Alan Findlay doesn’t mince words when he explains the allure of LaPLaya Golf Club in Naples, FL.
“Great fellowship,’’ Findlay says in an accent that comes directly from his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland.
Indeed, that “great fellowship’’ is on display for each member and guest of LaPlaya Golf Club, which along with LaPlaya Beach Club, is the centerpiece of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, one of the great destinations for families, couples and golf buddy trips in Southwest Florida.
The beachfront resort – one of only a handful of properties actually on the beach along the Paradise Coast – is gradually reopening after being closed in various stages since Hurricane Ian decimated the Naples area this past September. For example, its popular Baleen restaurant – one of the best eateries in the Naples area – is now serving breakfast and dinner. There’s no better place to watch a Southwest Florida sunset than at Baleen.
The resort’s newly-renovated guest rooms and suites offer views of the Gulf of Mexico and make a headquarters to explore all things Naples, including the city’s eclectic downtown shopping and dining area.
Simply put, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is a showcase for how a combination resort and members club can seamlessly operate.
“You’re staying in ‘our hotel,’’ said Findlay, who has been at LaPlaya for the past 10 years. “We are linked. You’re not coming to a resort – you’re coming to a private club.’’
You’re also coming to the oldest golf course in Southwest Florida now that Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has been shut down to make way for a controversial $1 billion development called “Naples Beach Club,’ which is set to open in 2025.
The original course at Naples Beach & Golf Club opened in 1929. LaPlaya Golf Club was born in 1958 as the Palm River golf community – really the first of its kind in Southwest Florida. Located just a few miles from the resort, much of the Palm River neighborhood (not affiliated with LaPlaya) still stands as a gateway to LaPlaya Golf Club
In 2001, the Palm River course, through a partnership of new owners Stephen J. Lockwood Co. and Barron Collier Companies, brought in acclaimed golf course architect Bob Cupp to re-design the course, which reopened as LaPlaya Golf Club in 2002 – the same year the resort made its debut.
“The average age of our members went from 73 to 66 in ‘2021,’’ Now people are beginning to come from the east coast of Florida – and more from the Northeast (US). This area used to be a solid Midwest market .Since 2021 Real estate demand is off the charts.’’
At LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, so is the fellowship.
Photos Courtesy of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club
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