A new luxury icon has arrived on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort opened in October 2024, bringing the brand’s signature butler service and 18 acres of beachfront to Sarasota’s barrier island.

Opening Date: October 2024 · Star Rating: 5-star · Location: Longboat Key, Florida · Beach Access: Private beach, Gulf of Mexico · Pools: 3 swimming pools · Closest Airport: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact nightly rates for 2025–2026 vary by season and occupancy
  • Which celebrities currently reside on Longboat Key is not publicly confirmed
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Residences on site expected to go on sale
  • Potential seasonal pricing adjustments

Nine key specs reveal the scope of this $800 million project.

Detail Value
Opening Date October 2024
Star Rating 5-star (Forbes Travel Guide)
Property Size 18 acres
Beach Private beach, Gulf of Mexico
Pools 3 swimming pools
Closest Airport Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Room Types Rooms, suites, and residences
Dining On-site restaurants and bars
All-Inclusive No

Is St. Regis Longboat Key new?

  • Opened in October 2024 (Forbes Travel Guide (luxury travel authority))
  • It is the newest luxury resort on Longboat Key (Sarasota Magazine (local news magazine))
  • Only St. Regis property in the Sarasota area (Forbes Travel Guide)

The implication: Longboat Key now has a modern luxury competitor that didn’t exist a year ago. For travelers who value “new” over “established”, this resort resets expectations for the area.

Is St. Regis Longboat Key 5 star?

“The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort arrives with the kind of understated coastal elegance that defines the brand.” — Forbes Travel Guide (luxury travel authority)

Forbes Travel Guide (luxury travel authority) lists this property as 5-star. The rating reflects the hotel’s attention to service, amenities, and design.

The pattern: Every St. Regis property must meet a high threshold for butler service, dining, and guest experience. Longboat Key is no exception.

How much does it cost to stay at St. Regis Longboat Key?

The trade-off

Points redemptions can be a great value, but peak-season cash rates may exceed $1,500 a night. Book early or off-peak.

Rates depend on season, room type, and booking channel.

The trade-off: You can book with cash or points, but peak-season rates push toward the high end. Budget-conscious travelers should consider shoulder seasons.

Is St. Regis Longboat all inclusive?

No. The St. Regis Longboat Key is not an all-inclusive resort.

  • Marriott’s official site lists room rates only — dining, spa, and activities are charged separately (Marriott (hotel operator))
  • Industry standard for St. Regis brand: no all-inclusive packages at any property

The catch: If you’re looking for a one-price vacation, look elsewhere. This resort is pay-per-experience.

What airport do you fly into for St. Regis Longboat Key?

Three main options, with SRQ the most convenient:

Airport Code Drive Time
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport SRQ ~15 minutes
Tampa International Airport TPA ~1 hour
Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers) RSW ~1.5 hours

Source: Sarasota Magazine (local news magazine) and standard driving estimates.

Why this matters: SRQ is a small, easy-to-navigate airport. Travelers from outside Florida may find better flight deals to TPA or RSW, but the extra drive time should be factored in.

Why this matters

The $800 million investment (reported by Sarasota Magazine) signals developer confidence in Longboat Key’s luxury market — but it also raises the competitive bar for existing resorts.

What this means: Travelers should weigh flight costs against drive time to pick the best airport.

What is the fancy hotel on Longboat Key?

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is the most prominent luxury property on the island, often referred to as the “fancy hotel” by locals and visitors. Its combination of a private beach, butler service, and a 500,000-gallon lagoon sets it apart.

  • Forbes Travel Guide rates it 5-star.
  • Marriott operates the property under the St. Regis brand.
  • Other luxury options include The Resort at Longboat Key Club and Zota Beach Resort, but none match the St. Regis level of service.

The pattern: St. Regis Longboat Key is the island’s top-tier address for luxury travelers.

What celebrity lives on Longboat Key?

Longboat Key has long attracted wealthy individuals, including professional athletes and business leaders. However, specific celebrity residents are not publicly confirmed by official sources. Unconfirmed reports suggest former sports stars and Fortune 500 executives maintain residences on the island.

  • No verified list of current celebrity residents exists.
  • The resort’s private residences may appeal to high-profile buyers.

The takeaway: While celebrities are drawn to the area, expect discretion — don’t plan a trip expecting to spot them.

Timeline

  • May 2024: Bookings go live for October 1, 2024 (Sarasota Magazine (local news magazine))
  • October 2024: Official opening (Forbes Travel Guide)
  • 2025 and beyond: Residence sales, potential seasonal rate shifts

The pattern: Booking early ensures availability and better rates.

Clarity: What we know vs what’s uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Opened October 2024 (Forbes Travel Guide)
  • 5-star rating (Forbes Travel Guide)
  • Not all-inclusive (Marriott (hotel operator))
  • Closest airport SRQ (Sarasota Magazine)

What’s unclear

  • Exact future nightly rates beyond 2025
  • Celebrity residents on Longboat Key (not publicly confirmed)
  • Long-term occupancy and service consistency
  • Whether day passes will be offered

What this means: The resort’s key facts are well-documented, but some uncertainties remain.

What the experts say

“The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort arrives with the kind of understated coastal elegance that defines the brand.” — Forbes Travel Guide (luxury travel authority)

“Our butler service ensures every guest feels the signature St. Regis hospitality, from pre-arrival to departure.” — Marriott official site (hotel operator)

For travelers seeking the newest beachfront luxury on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the choice is clear: book a room at St. Regis Longboat Key for its branded service and massive lagoon, or wait for rates to dip — but don’t expect an all-inclusive package. For Sarasota’s tourism economy, the resort adds a high-end anchor that could reshape the market for years.

For those familiar with the brand’s signature service, the St. Regis The Palm Dubai offers a similarly elevated experience in the Middle East.

Frequently asked questions

Does St. Regis Longboat Key have a spa?

Yes, the resort features a 20,000-square-foot spa (Marriott (hotel operator)).

Can you get a day pass to St. Regis Longboat Key?

As of now, Marriott does not advertise day passes. Contact the resort directly.

How far is St. Regis Longboat Key from the beach?

The resort is set directly on a private beach along the Gulf of Mexico.

What restaurants are at St. Regis Longboat Key?

The property offers more than a half dozen dining options, including fine dining and casual spots (The Points Guy (travel rewards publication)).

Is St. Regis Longboat Key good for weddings?

Yes, with its beachfront setting and luxury amenities, it’s a popular choice. Check the resort’s events page for details.

How do I book a stay at St. Regis Longboat Key?

Book directly via Marriott.com or use Marriott Bonvoy points.

Are there residences for sale at St. Regis Longboat Key?

Yes, 69 private residences are part of the development (Sarasota Magazine).

The answer: The resort offers comprehensive luxury services for all types of travelers.

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