Naples Florida - Try Before You Buy

WCI Communities has been developing Florida beach and golf properties since 1946. After surveying non-members who had used their golf courses, 1 in 10 claimed they were interested in purchasing a home within the next 18 months.

According to WCI Revenue Development Director Jim Magnusson, this information supported the idea that "exposure to the WCI brand in action, leads to sales". They decided to take this concept one step further and offer promotional getaway packages so that consumers could test the waters before purchasing real estate. Why not let potential buyers stay in a condo at one of the WCI resort properties and get a feel for life in a yachting or golf community.

The website at wcitravel.com displays current getaways in the various Southwest, Northwest, or Southeast Florida locations. Currently in the Naples area, the following promotions are available:

1. The Colony Golf & Bay Club - Choose from 2 rounds for 1 person, or 1 round each for 2 people, including 1 complimentary set of rental golf clubs for each round. Visitors will be put up for 3 days/2 nights at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort Golf Club and Spa.

The Colony Golf & Bay Club is a scenic 403 acre gated community. The Jerry Pate designed, 18 hole championship course winds through the neighborhood, ending at the elegant, Tuscan styled clubhouse which features golf shop, locker rooms and the Grille Room, for formal and casual dining, . Next door is the modern fitness center complete with pool, tennis courts, fitness room, pool and spa.

Residents are treated not only to golf, but access to a 34 acre island beach park, tennis center and canoe park. In addition to the two-story country club is a spa and fitness center and Bay Club for waterfront dining. Gorgeous Mediterranean styled homes start from the $690s going up to over $2.5 million.

2. Hammock Bay Golf Club - Choose from 2 rounds for 1 person, or 1 round each for 2 people, including 1 complimentary set of rental golf clubs for each round. Visitors will be put up for 3 days/2 nights at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort.

The championship Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club is an 18 hole course suited for all levels of players. Located near Marco Island, the course is set amidst the natural beauty of McIlvane Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands.

Homes at Hammock Bay feature luxury high rise condominiums such as the 20 story Lesina. This amenity laden building boasts movie theater, fitness center, billiards, social room, guest suites, air conditioned pool pavilion, heated pool, spa and cabanas. Currently the purchase of a Lesina residence comes with three years of free green fees.

3. The Tiburón Golf Club - Choose from 2 rounds for 1 person, or 1 round each for 2 people, including 1 complimentary set of NIKE rental golf clubs for each round. Visitors will be put up for 3 days/2 nights at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples.

The Greg Norman designed Tiburón (Spanish for "shark"), consists of two challenging 18 hole courses. Reminiscent of a British Open Links course, Norman has utilized the 800 acres of natural surroundings to shape a course that combines sod-wall bunkers, coquina waste bunkers, huge pine trees and acres of flowing fairways. When you aren't in awe of the visual beauty of Tiburón, you'll be cursing its deceptively challenging greens and never ending water features. Cool off after your game in the 27,000 square foot Mediterranean style clubhouse complete with casual and formal dining at Sydney's Pub and Restaurant.

700 homes in varying styles surround the two Tiburón courses. Choose from condominiums, mid-rises and exclusive estate homes.

4. The Parkland Golf & Country Club - Choose from 2 rounds for 1 person, or 1 round each for 2 people, including 1 complimentary set of rental golf clubs for each round. Enjoy 20% discounts of merchandise in the pro shop. Visitors will be put up for 3 days/2 nights at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Located just south of Boca Raton, the Parkland Golf & Country Club was designed in partnership with Audubon International and Greg Norman. In addition to the standard 18 holes, also included is a 19th "betting hole." Set on 790 acres, the club features a 54,000 square foot Sports & Social Club which provides non-stop organized social and fitness activities.

Over 800 homes reflecting Italianate, Spanish and Tuscan designs line the fairways and water features that meander through the community.