If it’s leisure you seek, Sarasota’s resort rooms are never far from attractions for the whole family: Golf courses, fine arts, local hot spots, gourmet restaurants and beautiful beaches are in your vacation back yard. Take in all that culturally-rich Sarasota has to offer and be sure to catch a few rays while you’re at it.

If you’re here on business, the view from the hotel’s conference room windows is sure to be dazzling. Most resorts offer high-speed Internet access and other business-oriented amenities, allowing even busy professionals time for a soothing poolside soirée or a promenade along our pretty shores.

          And while Sarasota’s scenery, attractions and up-and-coming metropolitan energy constantly tempt you from your lodging, rest assured: The resort’s own temptations will eventually bring you back.

DOWNTOWN

Located near the city center overlooking Sarasota Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a stylish Florida beach resort with city sophistication. For the discriminating guest, the AAA Five-Diamond resort offers elegant accommodations, award-winning dining, famous personalized service and unlimited access to the Mobil-rated spa, private Gulf-front beach club and a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course.

All 266 rooms include down duvets, Italian Frette-brand linens, Bose CD players, desks and chaise lounges, furnished balconies with bay, marina or city views, bathrooms with double marble vanities and plush Ritz-Carlton robes. The resort is of classic Mediterranean Revival style, blending the Ritz-Carlton tradition of refined elegance with the warmth and charm of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Under the watchful eye of executive chef Frederic Morineau, a tempting array of dining options awaits. Available to the public, the resort’s award-winning signature restaurant Vernona is dedicated to serving organic New American cuisine, made from the freshest and healthiest ingredients from local and regional farmers. The Lobby Lounge offers traditional afternoon tea, and the bayfront Bay View Bar & Grill is the perfect spot for al fresco dining. The Ritz-Carlton’s bar, Cà d’Zan, is comfortable and classic, a local favorite for drinks, dancing and live music, and the bistro-style menu offers a casually elegant dining experience.

          Named by Robb Report as one of the world’s best new golf courses for 2006, The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club is an 18-hole Tom Fazio design available only to members of The Ritz-Carlton Members Club and registered resort guests during their stay. Unlike many Florida courses, The Members Golf Club features significant elevation changes that gracefully roll among the lakes and extensive landscape to form a fair and memorable game of golf. 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota. (800) 241-3333.

Just steps away from downtown theaters, galleries, restaurants and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Hyatt Sarasota on Sarasota Bay provides a relaxing escape into an oasis of lush gardens, blue waters and spectacular sunset views. A panoramic atrium anchors 294 guest rooms, including 12 suites. Relax by the new lagoon pool with a cascading waterfall and 12-person hot tub, enjoy tropical beverages at the Hurricane Hut, or challenge yourself with water sports.

The Hyatt’s 10,000-square foot Sarasota Ballroom provides a generous pre-function area, office and storage space, permanent registration desk and the flexibility to divide into eight sections. With this addition, the Hyatt Sarasota’s total meeting space extends to 20,000 square feet, making it the largest conference facility between Tampa and Fort Myers.

Also, the Hyatt introduces its private marina with state-of-the-art Bellingham floating dock system. Located at the marina, the Boathouse restaurant provides casual dining setting with water views. 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. 953-1234 or (800) 233-1234.

           Newly opened at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Tamiami Trail in downtown Sarasota’s charming Rosemary District, Hotel Indigo has 95 warm and welcoming guest rooms, all with hardwood floors and decorative area rugs, spa-inspired showers and oversized beds and pillows. Hotel Indigo features The Golden Bean and Phi for gourmet, casual dining. 1223 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. 487-3800.

LONGBOAT KEY

Long recognized as the No. 1 tennis resort in the nation and a top-notch destination for couples and families, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort offers 208 one- and two-bedroom villa suites nestled in the secluded surroundings of Longboat Key. Accommodations feature a private sun balcony, private master bedroom, living/dining area, full kitchen and master bathroom with whirlpool bath and steam showers. Twenty-six specialty suites, including three private beach houses, give guests the ultimate in luxury.