression is the water then released southward.

“The EAA Reservoir opens up a new flow way, reducing high nutrient loads that fuel toxic algae,” says Daniel Andrews, co-founder and CEO of Captains for Clean Water, a grassroots nonprofit based in Fort Myers that advocates for

Inset: This image showing a segment of the C-43 Reservoir in Hendry County provides a general idea of the EAA Reservoir’s structure, though the latter, once completed, will be significantly larger.

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restoring and protecting clean water. “If you look at the modeling for the [EAA Reservoir], there’s greater than a 60 percent reduction of harmful discharges [from Lake O] with this project online.” “[The reservoir] is another tool for water management, but it’s the most important tool, because right now, there is no other option but to dump flows to the east and west,” notes Davis.

“This gives us the capacity to send large volumes of water south, where we can store it, clean it, and provide downstream environmental benefits throughout the Everglades.”

One such benefit is rehydration, which should help another environmental concern: wildfires. Each year, typically from November through May, the central and southern Everglades areas dry out, transforming into parched landscapes susceptible to burning. While fires are a natural part of the Everglades’ ecology, their frequency and intensity are supercharged by dwindling southward water flows. In late August, a wildfire, likely started by lightning, had consumed about 48,000 acres in Broward and Palm Beach counties as of press time. And, according to The Everglades Foundation, in May, two roads connecting South Florida to the Florida Keys (Card Sound Road and U.S. 1) were forced to close due to fires, causing both environmental concerns and economic disruptions.

“The problem we have seen over the years is that, in depriving the Everglades of enough water, we have exacerbated dry conditions,” says Davis. “Keeping the Everglades hydrated will not stop wildfire—we need some wildfire—but it does reduce the risk of those extreme burns.”

Water, Water Everywhere According to the South Florida Water Management District’s website, more than 3 billion gallons of water are used every day by central and southern Florida’s residents and visitors.

A good portion of this is tapped for potable uses like drinking, cooking, and bathing. What would happen if the state’s water sources ran scarce? This isn’t just hypothetical; it’s a real concern, especially in Southeast Florida, which relies on the Biscayne Aquifer.

The Biscayne Aquifer depends on a steady flow from the Everglades, and the EAA Res128

the reservoir opens up a new flow way, reducing high nutrient loads that fuel toxic algae.”

—Daniel Andrews, Captains for Clean Water

ervoir should work to channel fresh, naturally filtered water straight to the source—not only recharging the aquifer but also maintaining pressure enough to help mitigate saltwater intrusion.

“This aquifer is the primary aquifer connected and recharged by the Everglades,” notes Davis.

“The River of Grass freshwater flow recharges this. Everyone in southern Palm Beach County

down to Key West depends upon this aquifer for their daily water supplies.”

Daniel Andrews agrees, explaining what would happen if the Biscayne Aquifer depleted.

“It would be significant for South Florida,” he says. “The only other way to provide drinking water is through desalination, and that would require tremendous amounts of money and would be a large burden for taxpayers.”

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Clockwise from top: Ten Thousand Islands in South Florida; a view of Herbert Hoover Dike, which helps control flooding around Lake Okeechobee; an example of agricultural land and its proximity to Lake O. NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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Water and Wealth How much is the Everglades worth? According to a recent study, “Thriving Everglades, Thriving Economy: Nature’s Value in the Everglades,” conducted by The Everglades Foundation and the nonprofit Earth Economics, the Everglades ecosystem is valued at a staggering $1 trillion over the next 50 years. This astonishing figure reflects the vast ecological, recreational, and economic benefits the region provides. While the EAA Reservoir represents just one piece of the broader Everglades restoration effort and won’t on its own resolve challenges like urban flooding, aging stormwater systems, or the rising costs of coastal insurance, it remains a critical component to unlocking long-term economic and environmental gains.

Beyond its role in restoring the Everglades’ natural hydrology, the EAA Reservoir is poised to significantly reduce toxic discharges into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. This could yield more than just ecological improvements; better water quality supports stronger local economies, particularly through increased boating, fishing, beach-related tourism, and real estate.

The economic impacts from failing to act are just as clear. A 2023 study by Captains for Clean Water, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and Greene Economics examined the potential financial fallout from a future large-scale harmful algal bloom (HAB) across Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. The findings are alarming: a repeat of the 2018 HAB event could cost Collier County $245.5 million in fishing losses, nearly 14,000

jobs, $1.7 billion in lost economic output, and $6.8 billion in diminished property values. In Lee County, property values could drop by as much as $3.8 billion, with an additional loss of $21.4 million in tax revenue.

These figures make one thing clear: protecting water quality is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic imperative. Strategic investments like the EAA Reservoir are essential to safeguarding both Florida’s environmental health, as well as the financial well-being of its communities.

Beyond the Bend Regarding the EAA Reservoir’s future, there’s both positive and problematic news. As for the good, in July, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the State of Florida and the U.S. Department of the Army reached an agreement allowing Florida to lead key portions of the federally funded Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, including some related to the EAA Reservoir. State involvement should help speed the project, accelerating its timeline by five years with completion in 2029.

Adding controversy to the development of the EAA Reservoir is the Southland Water Resource Project, proposed by contracting firm Phillips & Jordan and sited on farmland currently owned by U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals.

While the mine’s name suggests an initiative related to water storage, environmental groups argue its primary purpose is commercial mining. “The rock mine is a concern,” says Davis. “They would be blasting limestone within 1,000 feet of the project we are spending

Controversy surrounds the Southland Water Resource Project, which calls for limestone mining near the EAA Reservoir.

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the [Southland project] is a concern. they would be blasting ... within 1,000 feet of [the Reservoir] ... .”

—Steve Davis, The Everglades Foundation

billions on. Common sense dictates we should be sure this isn’t increasing any risk of leakage to [the EAA Reservoir], which we know is so important for South Florida. The South Florida Water Management District should be allowed time for due diligence to ensure this project is not going to see any erosion of its integrity. I was pleased to see the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers weigh in on this; they flagged some concerns.”

