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The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is a private island retreat on Longboat Key, a 12-mile-long barrier island connected by drawbridge to Sarasota. Its miles of white-sand beach, warm tropical sun, turquoise waters, and gentle breezes lull honeymooners -- yet there's an awful lot to do here. Rated as one of the top tennis resorts worldwide, a day of play here may begin with a high-powered 10 a.m. warm-up routine to music, followed by a two-hour clinic. In addition to giving private lessons and fast-paced clinics, the pro staff arranges round-robins and matchmaking on it 20+ tennis courts (including 10 soft Hydro-Courts).
At the Watersports Center, you can arrange to sail a Hobie Cat, learn to windsurf, ride an Aqua Bike, try a surf kayak, and launch a boogie board. Aside The Colony's beautiful stretch of beach there's a heated freshwater pool. The resort also contains a spa and fitness center. The Aerobic Center offers daily classes using a team-teaching concept developed here: Two instructors simultaneously lead the class in high- or low-impact routines. Afterward, the Health Spa beckons, with steam, sauna, and relaxing whirlpools.
From the internationally acclaimed Colony Restaurant, diners look out over the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen serves a sophisticated cuisine using local seafood. The smells of freshly baked breads and pastries whet the appetite, and those with room for dessert may feast on chocolate tennis cake: dark and white chocolate mousse with pistachios. The Colony has an extensive wine cellar and a Cruvinet to provide single tastings.
At this all suite-resort, each unit provides a living room, dining room, and one or two bedrooms. There's a dishwasher and full-size refrigerator in the Euro-style kitchen, but daily maid service ensures it always feels like a honeymoon. The marble master bath with whirlpool and steam shower evoke a mini-spa. Guests may choose from private beachfront houses and lanai and clubhouse suites that are reserved for adults.
Longboat Key Club
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Bordered on the east by Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is an island hideaway less than ten minutes from the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport. Here the simple pleasures of sun, surf, and beach will restore the spirit after a whirlwind wedding. Swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, shelling, sailing, windsurfing, and day dreaming are perfect pastimes.
Two golf courses contain 45 holes. On the south end, at the edge of the Gulf, the 6,890-yard, par-72 Islandside Course has a lush, tropical layout that winds through palm trees and water hazards to make for challenging play. The Harborside Course consists of three 9-hole courses that skim the edge of Sarasota Bay. Adjacent to both courses there are fully equipped pro shops where players may sign up for private lessons and group clinics.
Longboat Key's Islandside Tennis Center (ranked by Tennis magazine among the nation's top 50) sits by the side of a quiet lagoon. There are 38 Har-Tru tennis courts (6 lit at night) and a pro shop. Teaching staff offer a variety of private and semi-private lesson plans as well as clinics.
Swimmers delight in the Olympic-size pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna on the 410-acre beachfront property. Landlubbers take to bike (rentals available) and jogging paths. Nearby is St. Armands Circle, with over 100 shops, restaurants, and galleries. Sarasota attractions beyond the causeway include the Ringling Museum of the Circus, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and the Mote Marine Science Center.
An all-suite resort, Longboat Key's accommodations have private balconies overlooking the golf course, a tropical lagoon, or the Gulf of Mexico. Most suites contain full kitchens and a washer/dryer. Twice-a-day housekeeping and nightly turn-down service are provided.
Five restaurants ensure you never go hungry. Come to Le Club, Island House, or Orchids restaurant for fine dining. Or catch your own sea bass and grouper in Sarasota Bay. Deep-sea and sport fishermen who venture into the Gulf of Mexico may return with Spanish mackerel, bonito, tarpon, or kingfish. And when the shrimp are running between the Bay and the Gulf, they're wildly abundant.
