Luxury Travel Mom sent momtourage writer Karin Sheets to Sarasota for a tough assignment – Winter at a luxury beach vacation resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Resort at Longboat Key Club is known for their tennis, so you know LTM had to be there. I’m sure this won’t be our last visit.
With winter in full swing, there’s no doubt you’ve had a longing memory (or two) of the warmth and relaxation of summer. Summer never really ends in Sarasota, or that’s the impression that I got when visiting on a recent press trip.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a stunning 410-acre family-friendly Sarasota luxury beach vacation resort, connected by 2 golf courses, beautiful open spaces and a 9-mile island path ideal for biking, jogging, and walking. And the tennis! Featuring 20 Har-Tru courts, if you love tennis, the Tennis Gardens will be your Nirvana. Year-round Camp Loggerhead means the kids will be having fun while you’re finding your bliss on the court or at the spa. An endless summer is just a quick flight away.
Beach
The seemingly endless white sandy beaches are heaven. Order a drink from your cabana, play in the water, watch wildlife or stroll along the shore and any trace of stress floats right out to sea. Enjoy a fire pit dinner on the beach complete with s’mores while witnessing a stunning sunset. You could come here just for the fabulous beach…but there’s so much more.
Tennis
The Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club is a gorgeous facility including 20 clay courts with a state-of-the-art HydroGrid irrigation system delivering optimal playing conditions all day long. Five of the courts are lighted for night play. A pro shop and court-side restaurant seal the deal.
I had the privilege of taking a tennis lesson with John Woods, Director of Tennis at Longboat Key Club. Kim-Marie is a tennis badass – after my lesson with John I felt like one. Guests can book private or semi private lessons or call the tennis concierge to arrange a match with players of the same caliber. The Resort offers USTA members special benefits, go here to find out more.
Golf
A real golf expert was on this same press trip and he generously shared his insights for LTM readers. Here’s what Mike Bailey, AKA Accidental Golfer and senior travel writer for Golf Channel’s GolfAdvisor had to say about golf at Longboat Key Club:
“The greens at The Resort at Longboat Key Club are really fantastic… Both the Links and Harborside courses have lots of water, but the Links Course is more player-friendly with wider fairways. There are also lots of waste areas with coquina ground shells as part of a recent multi-million dollar renovation. But the big story is the new paspalum grass they put on both courses (including all the fairways, rough and 36 of the 45 greens). Paspalum is a salt-water tolerant grass that can be irrigated with brackish and reclaimed water. It’s a bright green, thicker grass that the ball really sets up on.”
“It used to be a resort where golf was an afterthought, but now it’s a real selling point. Perfect for the better player or the 20-handicapper.”
Spa and Wellness
Yoga on the beach (closely followed by Bloody Mary’s on the patio) was my favorite way to start the day. Dolphins played off shore as yoga instructor Julie Bales provided great tips and assistance.
The recently renovated spa is beautiful, offering a wide range of treatments designed to relax and recharge body, mind and soul. I had a Swedish massage (for research purposes, of course) and the masseuse presented several options of essential oil blends for the massage lotion. I walked out feeling renewed, with a light, lovely scent reminding me of that relaxing experience.
Kids Camps
Your children will love Camp Loggerhead with fun programs year-round, but especially during Sea Turtle Nesting Season from May-October 31. The Resort at Longboat Key Club has a special program for this extraordinary event that’s sure to leave your children with lasting memories and a greater love of nature. Friday Fun Night means you can relax at a special dinner at Portofino knowing the kids are safe, having their own great night out. Summer camps, including junior tennis, golf and other sports clinics are also available.
Photo courtesy The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Eat, Drink and be Merry
Featuring eight on-property restaurants and lounges, a great meal and/or drink is always close by. Of course LTM got the scoop on one of the Resort’s signature drinks, watch for that recipe later this week. Downtown Sarasota is only 5 miles away, with even more upscale dining (and shopping!) options.
With so much to do on property, the Resort at Longboat Key Club is ideal for families or a multi-generation luxury beach vacation meet up. I stayed in a Junior Suite, with a full kitchen and dining table, washer and dryer, and a large balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. It was a perfect place to land with the family in between activities, especially if you have small children.
As I write this review I’m at home, looking out the window at cold, dark skies. Longing for the warmth of the endless summer at The Resort at Longboat Key Club, I’m ready for a return visit. Anyone ready to join me?
Karin was hosted for her review. She loved the variety of activities at this luxury beach vacation destination – something for all ages makes The Resort at Longboat Key Club ideal for families and multi-generational meet ups. Beachfront cocktail service is always appreciated.