Designing a Space That Inspires Movement at Naples Beach Club

When I first began conversations around the fitness center at Naples Beach Club, I knew this project would require a different mindset. The vision was to create a space that fundamentally changed how people feel about movement the moment they enter the space.

The opportunity came after years of collaboration with Four Seasons. Their experience at Hualalai established a shared understanding of what is possible when fitness is treated as an experience as opposed to an amenity. With that foundation of trust, I was given the freedom to think expansively (both literally and creatively).

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Starting with Scale

Before we talked about machines or finishes, I focused on the principle of making this space feel vast. I wanted to create an immediate reaction of “Whoa”. The ceilings, rising 25 to 30 feet, gave us a rare opportunity of leaning into the openness.

Too often, gyms are carved into spaces that feel contained or constrained, almost as an afterthought. We made a deliberate decision to prioritize designing the space to fit the ideas we had for the fitness activities that could take place here. For instance, instead of breaking the space into smaller zones with walls, we allowed it to unfold continuously. I wanted the gym to feel like it keeps going, revealing new possibilities as you move through it.

Designing Without Walls

One of the most important (and unconventional) decisions was eliminating a traditional group fitness room. Ten years ago, I might not have made that choice. But today I see movement take different potential pathways.

Opening up the space made it possible to create an environment where different types of training coexisted. We set up cardio machines to go along the perimeter, taking full advantage of natural light and views over the thermal pool as you enter. In the middle, strength equipment and functional training bring the space together. We also put turf, friction work, and sled training areas.

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To create clarity in such a large space, we relied heavily on flooring. Three distinct flooring solutions help organize the space intuitively. This will guide visitors through different training experiences without interrupting any sightlines. And architectural elements already present in the building further helped define zones (such as weight lifting versus stretching), which makes the gym feel structured yet free at the same time.

Lighting as an Emotional Tool

Lighting plays a major role in how this space feels. I was not interested in harsh, top-down lighting that flattens everything below it. Here, we minimized direct downlighting and focused instead on uplighting and lateral illumination.

This approach softens the environment and makes the atmosphere feel more relaxed. Combined with large windows, bright wood flooring, and carefully selected wall colors, the gym feels energized but never aggressive. It’s a space that invites you in regardless of your level of fitness.

Designing for Everyone

One of the most rewarding challenges of this project was designing for such a broad audience. This gym may serve an 85-year-old retiree focused on longevity just as much as a 21-year-old professional athlete chasing performance. My goal was to create a space where both feel equally welcome and dignified.That philosophy guided every major layout and equipment decision. 

We installed a motion cage (custom-designed for this space) which invites exploration, whether through hanging or climbing. Heavier dumbbells and Olympic barbells communicate seriousness, but their integration into the overall design still keeps everything approachable.

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Customization with Purpose

We customized upholstery colors and equipment frames to align with the resort’s palette. This makes the gym feel cohesive with the rest of the property rather than like a separate world. The Pilates studio includes smart features that can be customized per user, offering personalization that feels refined rather than technical.

Downstairs, the café extends the experience beyond training. Coffee, snacks, and a relaxed atmosphere reinforce the idea that fitness here is part of daily life instead of a task you rush through.

What I Want People to Feel

When someone enters the Naples Beach Club fitness center for the first time, I want them to notice the height, the light, and the sense of openness. I want them to feel energized but calm. 

More than anything, I want the space to inspire movement. To make people feel capable, regardless of where they’re starting from. To me the true signifier of luxury is how a space addresses the needs and goals of any visitor. 

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