According to Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, the region is currently hitting a remarkable cultural high. "Sarasota offers this incredible duality—small-town charm with big-city amenities," Hersh explains. Winfred van Workum, General Manager ofThe St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, agrees that the area defines refined relaxation. "Sarasota defines barefoot luxury," van Workum says. "It delivers a refined yet relaxed sense of luxury that today’s discerning travelers seek."
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Where to Stay: Seaplanes and Circus Chic
View this post on InstagramThe St. Regis Longboat Key Resort: For those seeking the ultimate arrival, you can now "arrive by seaplane directly into Sarasota Bay" via a partnership with Tropic Ocean Airways. Once on property, you can explore a 500,000-gallon saltwater lagoon where marine biologists are currently introducing new spotted eagle rays.Cirque St. Armands Beachside: This new standout on Lido Key blends "circus-town charm with real elegance." The design is a whimsical mix of Art Deco and Big Top—think ostrich feather chandeliers and pinstriped columns.The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota: For the classic standard of excellence, you can't beat the Ritz, which is celebrating 25 years in the city. Van Workum notes that "what really sets it apart is access to the Beach Club," allowing guests to toggle between downtown energy and private Gulf-side lounging.
While the city is famous for Siesta Key Beach, locals often gravitate toward Lido Beach or the "quiet, unspoiled backdrop" of Longboat Key Beach. For a deeper immersion in nature, Hersh recommends a kayak tour through the mangroves or a visit to The Bay Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, head south to Venice’s Caspersen Beach to hunt for prehistoric shark teeth. At the St. Regis, guests can even snorkel and explore thousands of marine creatures with its Under the Sea Lagoon experience, getting up close with stingrays and puffer fish. Of course, no trip is complete without a stop at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which van Workum calls "absolutely astounding."
Where to Eat: Hyperlocal and Award-Winning
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Can’t-Miss Shops and Stops
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