Family-Friendly Elegance at St. Regis

The St. Regis Longboat Key Experience

Our recent jaunt to the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort gave us a slice of Floridian paradise. Nestled on a scenic barrier near Sarasota, this luxury haven opened its doors in August 2024, boasting an impressive 166 rooms.

Honestly, my U.S. hotel expectations tend to hover around the lukewarm mark. But this time, the St. Regis Longboat Key left us wide-eyed and eager for more. Clearly, corners weren’t cut when crafting this resort. From the charming service to a dazzling array of amenities, every aspect hit the high marks.

Discovering Perfect Family-Friendliness

This resort embraces its family-friendly vibe. Traveling with our son meant we were in heaven. The pools, restaurants, and overall atmosphere kept him entertained and us relaxed. Heads up, if you’re kid-free, you might want to brace for a tad more energy here.

The Booking Breakdown

Our two midweek nights in early June set us back 214,000 Bonvoy points, scoring us savings compared to the usual cash rate of over $1,000 a night. Points for the win! Base rates here see-saw between $600 and $1,200, keeping pace with the seasons.

If you’re opting for cash bookings, I’d point you towards the Marriott STARS program for a sweet suite of extras. Need help booking? Ford’s got your back. Drop him a line at ford@fordbtravel.com.

Exploring the Locale: St. Regis Longboat Key

The St. Regis sits pretty at 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, a short hop from Sarasota. Amidst great beaches, it stands as a beacon of luxury and modernity. It’s an ideal spot for rolling down the windows and soaking up that lazy island breeze.

If you’re driving, magnetically luxurious valet parking awaits you at $55 a night. Planes your preference? Sarasota or Tampa serve as nearby landing spots, around 25 to 90 minutes’ drive, respectively.

Fancy a Ride?

In-club indulgence includes a Bentley town car for getting around, first come, first served. Prefer a pedal-powered adventure? Bikes are included with your stay.

Arrival and Impressions

Greeted by valet and a bellman duet, our journey into the St. Regis was smooth. Up in our room, thanks to trolley-style butler service, we felt pampered from the get-go. The lobby, a sprawling testament to style with a self-playing piano serenade, exudes elegance.

Check-in Charms

Check-in, expertly handled by Autumn, showcased what sets St. Regis apart—attentive service without overwhelming formalities. Room upgrade? Check. Complimentary breakfast credit? Check. Befriending our suite butler? A cherry on top.

Savoring Comfort: Our John Jacob Astor Suite

When upgrade luck strikes, you’re bound for an awe-inspiring abode. Our 1,008 square foot suite crafted a luxurious cocoon, doling out sea views that begged for lingering. Equipped with a dining nook and a plush living area, every corner promised comfort.

The separate bedroom housed a Snuggle-worthy St. Regis signature bed, while a sleek minibar tempted as room-serviced caffeine beckoned for sunrise awakenings.

Attention to Detail

Luxe fabrics, artsy accents, and the thoughtful inclusion of a complimentary bathing suit refresh affirmed that the resort’s heart lay in its details.

Wellness Awaits: Spa & Gym

While parenting squashed our spa plans, the 20,000 square foot destination spa beckons with its tempting hydrotherapy options. Fitness fanatics, rejoice—a well-equipped gym rewards those post-sunset sprints from indulgence.

Splish-Splash Fun: Pools and More

Whimsical pools, a lazy river splash zone, and an adults-only oasis—all part of the aquatic repertoire here. Families flood the resort pool, while the lazy enthusiasts explore cascading cave waterfalls.

Unique highlights? A saltwater lagoon and resident tortoises lend a magical touch to an already impressive landscape.

Dining Extravaganza

Diversity defines dining at St. Regis Longboat Key with options like Riva, their Italian all-day delight, and CW Prime, a steakhouse experience. A shared breakfast credit perk sweetened our mornings, satisfying culinary cravings as effortlessly as the sea breeze.

Aura’s Flavors

Our lunch at Aura revealed tantalizing tacos, birria, and an empanada escape. Other venues include beach-ready Monkey Bar or rooftop Oshen boasting sunset glows, catering to every mood.

Service That Stands Out

St. Regis defied typical U.S. service expectations with staff exuding warmth and genuine enthusiasm. From dawn lobby coffee kindness to concierge recommendations, the experience felt orchestrated to delight.

In conclusion, our stay at St. Regis Longboat Key was unforgettable. The blend of an inviting resort with family-centric joys has us hoping to vacation domestically again soon. Looking for luxury with a laid-back vibe? This might just be your new favorite getaway.