Luxury by the Sea: My Stay at the St. Regis Longboat Key

If you’re looking for a luxury beach getaway on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the newly opened St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is an incredible addition to the region’s high-end offerings. I chose this property for a family vacation—and to explore it firsthand before recommending it to my clients. Spoiler alert: It exceeded expectations in every way.

Who Should Stay at St. Regis Longboat Key

While the resort is family-friendly (yes, there’s even a kids club!), it also caters beautifully to adults. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, romantic weekend, or a girls’ getaway, this property has something for everyone. With both family and adult-only spaces, it strikes a rare balance of elegance and versatility.

First Impressions

The arrival experience was nothing short of polished. I was greeted by name at the front entrance and offered a glass of champagne or chilled water. From there, my dedicated butler guided me through the check-in process and offered a tour of the property. My room wasn’t quite ready, but I was given full access to the resort’s amenities right away.

Valet parking is required and currently priced at $55 per night.

The Room

I stayed in a Partial Bay View Room with two queen beds. The room featured a large private terrace with a table, chairs, and a lounge chair. From my view, I could see the entrance of the resort with the bay beyond it.

The room layout was thoughtfully designed, starting with a dressing area at the entrance and a spacious bathroom that included a freestanding soaking tub, walk-in shower, and separate water closet. The bedroom featured two queen beds, a small dining table with two chairs, and a bar area with a Nespresso machine.

Luxury touches included plush robes and slippers, a complimentary St. Regis beach bag, swimsuit refreshment service, and nightly turndown service.

Dining at the Resort

During my stay, I dined at several on-property restaurants:

Riva: This is the resort’s main restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was a standout—everything I ordered was exceptional, especially the in-house baked pastries. Dinner featured an Italian menu. While the food was high quality, it didn’t impress me as much as breakfast.

Aura: This poolside restaurant offers casual fare with fresh flavors. I particularly enjoyed the guacamole. Guests can dine at the restaurant or order directly from their lounge chairs using a convenient service button.

Room service is also available 24 hours a day.

The overall dining atmosphere at the resort blends elegance with a relaxed beachside vibe—perfect for both special occasions and casual meals.

Resort Amenities

St. Regis Longboat Key has an impressive range of amenities for a boutique-sized property.

  • A family pool and adult-only pool

  • Multiple hot tubs

  • A lazy river

  • A wide, quiet private beach with soft sand and clear water

Beach and pool concierge service is included. Staff set up your loungers and umbrellas and provide a cooler with chilled water along with a service box for ordering food and drinks. For an elevated experience, cabanas are available and include couches, TVs, and butler service with champagne.

A standout feature of the resort is its saltwater lagoon, home to stingrays and other marine life. For an additional fee, guests can feed and swim with the stingrays, accompanied by a marine educator. Complimentary daily sessions are offered at the lagoon’s large viewing windows, where you can learn about the aquatic species in residence.

The resort is also home to two land tortoises, Jack and Rose. Guests can visit their paddock and participate in daily feeding sessions—an unexpectedly charming experience for both kids and adults.

While I didn’t have time to visit the spa or fitness center, both are available and appeared to be beautifully appointed.

There are no lifeguards on duty at the pool or beach areas.

Service and Hospitality

From the moment I arrived, the service was thoughtful and highly personalized. Staff members were attentive and helpful without being intrusive. Every request was met promptly, and the resort staff worked hard to ensure I had a seamless, relaxing experience.

There weren’t any single over-the-top service moments, but the overall consistency and quality of service were outstanding.

Who This Resort is Best For

St. Regis Longboat Key is an excellent choice for:

  • Honeymooners and couples

  • Girls’ getaways

  • Luxury travelers

  • Families with older children

While the resort is family-friendly, it’s a smaller, quieter property that may not be ideal for large families with very young children. That said, my own family thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I’ve had other families report the same.

Final Thoughts

Would I return? Without a doubt—yes. I’m already checking availability for next summer. This is the kind of resort I’d revisit every year if I could.

Tips for Future Guests:

  • Reach out to Royal Treatment Travel and book early. With only 126 rooms on property, availability is limited and often fills a year in advance.

  • Reserve the room and view you want ahead of time. Onsite upgrades are unlikely due to high occupancy levels.

If you're looking for refined luxury on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the St. Regis Longboat Key offers top-tier service, stunning accommodations, and memorable experiences—perfect for your next elevated beach escape.

 

Whether you are dreaming of a relaxing beach getaway, a romantic weekend, or a family-friendly retreat, the perfect U.S. destination is waiting! Reach out to your Travel Advisor today, or use the form below to submit your quote request.

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