One moment, I was lounging in a private cabana by the pool with Poppy, my service dog, while sipping champagne delivered by an Aqua Butler. The next, I was watching the sun dip below the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise waves from my suite’s ocean-facing balcony, turning the sky into a deep pink, tangerine, and indigo oil painting. At the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, which opened in late 2024, these are just snapshots of another day in paradise.
From the moment Poppy and I were picked up at the airport by a butler and a driver in a dusty rose Bentley—part of the resort’s house car service—I knew this place understood luxury. Everyone from the butlers to the doormen knew Poppy’s name, welcoming her with attention and care that made it clear this wasn’t just a pet-friendly property. It’s a place where dogs are treated as VIPs.
Poppy poolside at the pet-friendly St. Regis Longboat Key
Located on Longboat Key, a serene barrier island just a short drive from Sarasota’s downtown, the 18-acre property occupies the grounds of the iconic, former Colony Hotel. With pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and exceptional service at every turn, the St. Regis is the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.
Rooted in the legacy of John Jacob Astor IV, who founded the St. Regis brand in 1904, the resort combines modern opulence with touches of history. Astor, a Gilded Age titan who perished on the Titanic, envisioned a standard of luxury that still resonates today. Adding a touch of whimsy, the property’s two resident giant tortoises—named Jack and Rose—are a nod to the Titanic part of his story.
Rooms and Suites: Coastal Elegance with Every Detail
A suite at the St. Regis Longboat Key
From the moment I stepped into my ocean-facing suite, I was enveloped in luxury. The decor was understated yet elegant, featuring a neutral palette with Gulf-inspired blues and distinctive art. The room boasted a king-sized bed with sumptuous linens, a marble bathroom with a soaking tub and rainfall shower, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that opened to a private balcony with a frameless glass railing. The balcony allowed for unencumbered, panoramic views of the Gulf, the pools, and the lagoon—Poppy loved lounging on it.
Poppy soaking up the Florida sunshine from our suite’s balcony.
Tech-savvy features like touchscreen controls for lighting and temperature added modern convenience, while personal touches elevated the experience. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a plush bed, personalized food and water bowls, and a handwritten note welcoming her to the resort.
It’s rare to find a hotel where pet accommodations feel as thoughtfully curated as those for human guests, but the St. Regis goes above and beyond to make every guest—two-legged or four—feel pampered.
Pools, saltwater lagoon, and champagne service
The Aqua Butler is a first for the St. Regis brand.
The resort’s water amenities are genuinely spectacular. The Winding River Pool meanders through lush landscaping, offering plenty of spots to relax or float in the sun. The adults-only Serenity Pool provides a quieter, more refined vibe. There is even a Grotto with jacuzzi jets and personalized champagne service.
One day, I reserved a cabana by the river. There, an Aqua Butler—yes, a butler in a suit walking poolside—served me complimentary champagne as I lounged with Poppy. This was a first for the brand, and it was the kind of quirky detail that made the St Regis stand out from the hundreds of other luxury hotels I’ve stayed at.
For a more interactive aquatic experience, the resort’s saltwater lagoon is a must. Home to more than 40 stingrays and over 2,800 fish from 40+ species, this massive 350,000-gallon lagoon blurs the line between luxury and nature and is managed by marine biologists. Guests can swim alongside the marine life and help feed the rays at set times or admire them from the shore—it’s like having your own private aquarium.
The swimming pools, saltwater lagoon and Gulf of Mexico beyond.
The resort’s private beach is equally stunning. It’s a postcard-perfect slice of the Gulf Coast with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Beach attendants are on hand to provide plush loungers, umbrellas, and a menu of tropical cocktails and light bites, so you never have to stray far from your spot in the sun.
The St. Regis Spa: The ultimate in relaxation
The St. Regis Spa offers an indulgent escape that’s as luxurious as the rest of the property. My day began with a La Mer Custom Facial, which was nothing short of transformative. The resort has partnered with La Mer, one of just two in the U.S., to do so, the other being The Baccarat Hotel & Residences in New York City) to offer this luxe service.
The spa pool at the St. Regis Longboat Key
The treatment used La Mer’s iconic products, including a soothing face massage, layers of hydrating ingredients, and a finishing touch designed to melt into the skin. Unlike other facials, nothing needed to be rinsed off; the products were fully absorbed, leaving my face glowing for nearly two weeks—a personal record.
I also opted for a deep tissue massage, which blended firm pressure with relaxing strokes to work out every knot and ounce of tension. After that, I checked out the spa’s vitality pool, which has six hydrotherapy stations. There is also a Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, a snow shower, and a cold plunge.
Dining: A feast for the senses
The steak tartare at CW Prime is a favorite appetizer.
I started my mornings at Riva, which doubles as the Italian restaurant at dinner, where the focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The lobster benedict was decadent and delicious. I paired it with fresh juice shooters.
Dinner at CW Prime was a standout. Start with a dozen East Coast oysters and the steak tartare with caviar. For a main, the signature Josper-grilled filet mignon was perfectly charred on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. Pair it with the lobster mac and cheese as a side. Afterwards head to the lobby bar for a cocktail and live piano music.
The lobby bar is a buzzy spot for a drink.
Poolside afternoons were best spent at Aura, where Latin-inspired flavors shone. The tuna tostadas were bright and flavorful, and the handcrafted mezcal cocktails added just the right kick. The tequila tastings offered here are a must for any spirits enthusiast.
But my favorite spot? Oshen, the resort’s rooftop lounge. With a Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu, dishes like Nikkei sushi rolls that were as bold as the sunset views.
Elevating Sarasota’s Luxury Scene
Sunset from my balcony.
The St. Regis Longboat Key isn’t just a hotel; it’s a destination in itself. Nestled on its own stretch of Longboat Key’s pristine coastline, it offers a serene escape with easy access to Sarasota’s cultural attractions. The Ringling Museum of Art, Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, and Sarasota Opera House are all nearby, but it’s hard to find a reason to leave the resort when everything you could want is right at your fingertips.
From the superlative service—including butlers who remember every detail, even your dog’s name—to the thoughtfully curated experiences like the Aqua Butlers and saltwater lagoon, the St. Regis delivers a level of luxury that’s unmatched on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Every detail, from the art-filled interiors to the beachside champagne service, is a reminder that this resort is setting a new standard for hospitality. Whether you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or your four-legged bestie, the St. Regis Longboat Key lingers in your memory long after the sunsets fade.