On Friday, August 15, 2024, the St. Regis on Longboat Key threw open its doors in grand style, inviting the community and media to catch a glimpse of the luxury and elegance this stunning property offers. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as this latest addition to the SRQ barrier islands marked a monumental achievement for Marriott International, becoming the 9000th property in their global portfolio. The celebration drew high-profile guests, including Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano, who traveled from across the country to join in the festivities. In his opening remarks, Capuano expressed his confidence that this resort will be a significant economic driver for the area, noting the 300 employees, affectionately called “hosts,” who will welcome guests from all over the nation to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Chuck Whittall, founder and CEO of Unicorp National Development, spearheaded the development of this remarkable property for the past 14 years, demonstrating a relentless determination to bring it to life. His journey began with a chance encounter with a representative from the former Colony, leading to the acquisition of the land where the St. Regis now proudly stands—the site of the historic Colony Beach Resort, which closed permanently in 2010.

In an interview with SRQ Magazine, Winfred van Workum, General Manager of The St. Regis Longboat Key, shared his excitement at the opportunity to open the property, “This is my fourth St. Regis. To get to open a property and to really curate the experience, to decide what the experience looks like is a great honor. We're bringing the name “Longboat Key” to a lot of people who sometimes still think that it’s near Key West. We're going to help position this market as the destination it should be. These are the most incredible beaches in the entire country. And even more important for the community, we're really committed to being a social hub for Longboat Key. Just like John Jacob Astor did when he built the St. Regis in New York.”

As guests toured the property, the resort’s gracious hosts highlighted the incredible restaurants and amenities available to the public. Among the standouts is Riva, an exquisite Italian restaurant with views of the pool, and C.W. Prime, a high-end steakhouse complete with a speakeasy and private dining area. The St. Regis has woven Sarasota’s rich culture into its design, with the Grand Ballroom inspired by the iconic tents of the Ringling Bros. Circus and a lagoon featuring stingrays and 2,500 species of native fish, offering guests an up-close encounter with the Gulf Coast’s vibrant marine life.

SRQ also spoke with Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Company, who spent a good portion of his childhood living on the Colony property, “So what's amazing about walking the property is how magical this iteration of the Colony experience is. Growing up here, as a child, you would wander through the property, and there would always be a new facet to discover. You look at this hotel and the amazing property, and it's just as magical and just as fascinating, but in a very evolved and contemporary way, from the lazy river to the magical experiences with the spa and the different dining experiences.”

With its unparalleled luxury and unique local touches, the St. Regis is set to provide unforgettable experiences for both guests and residents of the SRQ community for years to come.