Chanel Moving Forward

A modern lifestyle blog dedicated to the moments in between

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

As summer comes to an end, I can’t help but reminisce about my amazing visit last month to Longboat Key. I had never heard of Longboat Key until March of this year when a friend told me she was moving there. I’m not sure how I’ve gone 34 years without knowing this quaint little barrier island off the coast of Sarasota existed, but it does, and it’s beautiful. Given that the month of August is low tourist season in Florida, Longboat Key was relatively quiet, peaceful and relaxing. Basically the entire opposite of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. I spent 8 days in Florida and despite my innate fear of alligators, I came to love it. The Resort at Longboat Key Club is conveniently located near the South entrance of the island, making the drive in from the Sarasota airport a breeze. Speaking of driving in, if jumping in the back of a random Uber isn’t your thing, then request Marcia from Longboat Limousine to pick you up because her infectious personality will make your day and possibly your week.

The photos do not do justice for how beautiful the property is. I’ve stayed in many hotels over the years and The Resort at Longboat Key Club was one of the best. The service was far greater than any other resort I’ve been to and everyone went above and beyond to make sure I had a fun and comfortable stay (like bringing 3 Amazon packages to my room that I ordered, finding me a steamer and locating a tape gun so I could send back a box of things that wouldn’t fit into my suitcase. I’m really low maintenance you guys … ). The view from my room, which overlooked the ocean and pool, was amazing, especially for sunset and sunrise. My room had a full sized refrigerator, microwave, washer/dryer, two balconies, a separate living space and dining table. It was comfortable, clean, and quiet. Not once did I hear any noise from the hallways or pool, even though I was only four stories up. Despite the red tide being prominent in the area when I visited, I saw no dead fish and the smell locals talked about didn’t bother me at all. Since The Resort at Longboat Key Club is privately owned, their stretch of beach was kept impeccably clean no matter what time of day. Drink service comes down to the beach as well so you don’t have to constantly walk back and forth.

There is plenty of parking on property if you have a car with you but if not, there is a complimentary shuttle that will take you nearly anywhere you want to go, including all the resort restaurants, the golf course, gym, even the CVS or Publix down the street. Speaking of the gym, Longboat Key Club has an impressive class schedule and fitness center. I thought chasing two kids around for the past 6 years would keep me in shape but walking into an aerobics class with women twice my age who have more endurance than me was an eye opener and very motivating. Take a class taught by Barbara at the Mind & Motion studio located on the property if you want to keep up your current workout routine, or if you’re like me, and had too many piña coladas at the pool and need to squeeze into a form fitting dress.

Among the several restaurants located in and around the resort, my personal favorite was Portofino. It overlooked the beautiful marina and had plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The portions are huge so you’ll get use out of your room refrigerator. One important thing to note is that you either have to be a member or a guest of Longboat Key Club in order to dine in any of their restaurants. No matter where I stay, eating breakfast in bed is a must. The room service always came super fast and the food was delicious and the presentation always beautiful.

Relaxing poolside under the lush palms while enjoying the sun without the sounds of my children fighting was basically Heaven on Earth. There is poolside food and drink service which was always met with a friendly, smiling face of the Club staff. Everything is charged to your room so there is never any need to have your wallet with you.

I’ve hit my fair share of golf balls from the third level at Top Golf but I’ve never had an actual golf lesson, so having my first at Longboat Key Club was especially fun. My grandfather was an avid golfer and used to live on a golf course, so my earliest memories of golf were from him. At Longboat Key Club, they offer 30 minute or one hour lessons plus 3 hole and 9 hole playing lessons. My instructor, Jim, had the patience of a Saint and was an amazing teacher. The course was well maintained and the views are breathtaking. Longboat Key Club also has a luxurious spa and salon. On my last day I had the Resurfacing Facial which was much needed after several days in the sun and a few too many frozen drinks. The entire atmosphere and experience was relaxing and I felt so calm coming out of the spa. I only wish I had more time to spend there!

I can’t rave enough about this peaceful oasis and I’m already thinking about taking the kids down next year. The Resort is perfect for couples, families, or girlfriends. My whole experience was incredible and it could not have been a better trip. If you have any questions about the Resort, let me know and I’ll be happy to pass them along!

A huge thank you to The Resort at Longboat Key Club and Diamond PR for sponsoring this trip. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Comments

    • Any pictures of the water close up or you in it? We’re trying to decide on what week we’ll go next year (already sold on Longboat Key Club) but want to avoid red tide. Assuming the water looks darker in your pictures and no close ups because of red tide. Is that the case?

      • Hi Colleen! I am pretty sure the Red Tide will be gone by then! I’m definitely not an expert on the situation but locals have said it’s moving out! When I was down there in mid August I did not go in the water but the smell wasn’t that bad at LBK Club. I hope that helps with your plans! I would definitely check back a little closer to your travel dates and see how the water is 🙂

  2. This sounds like such an amazing trip and you really captured some amazing pictures! Chris and I were just thinking about taking a little trip together and I’m thinking this will be the spot!

  5. I absolutely loved following along your with your stories on Instagram while you were on this trip. This resort looks and sounds incredible, and I can tell you enjoyed every second of your stay there!

  8. That sounds lovely! my sister was just on longboat key and she had a blast there. I’d love to go sometime.

  9. I must get here one day. This would be an amazing place to relax. I always love being by the water. I might leave my family and go here on my own for a few days 😉

  10. Everything about this resort looks so elegant and luxurious. The view is stunning, the food looks delicious, and that room looks sooo comfy. Resort at Longboat is officially added to my bucket list of places to visit!

  11. I am so beyond envious of your stay here. I am totally craving travel right now – just getting away from it all with my husband. I need to show him this, perhaps that will ignite an I WANT TO TRAVEL fire under his butt! lol

  12. Ohhh my heaven sakes!! The views?!!! The food?!!! PLEASE I need to come stay. Looks like an incredible vacay girl!

  13. The Resort at Longboat Key Club would be perfect for my next girls trip. The location and food looks perfect. I can’t wait to chat with my friends about this amazing location.

  14. Very beautiful looking resort for those still planning on traveling this year. Sun and beach is what many people want to get away to and enjoy.

  17. We love to do staycations and this looks wonderful and only a drive for us. Great place to do a girls trip too.

  18. This looks amazing! I almost thought this was in Mexico. It looks so beautiful and tropical. I’d love to go there sometime, and it looks like a wonderful place to visit and relax!

  19. This looks amazing! I so want to check this place out next time we are down visiting our family in Florida!!

  27. Been so busy this past few months at work and I am already daydreaming of going on a vacation and seeing this view makes me so so hopeful of having a real vacation the soonest.

  28. The Resort at Longboat Key Club looks so beautiful, almost a slice of paradise. The sands look so pristine on the beach. It must have been a wonderful experience, I am sure the photos do not do full justice to the place.

  29. Posted a question in the comments early but it’s not here. Maybe it needs to be approved. We’re thinking of booking in May to avoid red tide. Wondering your thoughts on original questions I posed when deciding between June and May. Would really rather June, but I think it increases red tide chances.

    • Hi Colleen! I answered your questions above too! I hope you got the notification. I was down there in mid August and while I did not go in the water, the smell at LBK Club wasn’t that bad. It was worse near Lido and Sarasota. I’ve heard that the Red Tide is moving out and getting better, so hopefully it’ll stay away for your visit next summer! Be sure to call ahead or check the local news around LBK to see how the conditions are 🙂 xo

Latest from Instagram

Copyright © 2024 · Theme by 17th Avenue

Copyright © 2024 · Amelia on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in