Naples, Florida is basking in the spotlight as two of its premier luxury resorts, The Ritz-Carlton and Inn on Fifth, have earned coveted positions in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards list for Top Florida Resorts. This recognition places Naples firmly on the map as a luxury travel destination, and is a testament to the long-standing tradition of hospitality excellence that distinguishes both properties.

Recognition from Travel + Leisure: What it Means

Each year, Travel + Leisure invites its expansive readership to evaluate their travel experiences across the globe, with particular focus on hotels, resorts, airlines, and destinations. The 2025 survey saw participation from nearly 180,000 readers, collectively casting over 657,000 votes and rating more than 8,700 properties. Such a comprehensive survey is widely regarded as an industry benchmark, shaping traveler expectations and influencing future bookings.

Properties vying for a place on the list are judged on five categories: rooms/facilities, location, service, food, and value. Respondents rank their experiences as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor, creating an aggregate score for each contender. In a fiercely competitive Florida market—home to world-renowned destinations like Miami, Orlando, and Palm Beach—cracking the Top 15 is a clear indicator of elite status.

Naples’ Dual Triumph: Ritz-Carlton and Inn on Fifth Stand Out

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples achieved a remarkable No. 3 ranking with an impressive reader score of 94.74 points, echoing the property’s storied reputation for luxury, personalized service, and exquisite beachfront location. Similarly, the Inn on Fifth, a boutique favorite in downtown Naples, secured the No. 12 spot with 91.29 points, shining for its urban elegance, central location, and commitment to a luxurious guest experience.

The recognition is particularly meaningful in the context of Florida’s competitive hospitality sector. According to 2024 data from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, the state welcomed nearly 140 million visitors in 2023, bouncing back from pandemic lows and spurring a hospitality boom that has led to record occupancy and new development across the region.

“Being singled out by readers—many of whom are discerning, repeat travelers—validates our continued investments in guest service, amenities, and staff training,” said a spokesperson for Ritz-Carlton, Naples. The resort completed a multi-million dollar renovation in 2023, adding oceanfront suites, new dining experiences, and an enhanced spa facility.

Likewise, the Inn on Fifth has remained committed to evolving its offerings. Over the past year, the property has invested in state-of-the-art wellness suites, curated local culinary partnerships, and an interior design refresh, all contributing to its stellar rating on both guest surveys and online travel platforms like TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

The Complete Top 15: Who Else Made the List?

While Naples’ resorts led the way for Southwest Florida, the remainder of the Top 15 Florida Resorts as ranked by Travel + Leisure showcases the breadth of luxury hospitality available in the Sunshine State. Here’s the full list for 2025:

1. The Gasparilla Inn (Boca Grande) – Reader Score: 95.06
2. The Boca Raton – Reader Score: 95.02
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples – Reader Score: 94.74
4. Waldorf Astoria Orlando – Reader Score: 94.24
5. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (Little Torch Key) – Reader Score: 94.20
6. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach – Reader Score: 93.38
7. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa (Manalapan) – Reader Score: 93.33
8. Sandpearl Resort (Clearwater Beach) – Reader Score: 92.89
9. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort – Reader Score: 92.30
10. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island – Reader Score: 91.87
11. Hawks Cay Resort (Duck Key) – Reader Score: 91.73
12. Inn on Fifth (Naples) – Reader Score: 91.29
13. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa (Bonita Springs) – Reader Score: 91.20
14. Opal Sands Resort (Clearwater Beach) – Reader Score: 91.07
15. The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection (St. Petersburg) – Reader Score: 90.93

This year’s top spot goes to The Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, besting both Naples properties by a narrow margin—further testament to the consistently high standards across the state’s resort sector.

What Sets Naples Apart?

Naples has long been a playground for affluent travelers, drawn by its sugar-white beaches, cosmopolitan dining scene, and culture-rich downtown. The presence of two resorts in the Top 15 signals rising national awareness and validates ongoing efforts by local tourism and business leaders to invest in premium, sustainable visitor experiences.

In addition, Naples’ prominence in these rankings bolsters its economic outlook, as travel and hospitality account for a significant share of Collier County’s employment and revenue. According to the U.S. Travel Association, luxury resort guests on average spend 40% more on dining, activities, and local shopping than the average Florida tourist, fueling job growth and supporting small businesses.

Florida’s Hospitality Outlook for 2025

With Travel + Leisure’s 2025 rankings now published, properties across Florida are set for a boost in visibility ahead of the winter and spring vacation season. Industry analysts from STR Global expect Florida’s average daily hotel rate to rise by 6% in 2025, with occupancy rates projected to approach pre-pandemic highs, especially in high-demand destinations like Naples, Boca Raton, and Miami Beach.

For the Ritz-Carlton and Inn on Fifth, the awards are both a validation and a motivator as they prepare for peak tourist season with new guest offerings and partnerships. Special events, wellness retreats, culinary weekends, and personalized experiences are expected to drive demand as international travelers return in greater numbers.

Conclusion: A Banner Year for Naples Resorts

The inclusion of both the Ritz-Carlton and Inn on Fifth in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Best Florida Resorts is a resounding affirmation of Naples’ growth and prestige within the luxury travel market. Whether seasoned visitors or first-time guests, travelers can expect an unmatched blend of coastal relaxation, high-touch hospitality, and first-class amenities—elements that continue to set Naples apart as a top-tier destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast.