The Isles of Collier Preserve

Pros

• The location is outstanding.
• The homes are beautiful and the community has wonderful amenities.
• It is conveniently located minutes from downtown Naples.
• The water features and nature preserves add significant scenic appeal.
• The clubhouse, pools, gym, and on-site restaurant are excellent.
• The development offers a variety of housing options, including villas and condos, with contemporary Florida coastal style.
• The sales center is friendly, knowledgeable, and low-pressure.
• Reviewers describe Isles of Collier Preserve as one of their favorite communities.
• Residents can enjoy outdoor recreation such as kayaking, tennis, and pickleball.

Cons

• They found the location outstanding but unaffordable.
• They discovered mold behind cabinets and a leak that had been ongoing for a while.
• They were disappointed that Minto wouldn't review problems if they occurred during construction.
• They encountered an unwelcoming, cold, and dismissive sales staff, with questions about possible discrimination against a gay couple.
• They felt Minto could do better.
• They felt baited into a stay-and-play plan and were told there was nothing available for years, then were urged to look at models, which felt misleading.
• They disliked the draw for builds and the lack of a guaranteed build date.
• They criticized the HOA's driveway parking rule as absurd, with fines and small garages.
• They viewed the area as overpriced and noted Treviso Bay next door as cheaper and more beautiful.
• They experienced or were warned about noise through a shared wall and noted flooding issues in the community.
• They felt the lot-availability process was deceptive, including bait-and-switch and no guarantee of purchasing a lot.
• They found the distance to drive too far and did not arrive.
• They pointed out the least expensive villa was over $400k with a 20x20 garage, making storage difficult.

Review

Isles of Collier Preserve, developed by Minto, sits in a highly desirable slice of southwest Florida, a gated oasis that many people are drawn to for its water features, nature preserves, and proximity to downtown Naples. Reviewers consistently point to the location as a major selling point: a short drive to Fifth Avenue's shops, dining, and arts scene, easy access to Naples' beaches, and a landscape that blends lakes, canals, and preserved natural areas. The community is described as large and expansive, with most homes and villas positioned along water features or within the scenic preserve, which many find attractive and tranquil. The abundance of on-site amenities - two resort-style pools, a leisure pool, a gym, a restaurant, and a club house - adds to the sense that this is a full-service, resort-like environment rather than a purely residential block.

Many reviewers praise the aesthetics and design of the homes themselves. The community is repeatedly described as "beautiful," with contemporary Florida coastal styling, well-laid-out floor plans, and a sense of being part of a thoughtfully planned development. The amenities get frequent accolades as well: a club house that feels central to daily life, pools that cater to different moods (one resort-style, one lap pool), cabanas, and a gym with quality equipment - all features that locals say elevate the living experience. The natural backdrop is emphasized as a core strength, with opportunities for kayaking, tennis, pickleball, and other activities that mesh well with the surrounding waterways and preserves. Several reviews note that if you don't want to wait for the builder, there are resale options available in MLS, and buyers are advised to bring a Realtor to the first visit to understand the seller's broker arrangements.

However, the picture is not without its drawbacks. A recurring concern centers on maintenance and construction-related issues. One reviewer reports mold behind kitchen cabinets and a leak that supposedly persisted for some time, with frustration that Minto wouldn't come out to review if the problem was framed as a construction issue. This kind of maintenance concern contrasts sharply with the glossy marketing put forth by the sales teams and can undermine confidence for buyers who worry about long-term durability and service after closing. Related anecdotes mention flooding issues and other structural or water-related challenges in the community, underscoring that a pristine exterior view doesn't always guarantee problem-free interiors.

Sales experiences run the gamut from exemplary to disappointing. Several reviewers recount positive interactions with sales staff: knowledgeable, friendly, and low-pressure experiences during visits or "play and stay" weekends, with one note praising the emphasis on a restful, non-aggressive atmosphere. Others recount more troubling experiences: a sense of coldness, dismissiveness, or even discrimination, with questions raised about whether biases toward certain buyers affected the treatment they received. One memorable post describes a "bait and switch" impression where plans to buy a larger home were thwarted by notices that lots wouldn't be available for years, pushing the potential buyer toward other markets; that same review ends with a strong caution to "beware." Still others point to a mixed reality where some salespeople are excellent, while others depart from the positive standard, contributing to a sense that the experience can vary widely depending on who you encounter.

