The Best Room At... the St. Regis Longboat Key
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Among Florida resort towns, Sarasota has long enjoyed an if-you-know-you-know reputation. While Miami and Palm Beach get the lion's share of interest, from snowbirds and journalists, the cities on the Gulf keep a more appealingly discreet profile. There's less flash here, little pomp and circumstance. There may be a top-notch opera house, and a world-class collection of Old Masters at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, plus a college campus designed by I.M. Pei and a whole style of architecture known as Sarasota Modern, but the city doesn’t boast about its treasures. It confidently prefers visitors to discover them on their own. The most attention the area’s received recently came last November, when it was in the direct path of Hurricane Helene. There was extensive flooding, and shortly thereafter Hurricane Milton brought more rainfall. The damage was serious but urgent recovery efforts allowed beaches to reopen in time for the winter travel season, a major economic driver for the region. Tourists have a new hotel to patronize in the St. Regis Longboat Key, a quiet hamlet that low-key happens to be home to one of the most immaculate beaches in the entire country. The property opened shortly before the double-barreled storms hit but avoided significant impact, closing only temporarily for the safety of its staff. “The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort was lucky to have minimal damage from the hurricanes,” says general manager Winfred van Workum. “Sarasota was impacted but has bounced back and is happy to welcome visitors again.” Here, van Workum answers a few key questions about the history of Longboat Key, the property’s signature amenities and its plans for 2025.
Tell me about the signature suite at the St. Regis Longboat Key. What makes it special?
The Presidential Suite is a breathtaking retreat inspired by the enchanting story of Mrs. Davie Lindsay Worcester, a pioneer of Sarasota who fell in love with the coastline’s shell-strewn shores. Spanning an impressive 3,431 square feet, the suite boasts a sprawling private terrace with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, complemented by iconic amenities such as The St. Regis Butler Service. The starting rate for the suite is $15,000 a night.
Longboat Key is one of the best beaches in the country. Tell me a little bit about the island’s history, and where the hotel fits in?
Longboat Key is indeed one of the most beautiful and sought-after beaches in the country and for good reason. Located on the Gulf Coast, the barrier island is known for its serene atmosphere, soft sandy beaches, and clear blue waters. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is part of the island's growing reputation as a luxury destination offering world-class amenities, high-end accommodation, and breathtaking views of the Gulf. St. Regis is known for its opulence, and its presence on Longboat Key elevates the island’s status, drawing more visitors who want to experience the stunning natural environment with hospitality to match. Its location, nestled on the southern tip of the island, provides a perfect balance of privacy and luxury while still being close to the local attractions of Sarasota.
Speaking of water—what kind of amenities are available for ocean lovers?
Aside from private beach access to the crystal-blue waters of the Gulf Coast, guests can swim and interact with marine fauna at the Under the Sea Lagoon, a 500,000-gallon habitat with stingrays and local reef fish guided by the property’s resident marine biologists. Young explorers can enroll in a marine explorer camp, part of The Reef Rangers Children's Club, offering unique and educational experiences with sea life.
What is one feature of the hotel that you think first-time visitors will find surprising?
First-time visitors will be surprised by the warm welcome of the St. Regis hosts. The St Regis Longboat Key Resort’s top priority is to provide an over-the-top experience for guests, adding bespoke touches for each guest at every step of their stay. The hotel's natural resort setting, completed with outstanding sunsets on the Gulf Coast, will also mesmerize guests.
Tell me about the dining experiences available at the property, and the wellness programming.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort offers an exceptional culinary journey across seven distinct dining venues. At the heart of this experience is CW Prime, the resort’s signature steakhouse, where guests can indulge in expertly prepared classics, including premium aged beef and fresh seafood. Adjacent to CW Prime, The Spirit Room offers an exclusive speakeasy ambiance, where guests can enjoy a curated selection of rare spirits, artisanal cocktails, and fine wines in an intimate, sophisticated setting. For a taste of coastal Italy, Riva features an interactive pasta bar where guests can watch chefs craft fresh pasta daily.
Aura complements this with a sophisticated open-air pool grill experience, offering Latin American cuisine in a tropical setting. Exclusively for hotel guests, Oshen provides a rooftop lounge with elevated cocktails and seafood-focused small plates infused with Japanese and Peruvian influences, all set against panoramic ocean views. The refined lounge is the perfect setting for the St. Regis sunset ritual, an ode to golden hour. Monkey Bar offers a local play on a St. Regis tradition by reinventing classics for the modern luxury traveler. This venue celebrates local heritage with tiki cocktails and bar snacks, including the “Murf& Turf,” named in honor of Sarasota visionary Murray “Murf” Klauber, blending local charm with the St. Regis experience. The St. Regis Bar, the resort’s vibrant social hub, showcases a mural by Floridian artist William Savarese and offers signature cocktails, live music, and traditional afternoon tea.
Tell me about the wellness program at the property.
The St. Regis Spa, a lavish 20,000-square-foot beach-front retreat, exudes Caroline Astor's timeless sophistication and showcases the healing powers of water. Open to the public, the spa boasts 14 treatment rooms and a hydrothermal area. This area includes a Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, a snow shower, vitality waters, a cold plunge, and sensorial showers. In partnership with La Mer, the spa offers guests the ultimate indulgence, namely the Genaissance de La Mer Facial —a luxurious 90-minute treatment that targets all visible signs of aging through expert massage and stimulating drainage techniques, for skin that looks smoother, plumper, more radiant, and energized.
The spa features a one-of-a-kind outdoor vitality pool with six specialized hydrotherapy pods overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The Private Suite offers an intimate escape with a shower and hydrotherapy tub, where treatments are tailored through bespoke consultations. Guests can also unwind at The Celebration Bar offering champagne and locally sourced beverages.
What attractions near the St. Regis Longboat Key should visitors check out this year?
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and the Sarasota Opera House are among the best tourist destinations in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
What’s in store for 2025?
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort opened with brand partnerships like luxury French swimwear brand Vilebrequin and world-renowned skincare brand La Mer. The St Regis Spa is one of only two spa locations in the United States that carry La Mer products and offer a signature facial treatment. There are no plans for slowing down, as the resort is committed to providing top-tier experiences and excitement for guests each time they stay or visit the property. The signature afternoon Tea Ritual will be launched at the St Regis Bar, and the Golden Hour Ritual at Oshen. The resort will offer guests an immersive outdoor experience with Vilebrequin’s Beach Club Experience this summer.
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