“This rock mine presents alarming problems,” adds Andrews, who says the Southland project was essentially fast-tracked. As of press time, a lawsuit had been filed by the Everglades Law Center to prevent the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from issuing an Environmental Resource Permit, the final permit needed before excavation can commence.

The stakes are high and include huge amounts of taxpayer dollars. The EAA Reservoir isn’t just a construction project; it’s a

cornerstone for Everglades restoration, vital to protecting drinking water, reducing harmful discharges to coastal estuaries, and restoring the natural flow of water south. Is trading long-term ecological and economic stability for many Floridians worth deepening the pockets of a few? The risks demand serious scrutiny because Florida’s future is on the line. «

Air transportation: Courtesy of LightHawk Volunteer pilot: Jay Apt

NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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Naples Illustrated presents

DESIGNING

SPACES NI’S RESOURCE GUIDE FOR THE TOP INTERIOR DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS, SPACE PLANNERS, AND HOME PRODUCTS IN THE NAPLES AREA.

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DESIGNING

SPACES

RUTA MENAGHLAZI THEORY DESIGN

Q: WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN INSPIRATION? A: I find inspiration in the quiet poetry of nature, the discipline and proportion of architecture, the cultural layers discovered through international travel, and the soul of artisan craftsmanship. These influences shape spaces that are both refined and authentic—where organic textures meet precise detailing, and every element tells a story. My goal is to create interiors that transcend trends, offering beauty, comfort, and a sense of place that feels both deeply personal and timeless.

Q: WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN YOUR INDUSTRY? A: In luxury residential design, we’re seeing a shift toward spaces that feel both highly personalized and deeply connected to nature. Organic materials—like warm woods, honed stone, and textured plasters—are replacing glossy finishes, while bespoke craftsmanship

brings individuality to every detail. Architectural forms are becoming softer, with curves, fluted elements, and layered lighting creating intimacy. Technology is seamlessly integrated for comfort and convenience, yet the focus remains on timeless, sustainable design over fleeting trends.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF SPECIALIZATION? A: Our design team specializes in crafting bespoke luxury residences, from the ground up through complete, highend renovations. We collaborate closely with architects, builders, and artisans to create environments that are as functional as they are beautiful. Whether designing a new construction home or transforming an existing property, we curate every architectural detail, material, and furnishing to reflect our clients’ vision. The result is timeless, highly personalized interiors that embody sophistication, comfort, and enduring quality.

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DESIGNING

SPACES

SANDRA ASDOURIAN SANDRA ASDOURIAN INTERIORS

Q: WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN INSPIRATION? A: My design inspiration comes from various sources, mainly fashion, travel, and nature. I love how personal style naturally mixes with home decor. Exploring new cities and cultures greatly enhances my work. Living in sunny Naples, Florida, constantly motivates me. Nature plays an essential role in my creativity; I draw ideas from the color schemes found in the natural environment. I enjoy designing interiors that effortlessly combine indoor comfort with an outdoor lifestyle.

Q: WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN YOUR INDUSTRY? A: My main goal is to create functional and comfortable homes that reflect my clients’ lifestyles, rather than simply following trends. However, one timeless element we incorporate is wallpaper, which has significantly evolved from its traditional use. For example, the dining

room ceiling in the design above features a stunning 3D wood veneer wallpaper. Also, remember when windows were only dressed in shades or shutters? Now, we recommend more beautiful drapery options than ever before.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF SPECIALIZATION? A: I specialize in designing new construction homes and comprehensive interior design projects for entire residences. My contemporary coastal style perfectly complements the vibrant lifestyle of Southwest Florida.

Although working with an interior designer may seem like a luxury, building a strong partnership can genuinely elevate your project. This collaboration empowers you to make confident decisions, enhancing your experience and reducing uncertainty throughout the process. Let’s create a stunning space that reflects your vision.

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Welcome Home

12/12/24 4:28 PM

A TASTE OF NAPLES

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

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SEA SALT

BARBATELLA

GRAPPINO

1186 3RD ST S. SEASALTNAPLES.COM

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90 9TH ST N. GRAPPINONAPLES.COM

BAKERY AT GRAPPINO

90 9TH ST. N. GRAPPINONAPLES.COM

7/21/25 11:28 AM

EAT+DRINK BOLD FLAVORS, COOL COCKTAILS, AND LOCAL FAVORITES The DiGusto team was honored for serving authentic Italian fare.

AUTHENTICITY AWARD Artfully arranged wines occupy an entire wall. A deli case filled with meats and cheeses beckons. The aroma of garlic and spices waft from the kitchen via a pass-through window over which is scrawled “Eat like an Italian.”

Clearly, DiGusto takes its Italian roots seriously.

This two-year-old Naples establishment recently received the Ospitalità Italiana— Ristorante Italiani nel Mondo 2025-2026 from the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce in recognition of authenticity. To earn it, businesses worldwide demonstrate they

NICK SHIRGHIO

ACCOLADE

promote Italian food products and work to enhance the culture and traditions of Italian food and wine. DiGusto is the first to earn it in Southwest Florida. Owners Monica Valtolina, the chef, and her husband, General Manager Robert Di Gennaro, along with their son, House Manager Davide Di Gennaro, work to bring authentic food and hospitality to Naples.

“This award is a source of great pride for us,” says Monica, who attended culinary school in Italy. “It’s a confirmation of the passionate work we do every day. I cook the original recipes of

Italy. I don’t want to Americanize them.”

Among the traditions they observe is that entrées of meat or fish are accompanied by vegetables, not pasta, which is its own course, coming before the entrée. They also offer Monica’s Caserecce Di Gusto—short, twisted pasta bathed in tomato sauce, the chef’s pesto, and creamy stracciatella. “Everything is imported from Italy. My mother makes all the sauces, desserts, and bread,” says Davide.

“That’s what you have to do to get this award.” (digustoitaly.com) –Karen Feldman

«

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EAT+DRINK Newly opened, Amber Cove offers a seafood-oriented menu and chefdriven concept, featuring flavors from Jehad Alsharabini.

short ribs, salads, and desserts, including a unique cheesecake à la baklava.

