Beach: The resort lies near the southern end of the 14-mile-long white-sand beach that lines the Gulf of Mexico coast of the island of Longboat Key. The dunes remain intact at this end, so to reach the beach you use any of several walkways. Once there you’ll find beach watercraft, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas.
Golf Courses: The resort has 45 holes of golf.
Links on Longboat Course: Water hazards come into play on all 18 holes of this 6,748-yard, Par 71 course laid out along the Gulf of Mexico. Pink and white oleander and more than 5,000 palm trees line the fairways, which trail through a bird sanctuary. Harbourside Course: Willard Byrd of Atlanta originally designed the three nine-hole courses—Red Hawk at 3,314 yards, White at 3,342 yards, and the Blue Heron at 3,314 yards—that make up Harbourside. These were later reconfigured by designer Ron Garl, who added more contour and elevation and improved the putting surfaces. Situated on the Sarasota Bay side of the island, these 27 holes trail through stands of live oak, sabal palms, palmetto, and southern pine. Playing here is a different experience from Islandside, at once more open and more trap riddled.
Spa & Fitness Center: The 4,000-square-foot Fitness Centre stands just a short stroll from the Islandside lodging at one end of the building containing the golf pro shop and Spike’n Tees open-air restaurant overlooking Islandside’s Links on Longboat course. The fitness center consists of an aerobics room with windows on three sides and a mirror on other and views of the Islandside golf course. There are three adjoining rooms offering high-tech cardio equipment, free-weights, and strength training equipment.
There is a beachfront swimming pool at the Resort Center, where they occasionally screen movies outdoors. There is also a 291-slip marina on Sarasota Bay in the Harbourside development.
Dining: Several dining options are available ranging from formal to poolside casual. At The Resort you will find Sands Pointe, which merges Florida, Mediterranean, and European culinary traditions (e.g., pan-seared black grouper, veal chop with mushroom sauce, Kansas City strip loin) from its perch overlooking the pool and beach. There is also poolside and beachside service from Barefoot’s Bar & Grille, and Spike ‘n Tees, which overlooks the Islandside Links on Longboat golf course serves breakfast, lunch, and fresh fruit smoothies. Within Harbourside, the choices are Portofino Ristorante and Bar for northern Italian cuisine overlooking the marina and The Tavern & Whiskey Bar in the Harbourside golf clubhouse for farm-to-table fare.
392 Reviews on “The Resort at Longboat Key Club”
Friendly, top notch and I would highly recommend. The courts are fantastic.
WE have visited the stunning and amazing Longboat Key club many times mostly for the incredible Tennis facility and opportunities that exist. Zoe is the talented and caring Director of the Tennis Program. She is intuitive and professional. Zoe makes certain each guest has a fulfilling,challenging and spectacular time at the Tennis Club. We are matched up for tennis games-singles,doubles,round robins etc.Zoe deserves top commendation and accolades for her outstanding accomplishments in guest satisfaction!Ths is a winning combination-Lonboat key club and Zoe!! Memorable times.
Great Tennis facility. The resort needs some updating
A superb tennis club, courts and clubhouse in great condition. We were made to feel very welcome by members and staff alike. The staff were also very helpful in all aspects of the game, whether advice on equipment, pairing us up for matches or getting us involved in coaching sessions and round robins. The coaching we had was exceptional. We can’t wait to return.
Grat place to have matches planned for you and great courts and instructors.
Excellent facilities and great lessons. I had three individual lessons, each with a different pro. All of the lessons were great. They also set up matches for me with other guests at the resort and/or members of the club. Although there are a lot of courts they do fill, and especially in the morning.
Wonderful facility with talkative helpful coaches/pros/staff.
Vacation and tennis go hand and hand for us! So, when it came time to book a winter getaway, Longboat Key Club Resort was a given. It has everything you want- clinics, private instruction, match play, great courts,an amazing pro shop with a huge inventory of tennis attire, a welcoming clubhouse and an always helpful and happy support staff. We also enjoyed meeting and playing tennis with people from all OVER THE WORLD. We were able to get tennis in every morning and then enjoy the afternoons on the beach, site seeing, dining, shopping. Unlike a tennis club, the resort is truly a RESORT with TENNIS and lots of amenities. We will definitely be back.
Just returned from another visit to LBKC. The tennis gardens are located in a spectacular site 2 short miles from the hotel. The tennis “Diva” Zo does an amazing job engaging locals and visitors so everyone gets plenty of tennis. If you enjoy tennis this is a must visit. Courts are well maintained and all the buzz is “tennis”.
