The pristine sands of Longboat Key are about to get even more luxurious. Joining the ranks of St. Regis resorts in Bali, Maldives, and Bora Bora, the St. Regis Longboat Key Residences & Resort is gearing up for a grand opening in late summer. But this isn’t just any new resort; it’s a behemoth. Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the 18-acre property is the island’s largest project in over 50 years, and it boasts a centerpiece unlike any other: a massive $14 million pool complex.
St. Regis Longboat Key Property Adds Another Jewel To The Crown
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, an esteemed luxury hospitality brand, can trace its origins back to the early 20th century with the vision of John Jacob Astor IV, a prominent figure of New York’s Gilded Age. Astor opened the first St. Regis Hotel in 1904 on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Today, the chain has properties all over the globe and the brand name is synonymous with opulence and sophistication.
The Longboat Key property is the latest jewel in the crown for St. Regis, featuring a complete redevelopment of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. Gone are the days of old; in its place will rise a 166-room luxury resort complete with every conceivable amenity. In addition, 69 ultra-luxury condos ranging from one to four bedrooms, with prices starting at a cool $2 million (and a staggering $20 million for a top-tier four-bedroom suite). With a construction cost north of $800 million, the developers are sparing no expense to construct a world-class residence and resort at St. Regis, but the true showstopper lies outdoors.
A Unique Experience Like Nothing Before
Imagine multiple luxury pools connected to a beach-entry saltwater lagoon teeming with tropical fish and other marine life. This isn’t just a fantasy – it’s the reality being meticulously crafted at The St. Regis. The 350,000-gallon lagoon utilizing about 110,000 pounds of salt, will serve as a wildlife reserve, housing stingrays, Galapagos turtles, and over 2,800 local reef fish. The educational experience for guests goes beyond simple observation; visitors will have the opportunity to snorkel amidst the vibrant marine life.
Pool Magazine first became aware of the project when we spoke with Vito Mariano, President of Basecrete Technologies, earlier this year at the Everything Under the Sun Expo, in Orlando, FL. Mariano let us know that his firm is playing a key role as consultant in the project. His company’s Basecrete product is being used not only to waterproof the colossal pool complex but also to create stunningly realistic coral and stone features throughout. “It’s unbelievable,” Mariano says. “Rockstar Pools is the company building this massive pool with beach walk-in entry on both the east and west sides. A lazy river winds its way around the entire complex, connecting to four or five other large-sized pools.”
But the centerpiece is truly awe-inspiring. “In the middle of this half-acre pool,” Mariano continues, “they’re sculpting a whole lagoon using shotcrete on top of styrofoam and simulating it to look just like coral. They’re even incorporating special pigmenting into our Basecrete to create realistic coral colors.”
Pulling out all the stops to create a one-of-a-kind swim experience like no other, it’s clear that the developers are committed to bringing in the best of the best for each aspect of construction. Mariano certainly isn’t the only ringer they’ve brought in as a consultant, far from it.
World-class mosaic artisan Ray Corral also finds himself deeply involved in numerous aspects of the project. Developer Chuck Whithall, the founder, CEO, and President of Unicorp National Developments, collaborated with Corral to conceive multiple mosaic murals at St. Regis Longboat Key.
The murals Corral’s firm Mosaicist, Inc. are creating are meant to embody the oceanic beauty of Florida’s west coast. Partnering with Italian-based Litokol, a global leader in setting material and construction products, the project sets new standards in outdoor and underwater mosaic applications. This artistic endeavor not only highlights the resort’s commitment to luxury but also positions it as a unique attraction in the region.
A meticulous design selection process led to the final concept being chosen among 15 proposed designs and over 30 mock-ups. The developer envisioned elements inspired by a Florida west coast oceanic theme with turquoise and blue hues.
A floral motif, drawing inspiration from the majestic Jacaranda Tree at the entry roundabout, adds a distinctive flair, with pink and purple flowers serving as both decorative components and a visual break in the ocean-themed composition front waterfall feature. To promote design continuity, the motif extends to the rooftop pool area, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic across the property.
While the project is still under construction, it’s clear that the attention to detail on this project is nothing short of remarkable; even the bottom of the lagoon is being outfitted with four inches of sand to provide a natural habitat for the stingrays.
The finished product promises to be a luxurious oasis unlike any other in the region. Construction looks near completion and developers hope that guests will soon find themselves swimming alongside a bevy of diverse marine life in a meticulously crafted coral paradise by the end of the summer.
Ready to take a deeper dive and learn more about this project? Listen to our complete interview with Vito Mariano on the Pool Magazine podcast.
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