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Lely Resort vs. Fiddler's Creek vs. Esplanade

Three of South Naples' marquee communities take very different approaches to golf and amenities. The first question to answer is how central golf is to your decision.

All three sit in South Naples, all three are amenity-rich — but they're built around different priorities. Here's how to tell which fits.

Lely Resort — golf-first, three courses

Lely is the golf-centric choice: two public courses (Flamingo Island and Mustang) plus the private, members-only Classics. Golf is pay-as-you-play unless you join the Classics, and the recurring cost in many neighborhoods is the Players Club & Spa amenity covenant rather than golf itself. With 40+ neighborhoods, it spans condos to custom estates. See the complete Lely Resort guide and the Players Club covenant by neighborhood.

Fiddler's Creek — golf optional, amenity-rich

Fiddler's Creek pairs acclaimed resort amenities with optional golf at The Golf Club at Fiddler's Creek, so you can buy and enjoy the community without joining for golf. Budget for the community's CDD bond assessments. It draws buyers who want the lifestyle with golf as a choice, not a requirement.

Esplanade by the Islands — lifestyle-first

Esplanade by the Islands is Taylor Morrison's wellness-and-lifestyle community, anchored by the Wellness Venue rather than an on-site championship course — newer construction for buyers who want resort amenities and don't need golf at their doorstep. See the full Esplanade by the Islands guide.

How to choose

Play often and want variety? Lely. Want the amenities with golf as an option? Fiddler's Creek. Want the newest homes and a wellness focus, with golf not essential? Esplanade. Many buyers shortlist across all three before deciding.

Browse current listings and recent sales across all three, or compare communities side by side.

Common questions

FAQ

No — Esplanade by the Islands is the wellness-and-lifestyle Esplanade, anchored by its amenity campus rather than an on-site championship course. It's distinct from the separate Esplanade Golf & Country Club of Naples.

No. Golf at The Golf Club at Fiddler's Creek is an optional membership, so you can own and use the community's amenities without joining for golf.

Lely Resort — it has three courses (two public, one private), so you can play without a membership or join the Classics for a private-club experience.

Want this applied to a specific community?

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