We recently stayed at the Resort at Long Boat Key Club. This has now been our third time and my whole family sees no reason to go anywhere else. We have gone to other tennis getaways in Florida, California, and Virginia and believe the R@LBLC is something quite special. It is more than than the courts, the staff and pros. LBK is peaceful and secluded. The community is not pretentious and always make us feel welcome. A match was arranged for me everyday and the drills and lessons were challenging and fun. Finally, we always have the opportunity to eat or see a play at St Armand’s or Sarasota. All around great experience for my entire family.
This was my second year at this resort, and it was wonderful. The tennis concierge, Zo, did a terrific job of finding me suitable doubles matches (3.5) for everyday that i was there. In addition, I attended daily clinics that were fast paced and fun. I am going back again next year! Also, the selection of clothing for women in the pro shop is really excellent. I spent way too much, but it was just too tempting.
The facilities and ambiance are unmatched anywhere. The beautiful clay courts amidst palm trees and water make this resort idyllic. Match making is good, and there is also an excellent pro staff.
Beautiful tennis gardens with well maintained har-tru courts. Had clinics with 2 pros that were fast and fun. Had game coordinator to set up games and can play in as well if a forth was needed. Great tennis shop. Very friendly and great facility .
Excellent! One call did it all! Zo set up my matches every day for my entire stay.
We were 3 couples, needing a 5.0+ man and a 3.5 woman to complete our group for competitive doubles. Zo (staff) was the best, she got us great partners for our 3 day stay. Courts were in great shape. Facilities were excellent. Staff always pleasant. From the moment you walk onto the grounds, you find yourself in a happy place.
Tennis at Longboat was great; courts were always available and the tennis pros are excellent. Pleasant, lots of different instruction techniques, and always with a smile on their faces. Sammy Aviles, one of the pros there, is exceptional. A highlight of the trip was working with him in the clinics. We’ve been twice and will certainly go again.
Great courts, super staff. Zo at the Tennis Gardens at The Longboat Key Club is so helpful at arranging games it makes tennis even better! We’ll be back.
Absolutely superb facility – 20 excellent courts, really friendly staff (ask for Susan), sociable members and a great clubhouse.
Beautiful property right on the beach. Our room was great with a large balcony, overlooking the pool, with a chaise lounge and a round table with 4 chairs. Perfect view of the sunset each evening. My wife and I came here for tennis. I am a USTA 4.5 player and my wife is 3.5. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and had scheduled to split a 1 hr lesson which was given by Muraj. Great guy who was fun and gave my wife good pointers which immediately improved her serve. On the second day my wife was scheduled for a clinic which she did, and Zo Smith the tennis concierge had arranged a game for me. However, she called me that morning to let me know that someone backed out, and there was no game for me. I was disappointed, so I called Zo and expressed it, although I understand that these things can happen. Despite this day being Zo’s day off, within 20 minutes my cell phone was ringing, and it was Zo. She told me that she had spoken to the Director John, and invited me to come to the tennis village anytime I wanted that afternoon and John would be happy to hit with me. John is a great guy and couldn’t have been nicer. He hit with me for about 45 minutes and it was great. Zo turned lemons to lemonade, wanting to make sure we had a great time. The following day Zo arranged a nice mixed doubles game for us, and she even came out to the court to see it the “matchup” she created was good. In doing so she realized that my wife was a little outmatched, and went ahead and arranged a game for the following morning for three of us, with her being the fourth. Another thing I will say is that the facility is awesome and the regular members could not have been friendlier to us “guests”. The entire staff at the Resort was awesome and friendly. We had a great time and hope to return in the future.
I’ve played in the US, Europe and South America. This is my favorite club. They work hard to arrange matches and the courts are great. I think everyone should come and play at Longboat Key!
Words cannot describe how beautiful the tennis shop is. I have never seen anything like it. Myself and my mom spent our whole hitting hour in the shop. The staff are wonderful couldn’t be more helpful and we will be back for sure.
I highly recommend Susanne & Poly at the Tennis Shop. Susanne was extremely skillfully and help us with courts reservation and all amenities!
This is a fantastic place with very well maintained courts and common areas. The staff is very friendly and always looking to find good solutions. Their head pro is one of the best instructors I have ever worked with. He worked with our 11 year old (tournament player) and really improved his game. One area of improvement is match play for juniors, for older players it is great.
Great place. Zo,the tennis concierge, was great. Sammy,tennis pro, was phenomenal in his knowledge. Will come back.
We have been going to Longboat for years. My husband is a 4.5 player and LOVES to play tennis here. He talked me in to having lessons this year and it was fantastic. Jackie was an awesome instructor as well as player. I have taken tennis lessons in the past, but this was exceptional. Highly recommend it! So does my husband!
