SkyBeach Resort, a new beachfront resort on the southern tip of St. Petersburg, FL., has unveiled a series of enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience and usher in a new era for the historic property. The upgrades include the reimagined lobby and SkyBeach Event Center, as well as the addition of Paradeco Coffee Roasters, the second location of the beloved downtown St. Petersburg café. Later this year, the resort will also introduce SouthSeas Tapas, an upscale dining concept.
Acquired in 2022 by Willner Realty and Development Company (WRDC), SkyBeach Resort underwent a comprehensive renovation before reopening in July 2024 with 113 redesigned guest rooms and thoughtfully curated amenities. Today, the resort stands as a “love letter’’ to St. Pete’s culture, providing a laid-back luxury destination for guests and locals alike.
“At SkyBeach, my goal has always been to create a resort that reflects the heart and soul of St. Pete,” said Ben Willner, president and chief executive officer of WRDC. “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.”
SkyBeach’s new spaces include:
Lobby
Designed by Charleston Bay Interiors, the newly reimagined lobby welcomes guests with a sophisticated coastal ambience. Inspired by the serene hues of the Gulf and sky, the space features soft, neutral tones, warm wood finishes and rich textures.
Upon arrival, guests enter a double-height atrium foyer filled with natural light, leading to two custom-designed check-in desks. Three distinct seating areas are anchored by custom floor-to-ceiling bookcases, providing a sense of intimacy while maintaining an open, airy flow. A standout feature is a custom accent wall by St. Pete artist Jesse Wilhelm of JW Murals. Hand-applied in authentic Venetian plaster, the piece is inspired by the ocean, layering shades of blue with a silver wax finish that shimmers like sunlight reflecting on the water. Toward the back of the lobby, an eclectic arrangement of framed artwork and dimensional wall decor enhances the atmosphere, evoking the comfort and personality of a well-curated living room.
SkyBeach Event Center
Also designed by Charleston Bay Interiors, SkyBeach Event Center is a versatile, 6,260-square-foot coastal-inspired venue ideal for a wide range of occasions. Guests can access the event center from the main lobby or via an exterior entrance in front of the resort. The space features a 544-square-foot lobby, which can be used for registration or check-in purposes; the 4,228-square-foot Grand Ballroom, a flexible space that can accommodate up to 250 guests; and Coral Cove, the second-largest room offering a more intimate setting. The Grand Ballroom comprises three smaller rooms – Banyan Tree, Royal Palm and Ocean Breeze – each of which can be used individually.
Paradeco Coffee Roasters
Paradeco Coffee Roasters, the beloved downtown St. Petersburg café, brings its second location to the SkyBeach Resort’s courtyard, offering the same menu that has made it a favorite among locals. Paradeco specializes in single-origin coffee sourced from micro-lot and women-owned farms in Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia and Guatemala and roasted in-house. Guests can enjoy signature drinks like the Cold Fashioned, a bold blend of cold brew, Vermont maple syrup, orange bitters, angostura bitters, oat milk and an orange-infused ice block, and the Maple Cinny Latte, made with Vermont maple syrup, Ceylon organic cinnamon, espresso and oat milk. The menu also features wellness-focused, gluten-free and mostly vegan options made with locally sourced ingredients.
Designed by Place Architecture, the SkyBeach location of Paradeco maintains the café’s signature paradise-meets-art deco aesthetic, incorporating the same curved detailing, blue quartzite stones and gold accents.
“Paradeco was built on the idea of blending paradise with an art deco vibe, so opening at SkyBeach felt like the perfect fit,” said Sonya and Thomas Maloney, co-founders and owners of Paradeco Coffee Roasters. “When we first visited the hotel, we immediately saw the opportunity – the renovation is beautiful, and the views are breathtaking. Being able to watch the sunrise over the bay with a great cup of coffee in hand is exactly the kind of experience we want to offer. We’re also excited to bring something new to south St. Pete and be part of the area’s growth.”
Coming soon to SkyBeach:
SouthSeas Tapas | Opening in 2025
Located off of the resort’s main lobby, SouthSeas Tapas will offer an elevated take on coastal dining while paying tribute to the property’s legacy as the former Outrigger Inn, a 1960s retreat known for its Polynesian-themed dining and entertainment. Led by Executive Chef Tom Legg, the restaurant will blend nostalgic charm with a sophisticated nautical atmosphere, inviting guests to relax and savor the moment while enjoying views of the marina. The menu will feature fresh Gulf Coast and locally sourced ingredients infused with French and Asian influences and complemented by nostalgic Tiki-inspired cocktails. A weekend brunch may launch in the future.
Existing amenities:
Currently, SkyBeach offers a variety of dining, entertainment and recreational offerings, which can be found below. Additional amenities include a private beach with cabanas, two resort-style pools, outdoor event venues, shuffleboard courts and fire pits.
SouthSide Sports
SouthSide Sports serves as an outdoor community sports destination with scenic bay views and a range of activities for both resort guests and visitors. The facility features 12 pickleball courts, four professional beach volleyball courts and one tennis court. Under the leadership of Director of Racquets Eduardo Ferreira, a former top 100 tennis player, SouthSide Sports offers professional clinics, lessons and programs designed for all skill levels. Single and family memberships.
SkyBeach Marina
SkyBeach Resort features a newly renovated, state-of-the-art marina offering 29 boat slips with options for day, transient and seasonal docking. Open to both resort guests and the local community, the marina provides convenient access to the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge and nearby sandbars, making it an ideal base for exploring the area’s waterways. Amenities include a fish cleaning station with fresh water access, power pedestals, restrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Azibi Stage
The Azibi Stage is SkyBeach’s signature live entertainment venue, set right on the sand with the Gulf as its backdrop. The stage is named in honor of hotel owner Ben Willner’s late cousin, Henri Maizel, a U.S. Army veteran who played in the 5th Army Band and later found his creative home in Ibiza, where he performed with his band, Azibi, alongside renowned musicians and co-founded the legendary Pacha Club. Today, the stage pays tribute to a life filled with music, adventure and artistic passion while celebrating St. Pete’s vibrant music culture. Hotel guests can enjoy complimentary live entertainment on weekends.
SkyBar + Grille | Open for Lunch & DinnerLocated on SkyBeach’s private beach, SkyBar + Grille is a two-story, open-air bar and restaurant open to both resort guests and the local community. Diners can enjoy live entertainment while they indulge in a menu of elevated yet casual coastal cuisine, refreshing beachside drinks and tropical frozen cocktails. Of note is the Tuna Tartare, made with fresh marinated tuna and avocado served with crispy wonton chips; the Drunken Rib-Eye Steak Sandwich, featuring tender rib-eye topped with caramelized onions; the Crawfish Po’boy, made with fried blackened crawfish tails and remoulade sauce; and the Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich, featuring tender soft-shell crab layered with lettuce, apple cider slaw and garlic aioli.
Photos Courtesy of SkyBeach Resort