The History of Opal Collection
Cheers to a Gem of a Decade
A snapshot of how our now 26-resort collection unfolded over the last decade, plus a sneak peek at the three new properties on horizon.
Longtime Guests Share Their Opal Moments
“Thirteen years ago, my
husband, my then one-year-old daughter, and myself, visited Sunset Key Cottages for the first time at Christmas. As we were relaxing on the beach, I noticed an older gentleman raking the sand, apologizing that ‘it didn’t look quite right.’ We started chit-chatting and we mentioned how we had tried to get reservations to Latitudes – the on-site restaurant – for that night, but it was booked up (it was Christmas Eve). He asked what time we wanted to have dinner and said ‘Okay, you’re all set. I’ll take care of it.’ It turns out it was Tom Walsh, who, just a few years later, would found Opal Collection, which Sunset Key would become a part of. That night, when we showed up to dinner, not only did we have a table, but he had reserved a table for himself next to ours. We talked the whole time. He even paid our bill – he wouldn’t take no for an answer on that.
That first impression started a tradition: Every year from then on, we would return to Sunset Key for the holidays, and always have Christmas Eve dinner with Tom up until he died in 2018. Now, when we make our annual trip, while he may not be there, we still very much feel his hospitality.”
–Jana G., an Opal Collection guest since 2010
“Last summer, I took an
impromptu solo trip to The Resort at Longboat Key Club and had such a wonderful time that I booked it again for an annual birthday getaway for my best friend and I. Turns out, about six or seven of our friends could also make it, so I upgraded to a suite and made it into a group getaway.
The first thing that stands out to me was the spa experience: Sally and the girls at reception were so welcoming, helping us get settled with our robes and escorting us to the serenity lounge where we enjoyed strawberries and champagne before and after our treatments. I also loved our beach day, spent swimming and laughing in our private cabana with food and beverage service from Banyan Poolside.
But it was our birthday dinner that makes me tear up thinking about it. The executive concierge had arranged for special table for us outside by the firepit and had a gorgeous birthday cake prepared. I remember feeling so grateful that I was in such a beautiful place, surrounded by the people who matter most to me in this world.”
–Jody K., an Opal Collection guest since 2019
“I live in Maine, so it has
become something of a goal to experience all of Opal Collection’s northeast properties since they’re all within driving distance. I’ve stayed at Wentworth by the Sea in New Hampshire and Samoset Resort in Maine.
That said, I’m a lover of lakes, so my visit to Lake Placid Lodge in the New York Adirondacks this past January really hit all the high notes. For one, we stayed in one of the rustically gorgeous cabins, which was perfectly positioned in front of the frozen lake. Waking up to the view of the water ringed in snowy mountains every morning was surreal. However, if I had to pin my favorite moment down, I’d have to say it was dinner in Artisans [the on-site restaurant]. At one point, the assistant general manager stopped by the table to chat. He comes from a culinary background and is something of master mixologist, so his menu suggestions and drink pairings were spot on. I had the beef tenderloin and I think it was one of the most delicious, perfectly cooked cuts of meat I’ve ever sunk my fork into. We capped off the evening with a nightcap in Maggie’s Pub over a game of cribbage, followed by s’mores back in our cabin over our own fireplace. It truly was my kind of cozy, rustic luxury.”
–John D., an Opal Collection guest since 2023
“Each year, my husband
and I take an extended vacation, usually around five weeks, where we book multiple suites at a resort and have our friends and family rotate through visits. I have kids and grandkids based in Arizona, Minnesota, Florida, and California, so it’s a great way to get them all together.
This year, we stayed at The Resort at Longboat Key Club, but for the last two years, we stayed at Sandpearl Resort right on Clearwater Beach. From the moment we arrived during that first visit, we felt so welcomed and that has never wavered in following visits across Opals. Truly, the staff is so genuinely kind – so much so, when we leave, we are hugging the housekeepers, the beach staff, the front desk all goodbye. Yes, we’ve stayed at other very high-end, very beautiful resorts in the past, but we have never experienced this level of hospitality. Not to mention, they’re so family-friendly and great with kids, so there is nothing like being able to see most of your grandkids (I have 21 of them!) all in one place, bopping back and forth between the beach and pool and having the time of their life.”
