Sarasota is primed to provide groups with a variety of options to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy leisure activities together," says Kelly M. Defebo, CMP, VP of Marketing & Communications, Visit Sarasota County. "Several wellness retreat centers offer holistic health retreats tailored to groups. The Retreat offers venue spaces that were designed with hygge in mind and, sitting on 84 acres of conserved land, the venue provides the ultimate location for teambuilding in a serene setting."
Other spa experiences available to groups in Sarasota include Mandala Med-Spa & Yoga Shala, an Indonesian-inspired holistic medical day spa that blends ancient healing techniques with cutting-edge modern science to support total wellness. The beach at Siesta Key can be the location for a sunrise or sunset sound bath experience that can help groups calm their mind and revitalize their wellbeing, while Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers a peaceful mind/body experience with Yoga in the Gardens set among 15 acres of landscaped grounds along Sarasota Bay.
"The Westin Sarasota exudes the wellness experience, with everything from an intuitive menu at Evoq restaurant to the custom beds tailored by the hotel’s signature wellness program," says Defebo. "At The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, groups can indulge in both beach access and golf, and afterwards enjoy a full-service spa, including lavender and crystal experiences. The Resort at Longboat Key Club is not-to-be missed as an amazing beachfront resort where every room has a private balcony perfect for meditation moments as well as 45 holes of championship golf."
Set to open in June 2024, the 135-room Cirque St. Armand’s Beachside is located two blocks from St. Armand’s circle and faces the Gulf of Mexico. The upscale boutique property is just steps away from Lido Beach and will cater to small board meetings, incentives and social gatherings. Also slated to open summer 2024, the 168-room St. Regis Longboat Key is set on 18 acres and will offer 36,285 sf of flexible event space, as well as a private beach, pools with personal cabanas, 20,000-sf oceanfront spa featuring vitality pools and an exclusive saltwater lagoon wildlife experience complete with resident Aldabra tortoises.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota recently completed the phase one renovation and opening of its 20,000-sf luxury spa, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Sarasota. The renovation focused on a floor-to-ceiling redesign of all 17 treatment rooms, as well as a reimagined guest entrance and reception area. The second phase of its renovation is now underway and includes the spa's healing waters room, sauna, steam room, outdoor relaxation terrace and the addition of a new vitality pool.
Voco Sarasota (formerly Hotel Indigo) rebranded in December 2023 but remains under the IHG umbrella. The property has undergone a complete renovation of rooms, soft goods and overall look and feel, and is the ninth Voco hotel in the U.S.
The Westin Sarasota is refreshing its rooftop bar with updated furniture as well as updating its Westin Heavenly Beds, while the Hyatt Regency Sarasota is set to receive new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, desk chairs and credenzas, as well as a lobby refresh adding a 24-hour market.
"Small to mid-size meetings of 125-150 are perfect for Sarasota," says Defebo. "And Sarasota County offers a cash rebate incentive that could significantly benefit group planners. This offer, coupled with a complimentary concierge service, ensures a seamless and tailored experience for all attendees. The dedicated staff is committed to providing unparalleled support, ensuring every detail is meticulously managed to create an event that is not only successful but also memorable. With such thoughtful consideration to guests' needs, Sarasota County stands out as a location where meetings transcend expectations, fostering an environment of productivity and enjoyment." —Steve Grasso
visitsarasota.com/sarasota-meetings