Why Is Everyone’s Attention on Southwest Florida This Summer?

From the clear aqua waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the lively entertainment scene in Naples, it’s no surprise that Southwest Florida is a summer favorite. Recently, however, this coveted corner of the Sunshine State has captured even more attention. From fresh dining experiences to new luxury residences, the opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment in this coastal region are ever-expanding. Here are some of the newest hotspots in Southwest Florida.

Private Beach Club Just Opened

West Bay Club, a private golf community in Estero, has just opened a new private beach club for its Members. Located just a short drive away on Little Hickory Island, this oceanfront oasis offers seamless access to the Gulf of Mexico, along with an indoor/outdoor dining venue. The club offers a range of services, including valet parking and attentive beach attendants who provide lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels, and water, as well as delivering food and drinks directly to Members’ lounge chairs.

First Rooftop Bar Opens in Bonita Springs

Rooftop at Riverside, a vibrant two-story bar and food truck park in downtown Bonita Springs, has become a popular destination since opening in January. This indoor/outdoor venue features six food trucks offering Mexican, French, seafood, pizza, and homemade ice cream. Two bars with handmade craft cocktails and ample TVs provide endless entertainment.

Naples’ Newest Performing Arts Venues

After an extensive renovation, The Naples Players have reopened their second performing arts venue, The Kizzie Theater. The first show to take place within this fully updated 452-seat theater will be the classic musical 42nd Street, running from June 26th to July 21st. The Naples Players, however, isn’t the only new addition to the performing arts scene. The Gulfshore Playhouse is set to open its new $72 million Baker Theatre and Education Center later this year. Performances within this two-stage, state-of-the-art venue will begin October 27th.

Two New Exhibitions at Arts Bonita

Arts Bonita, a visual art center with multiple fine art galleries on Old 41 Road, is hosting two new exhibits until July 18th. “Call of the Wild” is a juried exhibition celebrating the natural world, showcasing various media depicting Southwest Florida’s beauty. The second exhibit, “Into the Unknown,” features artist Dominick Tascher’s abstract works exploring the human experience.

Construction Commences at The Island at West Bay Condominium

With a successful portfolio worth $7.4 billion, Kolter Urban is renowned throughout the Southeast for its exceptional community designs and unique, amenity-rich lifestyles. Their debut in the greater Naples region has everyone looking towards the future of Southwest Florida living. Kolter has just begun construction on The Island at West Bay Club, a luxurious new 24-story condominium in Estero. Situated within the well-established West Bay Club, The Island will feature 86 corner-view residences, along with innovative rooftop amenities.

A Window on the World – 100% Corner Residences

Kolter Urban curated a team of experts to elevate every facet of The Island’s design. Architecture firm Garcia Stromberg was the first to achieve that vision. Helmed by Jorge Garcia and Peter Stromberg, the duo is known for iconic projects throughout Florida, including One Thousand Ocean at the Boca Raton Resort and Club and the Boca Beach Club in Boca Raton, FL. Their notable works also feature the Four Seasons Residences in Miami and the spa and clubhouse at the Floridian National Golf Club in Stuart.

The Island has such an amazing location, surrounded by Estero Bay and vast nature preserves, shared Peter Stromberg. “We wanted to ensure that each of the 86 residences enjoys 360-degree views. Our concept allowed us to create a building with 100% corner residences, each surrounded by as much glass as possible to enhance the spacious 10-foot ceilings and provide its own unique view.”

New Sales Center Showcases Exciting Design

Kolter Urban has crafted a world-class sales experience for prospective buyers at The Island at West Bay. The Sales Center showcases an architectural scale model of the building and a designer model kitchen, highlighting the exquisite finishes and features buyers can expect.

The Island’s 24th-floor rooftop oasis features a breathtaking backdrop for refreshing dips in the adult Relaxation Pool and sunset celebrations with expansive Gulf of Mexico views. Ground-level amenities include a Resident Club Room, a resort-style pool with lap lanes, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, private guest suites, and refrigerated storage for deliveries. The family-friendly Splash Lounge provides a multi-generational gathering space for entertaining guests, while the welcoming Sports Lounge, with its high-tech sports simulator, will delight golf, racing, and other sports enthusiasts.

Island Time – No Waiting on Construction to Start Enjoying Life

Future residents of The Island don’t have to wait until construction is complete to begin enjoying a world-class Florida lifestyle. Instead, they’ll be able to purchase Memberships to West Bay Club, one of the most sought-after country club lifestyles in Southwest Florida, while the condominium tower is being built. Within the West Bay community, The Bay House is often considered its social epicenter, with a junior Olympic swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, alfresco dining, and abundant multipurpose event spaces. Next door, The Net tennis center boasts eight tennis courts, lit for night play. A separate sports park is home to six pickleball courts, a dog park and bocce, while River Park provides secluded nature trails and a boat launch for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding the Estero River and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. Golf Members enjoy a championship golf course designed by Pete & P.B. Dye, complemented by reciprocal privileges at over 200 courses. Separate Golf Membership initiation fees apply.