Excellent tennis facility and the best beach we have been to in Florida.
During my stay at the Longboat Key Club Resort, I was welcomed to the Tennis Gardens by the pleasant staff. The tennis concierge Zoe Smith was incredible. I contacted Zoe the week before and told her of my plans to play mid-day on Saturday. I had a guest and I was looking for a doubles match. It was an extremely hot day on the Courts, but Zoe lined up a match. During the summer, demand is low so Zoe recruited a local friend, Carlos, and she and Carlos played with us for hours. The Courts are spectacular, the lunch was wonderful, and the pro shop was helpful. I did not bring a raquet, and the pro shop had an arsenal of Wilson demo raquets available to guests at no charge. Thank you Zoe!
Outstanding tennis facility with great people. They had clinics for adults and kids. They also arranged matches and were able to get me a match everyday I wanted to play. Court time and ball machine were free.
I have played at many facilities around the country and the Tennis Gardens at the Longboat Key Club is one of the best around. The staff are wonderful and considerate and my wife and I love playing there. John and Zo have been amazing at finding other player with similar abilities to play anytime we are in town.
Nice courts, though no netted court dividers. Seem to be aLot of players.
My instructor at the Longboat Key Club tennis resort was the best instructor I have ever had in tennis. She not only helped improve my game, she made each and every lesson/clinic a delightful social experience. She is truly a gifted tennis coach.
I had the most outstanding tennis experience at this resort. My coach, Jackie, is an exceptionally talented instructor with a delightful personality as well. I learned more in one week with her than I have over the past two decades of tennis lessons.
Great resort for tennis. Lots of clay courts. Good pro shop. nice patio to hang out and grab a drink or bite to eat. Had 3 lessons by Jackie Bohannon. Fantastic lessons. Very technical and good pointers. Did one clinic with her as well. Very good also. The resort is right on the beach and has a lovely pool as well. This is our second time back and second time lessons with Jackie!
Very enjoyable stay. Tennis was great. Contacted Zo, the tennis concierge,before we got there and she lined up matches every day. All matches were very competitive and for the most part were of equal ability, which is tough in doubles when you’ve never seen some of the players before. I would highly recommend this resort.
Excellent facility, talented staff, tennis concierge and pro shop staff had an incredible eye for detail. Was offered matches every day I was there. Sparkling locker rooms. Wonderful array of merchandise. The way a total tennis experience should be!
This place delivers everything they promise. Excellent live ball drills,helpful pros, and the Tennis Concierge, Zo, will pair you with other players for matches at many skill levels. This place is Heaven on Earth for tennis addicts!
I traveled with a friend who had researched and targeted LBKC as a tennis destination and what a find indeed. The area of Longboat Key / Sarasota, the resort itself and the tennis gardens of the resort (just a few minute drive up the road) were all outstanding. There were more things to do and places to eat than we had time for over our extended weekend. We scheduled a drill session, a doubles round robin, several doubles matches and singles as well. All of the staff (resort, tennis pros, “Concierge” Zoe and the support staff were friendly, enthusiastic and very supportive. The HarTru courts were in excellent condition. We would highly recommend the resort for all of those reasons and definitely plan to return. Thanks to Zoe and the entire staff for a wonderful tennis getaway.
The Tennis Gardens are an incredible place to play. Each teaching pro is unique in their style and game focus in teaching. Multiple lessons clearly address the total game and skill sets.
One week filled me with admiration for the staff at Longboat. So professional, so helpful and fun. The tennis pros looked to me wonderful though I had no opportunity for a lesson. The concierge,Zo Smith was most helpful to me and played when I couldn’t get a game just when i needed one. beautiful well, maintained clean, airy, night lit,….what more could you want.
Tennis concierge arranged matches every day I requested. She was personable, professional, effective. Members and other guests were friendly, strong players. Clay courts consistently in superb condition. Great tennis attire in the pro shop. My husband and I will definitely come back.
Awesome place. Beautiful courts and super friendly staff, especially Zoe
Spent the week at LBKC and foudn the tennis facility simply heaven. As a visiting teaching pro I wanted to hit some balls in the sunshine and play some doubles. I arranged a hitting session with Gabe who was a great guy with a terrific game who gave me an outstanding workout, and was helpful in recommending a few things. I then got in contact with the “Tennis Diva Zo” who helped arrange two nice doubles matches. I had the opportunity to play with the club champ which was about my level and we had a grand time in the sunshine. This place is a real gem and the staff does everything possible to help you. Thanks also to Susan at the front desk who gave me alot of good information about the resort program. This place deserves the high rankings. I cannot wait to return.