Herman describes the restaurant as “a chefdriven concept” and says of Alsharabini, “He’s probably the best chef I’ve ever worked with.

His presentations are the most creative; guests are amazed by them, but they are more amazed by the flavor he brings to the plate.”

Herman is expanding the Californiafocused wine inventory that came with the restaurant, aiming for an international assortment that will complement the food. As for the name, “Amber refers to the sunsets here in paradise,” he says. “And the Cove, it’s our connection to the coast.” (ambercoverestaurant.com) –K.F.

man says. “I’m an engaging person. I need interaction with people. You can’t get that when you’re retired.” KC had “a nice bar, was the right size, and in a good location,” he says.

He hired Jehad Alsharabini, known as Chef Je, who had worked at Baleen when Herman ran LaPlaya. “I knew that we could do some great things together,” Herman says. “The cuisine had to be seafood-oriented. That’s what I like most and what I think is most interesting and successful in Naples. We’re on the coast.

We should have seafood.”

Menu options include ahi tataki, charred prawns, blue crab and reef fish cake, Faroe Islands salmon, and hazelnut grouper. Also offered are chops, steak,

TIDAL SHIFT

SEA STARS

The North Naples space that formerly housed KC American Bistro has undergone a sea change. The popular restaurant that featured chef/owner Keith Casey’s creative interpretations of regional fare has become Amber Cove, a stylish homage to the oceans and their bounty. Casey, who operated KC for more than 15 years, sold it to hospitality professional Tim Herman, who has 40-plus years of experience in Las Vegas and Naples, including managing LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort and The Inn on Fifth.

Herman dipped his toes into retirement after Hurricane Ian damaged LaPlaya, but it didn’t take. “I realized I have too much interest in hospitality to completely leave it,” Her-

«

SMALL MATTERS

Same Taste, New Size

COURTESY OF AMBER COVE

COURTESY OF ELLA’S FLATS

Naples-based Ella’s Flats, crunchy snacks made from seeds, now come in a smaller size, including a new sweet variety containing dates. Minis, in everything, sesame, and sweet flavors, are gluten-free, grain-free, and loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. “Sales have been good since our launch and, as with all of our products, we are seeing customers come back again and again for our new format,” says Ellen Macks, the Naples resident who created them and founded the woman-owned company. Like the larger version, the minis can be eaten on their own, with cheese or dips, crumbled on top of soup, or any other way you use bread or crackers. The diminutive treats are available in Naples at Wynn’s Market and Seed to Table. The original size is widely available at Publix and Whole Foods stores. All can be ordered online from Ella’s Flats or Amazon. (ellasflats.com) —K.F.

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PERK UP

Manatee Coffee, a locally founded company with the motto “coffee with a cause,” is now available at all Costco stores statewide, with sales of 2-pound bags of Caribbean Delight whole beans supporting vital manatee conservation efforts. The firm also introduced two new organic blends in an exclusive partnership with The Fresh Market: Eco Brew, a medium roast, offers notes of toasted nut and chocolate, with a smooth, balanced finish, while Coastal Reserve, a dark roast, is bold and full-bodied with notes of smoky plum, chocolate, and toasted nut. Both are sold in 12-ounce bags of ground coffee and 2-pound bags of whole beans. The beans can also be ordered online.

Manatee Coffee began on Marco Island with beans roasted in Miami. Brothers Brad and Cary Gutwein, frequent boaters around Sanibel Island, acquired the company in 2010 after learning of its mission to protect the endangered sea cows. Since then, the firm has donated more than $70,000 to organizations, including Save the Manatee Club, Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. (manateecoffee.com) —K.F.

COURTESY OF MANATEE COFFEE

Doubly Good Cuppa Joe

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 BALEEN AT LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT Dine amid elegant tropical surroundings indoors or on the tiered terrace to soak up the exquisite beachside views.

9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples (laplayaresort.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)

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 AirportPulling 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) 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)

SEAFOOD AMBER COVE Offering options from both the surf and turf, expect classics like lamb chops, filet mignon, sea bass, grouper, and salmon here. 885 Vanderilt Beach Road, Naples (ambercoverestaurant.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 DOCK AT CRAYTON COVE An open-air restaurant serving fresh catches prepared with Caribbean and Latin influences. 845 12th Ave. S., Naples (dockcrayton​cove.com) LA PESCHERIA A stellar eatery that honors the culture of Italian fish markets, serving Mediterranean branzino, salmon, corvina, and others. 474 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (lapescherianaples.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) NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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EAT+DRINK STEAK

FRENCH

MEXICAN

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) JIMMY P’S CHARRED Known for its 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) 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)

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) BLEU PROVENCE Authentic dishes from the South of France are paired with wines from the vast, award-winning selection. 1234 Eighth St. S., Naples (bleu​provencenaples.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) TARTINE & TARTELETTE French cuisine with wine pairings as sweet as the restaurant’s name. 11121 Health Park Blvd., Naples (tartinetartelette.com)

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) ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR Every day is Cinco de Mayo at this high-energy eatery located in Mercato. The signature tacos are a hit, along with the savory guacamole, made fresh tableside. 9123 Strada Place Ste. 7135, Naples (roccostacos.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) UNCLE JULIO’S Guacamole is made to order and intriguing menu options delight, including watermelon margaritas, crab and shrimp enchiladas, roasted mushroom tacos, and more. 2096 Ninth St. N., Naples (unclejulios.com)

DATE:

LOCATION:

THURSDAY

December 4, 2025 Grey Oaks Country Club

Our mission: Grace Place puts faith into action, providing pathways out of poverty by educating children and families

Speaker: Maria Shriver Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for women, families, and brain health, using her voice to champion education, resilience, and opportunity for all.

