A Romantic Weekend Escape by Rob & Allison Spellman
There are golf getaways, and then there are golf experiences. The kind that catch you by surprise, that deliver something fresh, something elevated, something that reminds you why you fell in love with travel, style, and the game in the first place.
Our late-October escape to The Perry Hotel and Saltleaf Golf Preserve, just outside Naples, was exactly that. A perfect blend of modern coastal luxury and private-club-quality golf wrapped into a single, seamless weekend.
It felt curated just for us: a romantic retreat, a culinary tour, and a world-class golf experience. All effortlessly integrated in a way you rarely find anymore.
First Impressions: The Perry Hotel Naples Sets a New Standard
From the moment we arrived, The Perry Hotel made its identity clear. This wasn’t another Florida resort dressed up as “coastal.” This was coastal done right—elevated, crisp, and confidently modern.
Clean architectural lines, warm natural textures, curated art, and an energy that felt fresh and boutique without drifting into pretension. The Perry Hotel is the kind of property that channels the seaside calm of Malibu, the modern polish of Miami, and the gracious hospitality Naples is known for.
And the service?
First class across the board. Anticipatory without being intrusive. The staff seemed genuinely happy to be there, and delighted that we were too.
Our room, with its King bed and modern finishes, became the perfect base camp for the weekend. Private, quiet, beautifully designed, and wonderfully relaxing after a day on the course or a night out.
Everything about The Perry Hotel felt intentional, passionate, and unmistakably premium.
Culinary High Notes: Tigress Takes the Spotlight
As Golf Aficionado’s Fashion Editor, Allison has the innate ability to recognize when something is thoughtfully curated, and Tigress absolutely hit that mark.
Perched on the seventh floor, Tigress blends bold design with an intimate atmosphere. The views set the tone, but the food takes center stage.
Led by chef Dale Talde, a top chef alum!
Calling it “phenomenal” almost undersells the experience. This was hands-down the culinary highlight of the entire trip.
Every dish was executed with confidence. From the balance of flavors to the plating to the pacing of the meal. The menu walks the perfect line between adventurous and comforting. And like all great restaurants, Tigress knows how to transform dinner into a memory.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a big win on the course, or simply a night out together, this is the kind of place that elevates the entire trip.
(For the record: the rooftop cocktails or mocktails at Easy Tiger are the ideal pre- or post-dinner complement.)
Saltleaf Golf Preserve: A Private-Club Feel Without the Pretension
Golf in Southwest Florida is abundant, but exceptional golf is rare. Saltleaf Golf Preserve falls squarely into the exceptional category.
From the moment I stepped onto the first tee, Saltleaf delivered the kind of experience typically reserved for private clubs: immaculate conditioning, stimulating design, generous fairways paired with meaningful decision-making, and a routing that feels natural, modern, and distinctly Florida without relying heavily on water hazards.
The course rewards good shots, challenges you to think, and—just as importantly—gives you enough forgiveness to stay in rhythm. Even a few of my mis-hits managed to work out, which is part of the charm and strategy of great design.
Saltleaf is one of those courses where you walk off 18 wanting to go right back to the first tee. And if you’re lucky enough to play it during a weekend like ours. Moderate crowds, smooth pace, and pristine conditions elevated the entire getaway.
This is the type of golf destination golfers talk about with both excitement and reverence.
The Perfect Pairing: Why This Trip Works So Well
It’s not often that a hotel and golf course complement each other this seamlessly.
The Perry offers a boutique, modern, coastal vibe that feels worlds away from the cookie-cutter resort scene. Saltleaf provides championship-level golf with private-club polish and playability.
Combined, they create a compelling new reason to look at the Naples area not just as a luxury destination, but as a legitimate golf getaway for couples, friends, or anyone looking for a curated, high-quality escape.
Whether we were lounging by the pool, grabbing lunch at Bodega, strolling holding hands after breakfast, or enjoying the rooftop views before dinner, the experience was cohesive in a way that made the itinerary feel effortless.
It was romantic.
It was indulgent.
It was active.
It was everything a modern golf-lifestyle trip should be.
Final Score: A New Favorite in Florida
We’ve stayed at countless golf resorts, coastal escapes, and boutique hotels across the country and around the world. The Perry and Saltleaf belong in that upper tier of destinations that feel polished, memorable, and distinctive.
If you’re planning a romantic getaway, a long weekend golf trip, or simply craving a modern coastal escape with first-rate hospitality and food that surprises you at every meal, this pairing delivers.
Our October weekend was one of the best we’ve taken in a long time.
And we can’t wait to go back.
