It’s where sun meets beach and blue skies meld into the blue horizon of serene gulf. It’s where white sand beaches beckon and Old Florida charm meets luxury.
It’s the beachfront SkyBeach Resort, located on the southern tip of St. Petersburg in Florida, and it’s where its guests find serenity.
SkyBeach opened in July 2024 as a 113-room love letter to St. Pete’s vibrant culture, although the property’s history dates back to the 1950s. It was once the Polynesian-themed Outrigger Inn and went through several owners before being purchased in 2022. It then underwent an extensive renovation to create the enticing destination it is today.
New Upgrades
Stepping into the reimagined lobby sets the tone for the resort. The double-height atrium foyer features a sophisticated coastal ambience and two custom-designed check-in desks. There’s also the renovated SkyBeach Event Center, a 6,260-square-foot event center with multiple space configurations. And for those looking for a pick-me-up, the beloved downtown St. Petersburg café Paradeco Coffee Roasters now has a location in the resort’s courtyard.
Of course, the new experiences don’t end there. The highly anticipated SouthSeas Tapas is slated to also open shortly. The restaurant will offer an elevated take on coastal dining while paying tribute to the property’s legacy as the former Outrigger Inn. It will feature fresh Gulf Coast and locally sourced ingredients infused with French and Asian influences, as well as Tiki-inspired cocktails, all served against a backdrop of views of the marina.
SouthSeas Tapas will be the resort’s second dining venue. SkyBar + Grille, which is already open for lunch and dinner, is a two-story, open0air bar and restaurant located on SkyBeach’s private beach.
Things to Do
While many opt to simply relax on the private beach (and in a cabana!) or at one of the resort’s two resort-style pools, there is also plenty of other entertainment and recreational offerings available.
SouthSide Sports is an outdoor community sports destination. It has 12 pickleball courts, four professional beach volleyball courts, and one tennis court. It’s led by Director of Racquets Eduardo Ferreira, a former top 100 tennis player.
SkyBeach also features a newly renovated, state-of-the-art marina with 29 boat slips.
And of course, there’s the Azibi Stage, SkyBeach’s signature live entertainment venue. Set on the sand with the Gulf as its backdrop, the stage plays host to musicians on the weekends.
Nearby
Want to explore the area? SkyBeach is near several must-see attractions, such as The Salvador Dali Museum and The Chihuly Collection. You can also head to Fort De Soto Park, Maximo Park, or the Sunken Gardens. From historic landmarks to pop-up galleries to shopping and even Busch Gardens, there is plenty to see and experience.
But of course, after a busy day, coming back to SkyBeach provides a welcome respite.
“At SkyBeach, my goal has always been to create a resort that reflects the heart and soul of St. Pete,” says Ben Willner, president and chief executive officer of Willner Realty and Development Company, which acquired the property. “We’ve incorporated everything–from local culture and entertainment to recreation–so guests can enjoy an authentic St. Pete experience. It is an honor to carry forward the legacy of this historic property while continuing to add new experiences that make it even more special.”