OR Tickets available at SCAN Beyond2025.givesmart.com HERE

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ITALIAN BAKERY AT GRAPPINO Stop into this spot for breakfast fare and housemade breads, such as focaccia, brioche, and olive-rosemary loafs. 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) CAFFÉ MILANO Featuring a laid-back ambience with rustic-style Italian fare inclusive of beef carpaccio, house-made pappardelle with braised short ribs ragu, and traditional lasagna. 800 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (caffemilano.com) DIGUSTO A family-owned and -operated spot featuring a blend of Italian fare recognized for maintaining authentic roots. 4180 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (digustoitaly.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 homestyle cuisine are all top-notch. 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) VERGINA Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a modern flair. Vergina is also a popular spot for gathering with friends and listening to live music. 700 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (verginarestaurant.com)

ASIAN FUJIYAMA STEAK AND SEAFOOD HOUSE Enjoy steaks and seafood prepared with Japanese flair at Fujiyama’s hibachi table. 2555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (naples​fujiyama.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) 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 KEEWAYDIN’S ON FIFTH It’s always island time at this vibrant Fifth Avenue South spot that boasts bold Caribbean flavors paired with sweet tropical ingredients. 711 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (keewaydins.com) LOLA 41 This bistro and sushi bar takes its name by shortening “longitude” and “latitude.” The result? Global cuisine galore. 560 Ninth St. S., Naples (lola41.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) 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)

WHETHER YOU ARE PLANNING FOR A FUN DAY OUT, SHOPPING FOR A MEAL, OR STOCKING UP ON YOUR VACATION RENTAL, WYNN'S MARKET HAS ALL YOUR NEEDS Delicious Deli Grab & Go Foods Imported & American Artisan Cheese Fresh Local & Cold Water Seafood Prime Beef & Domestic Lamb Natural & Organic Poultry European-Style Bakery Farm Fresh Produce & Organic Produce Fresh Made Juice Bar Great Selection of Gluten Free, Organic, Vegan, & Gourmet Products Holiday Meals

SKIP THE LINES AND ORDER ONLINE! PICKUP AND DELIVERY AVAIALABLE! 141 NINTH ST. N., NAPLES, FL, 34102 239-261-7157

WYNNSMARKET.COM

NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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Planting Seeds of Humanity

Please join us for this lively event supporting a future free of hate, violence, bullying and division by teaching children a foundation of character, generosity, and gratitude

NOV 1 2025 ST

featuring

Reception 5:30 PM | Dinner 6:30 PM Naples Grande Beach Resort emceed by

LOIS THOME WINK News Anchor

Ben Allen Band

Reserve Your Tickets or Sponsorship:

Thank You to Our Major Sponsors

Media Sponsor

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8/28/25 1:05 PM

BALANCE

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

RETREAT

In late June, 11:11 Hospitality partnered with Naples Grande Beach Resort to offer Tranquility Weekend, an immersive event dedicated to health, wellbeing, and restoration. The two-day retreat allowed participants to attend in periods of one or two days and experience a diverse range of activities, including yoga and Pilates classes, sound-bath sessions, breath work, energy healing, beach workouts, and other wellnesscentric programming. Participants—including

many local residents—had opportunities to make meaningful connections through networking. “Approximately 300 attendees joined us on Saturday—and around 250 on Sunday,” says Jon Besant, CEO and co-owner of 11:11 Hospitality, an events and entertainment management company. “There was a real sense of community and drive among attendees to connect, share, and support one another.”

In addition to the immersive workshops and wellness experiences, more than 30 vendors with booths were on-site.

Through Naples Grande, chef-crafted meals and wellness refreshments complemented the experience, and for those looking to fully immerse themselves, on-site accommodations were offered through a package provided through the resort. “We have our own village of wellness here at Naples Grande—especially within the spa offering—so it made sense to lean on that and partner with 11:11 Hospitality on this

event,” explains Skip James, vice president of resort sales and marketing for Naples Grande.

“The program was developed around local content, so a benefit for locals attending was that they learned more about what’s in their own backyard.”

Another Tranquility Weekend is in the works and scheduled for January 2-4. Says Besant, “We are planning a few exciting changes; stay tuned!” (@1111hospitality, naplesgrande.com) –Jane E. Enos

COURTESY OF 11:11 HOSPITALITY

COURTESY OF 11:11 HOSPITALITY

A WEEKEND OF WELLNESS

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NI: Can you describe your start in table tennis?

Van Emburgh: My family is a tennis family, and I found it a bit hard for me to pursue because of my disability. I picked up a table tennis racket at one of my brother’s tennis tournaments when I was 9 years old and found it much easier and better for my disability. [Quickly], I was beating other kids, so I was getting better very fast and really enjoying it. After that, I begged my mom to get a table in our garage. When she did, I started playing with my brother, and the rest is history.

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You’ve had ups and downs like any top athlete, including some setbacks in the Paralympics in Paris last summer. How did you prevail to become the top wheelchair para table tennis player in the world?

I won four of the five tournaments I played before Paris, so I was in good form leading up to that. I lost in a very close match in the quarter finals—just one match before winning another medal. It was only a two-point difference and probably the most devastating moment of my career. My coach, [Jeff Yamada], has really helped me, supporting and encouraging me to

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keep going. And of course, my family is always there. When the tournaments this year came around, I just played them. I’ve won all three, so I skyrocketed up to No. 1 in the world for the first time. Now, I want to redeem myself, so I’m using that as motivation to win when it matters the most. I still haven’t completely moved on [from Paris], but now I’m using it as fuel.

I’m just trying to take every tournament I play, win or lose, as a building block for the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028.

MA

Naples-born athlete Jenson Van Emburgh, ranked No. 1 in the world in wheelchair para table tennis and a Paralympic Games bronze medalist, moved back to Naples last year to train with head coach Jeff Yamada at Naples Pong.

We caught up with the 25-year-old athlete about his history with the sport, triumphs and challenges, and his Paralympic plans. Read on for more. (naplespong.com) –Erika Klein

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TABLE TENNIS TALK

COURTESY OF JENSON VAN EMBURGH

INSPIRATION

What do you want other athletes to know about overcoming setbacks?

I’ve always dealt with setbacks and adversities in my life. We’re all human, and we can’t be perfect every single day. You can have a bad day on an important day, and that’s just what happens.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, but you also need to work for it. With sports, there must be a loser and a winner, and you can’t always be the winner.

Do you feel you have an ability to influence others? If so, how?

