The St. Regis Longboat Key: Redefining Coastal Luxury

Trip overview

What began as a simple lunch date with family turned into the perfect excuse for a Gulf Coast getaway—and the chance to experience one of Florida’s most exciting new luxury properties. The St. Regis Longboat Key, which opened just before two major hurricanes in August 2024, is already redefining what luxury looks like on this stretch of coastline. Despite the storms, the property came through without long-term damage—a testament to how thoughtfully it was built—and is steadily becoming a destination in its own right.

First impressions

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt special. We were welcomed warmly by the valet team and learned we’d arrived just in time for a Ferrari celebration marking the resort’s one-year anniversary. Over 30 Ferraris were on display—including several from the owner’s personal collection—lining the beachfront and entryway and adding an unexpected splash of glamour to our arrival.

Stunning entryway featuring Sean Lavin lighting and murals from local artists

Accommodation

We were fortunate to be upgraded to the John Jacob Astor Suite, named after the founder of the St. Regis brand. It was one of the most beautiful suites I’ve ever stayed in—a spacious one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom retreat with sweeping oceanfront views, a large terrace perfect for morning coffee or afternoon sunbathing, separate living and dining areas, and a luxurious soaking tub ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. All guests here enjoy nightly turndown and butler service—amenities typically reserved for suites at other luxury properties—making every stay feel extra indulgent.

As part of a site visit, I toured several other accommodations, each with its own appeal. The Deluxe Oceanview Room is a must if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Gulf views and coastal breezes. The Marie Selby Suite adds extra space with a pull-out sofa, ideal for families. Those looking to entertain will love the Eugenie Clark Suite, with its expansive terrace overlooking the pool and Gulf. And for larger groups, the Katherine Klauber Suite—a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath haven with separate entrances for each bedroom—offers both comfort and privacy, perfect for families with a nanny or two couples traveling together.

A peaceful moment in the lobby bar

Amenities & experiences

The concierge team reached out before our arrival with a curated list of on- and off-property experiences, which made it easy to plan our short stay. With just one night to explore, we chose to dine exclusively on-site, starting with appetizers at CW Prime before heading to Oshen for sushi and sunset views—a perfect pairing suggested by the concierge.

Steak tartare at CW Prime

Breakfast the next morning was a highlight, too. Our room rate included the buffet at Riva, which offered everything from an omelet station and smoked salmon to fresh pastries and breakfast meats. On a later visit, I returned to Riva for lunch and enjoyed house-made pasta with Gulf shrimp and pesto—a simple dish elevated by the freshness of local ingredients.

The pool scene here is truly something special. Whether you’re traveling with kids or seeking a peaceful, adults-only retreat, there’s a spot for you—from the Vilebrequin-branded adults-only pool to a lazy river and a grotto hot tub with a whimsical twist: press the Dom Pérignon button and a “wet butler” will arrive with two glasses of bubbly!

The Dom Pérignon button

The property’s lagoon, one of only two in the US, is home to roughly 3,000 species of fish, including more than 50 stingrays. Guests can join feedings, snorkel, or simply stroll along and take in the thriving ecosystem—and don’t forget to wave hello to Jack and Rose, the resident turtles.

The on-site lagoon

The spa

We ended our stay with a visit to the St. Regis Spa, where we enjoyed a facial and massage followed by time in the spa’s impressive hydrotherapy circuit. Plan extra time here—you’ll want to experience the hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, sensory showers, and sauna. There’s even a separate spa-level pool and hot tub, or for a more private experience, reserve the Spa Suite, a dedicated treatment room with its own steam shower and hot tub for a deeply personalized escape.

In sum

The St. Regis Longboat Key has quickly become one of my favorite Gulf Coast escapes. It’s the rare property that blends world-class luxury with a relaxed, welcoming spirit—the kind of place where you can sip champagne in your swimsuit one moment and watch stingrays glide through a lagoon the next.

For anyone seeking a fresh take on Florida luxury, this is it. Contact me to curate your perfect getaway!

A few standout details truly make this property shine:

• Enjoy Dom Pérignon in the grotto hot tub

• Snorkeling in the lagoon with 3,000+ fish species

• Complimentary car service in the house Bentley

• Private spa suites for a personalized wellness experience

• Complimentary weekend fitness classes

• Beachside cabanas for all-day lounging

• Nightly sabrage service at 6 pm

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Florida page.