Pricing and affordability are other hot-button topics. The community is frequently labeled as expensive, with some reviewers explicitly calling the area over-priced relative to nearby options. A comparison to Treviso Bay nearby is cited, with the neighboring development described as more beautiful and priced lower in some opinions. In the Isles, even the more modest villas come with significant price tags, and the most affordable options are still described as well north of $400k, with garages that feel tight at 20x20 feet. Compounding the concern is the community's HOA and its rules. For example, residents report driveways that cannot be used to park cars overnight, under a fine system, which many find impractical for families or households with multiple vehicles. Add to that the chatter about build-appointment lotteries and draw-based allocations for new builds, and prospective buyers may worry about transparency and predictability in planning their purchases. The sense among some reviewers is that the overall value must be weighed carefully against these ongoing costs and restrictions.

The lifestyle at Isles of Collier Preserve remains a compelling draw for many. The development's emphasis on nature, water, and an active, resort-like set of amenities is repeatedly highlighted as a unique selling proposition in a crowded Naples market. There's broad praise for the outdoor lifestyle - kayak and canoe access to the Gulf, an adjacent marina, and pathways that invite exploration of the natural landscape. The absence of a golf course is noted by some, while its presence is felt in other communities; here, the emphasis leans toward water-centric recreation and a robust clubhouse experience. Reviews consistently circle back to the sense of community: neighbors described as nice, the HOA capacity to run lively programs, and the overall impression that, despite its quirks, Isles of Collier Preserve can be a wonderful place to live or visit.

In summation, Isles of Collier Preserve presents a dichotomy that many high-end communities face: an incredibly appealing, well-appointed environment with abundant natural beauty and first-rate amenities, paired with legitimate concerns around maintenance, build timing, sales interactions, and HOA restrictions. For buyers drawn to a location that combines proximity to Naples' urban core with a nature-forward, water-rich lifestyle, this community remains a highly attractive option. Prospective purchasers should conduct thorough due diligence on construction and warranty history, clarify the builder's timelines and lot availability, scrutinize HOA rules and fees, and seek a knowledgeable agent to navigate the purchase process. With the right expectations and a bit of patience, Isles of Collier Preserve can deliver a vibrant, sunlit lifestyle that matches its highly touted setting.

This part of Naples, Florida offers a convenient and vibrant area for senior living. With a variety of restaurants nearby such as Culver's, Los Molcajetes Del Valle, and Napoli On The Bay III, seniors can enjoy delicious dining options. In terms of healthcare, there are several physician offices and clinics within close proximity, including Physicians Regional Walkin Clinic and Millennium Physician Group. In case of emergencies or more serious medical needs, residents also have easy access to hospitals like Physicians Regional Medical Center and the NCH Healthcare System. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Misir Pharmacy and Walgreens nearby for medication needs. For recreation and relaxation, parks like Sugden Regional Park and Eagle Lakes Community Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Overall, this area is well-equipped to cater to the needs of seniors seeking a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Restaurants

• Culver's (0.2 miles)
• Los Molcajetes Del Valle (2 miles)
• Napoli On The Bay III (2.6 miles)
• Midnight Tavern (2.9 miles)
• Joe's Diner (3 miles)
• Country House East (3.1 miles)
• The Dock At Crayton Cove (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• Physicians Regional Walkin Clinic (0.5 miles)
• Millennium Physician Group (0.7 miles)
• Adam Fueredi (1 miles)
• The Mike Davis Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida (2.6 miles)
• East Naples Medical Center (2.6 miles)
• Naples Diagnostic Imaging Center (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Misir Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church (0.6 miles)
• St Ann Catholic Church (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• ARA Naples South Dialysis Center (1.1 miles)
• Physicians Regional Medical Center (3.6 miles)
• NCH Healthcare System (4.1 miles)
• Naples Community Hospital (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Sugden Regional Park (1.1 miles)
• Eagle Lakes Community Park (2.6 miles)
• Baker Park (4.1 miles)
• Golden Gate Community Park (4.9 miles)
• Gordon River Greenway (5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Three60 Market (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.8 miles)
• EJ's Bayfront Cafe (3.9 miles)
• Bad Ass Coffee (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Third Street South (3.9 miles)

Transportation

• Naples Municipal Airport (APF) (3.6 miles)
• Naples Jet Center (4.2 miles)