Diabetes and Neuropathy Treatment in Longboat Key, FL

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A much-anticipated coastal Florida property — from our list of the most exciting hotel openings in 2024 — is nearly open, and the luxury Marriott hotel is finally accepting reservations.

Bookings are now open for The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort starting as early as October, the hotel told TPG on Thursday. The resort, which sits among white-sand beaches on a barrier island near Sarasota and remains the only St. Regis opening in the United States this year, is expected to first welcome guests in July and will move up its available reservations as the opening date gets closer.

"I'm pretty convinced that most people when they walk in [will] say 'wow,'" Winfred van Workum, the property's general manager, told TPG. "But I really hope after the first day, they walk away and say, 'This is the best service I've ever received.'"

That hope isn't far-fetched when you consider the property features an 800-foot private white-sand beach, a 20,000-square-foot oceanfront spa and a 475-foot-long winding river evocative of the best lazy river of your childhood dreams, with a grown-up luxurious spin thanks to a Champagne button to summon bubbly on demand. It's the "Bentley of lazy rivers," van Workum noted.

The hotel has 168 airy guest rooms — including 26 suites with terraces — featuring high-end finishes that give it a beach-chic vibe, like wood plank flooring, rainfall showers, freestanding bathtubs and walk-in closets, all designed in rich, calming tones of taupes and creams. And, of course, butler service is a given.

The entry-level room category is the Superior room, which has a king or two queen beds, a balcony and a small seating area. There are also Superior Bayview rooms and Deluxe Oceanview rooms, each of which can be configured with either a king or two queen beds.

The Grand Deluxe King Terrace rooms come with epic ocean views and plenty of outdoor space to admire them. But the piece de resistance is the four-bedroom Presidential Suite, which features a large living area with plush furnishings, a private dining room and breathtaking ocean views from nearly every space.

The entire property is spread across 18 acres, so it should never feel crowded. In fact, van Workum said the word they hope to evoke is "bespoke."

"We're really trying to personalize this experience, and I think we really have the ability because of our size and amenities," he said. "We can really get to know our guests and really personalize your stay."

The luxury experience continues at the spa with a Celebration Bar serving up Champagne and fresh-pressed juices, along with plenty of ways to pamper oneself, from a Finnish sauna to a eucalyptus steam room, snow shower, cold plunge, infinity-edge vitality pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and more. And for those who want to work off their vacation indulgences, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort features a fitness center with Technogym equipment.

Families aren't an afterthought, either. There's a thoughtfully designed kids program with paid and complimentary activities, like shark tooth jewelry making.

"It's really about becoming a marine explorer," van Workum said about programming for kids. "Our number one goal is for them to have a lot of fun but at the same time to appreciate the wonders under the sea."

But the real showstopper is the 350,000-gallon aquarium with dozens of stingrays, more than 2,800 local reef fish and a pair of Aldabra tortoises. Guests can book a swim-in experience with marine biologists or take a complimentary class to learn about local marine life.

One of the best parts of any vacation is the food, and guests at this St. Regis will have seven different culinary options, including the signature restaurant, CW Prime, serving up steakhouse classics, or the relaxed open-air pool grill, Aura. For an after-dinner drink, you can't go wrong with a libation at The St. Regis Bar in the lobby — complete with a piano — or check out The Spirit Room, a private speak-easy where you summon the mixologist with a secret call button.

Ultimately, this luxurious property should offer the perfect experience for each one of its guests, whatever it is that they envision.

Room rates start at $930 or 76,000 points per night, and are available starting Oct. 1 on Marriott Bonvoy's website.

Related reading:

Featured image by ST. REGIS LONGGBOAT KEY

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is accepting reservations ahead of its opening in summer 2024. Developed by Unicorp and designed by SB Architects, Hirsch Bedner Associates and Dutch East Design, Longboat Key marks the only St. Regis opening in the U.S. in 2024.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort sits on one of Sarasota’s barrier islands and is sprawled across 18 acres. The beachfront resort houses 168 guestrooms, including 26 suites with terraces. Each guestroom has a rainfall shower and a freestanding bathtub in the bathroom, in addition to a spacious walk-in closet. The four-bedroom Presidential Suite is complete with a living area, private dining room and a terrace, all overlooking the ocean and sunset views.

