Renaissance in Fort, FL

Pros

• The Club at Renaissance is a gorgeous course and beautifully maintained.
• The staff are knowledgeable and everyone is very helpful.
• Breana and Kevin are terrific tennis pros and give great tennis lessons.
• Lisa is amazing.
• The staff at The Club at Renaissance are incredibly welcoming, organized, and accommodating; the members are friendly and gracious.
• The beautiful surroundings and top-tier facilities make the experience memorable.
• The wait staff and bartenders are professional and classy, and the food is superb.
• Elizabeth's planning and service for events are exemplary and ensure everything runs smoothly.
• The course offers five sets of tees and provides a fun, challenging layout.
• Greens and fairways are immaculate.

Cons

• The Club at Renaissance has declined since Concert Golf Partners took over, transforming from a private club into a public playground.
• The longstanding staff have left or been let go, and the replacement staff are a shortcoming to guest experiences.
• Food quality has suffered as cheaper vendors have been used, while prices have escalated.
• The clubhouse and pool bar have been routinely closed to residents, reducing the value of private membership.
• The ownership has opened the club to non-residents and external groups, eroding exclusivity and community.
• There have been zoning and legal disputes, with notices of violation and threats that hamper member experience and property values.

Review

This community is best suited for active, social retirees or couples who want a luxury, club-centered lifestyle anchored by a championship golf course, robust racquet sports, and a sophisticated dining and events calendar. The Club at Renaissance rewards members who value a vibrant, invitation-driven atmosphere where golf, tennis, weddings, charity events, and weekly dining options create a built-in social fabric. It remains a strong choice for those who prioritize a pristine course and impressive facilities, along with a staff that delivers hospitality at a high level. For families or seniors who need daily in-home care, however, this is not a care-focused environment and should not be mistaken for an assisted living option.

On the upside, the golf experience is the core draw and it consistently lands as outstanding. The course is described as gorgeous, well-maintained, and challenging, with multiple sets of tees to accommodate a wide range of skills. The practice facilities, driving range, chipping, putting greens, are highlighted as top-notch, and the layout rewards thoughtful shot-making without being punishing to the casual player. The tennis program, led by Breana and Kevin, receives frequent praise for innovative, professional instruction and a welcoming atmosphere. Add in a first-rate clubhouse, attentive service, and memorable dining that ranges from casual lunches to refined dinners, and the overall package feels complete for anyone who wants a high-end, socially oriented club experience.

That said, the most consequential tradeoffs revolve around ownership, exclusivity, and value. A substantial thread across many critiques centers on the transition under Concert Golf Partners, which some long-time residents view as a shift from a private, resident-focused club to a more public-facing operation. That shift is linked to concerns about staff turnover, changes in food quality and vendors, and a perception that residents are not the primary audience they once were. Dues, assessments, and guest access policies also surface as pain points; some members feel the private, homegrown culture has been diluted, while others accept the new reality in exchange for the top-tier amenities. In short, the pros, stellar course, elite facilities, and high-caliber service, face meaningful friction if exclusivity and resident-first culture matter deeply.

For decision-making, it helps to be candid about needs. If daily at-home care or medical assistance is part of the plan, alternatives that provide on-site care or memory support should be explored, since this club environment centers on recreation, events, and socialization rather than caregiving. If private club ambiance, predictable resident-only access, and long-standing staff relationships are non-negotiable, prospective members should investigate current ownership practices, verify what type of membership is available (resident versus non-resident), and assess how often the clubhouse and dining areas are prioritized for members versus outside events. On the other hand, if a robust social life, excellent golf, tennis instruction, and wedding/venue capabilities are decisive, Renaissance remains a formidable option, just enter with eyes wide open about the evolving private-versus-public dynamic and the associated costs.

The practical path to clarity is straightforward. Schedule a personal visit during a typical weekday and a busy event day to gauge how consistent the experience feels across times and seasons. Speak with long-standing members about how the culture and service have evolved, and ask the staff about current plans to balance resident needs with external programming. Review the dues structure and any minimums, and confirm what is included in guest access, restaurant hours, and event availability. Consider how much weight to place on the course and facilities versus the community feel and perceived value of membership in light of recent leadership changes. These steps sharpen the lens on whether this is the right fit for ongoing living, versus a season-long lifestyle or a social club experience.

In sum, Renaissance delivers a spectacular golf-and-lifestyle proposition with exceptional facilities, top-tier instruction, and a compelling social ecosystem. Its strengths easily offset many typical club-amenities expectations, especially for those who prize a pristine course, a welcoming tennis program, and a diverse events calendar. The decisive caveat is the ownership-driven shift away from a purely private, resident-focused club to a broader, more public-facing model that can dilute the intimate community feel and raise ongoing costs. For families prioritizing care and daily living support, explore assisted living options; for active seniors who relish a high-end, social club with golf and events at the center, Renaissance remains a strong, credible choice, so long as the evolving private-club dynamic is clearly understood and accepted.

This area of Fort Myers, Florida offers a diverse range of amenities and services that could be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With several places of worship nearby, including Blessed Pope John the XXIII Catholic Church and the Unitarian Universalist Church, residents can easily practice their faith. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies in close proximity, such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, ensuring easy access to medication and healthcare needs. A variety of dining options are available, ranging from fast food restaurants like McDonald's to more upscale establishments like Rock’n Sushi. For recreation, parks like the RSW Aircraft Observation Area provide a scenic outdoor space to relax and enjoy nature. There are also reputable healthcare providers nearby, including Lee Health Neurodiagnostics and Millennium Physician Group, for any medical concerns. Transportation options are abundant with Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) nearby for seniors who may need to travel frequently. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded living experience with essential services readily available for seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient lifestyle.

Places of Worship

• Blessed Pope John the XXIII Catholic Church (0.4 miles)
• Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Gulf Coast Medical Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Lee Pharmacy - Gulf Coast Medical Center (3.2 miles)
• Rx To Go (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (0.9 miles)
• The Saucy Meatball (3 miles)
• Rock’n Sushi (3.2 miles)
• Shrimp Shack (3.3 miles)
• Kekes Breakfast Café (3.3 miles)
• Beaches Boardwalk Cafe (3.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.6 miles)
• First Watch - Colonial (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)

Parks

• RSW Aircraft Observation Area (2.6 miles)

Physicians

• Lee Health Neurodiagnostics - Plantation Rd (3 miles)
• Vascular & General Sur Spec-Fl - Brian D Kurland MD (3.1 miles)
• Nagesh B Ravipati (3.1 miles)
• Millennium Physician Group: Kim Schurman, MD (3.1 miles)
• Millennium Physician Group (3.3 miles)
• Florida Skin Center (3.4 miles)
• Headache & Pain Management (3.6 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse D (3.2 miles)
• Delta Air Lines (3.3 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter RSW (3.3 miles)
• Security Checkpoint (3.4 miles)
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) (3.4 miles)
• Avis Rent A Car (3.4 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care (3.9 miles)
• LPG Orthopedics - The Sanctuary (4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Belltower (4.2 miles)