"Slapped on a slab of white sand along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the tall towers of The Resort at Long Boat Key Club send up a signal for a good time. With a USTA award-winning tennis facility, two tricky golf courses, and just a strip of lush Floridian foliage separating the crystalline pool from the warm ocean waters, it’s a wonder this place isn’t perpetually packed to the gills. Beyond tennis and tee time, the water is a main draw, and yacht enthusiasts should take note: The resort has first-class accommodations for the princely pastime, with 291 slips at their Sarasota marine alone, and you’ll often see these water-Ferraris clinging to the bay in bunches. Don’t forget to take in the turtle action, too—these hard-backed creatures start nesting right around peak tourist season (between late May and October), and will show up on the shoreline unannounced. The resort offers elegantly appointed one- and two-bedroom suites, junior suites, and standard rooms, with sunny linens and private balconies, plus views of the beach, nearby lagoon, or golf course, of which there are two—The Harbourside, which borders the Bay, and the Links on Longboat, which runs along the Gulf of Mexico. If you decide to play a couple holes, stop at the open-air Spike n’ Tees lounge to fête your birdie with a pat on the back, plus a drink or two. There’s also Barefoot’s Bar & Grille by the pool, to provide your requisite tiki umbrella-topped libations, along with a burger and fries—tanning and reading are hard work, no doubt—and Portofino’s for Northern Italian fare, including fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas. Stop at the OPAL spa for a customized massage or full-body exfoliation."