Resort facilities include 800 feet of private beach, multiple swimming pools and a 475-foot-long winding river with waterfalls leading into the grotto, complete with jacuzzi jets and champagne service at the touch of a button. A lagoon wildlife reserve comprises a 350,000-gallon habitat with nearly 50 stingrays and over 2,800 local reef fish and two Aldabra tortoises. Additionally, the resort offers a Reef Rangers Children’s Club.

The resort’s F&B options include The St. Regis Bar in the lobby, offering drinks and entertainment with piano and other performances; the hotel’s signature restaurant, CW Prime, which serves fresh seafood and salads with theatrical tableside preparations; The Spirit Room, a private cocktail speakeasy experience that will be available by reservation only; Riva, showcasing coastal Italian cuisine and an interactive pasta bar; Aura, an open-air pool grill with Latin American fare; Oshen, the rooftop lounge serving cocktails and seafood-focused small plates and raw bar dishes, exclusively open to hotel guests; Monkey Bar, offering tiki cocktails and limited bar snacks; and the hotel’s café Caroline’s, offering breakfast and all-day refreshments including health-forward specialty drinks and dishes, coffee, tea and pastries.

At the 20,000-square-foot St. Regis Spa, guests will be greeted by a Celebration Bar, which offers fresh-pressed juices, sparkling water, fragrant teas and cocktails. The hydrothermal area has a Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, a snow shower, vitality waters, a cold plunge and sensorial showers. The relaxation lounge leads to a terrace with an infinity-edge vitality pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. From body to skincare, a range of signature treatments incorporate natural ingredients and the latest skincare technology. Guests can also make use of the fitness center and salon facilities.

The resort offers over 34,000 square feet of flexible meetings and events space, including the Astor Ballroom.

The newest St. Regis property has recently started accepting reservations, and could make for a great Florida getaway.

In this post:

Basics of the St. Regis Longboat Key

Florida will soon be getting a second St. Regis property, with the opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. While the claim is still that the hotel will open as of July 2024, reservations are now available for stays as of October 1, 2024.

The 18-acre resort will be located on Longboat Key (as the name suggests), a barrier island outside of Sarasota, right on the Gulf of Mexico. The St. Regis will feature 166 guest rooms plus 69 private residences, so it’ll be quite a large property (given how much bigger residences are than hotel rooms).

The property will feature a variety of amenities, ranging from multiple outdoor pools, to a spa, to a gym. As far as dining goes, concepts will include CW Prime (a steakhouse), Riva (an Italian restaurant), Aura (a Latin American restaurant), Oshen (an Asian-Fusion restaurant), and the St. Regis Bar (a staple at all properties of the brand).

Below are some renderings of the property.

Also, while this is targeted at those buying a residence, below is a video from the developer about the project, to give you more a sense of the vibe.

St. Regis Longboat Key rates & points requirements

With the St. Regis Longboat Key now accepting reservations, what are rates like? As you’d expect, they vary seasonally, and are steep. Currently I’m seeing rates starting at around $930 per night in October 2024, going up to over $1,300 per night in January 2025.

If you are going to book a cash stay, I’d highly recommend doing so through the Marriott STARS program. This will score you perks like complimentary breakfast, a $100 food & beverage credit, a room upgrade subject to availability, and more.

For those looking to redeem Bonvoy points, I see points rates starting at 74,000 points per night (right when the property opens), and priced right around 100,000 points per night in peak season. When you factor in a fifth night free, points redemptions here could represent quite a good value. For what it’s worth, I value Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, so you can definitely get outsized value here.

Base accommodations at the St. Regis Longboat Key are the superior rooms, and they’re marketed as being 470 square feet (42 square meters).

This will be a great addition to Marriott’s portfolio

I’ve lived in Florida for most of my life, and my family is from the Tampa and St. Petersburg area, so this new St. Regis is just a short drive away. The Gulf of Mexico side of Florida has some beautiful beaches, for those who are into that, and that’s particularly true of Longboat Key. So if you want a relaxing yet luxurious beach vacation, this property will be a great choice.

While the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is only a few miles away from the St. Regis Longboat Key, the property isn’t right on the beach. It does have a beach club with shuttle service, though I’m sure many will prefer to just stay directly on the beach.

This part of Florida doesn’t otherwise have many true five-star beach resorts. Yes, there are some upscale properties, like the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach, Don CeSar St. Petersburg Beach, etc., but I wouldn’t quite consider those to be of the same caliber. On the west coast of Florida, the only other luxury beach properties are a lot further south, like the Ritz-Carlton Naples.

