Interest in Naples’ newest luxury high-rise tower can be described as “sky-high.” The 15-story Aura at Metropolitan Naples features 56 luxury residences and is located on a 5.3-acre parcel at the intersection of Fifth Avenue South and Davis Boulevard, just a short walk or bike ride to downtown Naples.

Ed Gonzalez, the project’s Director of Sales said it’s been a pleasure working with the current group of buyers.

“It’s a great mix of active folks, some coming from as far as Colorado, the Midwest and the Northeast states,” revealed Gonzalez. “Other buyers already call Naples home and are moving to Aura to take advantage of the lifestyle and conveniences that a mixed use community has to offer. In fact, several of our current buyers often bring up the convenience of having their boat across the street at the Naples Bay Resort Marina, while others are thrilled several golf courses are just minutes away.

Lisa and Tom were among the first couples to choose Aura as their new home.

“We’ve been watching the property for years,” recalled Lisa. “When we finally heard it was going to be developed we were thrilled. But it wasn’t just the great location that sold us. It was also the culmination of all that was being offered in Metropolitan Naples and the Aura condo itself. Homes are on the upper floors of the buildings in Metropolitan Naples and restaurants and businesses are on the lower floors. That’s a great convenience.”

“The beautiful design of the building and all its great amenities were also major reasons for us choosing Aura,” added Tom.  “Whether we’re enjoying the amenities on the roof or on the fifth floor, we know we’re going to have fun and make new friends.”

Aura features the highest pool in the downtown area and is the only sky pool of its kind. Residents and their guests will enjoy picturesque views of downtown Naples, the beautiful, reflective waters of Naples Bay and the azure and white waves of the Gulf of Mexico.

However, the infinity pool isn’t the only rooftop amenity. Those who love to exercise will also love the sky-high state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio. High above the ground and offering incredible views through the floor to ceiling glass windows, residents will enjoy working out on outstanding fitness equipment or pushing through the most demanding or relaxing yoga routines, from the perfect perspective.

Also, just steps away from the infinity pool is another amazing amenity – an outdoor lounge and bar, the perfect place to cool down and watch an amazing Naples sunset.

Moving on down, Aura’s 5th floor amenities are also capturing the imaginations of future residents. They include the indoor and outdoor resident lounges, an outdoor spa, an outdoor kitchen with grilling area, a seating area with fire pits, a large golf putting green and a luxurious overnight guest suite, business center and conference room.

Borges Architects, an award-winning, world class architectural and consulting firm, was hired to bring Metropolitan Naples to life. The major real estate architectural firm is known for its creative designs within the United States as well as in several cities internationally.

Aura includes a mix of beautifully designed two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, many with a den. Prices range from $2 to over $6 million.

Residences feature expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows and balcony doors, porcelain and wood floor selections, wine walls and wet bars per plan, fine custom cabinetry, great rooms designed to maximize outdoor views, outdoor living areas with grilling stations and two secure garage spaces per residence.

The Chef-inspired kitchens include a large workstation, dining islands and top-of-the-line appliances such as Wolf gas cooktops and Sub-Zero refrigeration.

All owner suites feature vast views, walk-in closets and luxurious baths with his and her vanities, private water closets, large walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs.

“Aura does have an awesome location,” noted Tom. “It’s because of the building’s design and location that we chose a northwest corner unit on the 14th floor. From it we’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Naples Bay, as well as historic downtown Naples.”

“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” commented Lisa. “We can’t wait to move in and have friends and family experience the awesome views for themselves.”

Aura’s floor plans were all designed for entertaining family and friends, both inside the residence and outside on the terraces.

“Throughout the year, and especially the winter months, we’re welcoming guests into our homes,” noted Gonzalez. “What better place to get the conversations started then stepping out onto your private terrace with expansive seating areas and even an outdoor grill.”

In addition to a number of residences, two penthouses are also available.

One is located on Aura’s 15th floor and is known as Penthouse 2. The three-bedroom plus den/three-and-a-half-bath home has 3,365 total square feet under air, plus two terraces. One terrace is off the Owner’s Suite and the other opens the living room and kitchen area to the outdoors. That’s convenient because this terrace is where you’ll find the outdoor grill.

“Other highlights of the plan,” according to Gonzalez, “include a gourmet Chef-inspired kitchen with large island, luxurious cabinetry, high-quality gas cooktops by Wolf and sleek Sub-Zero refrigeration, guest suites with private baths, oversized laundry room with state-of-the-art washer and dryer, and master baths with private water closet, a shower and separate soaking tub.”

Penthouse 2 is priced at $5 million.

The other Penthouse available is located on the tower’s amazing 5th floor and just steps away from the previously mentioned amenities.

The 5th floor’s Penthouse 5 has terrace spaces that total 1,526 square feet. Add that to the residence itself, which has 3,768 square feet under air, and the total living area for the available Penthouse unit reaches 5,304 total square feet.

The amazing landscaped terrace of Penthouse 5, with a number of seating areas and the grill, is accessible from the residence’s living room, kitchen and owner’s suite and offers extraordinary views of paradise from three different sides of the home.

“The terrace itself wraps around nearly the entire length of the outside of the penthouse residence,” said Gonzalez. “One can walk from the owner’s suite to the formal living room and never take a step inside.”

That’s just one of the special features of the incredible plan. Another is its Owner’s Suite showers – one is inside and one is outside.

“The shower outside is lusciously landscaped for privacy, like those offered in some uber-luxurious tropical resort suites,” Gonzalez recalled.

Penthouse 5 is priced at $4.9 million.

Metropolitan Naples is being developed by two of the most respected, long-time Naples residents and veteran developers, Fred Pezeshkan and Jerry Starkey.

For more information visit MetropolitanNaples.com or call   239-758-9500.

Aura’s sales gallery is located at 365 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 104A, in downtown Naples. That’s the northeast corner of the intersection of Fifth Avenue South and 3rd Street South. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and by appointment anytime.

Your hosts at the gallery are Ed Gonzalez and Sharyl Wicks of Metropolitan Naples Realty.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Aura's buyers thrilled with their choice