THE ST. REGIS LONGBOAT KEY RESORT
1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

Live in Florida long enough, and its natural beauty can start to feel ordinary. Luckily, the ultra-luxe new St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is here to remind us that we live in paradise.

Walking inside the lobby of the 18-acre resort, you’re greeted by floor-to-ceiling views of the Gulf and a colorful custom mural above the oval lobby bar by Florida artist William Saverese. Enjoy both while you sip a cocktail or enjoy afternoon tea service, which includes treats inspired by John Ringling’s legacy—think petit-fours shaped like circus animals or savory scones atop miniature columns, just like the ones you can see at the John and Mable Ringling Museum on the mainland. (Tip: Make sure to head back to the lobby at sunset, where, per St. Regis tradition, a bottle of Champagne is sabred–literally, staff use a sword to cut off the top of the bottle­—when the sun dips below the horizon and complimentary glasses are passed out to guests.) 

Another St. Regis hallmark is butler service unique to each hotel. In this case, it’s a complimentary bathing suit refresh. Just slip your wet suit into the provided case, and it will be returned washed and ready for your next dip in the pool.

Speaking of pools, the St. Regis has several—one that’s adults-only, one at the spa and one for families with its own winding river. Our advice: Check into your room, then go straight to the river. Book a private cabana (from $175); a cheerful staff member will set up your towels and inner tube, while butler service will bring cocktails, water and food from Aura, one of the hotel’s six eateries. 

Once you’re settled, hop into an inner tube and float down the lazy river. The gentle forward motion of the water and warmth of the sunshine will rock you into relaxation. 

For dinner, head to Oshen, ideally for sunset. Open only to resort guests, this waterfront dining room serves Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) cuisine like tuna ceviche ($25) and salmon maki ($27). Pair it with a tropical cocktail (from $20). There’s nothing like ending the day with a sunset-colored drink as you watch the sky turn pink, orange and purple.

Dedicate one day of your stay to activities. There’s something for everyone, including little ones, whether it’s flying kites, boogie-boarding, building sandcastles or making mosaics from sea glass. If it’s relaxation you want, head straight to the spa for a facial, manicure or pedicure,  massage, energy healing ritual, sound bath and more. Looking for thermal treatments? Sweat it out in the eucalyptus steam room or Finnish sauna; cryotherapy devotees will love the snow shower and cold plunge pools. Wind down with a soak in the private, infinity-edge pool overlooking the Gulf. 

When it’s time to eat again, choose between Riva, which serves Northern Italian fare in a light, airy dining space, or CW Prime, the Art Deco-inspired steakhouse. CW Prime is led by Chef Drew Adams, who honed his craft at Michelin-starred restaurants before opening the critically acclaimed, now-shuttered Adeline in Sarasota’s Southside Village. Start with the seafood tower (market price); follow it with Japanese wagyu steak topped with shaved truffles ($250). Yes, this is the place to splurge.

With rooms starting at $828 a night during the off-season and $1,024 a night in season, the St. Regis has brought a new level of luxury and wealth to our region. But with its focus on everything we’ve always loved about living here, it’s also brought a reminder to savor what’s priceless: the beach, the sunrise and sunset, the Gulf. If you’re able to do that at the St. Regis, you’re very lucky, indeed.

Things to Do

Spa Day

The St. Regis’s spa is next-level. Create your own bespoke experience with a facial, massage, energy treatment and sauna session, and then finish with a soak in the private infinity pool.

Meet Marine Life

The resort has a lagoon where guests can feed stingrays and snorkel with marine creatures. Say hello to Jack and Rose, the giant Aldabra tortoises named after Titanic’s main characters and a nod to the hotel’s founder, John Jacob Astor IV, who died aboard the ship after helping his pregnant wife to safety.

Drink Like an Astor

Tucked inside CW Prime is the speakeasy-style Spirit Room. Flip the glowing light switch and a special cocktail, the Caroline 400—a take on a French 75—magically appears. Heads up: The drink is named for the 400 guests Lady Astor invited to her Gilded Age parties–and it’s also the price tag.