So anyway, this will be a great option for earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, and I’m looking forward to checking out this hotel when it opens. Given the popularity of Florida (especially in winter), I’m sure this resort will have no problem filling rooms with the steep pricing.

Bottom line

The St. Regis Longboat Key is expected to open in the coming months — while it could open as soon as July 2024, the hotel is now bookable as of October 1, 2024.

The St. Regis will feature 166 rooms, and will be located on a barrier island just outside of Sarasota. It’s nice to see the St. Regis brand expanding in Florida, and I’m sure many are looking forward to checking out this property. If this sounds like a trip you might be interested in, you can now lock in a stay, either with cash or points.

What do you make of the St. Regis Longboat Key?

LONGBOAT KEY, FL (May 9, 2024) – St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has officially announced that reservations are open for the highly anticipated opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a beachfront oasis slated to open in Summer 2024. Developed by Unicorp and meticulously designed by SB Architects, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA Miami) and Dutch East Design, Longboat Key marks the only St. Regis opening in the U.S. in 2024, setting the tone for the brand’s expanding resort portfolio, known for redefining the best addresses around the world.

Nestled on Sarasota’s most coveted barrier island, just beyond the city’s charming downtown, thriving food scene and rich cultural attractions, sits The St. Regis Longboat Key over a sprawling 18 acres of beachfront paradise. Forging the way for Longboat Key’s future as a must-visit destination for luxury travelers, the resort will be a destination in and of it itself with exquisite design and guest rooms, legendary sunsets, exceptional culinary offerings, an immersive marine experience, and the unparalleled personalized service that St. Regis is known for.

“This is not just another hotel opening; it represents a new era in luxury travel to the Gulf Coast,” said Winfred van Workum, General Manager at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. “Longboat Key is a rare beach locale that boasts an understated elegance, unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage all in one place.”

The hotel’s interiors, designed by HBA, were inspired by the destination’s natural elements of the sea, sand, waves and wildlife with imprints of Sarasota’s historical legacy of John Ringling’s circus and performing arts culture. Soaring floor-to-ceiling windows give way to stunning coastal views, immediately giving guests a sense of place. Subtle but thoughtful design elements throughout the property acknowledge the destination’s heritage; from elegant rope-like chandeliers to the oval-shaped Astor Ballroom reminiscent of a circus tent and at the iconic St. Regis Bar, a latticed circus cage surrounds a hand-painted mural created by William Savarese, our homage to the legendary King Cole Bar at the iconic St. Regis New York flagship location. Contemporary artwork like the property’s two mosaics, one at the front entry comprising over 350,000 mosaic pieces and a second on the rooftop with over 750,000 hand-laid tiles, each create a captivating and intricate design and sense of surprise and discovery throughout the property.

The hotel’s 168 guest rooms, including 26 suites with terraces, beautifully highlight the ocean views, striking a perfect balance between warm color tones that evoke a sense of home and a light, airy ambiance reminiscent of the beach. Enhanced by uniform wood plank flooring throughout, each guestroom features a luxurious rainfall shower, a freestanding bathtub, and a spacious walk-in closet. The 4-bedroom Presidential Suite provides a residential feel with a generous living area, private dining room, and an impressive terrace, all overlooking the ocean and sunset views.

A New Level of Amenities

The resort’s amenities begin before stepping foot through the front doors with 800 feet of private, white sand beach, multiple swimming pools and luxurious cabanas, and a 475 ft. long winding river with cascading waterfalls leading into the grotto, a private sanctuary complete with jacuzzi jets and champagne service at the touch of a button. An under the sea lagoon wildlife reserve comprises a 350,000-gallon habitat with nearly 50 stingrays, three different species and over 2,800 local reef fish spanning 50 species and two Aldabra tortoises, offering guests a meaningful connection to nature. Additionally, the resort is offering a Reef Rangers Children’s Club. The property will tie in the Reef Rangers Children’s Program to offer educational and immersive experiences.

