St. Regis Longboat Key: Florida's Newest Luxury Gem

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a seaside haven created by Unicorp National Developments, has opened, according to St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. The interiors were designed by Dutch East Design and Hirsch Bedner Associates ("HBA Miami"), while the architecture was created by 10 Design. The resort is the most significant construction on Longboat Key in fifty years and is situated on the sought-after barrier island in Sarasota. Setting a new benchmark for upscale luxury and individualized service on Florida's Gulf Coast, the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is a prime example of the brand's commitment to enhancing the most prestigious locations in the world.

“St. Regis is proud to celebrate a remarkable 120-year legacy, offering the ‘best address’ in the world’s most captivating destinations,” said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP of St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to bring the renowned St. Regis experience to Longboat Key, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, spectacular beachfront, and vibrant social scene. St. Regis is synonymous with timeless elegance and exquisite experiences, and we look forward to welcoming guests to another iconic destination in our global portfolio.”

Unrivalled Amenities & Offerings

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is tucked away on Sarasota's barrier island with 18 acres of immaculate white sand beachfront and access to 800 feet of private beach. The verdant central courtyard, dubbed "The Pools," is dotted with palm trees and vegetation. It offers a variety of swimming pools, opulent lounge chairs, and private cabanas that provide peace and seclusion. While the adults-only Serenity Pool offers a tranquil haven with a waterfall, the area also features a family-friendly Resort Pool, a jacuzzi, and a River. A dedicated Pool Butler, a first for the company, will also provide guests with personalized services and help with all their needs in and out of the pool.

A secret haven with jacuzzi jets and individual champagne service at your fingertips, the remote Grotto adds to the resort's allure. Under the Sea Lagoon, a 500,000-gallon ecosystem with 40 stingrays, over 2,800 indigenous reef species, and two enormous Aldabra tortoises offers visitors the opportunity to swim and engage with marine life under the guidance of the property's on-site marine biologists. Young adventurers can sign up for a marine explorer camp, a component of The Reef Rangers Children's Club that provides unique and instructive interactions with aquatic life.

In the fall of 2024, the upscale French swimsuit company Vilebrequin, renowned for its artistry and perfecting the art of beach living, will open a boutique on the property. With a tribute to Sarasota's connections to the Ringling Family, the shop will include a selection of chic swim and resort apparel, including a custom capsule with a marine motif. The capsule was made specifically for the resort and will only be offered there. With Vilebrequin's branded cabanas, beach activities, and other amenities, the resort will also provide visitors with an outdoor experience.

Elevated Design and Accommodations

The resort's interiors and architecture, created by Dutch East Design and HBA Miami, perfectly complement the Gulf Coast's natural splendour. The hotel's 168 rooms and 26 suites offer ocean views and feature a rainfall shower, a bathtub, a walk-in closet, and the St. Regis Butler Service.

The love story of Mrs. Davie Lindsay Worcester, a Sarasota pioneer who was mesmerized by the beauty of the beach and its "shell-bestrewn shore," serves as the basis for the Presidential Suite. The suite, which is 3,431 square feet, features a private terrace with views of the Gulf of Mexico and some of the brand's most recognizable features, such as The St. Regis Butler Service.

Exquisite Dining and Signature Experiences

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a brand-new Longboat Key resort, provides a gastronomic adventure at seven different eating establishments. The resort's famous steakhouse, CW Prime, is the focal point of this experience. Here, patrons can savour expertly prepared classics, including premium aged beef and fresh seafood roasted on the Josper grill with tableside preparations. Next to CW Prime, the Spirit Room provides a speakeasy atmosphere where patrons may savour a chosen assortment of rare spirits, handcrafted cocktails, and premium wines in a classy, intimate setting.

Riva offers an interactive pasta bar where visitors may observe cooks creating freshly made pasta meals, giving them a flavour of coastal Italy. This is enhanced by Aura's elegant outdoor pool grill experience, which serves Latin American food in a tropical environment. With sweeping ocean views, Oshen offers a rooftop lounge with sophisticated cocktails and small meals featuring seafood with Peruvian and Japanese influences. The elegant salon is ideal for the St. Regis sunset ritual, which honours the golden hour.

Monkey Bar reinvents classics for the contemporary luxury traveller, providing a local take on a St. Regis tradition. This establishment blends local charm with the St. Regis experience by celebrating local tradition with tiki cocktails and bar appetizers, such as the "Murf& Turf," named in honour of Murray's "Murf" Klauber. The resort's social centre, St. Regis Bar, features a painting by Floridian artist William Savarese and serves afternoon tea, live music, and speciality drinks. In addition, guests can savour custom drinks like the Ca' d'Zan Bloody Mary, which is served in handcrafted Murano glassware from Berengo Studio and is modelled after the famous Ca' d'Zan estate, which served as Sarasota's social centre in the 1920s and Ringling's family holiday residence. Coffee, espresso, tea, fresh pastries, and health-conscious speciality drinks complete the culinary experience at Caroline's café.

The St. Regis Spa: A Sanctuary on Longboat Key

The St. Regis Spa is a sumptuous 20,000-square-foot beachfront retreat that highlights the properties of water and radiates Caroline Astor's classic refinement. With 14 treatment rooms and a hydrothermal area, the spa is accessible to the general public. The Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam room, snow shower, vitality waters, cold plunge, and sensory showers are all located in this area. The spa's distinctive Genaissance treatment, a sumptuous 90-minute facial that uses skilled massage and invigorating drainage techniques to smooth, plumb, and invigorate the skin, is one of the ultimate indulgences it gives visitors in collaboration with La Mer.

With a view of the Gulf of Mexico, the spa boasts an outdoor vitality pool with six specialized hydrotherapy pods. With a hydrotherapy tub and shower, the Private Suite provides a haven for customised treatments after individualized consultations. Additionally, guests can relax at The Celebration Bar, which serves champagne and drinks that are obtained locally.

The House of Celebration

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort has ten event spaces totalling 34,000 square feet, with 18,000 square feet of beachfront space. These locations are perfect for corporate gatherings, weddings, and parties. While private beachside and outdoor spaces provide options for smaller celebrations, the Astor Ballroom and The St. Regis Longboat Key Ballroom may each hold up to 750 guests.

“Reflecting the St. Regis’ legacy of excellence, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort stands out as a new symbol of resort glamour,” said Winfred van Workum, General Manager, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. “This spectacular resort offers a global experience you would typically need a passport to enjoy, but it’s right here on some of the country’s finest beaches. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far to experience our newest destination.”