We all dream about what it would be like to live someplace sleek and luxurious…somewhere on the beach – away from it all, and yet, you can still throw on a pretty dress and go to dinner at a chic restaurant.
I imagine that life at Infinity Longboat Key, a contemporary condominium soon-to-be-built along the shores of Sarasota, will offer such days of beachfront bliss. Situated midway along the barrier island of Longboat Key, with its twelve miles of pristine Gulf beaches and luxury amenities, numerous waterfront luxury condos are still available.
A view of Longboat Key from above Lido
And if I were lucky enough to reside in one of its eleven exclusive residences, my day (and my outfits) would look something like this:
Waking up to the sound of the waves:
It would be 8:30 or so. The expansive sliding glass doors would already be open; off in the distance a sailboat skimming the water. I would gracefully rise out of bed in a long, white robe and nightdress and step barefoot onto the terrace. The sound of the waves would greet me while the sea breeze would give my hair an effortless, tousled effect.
My handsome husband has already woken up, made the coffee, and sliced fresh strawberries, pineapple, and mango. 
I see a note on the kitchen counter: Hi Beautiful. Gone golfing with Brian at the Resort at Longboat Key Club.
Given that the Longboat Key Club has earned Golf Digest’s prestigious “Best Places to Play” award, he’d probably be there a while.
Breakfast on the Key:
After sipping my coffee, I text my friend Lucy (who lives on the next island down, Anna Maria). We meet for breakfast at LBK-favorite, Harry’s Continental Kitchens. I could walk there but decide at the last minute to take my red Vespa instead. In a long sundress and adorable wide brimmed hat, we would sit outside. I order the “Little Palm Island” eggs benedict with crab cakes (because in my daydream, I am not allergic to shellfish). We’d chat about the novel she’s writing, enjoy our mimosas, and each go about our day.
Photo courtesy HarrysKitchen.com. Photo by Chad Spencer.
Tennis on the Har-Tru Court
I hop back on my red Vespa and head home to play a match of tennis with my neighbor, Shelley. We’d stretch first in the Infinity fitness center. Then, we’d hit the ball around as if we were true tennis champions. I’d win. Twice.
We cool down at the beachside infinity edge pool. I wear a blue, vintage-inspired two-piece swimsuit.
1905 Salad at the Columbia
Having worked up an appetite, Shelley and I decide to have lunch at the Columbia on St. Armands Circle – my treat since I’m such a gracious winner. The Columbia is one of my favorite places for lunch. It opened in Ybor City in 1905, and it’s also Florida’s oldest restaurant.
We take Shelley’s Infinity G35 and arrive within five minutes of leaving home. The place is packed but we get a great table along the sidewalk. Passersby wonder who that lovely lady in the red, polka dot dress is (I’ve changed again).
For tapas, we order the Mussels y Chorizo “Andres” (because seriously I miss shellfish). Then, I have a 1905 Salad while Shelley delights in the Ropa Vieja.
Walking the Circle:
Already surrounded by stylish boutiques, it would only make sense for Shelley and I to go shopping. (I mean, we are already there and I need a cute dress for our theatre plans this evening.) So, first we go to Foxy Lady where Shelley discovers an adorable black dress by Susana Monaco. Then we head to Shore Brand. I decide to purchase the Lenny Maxi in teal because it looks nice with my red hair.
Photo by Dale Ann Clancy photography
But, oh, I forgot…. I still need a new dress for tonight, so we also go to Lilly Pulitzer. The most stunning black dress calls to me from across the room. Clearly the designer had me in mind because it fits perfectly!
Sunset Overlooking the Gulf
After returning home to my lovely husband, he tells me about his golfing and whatnot as we get ready for our favorite time of day – sunset!
In a long, light pink, cotton dress and hat, I walk along the sand, hand-in-hand with my husband. The sun is starting to dip below the horizon. I put my well-manicured toes into the warm waters of the Gulf. He finds the perfect sand dollar and gives it to me.
Sunset is always the most perfect of experiences – reconnecting you to the movements of the earth and stars and reminding you to be grateful for every moment you are given.
A Night at the Theatre
With evening upon us, we change for the theatre. Once named the “Best Small City in America,” Sarasota is brimming with endless options for the performing arts. Tonight, we head to Florida Studio Theatre (which is not but fifteen minutes away in our 1967 Porsche 911S) and enjoy a show in their intimate cabaret stage.
Florida Studio Theatre. Photo by Cliff Roles.
It’s a good thing I wore my sparkly cardigan over my new dress because, having heard of my vocal prowess, the performers ask me onstage to join them for a number. The audience insists on an encore.
This blogger, living her dream day from Infinity Longboat Key. Photo by Cliff Roles.
Returning Home
It’s been a long and wonderful day. Tomorrow, all I have planned is lounging on the beach, paddle boarding, and reading Stephen King’s book, Duma Key, which he was rumored to have written from here. And since Stephen’s coming over for dinner this weekend, I can ask him all about it!
Want to learn more about what life could be like at Infinity Longboat Key, check out this virtual tour or visit the Michael Saunders & Company New Homes website.
View recent articles on TheSaundersBlog to learn more about the area:
Longboat Key North, South, and Everything in Between
St. Armands Circle: Why You’ll Wish You Had $13 and a Time Machine