My wife and I recently spent two 4 day periods at the Resort and had a great time. I’d contacted Zo, the Tennis Gardens’ Concierge, in advance and left her both our levels and interests. For the entire time that we were there, she arranged for both of us to have others to hit with and matches to play. Since my wife is a 3.0-3.5 player and I am a 4.5+ doubles player, this meant that Zo had to find completely different games for each of us, yet coordinate the times so that we could travel to and from the courts together and have the rest of the day free. She did this perfectly and I was very impressed by her willingness to get me out there with some players that probably would be critical of her if this 60 year old guy couldn’t compete and ruined their games & wasted their time. I really appreciated her hands on approach and that she made it her business to come out and watch each of us when we played our initial matches so that she knew exactly where to go from there. This place is a winner and Zo and the rest of the Tennis staff at the Longboat Key Club are extremely motivated & talented and (most importantly) friendly folks. And the courts are great. I look forward to our next stay there.
I am a member of this club and it’s truly paradise….20 lighted clay courts, wonderful pros and clinics, fabulous pro shop with courteous staff, great food and service at Court 21, not to mention the amazing beach with pool and jacuzzi! Everywhere you look there is pristine, turquoise water, gorgeous white sand, a plethora of beautiful, unique birds….and everything else that goes along with paradise! The restaurants and shopping in Sarasota/Longboat Key area are fabulous too!
From the moment I entered the Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club Resort, I felt welcomed and included. Everyone here loves and cares about tennis as much as I do! Zo,the outstanding Tennis Concierge, put me into just the right singles and doubles games and round robins, and Susan suggested just the right clinics. The pros in our clinics were very knowledgeable and kept us all hard at work on our games. The players themselves were all friendly and just happy to be on the court, thoroughly enjoying their games and welcoming a newcomer. The Fitness Center, Mind and Motion Studio classes, an excellent trainer, and even a “Tennis Stretch” class provided dimensions that I did not expect, but really complemented my tennis. And the Pro Shop and all its variety, even for the more conservative, had a range that I have not found elsewhere. I could not have been more pleased, thank you, Tennis Gardens, I will be back next year!
Well maintained courts in a beautiful setting. The most accommodating staff. Zo makes it possible for you to play when you want and gets you great matches. She helped us meet a couple that was a perfect fit for us. The staff in the shop Susan and Polly were friendly and helpful. These people know how to do tennis. They made a good vacation great
My family and I went to Longboat Key Club for a relaxing Christmas vacation, and the tennis resort on the grounds was just absolutely the cherry-on-top of a wonderful getaway. The grounds were well-kept, the service was excellent and everyone on the staff was helpful. Zoe, especially, was so warm and friendly and really went out of her way to make sure our experience at the Tennis Gardens was exceptional. She not only matched my husband and I up with other couples to play doubles, but she also found players for our 2 kids as well. I would definitely recommend!
Wonderful facilities, very helpful staff, our son who is a competitive high school players was able to have a couple of great matches with other players at his level.
my son and I had a wonderful experience. facilities are beautiful. the staff goes the extra mile and then some to cater to every need. instructors are all top shelf. can’t wait to go back!
This is an amazing resort for tennis lovers who want to combine the sport with a family vacation–it’s an easy 20 minute drive from the Sarasota airport and our room–a 2 bedroom suite with kitchenette and washer dryer– offered an outstanding ocean view. Our kids (ages 6 and 9) loved the pool and beach, and the tennis was superb.
Three of us play–my husband, our 9 year old and me. We took a few lessons and quickly added more to our schedule so we each had one daily (I also did a clinic one day). The tennis facility is a few minutes drive away from the main resort. There is a shuttle available, but we had a rented car which was convenient, given that we went a few times each day. There are 20 courts in this “Tennis Garden” which was built in 2009 and awarded USTA’s “Outstanding Facility of the Year.”
Everyone who works there is friendly and helpful and the quality of instruction is top notch. We especially loved Jackie Bohannon, one of the best teachers we’ve ever experienced! She shares many practical tips and uses drills that hone in on what you need to improve. She also is genuinely interested in improving your game–she’s invested, no matter if you are there for a quick vacation and may not see her again.
Our tennis experience combined with the beach resort and the nearby cute shopping/restaurant area at St. Armand’s Circle (and the fact that we have easy direct flights from Wash DC to Sarasota) make this a good trip for us. We liked the tennis so much that we are considering returning in a few months when the kids have another school break, or again next year.”