THE WAR INSIDE

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT WHY AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES PRIMARILY

AFFECT WOMEN

POP STAR GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH TLC'S DR. PIMPLE POPPER,

SANDRA LEE

BOCA RATON

THE WOMEN'S

ISSUE

HER EXT

ACT ACTRESS TIFFANI THIESSEN

ON COOKING, KIDS AND THE POWER OF BEING PRESENT

21 observed

Hot Stuff & The People Who Make It Happen

The Buzz II 22

Trends 1128

La Vida Boca II 32

37 all about you

How To Look & Feel Your Best

Wellness 1138

Beauty 1140

Style 1142

8 THE BOCA RATON OBSERVER II APRIL 2019

45 to do & to see The Inside Scoop On

Media, Events & Travel Media Blitz II 4 6

Out 'N' About II SO

Destinations II SB

109 taste

The Dish On Food, Wine & Restaurants

Recipes II 110

Review 11116

Listings II 118

Bites 11118

Gc.lling Solution 6M1/2FLOl

HANACURE

/

137 happenings

The Essential Social Digest

Around Town II 138

Calendar II 142

Flash 11148

At Home 11158

160 giving back

"' "' ::, u < z < :c

Charity Never Goes Out Of Style

todo tosee destinations

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club Is A Gulf Coast Icon - For Good Reason BY CHELSEA GREENWOOD

We may have stunning sunrises here o n the east coast of Florida, but the G u l f Coast hasus beat when it comes to sunsets. Ove r there, it's an evening ritual to watch the sun

set over the water with a dr ink i n hand, surrounded by good company. That tradition is alive and wel l i n Naples, and one of the most popular spots for a sunset

tipple is HB's o n the G u l f at T h e Naples Beach Hotel & G o l f C lub , the only restaurant i n town directly o n the beach. W h i l e sipping handcrafted cocktails and noshing o n fresh seafood, guests toast to the good life whi le trying to spot the elusive green flash - a meteorological phenomenon that sometimes occurs right after sunset. But the conditions have to be juuust right.

"Just right" is also the way loyal patrons of T h e Naples Beach H o t e l - many of whom are Midwesterners, returning season after season - describe the A A A Four D iamond venue, located on 125 tropical acres. It's upscale yet welcoming, exuding a "barefoot luxury" vibe that's ideal for a relaxing beach getaway i n this tony resort town.

I n a sense, the hotel and the city have grown up together. T h e former was founded i n the 1880s about a mi le and a ha l f from its current location. I n 1929, the owners bought a nearby golf course and waterfront property for a beach c l u b - wh ich eventually became the ma in hotel building.

T h e Watkins family purchased the hotel i n 1946 and has run it ever since, with a commitment to local phi lanthropy and environmental stewardship. T h e Naples Beach

58 THE BOCA RATON OBSERVER IIAPRIL 2019

The Watkins family purchased the hotel in 1946 and has run it ever since, with a commitment to local philanthropy and environmental stewardship.

tod osee destinations

Hote l is a member of Florida's G r een Lodging Program, certified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and employs eco-friendly practices property-wide.

W i th 319 guest rooms and suites spread across six buildings, there's an accommodation for everyone. A l l rooms comprise a patio or balcony, modern amenities and local art. Many offer Gu l f views, and some ground-floor rooms lead directly outside, so you can walk to the beach or pool i n seconds.

You'l l want to spend ample time at both. Enjoy shell ing o n the white sand beach, or rent a paddleboard or kayak to cruise the calm waters. T h e pool complex has a large recreational pool, an adult-only pool, two whirlpools, locker rooms and the Pools ide bar and gr i l l .

Those who want to keep the activity going should check out the Mary C . Watkins Tennis Center, complete with six hydro-grid courts and a pro shop. Take a private lesson with a U S P T A teaching professional, or have the staff set up a game for you.

T h e property's championship golf course -wh ich was renovated by golf legend Jack Nicklaus i n collaboration with architect John Sanford - is a major draw. The new par-71 routing plan features five tees, ranging from 4,800 yards to more than 6,900 yards. Plus, there's a 300-yard practice and teaching range and a pro shop.

I n the same building as the shop, you'll find the spa, wh ich takes a natural approach to relaxation and healing. For example, you'll spot orchids placed throughout the facility. They're fresh from the property's orchid nursery, home to more than 3,000 varieties.

T h e spa offers a full range of body and facial treatments as wel l as salon services. A popular choice is the Hydrafacial, wh ich is performed w i th a machine that provides effective cleansing; exfoliation; and hydration, w i th antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. And , believe it or not, the extractions are painless!

After a day jam-packed with activities (or pampering), it's time to eat. T h e aforementioned HB's o n the Gul f , the hotel's signature restaurant, is a must. Those seeking romance can arrange a sunset d inner for toes-in-the-sand dining. A more casual option is the beachfront Sunset Beach Bar & G r i l l , serving sandwiches and salads alongside l ive entertainment.

For breakfast, indulge i n the "al l-American" buffet at Broadwell's, overlooking the golf course. And , for grab-and-go fare al l day long,

60 THE BOCA RATON OBSERVER IIAPRIL2019

T h e Seminole Store is a convenient option ( wh ich also makes a mean almond m i l k latte).

W h i l e staying at T h e Naples Beach Hotel, you might notice young staffers tending the grounds or working at the restaurants. That's because the property partners with the L I . E E . (Learning Independent Functional Employment) Program with Barron Co l l i e r H i g h School to provide students with disabilities practical work experience v ia internships.

It's yet another way that the Watkins family's personal touch is evident throughout the resort - and that feels just right to us.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. For more information,call 844-735-2022 or visit naplesbeachhotelcom.