For decades, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort stood as an iconic destination on Longboat Key, weaving itself into the fabric of Sarasota’s history. When it closed its doors, in August 2010, a storied chapter came to an end for Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber’s beloved vision, leaving an air of anticipation around what could ever replace it. The Colony’s eventual transformation into The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort represents not only the rebirth of a legendary locale but also a celebration of the timeless elegance and unmatched design associated with The St. Regis brand.
Breaking ground in October 2021, The St. Regis Longboat Key took shape with the expertise of SB Architects, Hirsch Bedner Associates Miami and Enea Landscape Design. Together, they crafted a cohesive vision where modern sophistication meets the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty. The design merges contemporary elegance with coastal sensibilities throughout every space. From graceful archways to serene, landscaped gardens, The St. Regis evokes a sense of place while honoring the site’s storied past. Each space flows gracefully into the next, creating an immersive experience that extends from public areas to the dining venues including Aura, CW Prime, Oshen and Riva, designed to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
The journey to opening The St. Regis Longboat Key was not without its hurdles. After years of planning and development, the resort opened in August 2024, and even faced two hurricanes soon after its debut. Yet the property’s thoughtful design and structural integrity remained steadfast, a testament to the careful planning and execution of the development team.
This dedication to design excellence shines in Riva, the resort’s premier Italian restaurant. Meaning “shore” in Italian, Riva seamlessly integrates with the resort’s ambiance while establishing its own distinct identity, inspired by the flavors of Northern Italy and the Adriatic Coast. Riva’s design elements echo the coastal sophistication found throughout the property, while adding subtle touches that transport diners to the Italian seaside. The outdoor dining area provides stunning sunset views over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, evoking an unforgettable allure. Like all dining venues at The St. Regis Longboat Key, Riva exemplifies the brand’s legendary commitment to impeccable service, where attention to detail and gracious hospitality are paramount. This dedication to culinary excellence and refined service flourishes under the guidance of Executive Chef Alberto Taboada, whose expertise ensures each dining experience meets the distinguished standards of The St. Regis.
Riva’s creative libations offer sophisticated twists on Italian classics. The Porto elevates the Aperol spritz, blending Italian spirits with delicate lychee for a balanced, citrusy finish. For the discerning connoisseur, the Tuscan Temptation reimagines the classic Negroni with pancetta fat-washed Absolut Elyx and Cocchi di Torino, delivering a luxuriously complex profile. Completing the collection is the Costamare, an inventive Italian take on the margarita that replaces traditional citrus with the bright, refreshing taste of limoncello.
Riva’s dedication to authenticity shines through its dishes, where imported Italian staples like olives and prosciutto mingle with locally sourced ingredients including fresh burrata and daily catches from nearby waters. Begin your culinary journey with a selection of masterfully crafted antipasti. The Smoked Scamorza Arancini elevates classic Italian street food with golden-fried risotto spheres, enhanced by rich smoked cheese and accompanied by datterino tomato jam and earthy mushrooms. The Artichoke Frittella offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavors, its delicate fritters, complemented by tangy cornichon aioli, brightened with a golden raisin gremolata and finished with aged Parmesan and fresh mint.
The heart of the menu lies in the restaurant’s handmade pasta program, where fresh pasta is crafted daily in-house. A standout among these offerings is the dramatic squid ink linguine, featuring succulent rock shrimp and charred calamari, elevated with spicy ‘nduja, San Marzano tomatoes and crispy ink mollica. The local fresh catch cioppino exemplifies the kitchen’s commitment to Gulf Coast ingredients, blending braised fregola with Gulf shrimp and mussels in a rich broth. Each dish tells a story of Italian culinary tradition reimagined with Florida’s finest coastal ingredients, creating an unforgettable dining experience that captures both the essence of the Adriatic and the splendor of the Gulf Coast.
For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience, The St. Regis Longboat Key transforms each meal into a celebration of extraordinary flavors and refined elegance. With Riva’s handcrafted Italian delicacies leading the way, alongside distinguished offerings at the resort’s other signature restaurants, guests embark on a remarkable culinary journey where meticulously sourced ingredients meet masterful preparation. Whether savoring sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico, at Riva, or exploring the resort’s other exceptional venues, each dining experience is elevated by the legendary St. Regis service, making the resort a coveted destination for both local connoisseurs and sophisticated travelers seeking world-class cuisine in an enchanting coastal setting.