I want to inspire kids—whether they have a disability or not. If they’re suffering or if they’re struggling to find something they enjoy, I hope I can inspire them to find a sport, an art, or something they are passionate about—something that can help them mentally and physically.

Do you head straight for the machines when you go to the gym?

“Often, we settle for the convenience of stationary gym equipment and simply forget about the importance of body-weight exercise and natural-moving patterns,” points out Sergei Fedotov, owner of Pure Skill Fitness in Naples. While body-weight exercises are especially convenient when you don’t have access to fitness equipment, Fedotov notes they are important for your regular workouts, too. In particular, he recommends push-ups, squat jumps, and all variations of planks as effective examples, as well as burpees that incorporate each of these movements.

As with other exercises, Fedotov emphasizes quality over quantity.

“To minimize risk of injuries and maximize exercise benefits, learn proper exercise form and pace,” he explains. For instance, he says there’s no need to do more than 10 burpees per minute. “It is already very challenging, and going faster will most likely jeopardize your form and therefore your safety,” he notes. “Instead, focus on the proper exercise form, do not hold your breath, and do it with a smile.” (pureskillfitness.com) –E.K.

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COURTESY OF DAVID LAWRENCE CENTERS FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Inset: a rendering of the Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center. Below: Scott Burgess, CEO for David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health.

COMING SOON

Walk-in Mental HEALTH CARE

Foods Fighting

INFLAMMATION «

Pesto Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice Salad Ingredients

1 cup frozen, cooked shrimp (thawed) 2 cups frozen cauliflower rice cup chopped artichoke (in water or frozen) 1/ 2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

2 tbsp. black olives, chopped 2-3 tbsp. pesto Dash of pepper Instructions Thaw frozen shrimp under lukewarm water. Prepare cauliflower rice according to package directions. In a sauté pan, heat shrimp on low with the pesto.

Toss in artichokes, tomatoes, and olives. Stir together with shrimp for 5 minutes. Add rice and simmer on low for another 5 minutes. Serve hot or cold.

COURTESY OF DAVID LAWRENCE CENTERS FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

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An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, but it may also reduce joint pain and promote weight loss, among other benefits. In fact, Francesca Scerbo, owner of Balanced Nutrition in Naples, recommends an inflammation-lowering diet for everyone.

People “are seeing huge results in their health,” she notes. “They are getting off of medication and seeing improvements in their energy.”

To follow the diet, eat foods that fight inflammation in your body while minimizing ones that promote it. Scerbo suggests unprocessed foods, including fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. On the other hand, you’ll want to avoid sugary foods and drinks, fried foods, red meat, and refined carbs— such as white bread. “Anything that is in a box should be taken out of your pantry,” Scerbo explains. “It’s individualized, but when you start removing certain things from people’s eating plans that are pro-inflammatory, it is unbelievable how quickly the body responds,” Scerbo says.

To get started, try the recipe to the right from her cookbook, Balanced Nutrition: A Cooking Guide to Better Health. (balancednutritionlifestyle.com) —E.K.

Rather than waiting to schedule a therapy appointment, Naples community residents will soon be able to access walk-in mental health care services at the Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center, opening in 2026 as part of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC). “Reducing wait times is critical to meeting the needs of residents with behavioral health issues,” explains Kimberly Dye, vice president of advancement for DLC. Besides offering behavioral health urgent care services, the new center will include integrated mental and physical health care, medication and treatment for people with substance-use disorders, and trauma therapy for veterans, including immersive therapy designed to help patients face challenges in simulated safe spaces alongside a therapist. “All of DLC’s adult outpatient programs, including our expanded Veteran Services, will now be under one roof, making care even more convenient,” Dye notes. “The Center represents a bold innovation in how DLC delivers mental health care, ensuring individuals get immediate help when they need it most.” (davidlawrencecenters.org) –E.K.

NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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Walk the Talk HOW TO INCORPORATE THREE POPULAR WALKING STYLES INTO YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

SILENT WALKING

Silent walking heralds the health and wellness benefits that arise from combining the trifecta of nature, exercise, and meditation. With recent studies finding that rates of anxiety and depression have risen dramatically since the pandemic and the fact that our attention spans have withered over the past 20 years, this distraction-free walking style is said to center and calm participants and even lead to creative brainstorming.

X RUCKING A leveled-up approach to walking that entails carrying weight in a backpack, rucking has been shown to improve strength, endurance, and balance. Walking with weight also increases calories burnt since you must move more mass at the same pace. The fact that rucking is a low-intensity, low-cost form of functional fitness makes it appealing to those looking for a break from routine.

RUCKING REQUISITES

Made specifically for rucking and backed by a lifetime guarantee, GoRuck’s Rucker 4.0 backpack ($245) is built to last. Power up the pack with 10-, 20-, or 30-pound ruck plates or sand ruck plates. (goruck.com)

HOW-TO Cater your rucking based on your current fitness level: ∞ Those new to exercising or who haven’t walked much should start with shorter distances and less weight. Try 3 to 5 percent of your bodyweight for either 1 mile or 20 minutes, whichever comes first. ∞ Those who have been walking at least three times a week for 3 to 5 miles can increase their load and decrease their distance.

Try 5 to 10 percent of your bodyweight for 1 mile or 20 minutes, whichever comes first. ∞ Seasoned walkers and weight trainers who work out at least four times a week can start with a heavier load and slightly longer distance. Try 10 to 15 percent of your bodyweight for 1 to 2 miles at an 18-minute-mile pace.

The Danner Trail 2650 Campo shoes ($170) are ideal for warm-weather hiking, featuring a breathable upper and incredible grip on wet and dry surfaces. (danner.com) With its easyto-fill and convenientto-sip design, Gregory Gregory’s 3D Hydro 3L Reservoir ($53) is great for ontrail hydration. (gregory.com)

JAPANESE WALKING

THIS INTERVAL APPROACH ALTERNATES BETWEEN SHORT BURSTS OF HIGHER INTENSITY WALKING TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW AND GET YOUR HEART RATE UP, FOLLOWED BY LOWER INTENSITY WALKING TO ALLOW YOUR HEART RATE TO COME BACK DOWN. IT IS PURPORTED TO LEAD TO INCREASED LEG STRENGTH, DECREASED BLOOD PRESSURE, AND BETTER OVERALL FITNESS LEVELS WHEN COMPARED TO MODERATE OR LOWER INTENSITY CONTINUOUS WALKING.

