A Straightforward Guide to Lely Resort Real Estate and Community Living
Lely Resort is one of Naples’ largest master-planned golf communities, blending resort-style living with championship golf and an active social scene. Spanning more than 3,000 acres and 40 neighborhoods, it includes over 4,500 residences anchored by three championship courses: Flamingo Island by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Mustang by Lee Trevino, and The Classics by Gary Player. At its heart is the Players Club & Spa, a 30,000-square-foot hub for pools, fitness, dining, and racquet sports. With options from condos to luxury estates, Lely Resort offers a lifestyle unmatched in South Naples.
Inside Lely Resort
- Location: South Naples, bordered by US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Collier Blvd (SR 951), ~9 miles east of downtown Naples
- Size & Homes: ~3,000 acres with ~4,500 residences across 40+ neighborhoods, including condos, villas, and single-family estates
- Prices: Condos & villas from the mid-$300s; single-family homes $400k–$800k; luxury estates $1M–$2.5M+
- Amenities: Players Club & Spa with pools, Har-Tru tennis, pickleball, bocce, spa, fitness center, tiki bar, and dog park; three golf courses (Flamingo Island – Robert Trent Jones Sr., Mustang – Lee Trevino, The Classics – Gary Player); Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern for casual dining
- Distinctive Feature: Mandatory Players Club membership in most neighborhoods, with golf optional — Flamingo & Mustang are public, The Classics requires a private membership
Types of Homes in Lely Resort
Lely Resort offers a wide range of housing styles across more than 40 neighborhoods. Condos in Ascot and GreenLinks start in the mid-$300s with golf or lake views. Villas in Calumet Reserve and Hawthorne typically range from $400k–$600k, offering lanais, garages, and neighborhood pool access. Single-family homes in Carriage Circle and Lakoya run $400k–$800k, many with private pools. At the high end, The Majors and Canwick Cove feature double-gated estates, while The Classics Plantation Estates offers custom homes on half-acre or larger lots that often exceed $2 million. Lely Island Estates is notable for its optional membership and established neighborhood character.
What You’ll Find Living in Lely Resort
Life at Lely Resort blends recreation and social connection. Mornings often begin with tee times at Flamingo or Mustang, followed by lunch at Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern, a favorite overlooking the fairways. Afternoons can include a workout or spa visit at the Players Club, swimming at one of 10+ neighborhood pools, or pickleball matches on Har-Tru courts. The on-site dog park is a rare amenity in Naples, giving pet owners a place to gather. Evenings bring cocktails at the tiki bar, bocce leagues, or clubhouse events. For nature lovers, Rookery Bay offers nearby trails and kayaking, while downtown Naples and Marco Island beaches are minutes away.
What to Know About Lely Resort
The Players Club & Spa is mandatory in most neighborhoods, covering social amenities, fitness, and dining. Membership includes a refundable initiation fee and annual dues, both prorated at closing. Golf is optional: Flamingo and Mustang are public, while The Classics requires a separate private membership. A few older enclaves, such as Calumet Reserve and Lely Island Estates, retain optional membership, but most homes include it. Compared with Pelican Bay, which emphasizes beachfront access and private trams, Lely Resort appeals to buyers seeking championship golf and resort-style amenities. Against Golden Gate Estates, which offers acreage and no HOA rules, Lely provides a structured, low-maintenance lifestyle with a strong social focus.
Practical Considerations for Lely Resort Buyers
- HOA Fees: Vary by neighborhood; condos and villas may include exterior maintenance in addition to Players Club dues
- Players Club & Spa: Mandatory in most neighborhoods; includes a one-time refundable initiation fee plus annual dues (prorated at closing for new buyers)
- Golf: Public play at Flamingo & Mustang; separate equity membership required at The Classics
- CDD: Yes — assessments appear on property tax bills and decrease over time as bonds are repaid
- Transportation: About 10 miles (25 minutes) to Naples Beach & Pier, 14 miles (30 minutes) to Waterside Shops, and 36 miles (40 minutes) to RSW Airport.
- Schools: Served by Collier County Public Schools
- Healthcare: Physicians Regional Collier Boulevard (~5 minutes) and NCH Baker Downtown (~15 minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lely Resort
Is Players Club membership mandatory?
Yes. In most neighborhoods developed after 2003, membership is required. Some older enclaves, such as Calumet Reserve and Lely Island Estates, include non-covenant lots where membership is optional.
What does Players Club membership include?
The Players Club & Spa offers resort-style amenities: resort pools, Har-Tru tennis, pickleball, bocce, a fitness center, spa, dining options, and a tiki bar. Membership also provides access to social events and community activities.
Does Lely Resort have golf?
Yes. Flamingo Island (Robert Trent Jones Sr.) and Mustang (Lee Trevino) are public, pay-as-you-play courses. The Classics (Gary Player) is private, requiring a separate equity membership.
How many neighborhoods are in Lely Resort?
There are more than 40 neighborhoods ranging from condos and villas to luxury estates. Popular enclaves include GreenLinks, Lakoya, Carriage Circle, The Majors, and The Classics Plantation Estates.
Are there CDD fees in Lely Resort?
Yes. Assessments appear on property tax bills and decrease over time as bonds are repaid.
How close is Lely Resort to the beach and downtown Naples?
Residents are about 20 minutes from downtown Naples dining and shopping, and roughly 25 minutes from Naples Pier and Gulf beaches. Marco Island beaches are also nearby.
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