Live the High Life in Sarasota: Your Luxury Guide Awaits

Sarasota's hospitable nature, paired with its outdoor nature, blend together to create one big canvas of coastal charm and quiet luxury. With world-class resorts adjacent to pristine beaches, fine dining and even finer shopping, high-class performances and exclusive events, Sarasota continues to evolve into a luxurious escape for discerning travelers. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, indulgence or a mix of all three, Florida's Cultural Coast® delivers with sophistication and style.

Beachfront Resorts & High-rise Hotels: Five-Star Comfort

Pool meets Gulf at The Resort at Longboat Key Club, courtesy of Visit Florida

From the vibrant heart of Downtown Sarasota to the tranquil shores of Longboat Key and Lido Key, Sarasota County boasts luxury accommodations that cater to every preference:

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota: This iconic property offers unparalleled service, plush accommodations and access to an exclusive beach club on Lido Key. Its downtown location provides proximity to cultural landmarks and fine dining.

Art Ovation Hotel: A chic and contemporary retreat in the heart of downtown Sarasota, this artistic hotel concept attracts creatives, musicians, vacationers, business stays and couples wanting to get away. 

The Westin Sarasota: Offering a blend of modern sophistication and comfort amenities, this downtown Sarasota retreat is ideal for those seeking a high-rise view and experience over the bay.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort: Newly opened and already setting the standard for opulence, this beachfront resort features stunning suites, impeccable service and water features like you wouldn't believe...

Under the Sea Lagoon, Winding River & Resort Pool, St. Regis Longboat Key courtesy photo

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa: This exquisite property in Palmetto greets you with lush, landscaped gardens and a warm, inviting ambiance to match its well-appointed guest rooms.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club:  This luxurious AAA four-diamond beachfront resort truly has it all, from wellness events, outdoor activities,and five unique dining experiences, sprawled out over one of Florida's most pristine barrier islands. 

Cirque St Armands Beachside: Set to open this coming year on Lido Key, this tastefully themed hotel paying homage to Sarasota's circus history is perfect for those seeking modern luxury by the sea.

Fine-Dining Restaurants: The Finest Flavors

Golden hour at the best view in town, Fin's at Sharkys in Venice

Sarasota’s culinary scene is a haven for food connoisseurs. The area boasts a wide range of upscale dining options, where locally sourced ingredients and chef-driven concepts and menus shine:

Michael’s on East: A Sarasota institution known for its globally inspired cuisine created with seasonal ingredients, plus an award-winning wine list and impeccable service in an intimate 1940s supper club atmosphere.

Ristorante San Marco: If you're in the mood for some exceptional authentic Italian cuisine, this beautiful downtown Venice restaurant offers an elegant white tablecloth atmosphere with fine European-imported wines to sip and savor. 

Selva Grill: Its landmark location remains on Main Street, with white tablecloth seating on the sidewalk or inside its Main Street digs, but the restaurant's newest location is now open at University Town Center, also serving its flair on modern Latin cuisine ane crafted cocktails.

CW Prime: Tucked within the St. Regis Longboat Key, the resort steakhouse may feel super exclusive, but it is open to the public. Park with valet and indulge in premium surf and turf cooked on the Josper grill. The private dining room and speakeasy-style spirits room brings the evening to a Hollywood level. 

Cheers to never missing sunset or happy hour at Drift Kitchen & Bar

Drift Kitchen & Bar: Discover an inside gem at the Lido Beach Resort, Drift's 8th-floor view is unsurpassed, while its breakfast menu offerings, extensive wine list and desserts are a delight.

Ophelia’s on the Bay: Dine on fresh-caught seafood while enjoying stunning waterfront views from the glass-walled dining room or air patio at this restaurant that celebrates the natural splendor of Siesta Key.

Kore Steakhouse: Find a unique tabletop grilling experience utilizing authentic Korean steakhouse ingredients. It's the perfect spot to make a reservation with friends or family in Waterside Place. 

Euphemia Haye: Located on Longboat Key, this French-inspired restaurant delivers an imaginative menu in a warm, intimate ambiance. Head upstairs to The Haye Loft for craft cocktails and a decadent dessert.

Visual and Performing Arts: A Cultural Feast for the Senses

Catch captivating performances by The Sarasota Ballet, courtesy photo

Sarasota’s reputation as Florida’s Cultural Coast® is well-deserved, offering a rich array of high-class visual and performing arts within stunning venues:

The Sarasota Ballet: Known for its innovative performances and diverse repertoire, its work from renowned choreographers has received international acclaim. 

The Sarasota Opera: The historic opera house hosts world-class operatic productions, providing acoustics you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Sarasota Orchestra: A cornerstone of the region’s music scene, offering captivating symphonies and concerts that pay homage to legendary artists.

The Ringling Museum: A cultural treasure showcasing an extensive collection of European paintings, circus history and cultural collections, as well as the magnificent Ca'd'Zan mansion and bayfront courtyard of sculptural art.

Asolo Repertory Theatre: A premier professional theater company presenting dynamic productions, from classic to contemporary, in an opulent and historic venue.

Sarasota Art Museum: Find contemporary art exhibitions on rotation and a sculptural courtyard that will inspire you at this architecturally significant institution honoring Sarasota's mid-century modern legacy.

Venice Theatre: This nationally acclaimed community theatre puts on year-round shows in its iconic Mediterranean-style building – from Broadway musicals and contemporary dramas to comedic plays, concerts and cabarets. 