Spanning 20,000 square feet of oceanfront property, the St. Regis Spa is primed to rival any destination spa on the East Coast. Upon entering the spa, guests will be greeted by a Celebration Bar so grand that it elevates the moment to a special occasion before checking in. Guests at the St. Regis Spa are ushered in not by a mundane check-in, but by the transformative experience of The Celebration Bar. The bar offers a stylish yet cozy atmosphere, where beverages are crafted using the finest champagne and locally sourced ingredients. Fresh-pressed juices, sparkling water, fragrant teas, and effervescent cocktails come together to create a unique gathering place on the spa journey. From body to skincare, a wide range of signature treatments incorporates natural ingredients and the latest skincare technology. An expansive hydrothermal area features a Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, a snow shower, vitality waters, a cold plunge, and sensorial showers. The extraordinary Relaxation Lounge leads guests to a terrace with an infinity-edge vitality pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness center, equipped with Technogym equipment and salon facilities, catering to both guests and residents alike.

A Culinary Destination at St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Seven culinary venues, each embodying revered St. Regis traditions and various social functions, mirroring the Astors’ hospitality and legacy as the original house of celebration, feature designs by interior design firm Dutch East Design and HBA, ensuring a distinctive experience at every turn. Upon entering the lobby, The St. Regis Bar is the focal point and will become the resort’s living room, a place to gather over drinks and entertainment with piano and other performances. The hotel’s signature restaurant, CW Prime, will feature expertly prepared steakhouse classics from premium cuts of aged beef, fresh seafood, and salads with theatrical tableside preparations. In The Spirit Room, a private cocktail speakeasy experience with exclusive on demand service to CW Prime’s mixologist via a secret call button will be available by reservation only. Riva, coastal Italian dining will focus on high quality, seasonal ingredients and will have an interactive and exclusive pasta bar where a chef will be preparing fresh pasta counter side. The property’s multiple indoor/outdoor dining experiences include Aura, a sophisticated interpretation of an open-air pool grill with Latin American fare inspired by the tropical surroundings and the vibrancy of Latin American culture. Oshen, a rooftop lounge with picturesque views of the water, will be exclusively open to hotel guests serving elevated cocktails and seafood-focused small plates and raw bar dishes with a Japanese and Peruvian influence. Monkey Bar is an ode to a beloved local destination that attracted all walks of life including artists, writers, politicos, and celebrities. The St. Regis Longboat Key’s reimagined Monkey Bar will offer tiki cocktails and limited bar snacks including a “Murph Dog,” named after longtime Colony owner Murray “Murf” Klauber. For breakfast or all-day refreshments- the hotel’s cafe Caroline’s will offer a mix of health forward specialty drinks and dishes as well as coffee, espresso, tea and homemade pastry indulgences.

With over 34,000 square feet of flexible meetings and events space, The St. Regis Longboat Key will follow the brand’s legacy as a gathering place for celebrations, events, and meetings of all kinds.

For further information and bookings, please visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/srqls-the-st-regis-longboat-key-resort/overview/

A new library will soon make its way to the Town of Longboat Key.

"It’s been long overdue. It’ll have longer hours. It’ll be accessible to everybody. It’ll provide services that we haven’t been able to provide," said Barbara Torrence, a volunteer at a small private library in the area.

Torrence said their small library has been funded by book sales and memberships, and it’s been open for about 50 years and run completely by volunteers.

"Our space is so limited, we have to hold a lot of our things outside, which is weather-dependent. We just can’t offer what a full service library can offer," said Mary Baker, the president of the current library.

Plans are forming to build a new 8,000 square foot public library at the Longboat Key Town Center.

"Everybody deserves to have library services and again, library services have changed over time. It’s not just a place to get a book," said Baker.

Public computers, free WiFi, more technology and the possibility of a two-story library with a rooftop area are being drawn up.

"Libraries are really community hubs, and we find people use the library as a gathering space, our facilities and our spaces are valued to meet your neighbors," said Renee Di Pilato, the director of libraries and historical resources with Sarasota County.

After discussions, Sarasota County agreed to build the library and staff it. In 2022, the Sarasota County Commissioners allocated $1 million toward development costs.

"Really, Longboat Key is the only municipality in Sarasota County that does not have a public library branch," said Di Pilato.

The library will bring a much-needed meeting and gathering space to the island town.

"That’s what we want the town center to be. It’ll be a really nice compliment to the new pavilion and to just the park setting itself. It fits perfectly with the vision that we have," said town manager Howard Tipton.

If all goes well, the new library could open by late 2026, giving Longboat Key residents more amenities for the future.

"We are creating spaces that have never really been on the island before for our citizens, so it’s a great time," said Tipton.

A public meeting will be held on March 18 at 1:30 p.m. at Longboat Key Town Hall. Sarasota County is looking for feedback from residents on what they’d like to see go into the plans.