Naples, Fla. (April 20, 2021) – Vineyards Country Club officials recently announced that multimillion-dollar, multi-phase renovations of the club and its surrounding areas are now complete. The project’s most recent phase consisted of extensive structural and aesthetic transformations and improvements, with all areas redesigned to offer a transitional and timeless aesthetic.
“We are pleased with the widespread improvements, and are excited to continue sharing these with our many members who have expressed plans to forego the seasonal exodus and remain in Naples throughout the summer,” said Paul Malonson, Vineyards Country Club Chief Operating Officer. “Our comprehensive clubhouse renovations, completed without member assessments, are welcome modernizations to the Vineyards Country Club campus and will benefit our members and the Vineyards community for generations to come.”
According to Malonson, contractors will begin improvements to the clubhouse’s main kitchen next month. Scheduled for completion in August, the project will allow food and beverage staff to consistently produce more sophisticated and modern fare.
Completed renovations include a newly-redesigned entry lobby and terraces overlooking the golf course; enhanced clubhouse exterior and Porte Cochère; significant expansion of Mr. P’s Pub; expansion of the Bocce Courts, and a newly redesigned golf pro shop, locker rooms and card rooms.
The main lobby, which previously included a fireplace and enclosed area, was expanded by removing a large wall, and glass pocketing doors were installed to allow panoramic views of the golf course and surrounding landscaping while increasing natural light in the space. The new lobby also features custom carpeting in a soft, organic color palette with light colors and patterns. Old carpeting was removed and replaced with Italian porcelain tile in all areas except the dining rooms. The Porte Cochère and Clubhouse were gutted and completely redesigned. The clubhouse’s rear terraces were redesigned to include a large fire pit and seating area adjacent to the dining rooms, as an extension of the indoor/outdoor gathering areas perfect for socializing while appreciating scenic views or enjoying one of the community’s numerous live music entertainment events.
“The redesigned clubhouse offers a fresh new design theme incorporating personal touches based on the Procacci family’s extensive history,” said Malonson. “The open design and light color palette of sky and water colors – blues and whites – combine with new flooring, fixtures and furnishings to create an elegant – yet friendly – country club atmosphere.”
Mr. P’s Pub, the community’s highly popular casual dining facility, was expanded from its original, 70-person capacity and now accommodates more than 200 people. For a classic look consistent with the comfortable atmosphere, the pub’s carpeted flooring was replaced with a new tile flooring resembling hard wood. The family’s Italian tradition was integrated into the design and materials, and large banquettes were installed to further create a living room and private dining room-style experience.
“Vineyards Country Club is designed to offer a family-oriented, inclusive, social environment with something for everyone,” explained Malonson. “Our family-friendly atmosphere was woven into our history from the start, and we are glad to continue it today by bringing the family’s vision to life and providing a meaningful ambiance which will never go out of style.”
On the north side of the clubhouse, the Porte Cochère area enhancements include removal, refinishing and repainting of the exterior marble columns. In the lobby, the ceiling was raised and pocketing doors were added along the building’s east side, and a new, advanced technology conference room was added. Tray ceilings were installed in Mr. P’s Pub, and the kitchen was enhanced. The locker rooms were updated and modernized, and the golf pro shop and locker rooms were also renovated.
Additional renovations include updating the 4,200 square-foot Oakmont and 3,300 square-foot Fairmont dining rooms. Both dining rooms, as well as the Acqua poolside tiki bar, underwent complete interior redesigns, based on space and volume. Upon removal of the dining rooms’ ceilings, designers discovered vaulted tray ceiling structures which were hidden under the existing, two-foot by two-foot acoustical ceiling tiles, which resulted in low, eight-foot ceilings. This discovery led to an innovative redesign based on the new ceiling volume. The end result is larger spaces with higher ceilings with beautiful tongue-in-groove details. Both dining rooms now feature custom fixtures including large, eight feet by eight feet chandeliers with crystal leaves. The bar areas include glossy, painted cabinetry finishes with imported marble, granite and quartzite countertops throughout.
The clubhouse also offers a new, climate-controlled wine locker with cooling units which maintain a consistent temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13C), allowing members the added convenience of storing their personal wine collections in the clubhouse. The wine cooling units keep an optimal level of humidity in the cellar and only partially reduce moisture as required, in contrast to conventional air conditioners which strip humidity and create cork drying hazards. Climate controls slow the aging process and allow for certain chemical reactions to occur slowly over time, giving the wine complex aromas, characteristics, color and flavors.
One highlight of the renovation project is the addition of an herb garden constructed in front of the clubhouse to enhance the culinary experience. Custom boxes have been created in front of the facility’s administration wing, where plants receive four to six hours of daily sunlight. The herb garden includes basil, rosemary, thyme, dill, parsley, cilantro, chives, bay leaves, oregano, lemongrass, mint, and peppermint. The herbs are used in all of Vineyards Country Club’s food and beverage menu items.
Other elements of the renovation include creating three small banquet rooms on the clubhouse’s south side; re-roofing the clubhouse; repainting the clubhouse and racquet center; replacing the clubhouse and racquet center windows and doors; creation of the new Acqua pool bar and facilities; building the golf course’s new short game practice facility, chipping and putting facility, renovated restrooms, and hallway/restroom renovations on the clubhouse’s north side.
In 2019, the design and construction of Vineyards Country Club’s 15,000 square foot, standalone wellness center and spa was completed by contractor Premiere Builders. The Wellness Center and Spa, recipient of the Collier Building Industry Association’s 2019 Sand Dollar Award for Interior Design of the Year – Clubhouse, includes a variety of amenities and services to promote lifelong well-being. The South Florida Hospitality Industry Network (NEWH) also honored the project with its 2019 Golden Palm Award for excellence. The facility provides a comfortable and personalized workout experience, with wellness programming, cardiovascular and strength training equipment by Life Fitness; personal training, small group training and fitness classes; individualized training is also available; Café V, a Blue Zones-certified café serves healthy shakes, smoothies and healthy menus to accommodate all palates. The wellness center also offers a physical therapy department with customized services provided by Naples Rehabilitative Services. Complementary to the fitness and wellness programming, the resort-style spa offers services such as massage therapy treatments, body treatments and facials by Naturopathica; a couples spa suite; a private manicure and pedicure boutique; blow-dry bar and makeup studio; men’s barbershop services; halotherapy salt room; men’s and ladies locker rooms with dry sauna and alt whirlpools; and a heated, outdoor saltwater half-Olympic size lap pool.
For more information, call 239-353-1500 or visit vineyardscountryclubnaples.com.