–Mary Ann N., an Opal Collection guest since 2022
“Jupiter Beach Resort &
Spa has been like a second home to me since my first stay there in 1992 (before it was even an Opal). My husband and I both work demanding jobs that require us to be away from each other a lot, so this is a special place where we like to rendezvous at least twice a year to really reconnect (additionally, I also regularly visit with various close friends and family).
While I love the resort’s setting with that magnificent warm ocean right at your fingertips and jungle-like tropical vegetation surrounding the building, I think the biggest thing that keeps me coming back is the staff and how well they know us – they know what rooms we like (the penthouse suites, which are even better after the recent renovation), they know our cars, they know we like beach service. Being on a first-name basis with staff like that is really special – and rare. Everyone feels like family to me and they’re always looking out for me, so it’s feels really safe and I don’t think we’d get that in a larger resort. In fact, in a way, it allows my husband and I to let our guard down and act like we’re newlywed 20-year-olds again. And after 41 years of marriage, there’s something to be said for that!”
–Barbara B., an Opal Collection guest since 1992
“My wife, Donna, and I
head down to Key West annually – usually January or February – for a weeklong vacation. We mix it up, where we stay a few nights at Opal Key Resort & Marina and then a few nights at Sunset Key Cottages (or vice versa). There’s just so many levels of fun in Key West – and it’s all so easily accessible from both properties.
Anyway, we have a lot of fond memories from these trips (which date back to 2002), including special Thanksgiving visits we do with the whole family every other year or so. However, there is one from our past visit – in February 2024 – that stands out for good reason. We had just arrived to Sunset Key and were eager to get to the pool that first day. As we were getting settled into our lounge chairs, someone suddenly came up behind us and said ‘Hi mom and dad.’ Boy, what a surprise: It was my son who lives in Philadelphia! He had made a special trip down, and, while he wasn’t staying at Sunset Key, he had worked with the concierge to get special access to visit with us that day. It was quite a treat, and one we appreciate the resort accommodating.”
–Dave G., an Opal Collection guest since 2002
10 Things We Love
Special “10 Things”-themed Opal Unpacked content to help you shape your upcoming stay.
10 Best Restaurants in Jensen Beach, Florida
The best part of a getaway? Digging into an eating adventure. And, lucky for you, The Lucie serves as a perfectly positioned launch point to all of Jensen Beach’s local flavor that will leave you pleasantly surprised and happily stuffed.
10 Things to Do in Delray Beach After Dark
Heading out into the city after dark? Delray Beach may be known for its spirited nightlife, but there are more ways than one to enjoy a night out in this popular destination – ways that don’t involve any imbibing at all.
10 Can’t-Miss Seafood Dishes Across Opal Destinations
Seafood lovers, rejoice! From simple-but-sublime lobster rolls in Maine to yuzu-glazed yellowtail snapper in Key West, we’ve rounded up dishes that make the most of these ocean-dwellers for a culinary-inspired vacation you won’t soon forget.
10 Best Swimming Holes at (and around) Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
If you have an urge to submerge, you might be pleased to know that Bar Harbor has no shortage of water, water, everywhere. From stellar swimming pools to picturesque beaches, here’s exactly where to go to splash around.
10 Best Live Music Venues in Sarasota, Florida
Matt Dendy knows a few things about the Sarasota music scene. Not only is he an acclaimed violinist – boasting a unique sound not typical for this stringed instrument – he’s also a native who has played most major venues for an up-close and personal look at the best places to take in live tunes.
10 Experiences to Level Up Your Next Opal Escape
Opal Collection resorts and hotels are more than just luxurious places to lay your head. From private chef-led culinary events to hands-on outdoor adventures you’ll be raving about for years to come, here’s how our collection can craft and connect you to indelible experiences that discerning travelers covet.
10 Ways To Experience Opal Destinations Through Your Kids
Travel can be an eye-opening experience for the little ones – but also, for the grown-ups. Tap into your childlike sense of wonder with these fun-for-all-ages activities, and learn to see them through the eyes of your kiddos.
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