St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Previewed The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort to the Local Community
August 18, 2024
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort commenced its soft opening with an exclusive unveiling event attended by top Marriott executives and local dignitaries, including Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, and Liz Albert, Mayor of Sarasota.
As drinks & hors d’oeuvres were served by St. Regis Butlers, Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, Bob Kharazmi, Managing Director of Marriott International Luxury Operations Brands U.S. & Canada, Chuck Whittall, Founder and CEO of Unicorp National Developments and Winfred van Workum, General Manager of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort welcomed guests into the Great Hall for remarks. Following the speeches, a kabuki curtain dropped from the 18ft floor to ceiling windows unveiling the resort’s breathtaking views of private white sand beach meeting the endless blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico while an aerialist performed as a nod to Sarasota’s iconic Ringling Circus history. Guests were captivated as the event concluded with the St. Regis ritual of champagne sabering before being led on property tours and sampling cuisines of the many restaurants.
Winfred van Workum, General Manager of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, opened with “We are delighted to introduce The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort to our community and to finally welcome you into our many amenities from our bars, restaurants, to our destination spa. We are so grateful for the continued support of this special community and look forward to bringing you the St. Regis Longboat Key experience again and again.”
Chuck Whittall, Founder and CEO of Unicorp National Developments, remarked, “The unveiling of this resort marks a significant achievement for us, years in the making. It is the realization of our vision and dedication, and we expect it to become an integral part of the local community and a prominent destination on this special island.”
Nestled along the sugar-white sands of a Sarasota barrier island, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort pairs oceanside luxury with an unprecedented level of bespoke hospitality. Set to open this summer, Longboat Key will mark the only St. Regis launching in the U.S. this year and the largest development on the island in over 50 years. The highly anticipated opening will offer guests a world-class beachside sanctuary spanning across 18 acres complete with 800 feet of private beach, multiple pools and cabanas, a 21,320 square foot oceanfront St. Regis Spa, winding waterway and a one-of-a-kind saltwater lagoon wildlife experience with stingrays, tortoises, tropical fish and more.
With architectural design by 10 Design and interiors by Hirsch Bedner Associates (“HBA Miami”) and Dutch East Design, the property promises a new level of hospitality on the Gulf Coast, with 168 guest rooms including 26 suites with terraces and the unparalleled amenities and service of St. Regis. Seven chef-driven culinary outlets, six open to the public will create a destination for discerning travelers, guests and locals alike. The resort is conveniently located near Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and the vibrant St. Armands Circle.