The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Amplifying a legacy of sophistication through international artistry.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort offers bespoke beachside luxury on the stunning 12-mile barrier island along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This newly-opened, 18-acre resort boasts sprawling public spaces, 168 spacious guest rooms including 26 luxuriously appointed suites, over 60 luxury residences, and celebrated food and beverage spaces. Kevin Barry Art Advisory worked with ownership group Unicorp and design partner HBA to bring this glamorous art program to life.

The art program draws inspiration from the natural drama of the location – sea birds in flight, luminous mist-filled skies, and the sparkle of ocean currents – capturing the refined elegance of life along the Gulf. It highlights both the iconic elements of the setting and the subtle, often overlooked details that come together to make the experience truly magical. We selected a mix of local artists alongside artists known for their unique use of materiality, creating a layered visual experience rich in texture, natural references, and unexpected details.

As with every hospitality project we work on, we pay careful attention to pairing thoughtful art concepts with the brand experience. The St. Regis is known for their brand promise of “live exquisite,” which is characterized by attention to detail in every element and moment of the guest experience. This ethos aligns beautifully with our role as art consultants in shaping luxury art programs. By considering every detail, from the expression of the artist’s hand to the tint of metallic leaf and the profile of a frame, we create moments that invite guests to pause and connect.

You’ll see so many incredible moments as you explore this luxury hotel. Some of our favorites include The Great Hall entryway, which features oversized, framed canvas paintings created in collaboration with Kostas Papaskostas. We are also incredibly proud of The Bar Mural, Dreamscape, which is an immersive composition of abstract, amorphous forms inspired by the essence of ocean life. Another highlight is the large piece by Jane Polyaguard, located in Main Central Art at Reception, is a mesmerizing composition of intricate, dimensional paint dots. And, of course, the spa ceiling features an installation by Christina Watka, crafted from mica. Undulating and faceted, it sparkles like sunlight dancing on ocean waves!

We are so grateful for our continued work with iconic luxury hospitality brands like The St. Regis Longboat Key. You can read more about this project and other incredible hospitality art programs in our Luxury Hospitality Issue of ELEVATE by KBAA.