Florida's Gulf Coast Has a New Resort With a Private Island, an Adults-only Pool, and a 500,000-gallon Lagoon Teeming With Marine Life — Here's an Exclusive First Look Inside

Guests at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will also be treated to the brand's first-ever pool butler program.

Sarasota's Gulf of Mexico coastline is fronted by six barrier islands, known for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe. Now, the region has a new St. Regis brand hotel on Longboat Key, which opened earlier this month after a soft launch over the summer. (Editor's Note: Longboat Key was among the towns affected by the recent hurricanes; the hotel told Travel +Leisure it was minimally impacted. Sarasota County is keeping travelers updated with resources and information here.)

In what is being hailed as one of the largest developments in the area in over half a century, the 168-key resort boasts 18 acres of prime beachfront and a long list of top-notch amenities that will transform the property into a destination on its own.

"At The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, we're focused on redefining luxury experiences with a multi-faceted approach to hospitality [...] Our resort serves as a sanctuary, providing immersive experiences that allow guests to connect deeply with the natural beauty and culture of the area, ensuring that every stay is not just memorable but transformative," Winfred van Workum, the property's general manager told T+L.

The modern architecture envisioned by 10 Design features plenty of organic textures and architectural elements, maximizing the stunning panoramas enveloping the property, while the interior design, by Hirsch Bedner Associates and Dutch East Design, oozes timeless sophistication awash in natural hues and high-end finishes.

The guest rooms and 26 suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies with frameless glass railing that allow guests uninterrupted ocean views even from inside the accommodations, standalone bathtubs, and separate rain showers in the bathrooms. Of course, every resort guest is welcomed by their dedicated butler, assisting them with requests throughout their stay.

Adding to the brand's most iconic amenity, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will offer poolside butler service, the first St Regis property to do so.

However, van Workum explained that what makes the resort special goes "beyond the accommodations." The resort's amenities are truly impressive and range from classics such as two pools (one is strictly adults-only), private beachfront, a fully equipped gym, and a high-end boutique with chic resort wear by French brand Vilebrequin to unique offerings such as a secluded space with jetted tubs and Champagne service, a private mangrove island with cabanas, and a 500,000-gallon lagoon with stingrays, local reef fish, and giant tortoises, managed by marine biologists.

"Whether it's a romantic couple's getaway, a group of friends, or a multi-generational family vacation, the property has been thoughtfully designed and programmed to feel bespoke for each guest," van Workum added.

The property's kids club also goes beyond the standard activities to encourage ocean preservation. The Reef Rangers Children's Club runs marine explorer camps where kids can participate in hands-on educational interactions with aquatic life or sign up for coral sculpting workshops.

"Our marine explorer camp offers an interactive way to engage with the ocean, fostering a love for marine conservation from an early age. It's a unique experience that you won't find at many other resorts," van Workum said.

The food and beverage program is another highlight. With seven distinct concepts that vary from an elegant steakhouse serving prime cuts and seafood to Riva, the property's take on coastal Italian cuisine with a focus on freshly prepared pasta dishes and Northern Italian and Adriatic classics, the resort's dining options will satisfy a variety of palates. Guests can enjoy sundowners at Oshen, a sleek Aisan-fusion rooftop lounge with small plates and handcrafted cocktails where panoramic ocean views steal the spotlight. The St. Regis Longboat Key's de facto lobby bar is one for the books, with a beautiful mural by Floridian artist William Savarese and live music.

And if you're on a quest to taste every signature The St. Regis Bloody Mary, head to The Spirit Room, a speakeasy-like space that serves the Ca' d'Zan Bloody Mary inspired by Sarasota's famous Mediterranean-style estate Ca' d'Zan.

Lastly, those who like to indulge in some R&R can do so in the 20,000-square-foot beachfront spa with 14 treatment rooms (including a couples suite with a private shower and tub) and a hydrothermal area with amenities such as a Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, and a cold plunge.

You can book your stay at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort on marriott.com; nightly rates start at $930.

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