Sometimes, when my family plans a vacation, we look for a relaxing resort that has everything we need for our stay. Finding a resort that offers beach-front access, delicious restaurants, fun family activities, and beautiful rooms and is also easily accessible from an airport can be challenging.
During my recent trip to Sarasota, I had the opportunity to experience a resort that offered all of that, and more. The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a AAA Four-Diamond full-service resort, located on the Gulf Coast barrier island of Longboat Key.
Disclosure: This post is part of a complimentary, hosted stay. All opinions are my own.
Review of the Resort at Longboat Key Club in Sarasota Florida
The Location of the Resort at Longboat Key Club
Once you land at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, it’s a quick 20-30 minute ride to the 410-acre Resort at Longboat Key Club. Alternatively, you could fly into the Tampa International Airport, which is about an hour away.
Upon arriving at the resort, you are immediately immersed in the relaxing, fun atmosphere, and will definitely be ready for a nice beach vacation.
Rooms at the Resort at Longboat Key Club
Like its sister resort, the Lido Beach Resort, the rooms at the Resort at Longboat Key Club are beautiful. The resort offers 223 large rooms and suites in several buildings spread across the resort. There are a variety of view types, including a lagoon view, a golf course view, and a beach view.
My room was a junior king suite offering a beach view. The beautifully decorated room included a king bed, sofa with pullout couch, washer/dryer unit, large bathroom, and kitchen with cooktop, refrigerator, microwave, tea kettle, and Keurig coffee pot.
The room also offers a mini bar with items for purchase. If you plan to prepare any meals in the room, I’d recommend stopping at a local grocery store for supplies, since the availability of groceries on the property is limited.
My suite also had a large balcony with a reclining chair as well as a table and chairs set. It was the perfect place to relax with my coffee in the morning, and when incoming clouds threatened my beach day, I spent some time on the balcony reading my book while waiting for the storm to pass.
The rooms have Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, a hairdryer, and free WiFi. Complimentary turndown service is available upon request. I loved having a washer and dryer in my room because I was able to return home with a completely clean suitcase full of clothes.
Amenities at the Resort at Longboat Key Club
The Resort at Longboat Key Club offers many fantastic amenities for families and individuals. Of course, the beachfront access was a highlight of my stay.
Guests can use a complimentary beach lounge chair, while umbrellas, “beds”, sand chairs, and cabanas are offered for rental. Kayaks, paddleboards, and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent for the day. While you are relaxing on the beach, you can order food and drinks from waiters and waitresses who will bring everything right to your lounge chair.
If you prefer to lounge by the pool, there’s one available right near the beach. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for complimentary use while you are at the pool. There’s also a whirlpool by the pool.
Guests who want to stay active while on vacation have lots of options. During my stay, I had the opportunity to take a private tennis lesson from one of the instructors on the property. The Resort at Longboat Key Club offers 20 Har-Tru tennis courts, and loaner racquets are offered.
If golf is more your speed, the resort has 45 holes of golf at both the Links on Longboat (18 holes) and Harbourside Golf Course (27 holes 3 – 9 hole courses). You can also visit the fitness center and also book personal training sessions or group fitness classes.
I participated in the yoga on the beach class one morning and loved the challenge of balancing on the sand while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Of course, any relaxing vacation involves a trip to the spa, and the Resort at Longboat Key Club offers a recently renovated, 9,000-square-foot spa. I enjoyed a relaxing massage, which was the perfect break during my stay. The spa offers a number of treatments, as well as a locker room with showers, lockers, and a steam room.
The resort is large, so if you want to get around the property, complimentary transportation is available. There’s also scheduled transportation to St. Armands Circle, to access more shopping and restaurants. Other resort amenities include a lobby concierge and business center.
Food at the Resort at Longboat Key Club
I was really looking forward to some great seafood during my stay, and I was definitely not disappointed. All of the food I ate at the Resort at Longboat Key Club was absolutely delicious. The property boasts multiple on-site restaurants, and I had the chance to try two of them.
Portofino, located at the Marina, offers freshly made Italian food. I couldn’t resist the homemade pasta, and it was definitely one of my favorite meals of the trip. The reviews are also fantastic – we were even treated to a beautiful rainbow.
For a more casual breakfast lunch, Spike ‘n Tees is a cafe located right by the Links on the Longboat golf course. We met there for lunch, and I absolutely loved my delicious Caesar salad topped with blackened fish. You can also get a refreshing juice or smoothie.
Other dining options on the property include in-room dining, Banyan Poolside Lounge, the Tavern & Whisky Bar, and Latitudes. The on-property restaurants, including Portofino, offer kids’ menus.
To learn more about the Resort at Longboat Key Club, visit their website.
Additional Resources: Want to read more Gulf Coast travel tips and reviews? Click to read our post with destination recommendations, ideas on what things to do, hotel reviews, and more.