HOW-TO Embrace the purity of the process by doing the following: ∞ Pick an outdoor space that is relatively quiet and a time of day when there are few others present and minimal activity. ∞ Leave potential distractions (like your phone, spouse, or dog) at home. ∞ Quiet your body by ensuring you aren’t hungry or thirsty. ∞ Focus on your breathing by being mindful of each inhale and exhale.

Take notice of your feelings and the beauty that surrounds you.

HOW-TO Structure your Japanese walking session like this: ∞ Three minutes of fast walking at roughly 70 percent your peak aerobic capacity. This should be a somewhat hard level where you are breathing heavily and still able to talk but having a conversation is difficult. Swing your arms to engage more of your body and add power to your steps. ∞ Three minutes of slow walking at about 40 percent your peak aerobic capacity. This should be a light level where talking is comfortable and only a bit more labored than effortless conversation. ∞ Alternate between the two paces for five sets totaling 30 minutes.

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THE HOT TEST CULTURE AND COMMUNIT Y HAPPENINGS

JOHN EDER/NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN

Clockwise from inset: images from Naples Botanical Garden Multimedia Coordinator John Eder, including of cannonball tree and trumpet vine, as well as a selfportrait

TOP BILLING

Memorializing FLOWERS Somedays John Eder can’t believe he gets paid to take pretty pictures of flowers. “Because there are already so many photos of flowers,” he shares, “it is challenging to take an interesting one.” Armed with years of photography experience, he strives to capture something unusual in each shot.

Eder’s family moved to Naples when he was 3 years old. He left town to work as a professional photographer in New York City in the ’80s. He then spent 27 years in Los Angeles, where he shot photos for magazines and album covers for the likes of Mötley Crüe and Stone Temple Pilots.

Seven years ago, he moved back to Naples; three years ago he was hired as the multimedia coordinator at Naples Botanical Garden, whose mission he reminds “is to bring plants and people together.” As someone who grew up

here, Eder realized that he could get behind this mission. “I like that there are 170 acres of garden— with less than half of that cultivated—in the middle of developed Naples.”

Since July 19, a rotation of Eder’s works has been on display in the Fogg Café in an exhibition titled “The Way It Looked That Day.” Since most of his work is only seen online or in print, Eder says, “It’s great to have this space in the café to show my work informally and printed on a larger scale.” With the price of regular admission, garden guests are invited to view his choices through January 11. (naplesgarden.org) –Gaylene Salomons NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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COURTESY OF GIAMPAOLO CURRERI

COURTESY OF PEGGY KEIGLEY

ARTS & EVENTS

Clockwise from above: Wild and Wonderful by Peggy Keigley and Freyde and Sisters by Giampaolo Curreri, both on display at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center; Beach and Elegant Woman by James Robellard at Marco Island Center for the Arts; “Entangled in the Mangroves” exhibit at Artis—Naples.

GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES COURTESY OF ARTIS—NAPLES

1 And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie’s masterpiece of mystery, deception, and shocking twists, Kizzie Theater, The Naples Players, to Oct. 19, tickets start at $55. (naplesplayers.org) 2 Zachary Bartholomew: Passion, Peace, and The Real McCoy, a tribute to the music of jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, Moe Auditorium, Arts Bonita, Bonita Springs, tickets start at $38. (artsbonita.org)

COURTESY OF JAMES ROBELLARD

COURTESY OF JAMES ROBELLARD

4 Naples Jazzmasters, jazz concert by the Naples Jazz Society, River Park Community Center, Naples, free. (thenaplesjazzsociety.com) 5 Everyone’s a Kid, Bonita Springs residents receive reduced admission the first Sunday of every month, Bonita Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs, $12. (wondergardens.org) 7 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 Oct. 14, 21, and 28, included with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)

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8 Corkscrew NABA Fall Butterfly Survey, take part in the North American Butterfly Association survey (NABA), Blair Center, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, $3. (audubon.org/corkscrew) 9 Charlie Berens, Off the Hook Comedy Club, to Oct. 11, tickets start at $41. (offthehookcomedy.com)

Evening on Fifth, live musical performances along Fifth Avenue South, Naples, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com) 14 Andy Huggins, Off the Hook Comedy Club, to Oct. 16, tickets start at $30. (offthehookcomedy.com) 15 Ada and the Engine, a look at Ada Lovelace the woman who pioneered computer programming, Price Studio Theater, The Naples Players, to Nov. 9, tickets start at $55. (naplesplayers.org)

From Trauma to Triumph, luncheon with chef Brian Roland and his wife, Nicole, in support of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples, call 239-354-1451 for tickets and pricing. (davidlawrencecenters.org)

AN EERIE-SISTABLE EVENT

«

At three designated times on Saturday, October 18, the Golisano Children’s Museum will be open only for members and guests with reserved event tickets to enjoy the annual not-so-scary Halloween Spooktacular 2025. Families can come dressed in a favorite costume and participate in Halloween activities, games, trick-or-treating, and more at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., or 4 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult; tickets start at $10. (cmon.org) –G.S.

2 PICKS FILM LOVERS ARE INVITED TO THE SEVENTEENTH EDITION OF THE ANNUAL NAPLES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TAKING PLACE ON THE ARTIS—NAPLES CAMPUS OCTOBER 23-26. FROM THE RED-CARPET OPENING-NIGHT SCREENING TO FILMMAKER PANEL DISCUSSIONS TO A FILM IN CONCERT TO FINISH IT OFF, THE FESTIVAL PROMISES A DIVERSE LINEUP OF INDEPENDENT CINEMA. (ARTISNAPLES.ORG)

THE FIRST $250,000 PROVOL AWARD GRANT, INSPIRED BY JEFFREY PROVOL’S $18 MILLION LEGACY GIFT THROUGH THE COLLIER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION OF PHILANTHROPY. THE LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD OCTOBER 17 AT ARTHREX ONE CONFERENCE CENTER; TICKETS ARE $350.

