A Grand Debut on Florida’s Gulf Coast: The St. Regis Longboat Key Brings a New Era of Luxury to Sarasota’s Shores

LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. — There’s a moment at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, just as the sun begins to dip behind the Gulf of Mexico, when the entire property glows in soft golden hues. The St. Regis’ signature champagne sabering ritual marks the occasion, as guests toast to a sunset so mesmerizing it feels like an event unto itself.

Nestled on an 18-acre expanse of white-sand beachfront, this brand-new resort—the largest development to grace Longboat Key in half a century—ushers in a bold new chapter for luxury on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is also a step forward for an iconic brand that has re-invented itself time and again. With its arrival, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts introduces not only its renowned butler service and refined hospitality but also a few unexpected delights, from a subterranean speakeasy to an immersive marine sanctuary teeming with stingrays.

I first glimpsed the resort’s grandeur as I crossed the bridge from Sarasota, palm trees swaying against the cerulean sky. The resort itself, a masterpiece by 10 Design and Hirsch Bedner Associates, blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. From the moment I stepped into the lobby—its interiors wrapped in ocean-inspired hues—I knew I was in for an experience that was less about excess and more about effortless elegance.

A Playground of Unrivaled Luxury

Luxury at The St. Regis Longboat Key isn’t merely a tagline; it’s woven into every detail. The resort’s 168 guest rooms and 26 suites offer sweeping ocean views, plush linens, and deep soaking tubs. The Presidential Suite, an ode to Sarasota’s early pioneers, boasts a 3,400-square-foot layout with a private terrace that feels like an exclusive perch above the Gulf.

But beyond the accommodations, it’s the little touches that elevate the stay. Take the Pool Butler, a first for the brand—an attentive figure who ensures no sunbather ever lifts a finger, whether it’s for a fresh towel or a cocktail precisely timed to arrive at peak relaxation.

Perhaps my favorite hideaway was The Grotto, a secluded water enclave where guests can summon a bottle of chilled champagne at the push of a button. Meanwhile, the Under the Sea Lagoon, a sprawling marine habitat, allows visitors to wade among 40 stingrays and thousands of reef fish. For younger explorers, a marine biology camp transforms a family vacation into an educational adventure.

Savoring the Best of Land and Sea

Dining at The St. Regis Longboat Key is an experience in itself, with seven distinct venues designed to tantalize every palate. The resort’s signature steakhouse, CW Prime, specializes in dry-aged beef and seafood grilled over an open Josper flame. At Riva, chefs craft fresh pasta before your eyes, transporting guests straight to the Amalfi Coast, while the rooftop Oshen Lounge infuses Peruvian and Japanese flavors into an array of elevated small plates.

Then there’s The Spirit Room, a hidden speakeasy where the lighting is low, the music is smooth, and the cocktails are as rare as they are inventive. It’s the kind of place where time slows, and a single sip—perhaps of a smoked bourbon infused with Gulf Coast botanicals—feels like a passage into another era.

One afternoon, I wandered into The St. Regis Bar, drawn by the live piano music and a striking mural by Florida artist William Savarese. There, I sipped on a Ca’ d’Zan Bloody Mary, served in exquisite hand-blown Murano glass—an homage to Sarasota’s Ringling family legacy.

A Spa Sanctuary by the Sea

For those in search of serenity, The St. Regis Spa offers a lavish 20,000-square-foot retreat where the healing powers of water take center stage. A vitality pool overlooking the Gulf, hydrotherapy treatments, and bespoke facials in partnership with La Mer promise to restore and rejuvenate. The highlight? The Genaissance de La Mer facial, a 90-minute indulgence that left my skin impossibly radiant.

A Destination Worth the Journey

As I sipped my final sunset cocktail at The Monkey Bar, overlooking the resort’s lush landscape, I understood what makes The St. Regis Longboat Key more than just another luxury resort—it’s an experience that feels both timeless and transportive.

“This resort offers the kind of global experience you’d expect to need a passport for,” said General Manager Winfred van Workum. “But here it is, on some of the country’s finest beaches.”

And indeed, as I left the island with sand still clinging to my sandals, I realized that while the Gulf of Mexico may be a familiar destination, The St. Regis Longboat Key has redefined the way we experience it.

If You Go:

  • Location: Longboat Key, Florida, just off the coast of Sarasota
  • Rooms: 168 guest rooms, 26 suites (including the Presidential Suite)
  • Dining: Seven on-site restaurants and bars, including CW Prime, The Spirit Room, and Oshen Lounge
  • Spa & Wellness: 20,000-square-foot spa, vitality pools, and hydrotherapy experiences
  • Activities: Private beach, marine explorer camp, speakeasy, and curated St. Regis rituals
  • More Info: Marriott.com

For travelers seeking the ultimate blend of sophistication and coastal charm, The St. Regis Longboat Key stands as a shimmering new beacon on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

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