Leaders of Longboat Key's resorts reflect on evolution

By Dana Kampa
| 7:30 a.m. April 30, 2025

Alitza Trumpler leads a Q&A with Katie Moulton and Winfred van Workum at Pierre Condominiums about the transition from The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort to St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Having weathered an early opening, back-to-back hurricanes, retraining staff members who had only just begun to find their flow and all the other daily quandaries that arise when running a large-scale, luxury resort St. Regis Longboat Key Resort General Manager Winfred van Workum joined community members for a discussion about where the hotel is now and its predecessor, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

Alitza Trumpler invited van Workum and former general manager of The Colony, Katie Moulton, for a Q&A with residents at Pierre Condominiums on April 23 about the change of watch.

Moulton shared stories of her time managing The Colony, which opened in 1954, gaining renown for its premier tennis courts and pristine beach views over the Gulf. Her father, Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, founded the Longboat Key staple in hospitality.

Trumpler took the group back to the resort's heyday by playing a 1988 promotional video and other glimpses of the legacy it built.

Alitza Trumpler, Winfred van Workum and Katie Moulton

Attendees Neil and Marsha Goldman warmly remembered their then-8-year-old daughter's delight at finding a hub where she could play sports with kids her age.

Eventually, the resort closed in 2010 amid legal disputes. About 14 years later, St. Regis officially opened its doors last August.

Van Workum recounted the trials the new resort faced. Mere months after the opening, hurricanes hit the Key with tremendous force. But he takes pride because staff didn't just rebuild, but excelled well enough to land a spot on the Travel + Leisure list of top 100 new hotels.

"It feels really good," he said. "It's been really intense, and everyone deserves a break, though I'm not sure it's coming based on demand in the next few months."

St. Regis Longboat Key Resort General Manager Winfred van Workum shares his perspective on what has made the resort's debut successful.

He said he is proud of the recognition, but even more so of their high booking numbers and positive guest feedback.

"We're grateful for the local community too," he said, glad they could assuage some early apprehension about the resort's effect on commutes.

Moulton said she shares their pride in seeing the new resort thrive in a place she cares about so deeply.

"I love seeing all the people around and hearing the sounds of laughter again," she said. "It sat there, dormant, for so many years. It came alive again, and I love it."

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.