There's nothing like a 2-week trip to Florida with my extraordinarily energetic nieces and nephew (all under 9) to make a girl realize that being an auntie is the perfect job: play all day, then hand 'em back at the end. Luckily I got a little bit of time to spend by myself at the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort.

Lying on the gulf side of Florida, Naples is known for its wealthy residents, incredible luxury shopping, and delicious dining. It's also known to have some of the beautiful beaches in the world, which the clever folks at the Ritz turn into a magnificant sandpalace. Trumping everything I have ever tried to make with a pail and shovel.

The decor indoors is as serenly beautiful as the beach outside, with stunning bouquets artfully arranged by the in-house florist and luxurious lounging areas in the guest-only spa.

If I was missing the wildlife provided by my nieces and nephew, I only needed to look around. The grounds of the hotel include several protected areas where indiginous species (like these greedy little birds that stole a french fry from my lunch) can play freely.

Of course, one can't spend a trip to Florida lazing around in the lap of luxury, so after a week in Naples, we piled into a car and went to meet-up with some old friends in Orlando.

And learned that some looks never go out of style: