If it’s leisure you seek, Sarasota’s resort rooms are never far from attractions for the whole family: Golf courses, fine arts, local hot spots, gourmet restaurants and beautiful beaches are in your vacation back yard. Take in all that culturally-rich Sarasota has to offer and be sure to catch a few rays while you’re at it.

If you’re here on business, the view from the hotel’s conference room windows is sure to be dazzling. Most resorts offer high-speed Internet access and other business-oriented amenities, allowing even busy professionals time for a soothing poolside soirée or a promenade along our pretty shores.

          And while Sarasota’s scenery, attractions and up-and-coming metropolitan energy constantly tempt you from your lodging, rest assured: The resort’s own temptations will eventually bring you back.

DOWNTOWN

Located near the city center overlooking Sarasota Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a stylish Florida beach resort with city sophistication. For the discriminating guest, the AAA Five-Diamond resort offers elegant accommodations, award-winning dining, famous personalized service and unlimited access to the Mobil-rated spa, private Gulf-front beach club and a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course.

All 266 rooms include down duvets, Italian Frette-brand linens, Bose CD players, desks and chaise lounges, furnished balconies with bay, marina or city views, bathrooms with double marble vanities and plush Ritz-Carlton robes. The resort is of classic Mediterranean Revival style, blending the Ritz-Carlton tradition of refined elegance with the warmth and charm of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Under the watchful eye of executive chef Frederic Morineau, a tempting array of dining options awaits. Available to the public, the resort’s award-winning signature restaurant Vernona is dedicated to serving organic New American cuisine, made from the freshest and healthiest ingredients from local and regional farmers. The Lobby Lounge offers traditional afternoon tea, and the bayfront Bay View Bar & Grill is the perfect spot for al fresco dining. The Ritz-Carlton’s bar, Cà d’Zan, is comfortable and classic, a local favorite for drinks, dancing and live music, and the bistro-style menu offers a casually elegant dining experience.

          Named by Robb Report as one of the world’s best new golf courses for 2006, The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club is an 18-hole Tom Fazio design available only to members of The Ritz-Carlton Members Club and registered resort guests during their stay. Unlike many Florida courses, The Members Golf Club features significant elevation changes that gracefully roll among the lakes and extensive landscape to form a fair and memorable game of golf. 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota. (800) 241-3333.

Just steps away from downtown theaters, galleries, restaurants and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Hyatt Sarasota on Sarasota Bay provides a relaxing escape into an oasis of lush gardens, blue waters and spectacular sunset views. A panoramic atrium anchors 294 guest rooms, including 12 suites. Relax by the new lagoon pool with a cascading waterfall and 12-person hot tub, enjoy tropical beverages at the Hurricane Hut, or challenge yourself with water sports.

The Hyatt’s 10,000-square foot Sarasota Ballroom provides a generous pre-function area, office and storage space, permanent registration desk and the flexibility to divide into eight sections. With this addition, the Hyatt Sarasota’s total meeting space extends to 20,000 square feet, making it the largest conference facility between Tampa and Fort Myers.

Also, the Hyatt introduces its private marina with state-of-the-art Bellingham floating dock system. Located at the marina, the Boathouse restaurant provides casual dining setting with water views. 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. 953-1234 or (800) 233-1234.

           Newly opened at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Tamiami Trail in downtown Sarasota’s charming Rosemary District, Hotel Indigo has 95 warm and welcoming guest rooms, all with hardwood floors and decorative area rugs, spa-inspired showers and oversized beds and pillows. Hotel Indigo features The Golden Bean and Phi for gourmet, casual dining. 1223 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. 487-3800.

LONGBOAT KEY

Long recognized as the No. 1 tennis resort in the nation and a top-notch destination for couples and families, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort offers 208 one- and two-bedroom villa suites nestled in the secluded surroundings of Longboat Key. Accommodations feature a private sun balcony, private master bedroom, living/dining area, full kitchen and master bathroom with whirlpool bath and steam showers. Twenty-six specialty suites, including three private beach houses, give guests the ultimate in luxury.

A modern six-story clubhouse houses the spa, with men’s and women’s facilities and an array of treatments performed by licensed therapists, as well as a salon with a variety of services. A business center and sports shop are also in the high-rise.

Tennis is the game to play at The Colony, so guests enjoy 21 courts (10 hydro-soft, two lighted), complimentary court time and game matching, nine daily clinics, and private and semi-private lessons led by outstanding and entertaining instructors.

Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with weight training and cardiovascular equipment, aerobics, fitness classes, personal training and body-fat analysis. The resort’s highly praised children’s recreation programs for ages three to 12, offered 365 days a year, are free to all guests.

From The Colony Dining Room, guests can bask in views of the Gulf of Mexico while savoring contemporary Continental cuisine and one of the nation’s finest wine lists. It’s open for both lunch and dinner, and also for the award-winning Sunday brunch.

The Monkey Room, with outdoor and indoor seating, features creative and flavorful dishes with island influences. The adjacent lounge has live nightly entertainment. Outside, bartenders serve exotic drinks on the Monkey Room Patio. Tastebuds Gourmet and Wine Shop also offers sandwiches, cheeses, pastries, wine, gift baskets and more.

Banquet and conference facilities, an elegant designer boutique (Le Tennique), sports shop, water sports center and private, sugar-sand beach round out the amenities. 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. 383-6464 or (800) 4-COLONY. www.colonybeachresort.com.

