Aerial view of a Gulf Coast barrier island at golden hour

September 23 & 24, 2026 · Longboat Key, FL

Getting to Longboat Key

Everything you need to plan the trip: which airport, whether to rent a car, and where to put your head down. Travel and accommodation are the two things you book yourself.

Two airports, both easy

Sarasota-Bradenton is closest and is our recommendation if the schedule and fare work. Tampa is larger and can be cheaper, so it may be worth the extra drive.

Airport Distance Drive time Typical rideshare
SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton International 11–15 miles 25–30 minutes about $36
TPA Tampa International 59–62 miles 1 hr 15–1 hr 30 about $99
Aerial view of the bridge onto Longboat Key over turquoise water

Treat both as estimates

Pricing is dynamic, so your fare will move with the time of day, demand, traffic, and vehicle choice. The figures above are planning estimates, not quotes.

Only if you are staying on

You do not need a car for the retreat if you are comfortable with Uber or Lyft. It is worth having if you plan to explore Sarasota, St. Armands Circle, or Anna Maria Island.

Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from a white sand beach

Worth staying on

The island does this every evening

Plenty of guests add a night on either side. Sarasota, St. Armands Circle, and Anna Maria Island are all a short drive away.

Book early, especially on the Key

Guests book their own accommodation directly with the hotel or property. Late September is a lovely time to be here and the island is quiet, but the good rooms still go.

If you are coming with a friend, sharing a room or a vacation rental makes the trip considerably cheaper and a good deal more fun.

Rolled towels and eucalyptus beside the sea

On the Key

The St. Regis Longboat Key

The most luxurious option on the island, and the home of our dedicated spa experience during the retreat.

On the Key

Zota Beach Resort

Beachfront and a little more relaxed, with an easy walk straight down onto the sand.

On the Key

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

A club setting with golf, tennis, and marina access, ideal if you are extending the trip.

Inns and rentals

Smaller resorts, inns, and vacation-style properties across Longboat Key may suit your budget better. They are worth a look before you settle on a resort.

Sarasota, St. Armands, Bradenton

Staying off the Key works well and you can rideshare in. Allow extra time for bridge traffic when you plan your arrival, particularly in the morning.

The short version

We handle

  • All retreat programming and sessions with our guest experts
  • All meals across both days
  • A dedicated spa experience at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
  • Your retreat gift bag and private retreat community

You handle

  • Flights into Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) or Tampa (TPA)
  • Ground transport, which is Uber or Lyft for most guests
  • Your hotel or vacation rental on or near the Key

Planning the trip

Where exactly is the retreat?

At an exclusive, private Gulf-front residence on Longboat Key, Florida, a barrier island between Sarasota and Anna Maria Island. For guest privacy and security, the exact address, arrival instructions, parking, and access details are included with your registration materials.

Do you arrange my hotel?

No. Guests book their own accommodation directly with the hotel or property. Our recommendations are above, and Kim is happy to give you a steer if you are deciding between two.

Can I stay somewhere other than Longboat Key?

Absolutely. Sarasota, St. Armands, Bradenton, and the surrounding area all work, and Uber or Lyft will get you in. Allow extra time for bridge traffic when planning your arrival.

Should I rent a car?

Not for the retreat itself if you are comfortable using Uber or Lyft. A car is worth it if you are extending your stay to see Sarasota, St. Armands Circle, or Anna Maria Island.

When should I arrive and leave?

The retreat runs across both full days, Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24. Arrival and departure times come with your confirmation, along with the full run of show, so you can book flights around them with confidence.

What should I pack?

Late September on the Gulf is warm. Bring comfortable clothes you can move in, a swimsuit, something you like wearing for dinner, and a light layer for the evening. A full packing note comes with your confirmation.

Sept 23 & 24 · Longboat Key

Ready when you are

Two days on Longboat Key, September 23 and 24. One spot remains, and a $250 deposit reserves yours.