The fabulous opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key answers the question that was so often posed when The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort closed in 2010: ‘What next?’

The Colony, built in 1952 and partially owned and operated by Longboat Key visionary Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber since 1973, was a signature asset in the region’s portfolio of destinations and attractions. A series of complicated legal disputes between owners led to the property’s closure. Even after it became clear that the Colony would not reopen, the future of the property remained uncertain for a long time.

Murf, the garrulous, charismatic, and sometimes irascible visionary, didn’t live to see the St. Regis open. He died in 2018, but many of his family and nearest and dearest were present for the ribbon cutting, and SRQ Magazine was honored to be allowed to share in their exploration of the property. A showman extraordinaire, one hopes Murf would have appreciated that the property the Colony graced for so many years has been reborn as one of the most amazing resort destinations on the West Coast, just as the Colony was in its heyday.

Without further comment, the following are quotes from Tommy Klauber, one of Murf’s two sons, Katie Klauber Moulton, Murf’s daughter and the final General Manager of the Colony, Michael Saunders, close friend and partner to Murf for many years in the 1970s and 80s, and her son, Drayton Saunders, who counted Murf as a “second father.” We also spoke with Winfred van Workum, General Manager of The St. Regis Longboat Key, about the Klauber legacy.

“For the past 24 hours, the memories have been flooding back from my wonderful childhood here, from jumping off the pier and surfing to working in the Colony—doing every job imaginable from washing windows to cooking to food and beverage. My kids spent their childhood on this property—my daughter’s wedding. We pulled some crazy stuff off that people would not believe—cooking for Presidents—celebrities galore. To see what it is now is mind-blowing. Mind is blown. Would I love to have the Colony still exist? A hundred percent. That's my heart. Is this amazing? Unbelievably amazing.”

“Murf—I think he would be dancing around in this place like he'd be in heaven. Even after going through everything that he went through, which was challenging for him, for Longboat Key, for the owners of the Colony and for our family, he's probably very thrilled that this is what it became. It's a beautiful place. I'm sure it's going to be a huge success.” - Tommy Klauber

It's all about making memories for our guests. Chuck has taken the St. Regis standards to a whole other level. They say a “high tide lifts all ships,” and I believe this will do that. I think the hospitality industry will benefit greatly from the standards that they're setting. It introduces people from all over the world who would've never been to Longboat Key before. It’s going to be great.” - Katie Klauber Moulton

“My son Drayton, he is 52. He learned to swim in the Colony pool when he was a year old. And I go back much further than that. The Colony was the best-known tennis resort in the world, but now you're taking it to a whole new International level. For this community, it perpetuates the legacy of the Klauber family into the future. And before that the Field family. Now the St. Regis will perpetuate that into the future forever. Forever.” - Michael Saunders

“I got to grow up on Longboat, at this property. I’m sure the connection to this place will be eternal for me. I spent many an hour as a young boy getting to experience the lifestyle that the Colony offered. Many people will come and experience Longboat through the St. Regis, and make it their gateway to this part of the West Coast of Florida.” - Drayton Saunders

“Everybody, since day one, speaks about the Colony. The Klauber family has been extremely gracious with their hospitality and welcoming spirit. Katie was the last general manager and I'm the first new general manager here. It's funny, today her dress was exactly like my pocket square, so we were kind of laughing about the matching colors.”

“There are tons of little details and touches [showing the Colony history]. We're doing the Monkey Bar, a Murf Dog, and a Murf and Surf. Hopefully, we'll create just as many memories as Murph did with the Colony Hotel for many more years to come” - Winfred van Workum, General Manager of The St. Regis Longboat Key