(COLLIERCF.ORG) —G.S.

NICK SHIRGHIO

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

Brian and Nicole Roland share their story of trauma to triumph at a luncheon in support of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health October 15.

16 Bingo for Bags and Baubles, an evening to benefit the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, Vineyards Country Club, Naples, $100. (parkinsonassociationswfl.org) 17 Celebration of Philanthropy, the Collier Community Foundation celebrates local nonprofits and announces five surprise grants, Arthrex One, Naples, $350. (colliercf.org)

Joanne Shaw Taylor, blues, rock, soul, and pop, Hinman Auditorium, Arts Bonita, Bonita Springs, tickets start at $58. (artsbonita.org) 18 Halloween Spooktacular 2025, schedule a not-so-scary museum visit, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, tickets start at $10. (cmon.org)

Naples Jazzmasters, a jazz concert performed by the Naples Jazz Society, Norris Community Center, Naples, free. (thenaplesjazzsociety.com)

Nash to Naples: A Night on the Naples Princess, songwriter showcase and live auction benefiting Home Base Florida and Hacienda of Hope, $375. (nashtonaples.com) 19 Cars and Coffee 239, featuring BMWs, event lawn at Mercato, Naples, free. (experiencemercato.com) 21 Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, a cocktail of dark comedy and intense drama, Struthers Studio, Naples, to Nov. 23, tickets start at $39. (gulfshoreplayhouse.org)

Movies on the Lawn, Hotel Transylvania, event lawn at Mercato, Naples, free. (experiencemercato.com)

THESE EVENT DETAILS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT PLEASE CONTACT THE VENUE OR PRESENTER FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2025

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COURTESY OF NASH TO NAPLES

SET SAIL WITH NASHVILLE MUSIC LEGENDS For the past four years, Nash to Naples has inspired community, creativity, and generosity through its annual songwriter festival held in downtown Naples in January. As the festival has grown in both size and popularity, event organizers created and added another event: Nash to Naples: A Night on the Naples Princess. Set sail on the afternoon of October 18 for an intimate songwriter showcase and live auction benefiting Home Base Florida and Hacienda of Hope. Watch the sun set over the Gulf while enjoying live performances from top songwriters and recording artist RaeLynn and listen to the stories behind hit songs; tickets start at $375. (nashtonaples.com) –G.S.

Country artist RaeLynn (at left) will perform during an evening sail on the Naples Princess to benefit Home Base Florida and Hacienda of Hope.

23 Naples International Film Festival, the seventeenth edition of the annual regional film festival returns, Artis—Naples, to Oct. 26, call 239-597-1900 for tickets. (artisnaples.org)

East West Fine Art, Naples. “Cloud Tree,” ex-

Naples Art Institute. “Naples Invitational,” an

hibit of surrealist and fantasy paintings by Stanislav Plutenko, who touches upon universal and timeless themes, Oct. 6-20. (eastwestfineart.com)

exhibition of works by local artists, to Nov. 30. (naplesart.org)

24 Lil Mo Mozarella, Off the Hook Comedy Club, also Oct. 25, tickets start at $30. (offthehookcomedy.com)

Immokalee Pioneer Museum. “A Community

25 Evening on Fifth, live musical performances along Fifth Avenue South, Naples, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com)

Halloween Spooktacular, a fun afternoon event at Cambier Park, Naples, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com) 29 Art After Hours, an evening of fun and entertainment for all ages, The Baker Museum, Artis— Naples, free. (artisnaples.org)

VISUAL ARTS & GALLERIES The Baker Museum and Hayes Hall Galleries, Naples. “Entangled in the Mangroves,” artists exploring the Everglades, to Nov. 30; “Tamara de Lempicka,” photographs and Art Deco paintings, through Feb. 2026; “Florida Contemporary,” an exhibition celebrating the state’s vibrant art scene, to June 28. (artisnaples.org)

Art Fair: Exploring the Art of Perspective,” showcasing works that capture the duality of internal and external perspectives, to Oct. 18. (colliermuseums.com)

Naples Botanical Garden. “Artists in Bloom,” artists share works celebrating compositions found in the garden, Kapnick Hall, through Oct. 26; “The Way It Looked That Day,” works by staff photographer John Eder, Fogg Café, to Jan 11. (naplesgarden.org)

Marco Island Center for the Arts. “Words

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples. “Through the Lens of Nature: A

as Art,” a fascinating fusion of photography and AI-enhanced artwork, Oct. 5 to Nov. 24. (marcoislandart.org)

Celebration of Flora, Fauna, and Culture,” Collective 5 Exhibition, local artists presentation, to Oct. 31. (rookerybay.org)

Marco Island Historical Museum. “Backstage Hollywood: The Photographs of Bob Willoughby,” featuring images of iconic film sets, to Oct. 18; “The Plein-Air Paintings of Donald Sunshine,” to Nov. 8; “Key Marco Cat Smithsonian Exhibition,” through April 2026. (themihs.org)

Naples Airport. “Come Fly with Me,” an immersive art exhibition exploring the romance, luxury, and dynamism of flight, inspired by the refined ambience of Naples’ airport, to Oct. 31. (unitedartscollier.org)

COURTESY OF NAPLES PRINCESS

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©2025 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 Beach, FL 33480. Subscription price: $35 per year. Outside U.S. add $40 per year for postage and handling. Send subscription orders to: Subscription Department, Naples Illustrated, P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL, 33480 or email: circulation@naplesillustrated.com. Volume 28, No. 9, October 2025.

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 be reproduced in any manner without written consent.

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BY DESIGN BUYING INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS Trench coat ($7,100), Louis Vuitton, Waterside Shops, Naples, us.louisvuitton.com PAGE 109 Wool Jacket ($4,600), wool pants ($2,190), scarf ($550), leather gloves ($1,770), Brunello Cucinelli, brunellocucinelli.com; diamond link necklace (worn as bracelet) in 18-karat gold ($38,000), Martin Katz, martinkatz.com.