Located just steps from a private white-sand beach and the sparkling waters of the Gulf, the Hilton Longboat Key Beach Resort is a tropical resort minutes from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Newly renovated rooms are decorated in jewel tones with contemporary furniture. Oversized rooms offer two queen or single king beds, honor bar and complimentary coffeemaker, hair dryer and in-room safes. Daily local newspaper delivery, premium television channels and high-speed wireless Internet are standard. 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. 383-2451.

LIDO KEY

The Lido Beach Resort is a favorite among visitors and locals for its beachside pool bar and the Old Florida charm of its simple, elegant tropical design. Located beachfront on Lido Key, 222 suites, kitchenettes and deluxe guest rooms are all just a short drive from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and a comfortable stroll from the unique shops and cafés of St. Armands Circle. Meeting facilities consist of 6,000 square feet of flexible space with several breakout configurations available. The Sunset Terrace offers a casual atmosphere and spectacular views of Lido Beach and sunsets. Beach functions are also available, complemented by a full-service catering staff and award-winning chef. 700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. (800) 441-2113.

With 600 feet of private powder-white sand beach, the full-service Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel radiates a friendly, tropical atmosphere with its spectacular views and superb accommodations. Two restaurants provide casual, open-air or formal dining and live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday in the lounge. Guests can enjoy two heated pools and a pool bar with complimentary hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon. The Sandcastle’s recreation department arranges Aqua Cat sailboats, aqua cycles or kayaks and offers lessons on each.

Each guest room includes a refrigerator, coffeemaker, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, make-up mirror and daily newspaper. Professional meeting space accommodates all the needs of the corporate traveler, too. 1540 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. 388-2181 or (800) 225-2181.

The Holiday Inn Lido Beach is one of Sarasota’s most tasteful hotels, situated directly opposite the Gulf of Mexico and just two blocks from St. Armands Circle. It features an outdoor pool overlooking the Gulf and provides complimentary transportation to and from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Guest rooms offer one king or two queen beds and a host of amenities.

The Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with room service. Beach cabanas, beach chairs and bicycle rentals are available. 233 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. 388-5555 or (800) 315-2621.

          Located on private beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico, within walking distance of St. Armands Circle, Suntide Island Beach Club features furnished one- and two-bedroom condo units with fully equipped kitchens. On-site amenities include a heated pool and hot tub, grills, laundry facilities and bicycle rentals. 850 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. (888) 786-8433.

SIESTA KEY

Nestled between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on Siesta Key, The Palm Bay Club’s two heated pools, lighted tennis courts, yacht basin, fishing pier, private clubhouse and exercise equipment complement a secluded beach that’s ideal for sunning or shelling. It offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, all fully furnished and providing breathtaking views of the Gulf and tropical landscaping. 5960 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. (800) 725-6229. www.palmbayclub.com.

One of Sarasota’s premier residential resorts, the Gulf and Bay Club is located on three miles of Crescent Beach. It offers one-month rentals of two-bedroom, two-bath units that are fully furnished and enjoy 24-hour security. Other amenities include athletic courts, fitness center, saunas, three heated pools, barbecue areas and two clubhouses. There’s also a freshwater-stocked lake, covered parking and a library. 5730 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. 349-7101.

Situated directly on the sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club is the premier beach and tennis family resort on Siesta Key. The one- and two-bedroom condominiums are fully furnished and include complete kitchens. Resort amenities include two heated pools, four tennis courts (two are clay), fitness center, business center, beachside barbecue grills and maid service. 5900 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. 349-2200 or (800) 237-5671. www.sarasotasurf.com.

Midnight Cove Condominium Resort comprises 11 acres of lush, tropically landscaped grounds on the white sands of Crescent Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. Vacation amenities include two heated swimming pools, tennis courts, boat docks, fishing, barbecue facilities and one of the area’s most beautiful private beaches. Choose from mid-rise buildings, garden apartments or spacious townhomes, all with breathtaking water views. 6302 Midnight Cove Road, Sarasota. 349-3004.

Crystal Sands on Crescent Beach features luxuriously appointed condominiums with full terraces and stunning views. On-site amenities include two heated pools, and the building is located right on the Gulf of Mexico, just minutes from shopping and Siesta Village nightlife. 6300 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. 349-7007.

MIDTOWN

The Best Western Midtown is located in the heart of Sarasota, central to shopping, restaurants, beaches and downtown, and just minutes from all area attractions. 1425 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 955-9841 or (800) 722-8227.

EAST

The Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch is a full-service hotel ranked among the top 10 Holiday Inns in North America for service. For the traveler who can’t leave work at home, each guest room has a workstation with two line data ports, complimentary high-speed Internet service, ergonomic chair and iron and ironing board to keep business clothes crisp. There’s also a refrigerator, hair dryer, coffee service and 25-inch television and wireless Internet in all public meeting space (2,500 square feet). It’s conveniently located at I-75 and University Parkway at the entrance to Lakewood Ranch, only seven miles from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Ask about the Ecotourism Package. 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota. 782-4400. www.hilr.com.

If you’re traveling by car or RV, check out Sun-N-Fun RV Resort on Fruitville Road, which offers more than 150 activities in season to guests. In addition to recreational vehicle space, Sun-N-Fun has cozy vacation-home rentals (and sales). The resort offers wireless Internet access, an on-site restaurant, Olympic-size swimming pool, exercise room, poolside bar and grill and live entertainment. A great, pet-friendly alternative to hotel stays. 7125 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. (800) 843-2421. www.sunnfunfl.com.