A modern six-story clubhouse houses the spa, with men’s and women’s facilities and an array of treatments performed by licensed therapists, as well as a salon with a variety of services. A business center and sports shop are also in the high-rise.

Tennis is the game to play at The Colony, so guests enjoy 21 courts (10 hydro-soft, two lighted), complimentary court time and game matching, nine daily clinics, and private and semi-private lessons led by outstanding and entertaining instructors.

Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with weight training and cardiovascular equipment, aerobics, fitness classes, personal training and body-fat analysis. The resort’s highly praised children’s recreation programs for ages three to 12, offered 365 days a year, are free to all guests.

From The Colony Dining Room, guests can bask in views of the Gulf of Mexico while savoring contemporary Continental cuisine and one of the nation’s finest wine lists. It’s open for both lunch and dinner, and also for the award-winning Sunday brunch.

The Monkey Room, with outdoor and indoor seating, features creative and flavorful dishes with island influences. The adjacent lounge has live nightly entertainment. Outside, bartenders serve exotic drinks on the Monkey Room Patio. Tastebuds Gourmet and Wine Shop also offers sandwiches, cheeses, pastries, wine, gift baskets and more.

Banquet and conference facilities, an elegant designer boutique (Le Tennique), sports shop, water sports center and private, sugar-sand beach round out the amenities. 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. 383-6464 or (800) 4-COLONY. www.colonybeachresort.com.

Located just steps from a private white-sand beach and the sparkling waters of the Gulf, the Hilton Longboat Key Beach Resort is a tropical resort minutes from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Newly renovated rooms are decorated in jewel tones with contemporary furniture. Oversized rooms offer two queen or single king beds, honor bar and complimentary coffeemaker, hair dryer and in-room safes. Daily local newspaper delivery, premium television channels and high-speed wireless Internet are standard. 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. 383-2451.

LIDO KEY

The Lido Beach Resort is a favorite among visitors and locals for its beachside pool bar and the Old Florida charm of its simple, elegant tropical design. Located beachfront on Lido Key, 222 suites, kitchenettes and deluxe guest rooms are all just a short drive from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and a comfortable stroll from the unique shops and cafés of St. Armands Circle. Meeting facilities consist of 6,000 square feet of flexible space with several breakout configurations available. The Sunset Terrace offers a casual atmosphere and spectacular views of Lido Beach and sunsets. Beach functions are also available, complemented by a full-service catering staff and award-winning chef. 700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. (800) 441-2113.

With 600 feet of private powder-white sand beach, the full-service Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel radiates a friendly, tropical atmosphere with its spectacular views and superb accommodations. Two restaurants provide casual, open-air or formal dining and live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday in the lounge. Guests can enjoy two heated pools and a pool bar with complimentary hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon. The Sandcastle’s recreation department arranges Aqua Cat sailboats, aqua cycles or kayaks and offers lessons on each.

Each guest room includes a refrigerator, coffeemaker, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, make-up mirror and daily newspaper. Professional meeting space accommodates all the needs of the corporate traveler, too. 1540 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. 388-2181 or (800) 225-2181.

The Holiday Inn Lido Beach is one of Sarasota’s most tasteful hotels, situated directly opposite the Gulf of Mexico and just two blocks from St. Armands Circle. It features an outdoor pool overlooking the Gulf and provides complimentary transportation to and from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Guest rooms offer one king or two queen beds and a host of amenities.

The Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with room service. Beach cabanas, beach chairs and bicycle rentals are available. 233 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. 388-5555 or (800) 315-2621.

          Located on private beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico, within walking distance of St. Armands Circle, Suntide Island Beach Club features furnished one- and two-bedroom condo units with fully equipped kitchens. On-site amenities include a heated pool and hot tub, grills, laundry facilities and bicycle rentals. 850 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. (888) 786-8433.

SIESTA KEY

Nestled between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on Siesta Key, The Palm Bay Club’s two heated pools, lighted tennis courts, yacht basin, fishing pier, private clubhouse and exercise equipment complement a secluded beach that’s ideal for sunning or shelling. It offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, all fully furnished and providing breathtaking views of the Gulf and tropical landscaping. 5960 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. (800) 725-6229. www.palmbayclub.com.