PAGE 110 Embroidered minidress (price upon request), embroidered Marlene bag ($5,745), Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com; black patent pumps ($975), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com; tights ($80), Wolford, wolford.com; crystal earrings ($395), Alessandra Richard, Dina C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, West Palm Beach, dina-cs-fab-andfunky-consignment-boutique.myshopify.com.

PAGE 111 Fantasy tweed jacket ($7,400), Fantasy tweed pants ($4,550), tulle blouse ($4,350), tulle skirt ($2,480), earrings ($875), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com PAGE 112 Fantasy tweed top ($4,850), Fantasy tweed shorts ($3,450), tulle top ($3,550), tulle skirt ($1,950), handbag ($6,000), earrings ($800), necklace ($900), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com PAGE 113 Maria maxi dress ($498), Lilly Pulitzer, Waterside Shops, Naples, Thirteenth Avenue South, Downtown Naples, lillypulitzer.com; Hangisi navy blue silk jewel buckle pumps ($1,415), Manolo Blahnik, manoloblahnik. com; vintage hat ($145), Dina C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, West Palm Beach, dina-cs-fab-and-funky-consignment-boutique. myshopify.com; yellow beryl pear-shape earrings with diamonds and yellow and white sapphires set in 18-karat gold ($42,000), alexandrite and diamond paddle ring in 18-karat white gold (price upon request), Martin Katz, martinkatz.com; the Wooden Whaler’s Wife bangle ($350), the Captain bangle ($195), the Whaler’s Daughter bangle ($250), Danielle Rollins, West Palm Beach, danielledrollins.com.

PAGES 114-115 Awaken embroidered yoke maxi dress ($1,350), Zimmermann, Waterside Shops, Naples, zimmermann.com; vintage shell earrings ($115), vintage shell necklace ($245), vintage ring ($185); wooden bangle with shells ($650), Monies; bangle ($195), Ashley Pittman; all jewelry via Dina C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, West Palm Beach, dina-cs-fab-and-funky-consignment-boutique.myshopify.com.

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BON VOYAGE ESCAPE TO …

Southern CROATIA

BY GABRIELLA DI FALCO

SPLIT DECISION A lively coastal city, Split (visitsplit.com) offers an abundance of captivating ˇ locales, including Bacvice Beach, known for its shallow, sandy shore.

A favorite spot for both locals and tourists, it offers beach bars, cafés, and restaurants.

Split is also home to Diocletian’s Palace (diocletianpalace.com), a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed as a retirement residence by Roman emperor Diocletian (for himself) around 300 AD. An extraordinary example of late-Roman architecture and incredibly well-preserved, the palace forms the heart of Split’s Old Town area and is a vibrant mix of ancient ruins and modern life, also offering markets, shops, and bistros.

Don’t miss a hike up Marjan Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. And if you’re looking for nightlife, head to the Riva promenade, where several bars and clubs come alive in the evening hours.

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A CROSSROADS OF ROMAN, VENETIAN, AND SLAVIC HERITAGE, THIS REGION OFFERS CENTURIES OF HISTORY AND VIBRANT CULTURAL CHARM

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COURTESY OF ELECT TRAVEL

Southern Croatia stands out in the Mediterranean with its amazing coastline, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves—perfect for islandhopping and aquatic adventures. In addition to a rich past that comes alive through wellpreserved medieval architecture and UNESCO sites, visitors can take advantage of unique local experiences, mouthwatering cuisine, and growing accessibility, making this area of Croatia an alluring destination.

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STUNNING STON Farther south and tucked away on Croatia’s Pelješac Peninsula is the town of Ston (ston.hr), a hidden gem for discerning travelers seeking genuine cultural encounters. About an hour’s drive from the popular city of Dubrovnik and known for its majestic medieval walls and still-operational salt pans, Ston provides access to Pelješac’s wine country, quiet pebble beaches, and local cuisine that leans heavily on seafood and traditional Dalmatian flavors (think: olive oil, garlic, and herbs). Should you journey here, don’t miss the nearby village of Mali Ston, internationally recognized for its oysters, considered to be some of the best in the world. Opportunities to tour oyster farms are available, including one experience from Mali Ston Oysters (malistonoysters.com); its unique private tours, which leave by boat from Dubrovnik, feature oyster tasting and impart interesting historical insight.

While Ston is not a major hub for tourism, that’s precisely part of its appeal. If you’re looking for the quieter side of southern Croatia, a heavy heap of heritage, and superb cuisine, this off-the-radar destination should check your boxes.

COURTESY OF ELECT TRAVEL

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A HAVEN ON HVAR Hvar (visithvar.hr), a sun-drenched south Croatian island steeped in history and natural beauty, boasts lavender-framed paths, vineyards, olive groves, and Stari Grad—one of the oldest towns in Europe. Today, Hvar flaunts a vibrant blend of activities, from a lively culinary and nightlife scene to Europe’s oldest public theater to scenic hiking above aquamarine waters. The island also holds six UNESCO protections, including Stari Grad Plain, an agricultural landscape established by Greek colonists. Nestled in tranquil Maslinica Bay is Maslina Resort (maslinaresort.com), which offers elegant-yet-comfortable accommodations rooted in sustainability and wellness. From chic rooms and private villas to an organic spa, Maslina balances sophisticated comfort and authentic island charm. Just steps away from Stari Grad, it also boasts Terra, a Michelin-recommended restaurant with an earth-toplate mission bringing seasonal Mediterranean cuisine to guests.

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Your Smile. Our Specialty.

PATRICK J. CARRIGAN, DMD

JOSE M. HORAK, DMD

EDWARD A. SCHERDER, DMD, JD

ROBERT C. HEDGEPATH, DMD

KATIE N. RODRIGUEZ, DMD, MS

KURTIS P. HUSSEY, DMD

1001 10TH AVENUE SOUTH, SUITE 218 | NAPLES, FLORIDA 34102 239.434.5545 | WWW.BAYVIEWDENTALARTS.COM

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BIGHAM GALLERIA | 2425 Tamiami Trail N #101 | 239.434.2800 | bighamjewelers.com

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