Luxurious Spas: Rejuvenation & Self-care at Your Service

Relax and unwind at the spa, courtesy of The Westin Sarasota

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation by treating yourself to a facial, manicure or massage at one of Sarasota’s top-tier spas. 

Many reside in the very resort you may be staying at, while others reside around town. St. Regis Longboat Key, The Ritz-Carlton, The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Palmetto Marriott Resort, and The Westin (all mentioned previously) offer their own on-site spa, salon and wellness amenities. Consider booking a few treatments or bespoke services while here for an extra-tranquil escape. 

For more local spa businesses, check out Azul Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa, a boutique experience with personalized skin and body treatments tailored to meet your needs. For more holistic modalities, like a plunge in a cold chamber, an infared sauna session or dose at the Oxygen bar, check out Beach Sound Vibes Hyper-Wellness Spa. 

A Golfing Paradise: Championship Courses to Get on the Green

Get on the green at The Resort at Longboat Key Club, courtesy of Visit Florida

Sarasota is often referred to as Florida’s “Golf Coast,” thanks to its array of championship courses and top-tier driving ranges.

If you're a frequent traveler or guest at one of these two resorts, consider a membership to play any time you please. Both The Resort at Longboat Key Club and The Ritz-Carlton offer scenic views, a hyper-exclusive atmosphere and challenging layouts along the water for golfers looking to perfect their game. 

Other private golf clubs worth looking into for pristine greens, tour-caliber golfing experiences and worthy member amenities include University Park Country Club, TPC Prestancia amd Laurel Oak Country Club. For a meticulously maintained golf course and driving range available to the public, the newly restored Bobby Jones Golf Club meets the standard for experienced golfers.

Upscale Shopping: Retail Therapy Always on Hand

Spend the whole day at the University Town Center with shopping pals

Indulge in a world-class shopping experience at one of Sarasota's many shopping centers or retail districts. You can even find a local stylists and personal shoppers in the area if you're ever in need of a wardrobe update or last-minute errand. 

University Town Center and The Mall at UTC: Sarasota’s premier shopping destination with luxury brands and high-end retailers. Find everything from Lululemon, TUMI, Michael Kors and Saks Fifth Avenue to Crate & Barrel, Kendra Scott, Anthropology and Travis Matthews. You'll even find a massive Tesla dealership there in the coming year. 

Waterside Place: The open-air town center allows you to soak in the Florida sun while shopping some local boutiques and and discovering some of Sarasota's newest locally owned businesses. Grab cooking, boating or fishing essentials at Florida Provisions. Find a sun hat at Marmalade or your newest pair of diamond earrings at Cileone Jewelers.

Downtown Sarasota, Downtown Wellen Park & Historic Downtown Venice: Each downtown city offers a unique selection of local shopping. Find everything from contemporary art galleries, home decor retailers and independent bookstores to women's clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, and beauty/body supply shops. 

St. Armands Circle: A chic outdoor shopping district featuring designer boutiques, art galleries, clothing stores and gourmet cafes. You can purchase your next big marine life piece for your home at Wyland Galleries, some cocktail attire at The Met, resortwear at Lily Pulitzer or a pair of new sandals at Charleston Shoe Co.

Elite Experiences: Ways to Elevate Your Stay

Catch sunset by sail with Key Sailing Charters, courtesy of Visit Florida

With a winning combination of natural beauty, cultural richness and luxurious offerings, Sarasota’s coastal glamour will leave you wanting more. Take your Sarasota getaway to the next level with these bespoke experiences:

Yacht Life: Cruise Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in style with a number of convenient boat vessels and charters. Whether a private yacht tour on Kokomo Charters, a sunset sailing charter on Key Sailing or a luxurious dinner cruise on Marina Jack II Cruises, the marinas in Sarasota do not disappoint. You can also join the Bird Key Yacht Club for access to their state-of-the-art marina and facilities

Gallery Hop: Part of what makes Sarasota such an artful landscape is its galleries and interior design studios per capita. Peruse endless pieces of art and modern home and decor furnishings throughout Sarasota's downtown district. 

Take on Tennis: Take tennis lessons or find your match on one of Sarasota's more-exclusive courts, including Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club and Cedars Tennis Resort. 

Parasail, Paddle & Jetski: Rent a boat to sandbar hop at Cannons Marina, book parasailing or jet skiing with Rockon Recreation Rentals, go on a private kayak paddle tour with Vanhunks Boarding for the afternoon or hit high speeds on a thrilling Hydrocats ride. Sarasota's coastal landscape is yours to explore. 

Personal Chef Services: Elevate your dining experience with one of Sarasota's many private chefs who will craft a customized menu in the comfort of your accommodations.

Luxury Picnics: Whether it's a special occasion or not, Sun Served Bespoke Picnics, lovingly prepares and styles coastal-chic picnics, from bayfront parks and backyards to the beach for you and company. 

Local Concierge: With companies like The Coastal Concierge, white-glove service is easier to find than you think. Find help booking your special event or experience with their team of local insiders. 

Signature Events: Luxury on Display All Year-Round

Sarasota hosts an array of upscale events year-round that draw visitors from around the country. From the Sarasota Film Festival's exclusive film premier screenings and red-carpet parties to glamorous Sundays spent watching races at the Sarasota Polo Club, there's no shortage of reasons to get dressed up for a night on the town to meet both locals and fellow travelers. 

Some standouts include Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, a celebration of fine wines and gourmet cuisine at Sarasota's finest venues, and New Year's Eve Gala at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a signature black-tie event among Saraosta's most sophisticated affairs.