The south tower of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay recently opened in the 500-acre Saltleaf on Estero Bay master-planned “coastal village” in Bonita Springs south of Fort Myers. 

The Residences will comprise two 22-story buildings with nearly a mile of waterfront and 224 homes in total. The North Tower is currently under construction and is slated for delivery in 2027. 

Together, the Residences form the centerpiece of the Saltleaf community, which also offers the Raymond Floyd-designed 18-hole championship course, The Preserve, that opened in 2024. Saltleaf also has The Leaf, a nine-hole course, and a 12,500-square-foot clubhouse. Saltleaf Marina is expected to open next and bring 72 private boat slips directly adjacent to The Residences.  

“This project has been the defining chapter of our story that combines years of vision, investment and an unwavering belief in what Estero Bay could become,” London Bay Development Group President and CEO Mark Wilson said. “Watching our owners walk through the doors for the first time, experiencing the views, the spaces and the details we have so thoughtfully curated for them, will affirm everything this community was always meant to be.” 

The South Tower condominiums range from 2,628 to 3,885 square feet with two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts with dens and are priced from $3 million. All units offer private elevator lobbies, terraces of up to 2,200 square feet and interiors designed by Meyer Davis with European-inspired cabinetry, Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances and spa-style primary baths. Both towers will be topped by penthouses priced from $15,235,000 and spanning up to 13,630 square feet with outdoor terraces of up to 7,380 square feet. 

“At the heart of this property is The Ritz-Carlton’s philosophy of ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen,” said Alicia Koenig, vice president of residential operations at Marriott International. “It is that spirit, which is intentional, thoughtful and present in every interaction with our owners, that transforms a residence into a home.”  

Separately, London Bay announced that hospitality veteran Karl Budnik will serve as general manager of the Residences. In this role, he will oversee residential services and lifestyle programming. During his 30-year career, Budnik has held senior leadership roles at numerous Ritz-Carlton properties, including The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara; The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago; Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Oman; The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka; The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes; and, most recently, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. 

“I’m honored to join this development at such a defining moment for Estero Bay,” Budnik said. “Being part of something as it takes shape and having a hand in molding the lifestyle experience is one of the most rewarding aspects of this role. To me, this is not just about delivering service, but about creating a rhythm to daily life that feels intuitive, personal and most importantly, effortless. The goal is for owners to spend their time on what matters most to them, while we take care of the rest.”