April 7th, 2025 – SkyBeach Resort, perched on the sun-soaked southern tip of St. Petersburg, Florida, has unveiled the latest phase of its transformation. With a redesigned lobby, a versatile event center, and the addition of Paradeco Coffee Roasters, the property continues to establish itself as a destination where refined leisure meets authentic local culture.
Acquired by Willner Realty and Development Company in 2022, the resort completed a full-scale renovation before its July 2024 reopening. Today, with 113 reimagined guest rooms, bespoke amenities, and a curated slate of new offerings, SkyBeach blends mid-century Florida nostalgia with contemporary comfort, making it a compelling new entry in the Gulf Coast’s luxury accommodation landscape.
Designed by Charleston Bay Interiors, the reimagined lobby captures the tones and textures of the Gulf itself. Sunlight floods the double-height atrium, while layered neutral hues and warm wood accents bring a sense of tranquility. Among the standout design elements: a custom Venetian plaster mural by local artist Jesse Wilhelm, whose silvery blue tones shimmer like the sea at sunrise.
The space is divided into three intimate seating zones, flanked by custom bookcases and accented with curated artwork—creating the sense of stepping into a well-appointed coastal residence.
Also designed by Charleston Bay Interiors, the 6,260-square-foot SkyBeach Event Center offers a dynamic setting for weddings, conferences, and gatherings of all scales. The Grand Ballroom, divisible into three smaller rooms—Banyan Tree, Royal Palm, and Ocean Breeze—accommodates up to 250 guests. Adjacent spaces, including the Coral Cove Room and a registration-ready pre-function lobby, round out a venue that is equally functional and aesthetically elevated.
Expanding on its vision of a truly St. Pete-rooted experience, SkyBeach has partnered with Paradeco Coffee Roasters to open the café’s second outpost in its courtyard. Known for its single-origin beans and artfully composed drinks like the Cold Fashioned and Maple Cinny Latte, Paradeco brings a wellness-minded menu featuring gluten-free and vegan options, like Cashew Ricotta Kale Toast and a decadent paleo French toast made with local ingredients.
The SkyBeach location, designed by Place Architecture, preserves Paradeco’s signature art deco flair—curved forms, gold accents, and a custom 3D-printed coffee bar—reimagined with coastal tones that reflect the property’s surroundings.
Coming later this year, SouthSeas Tapas will continue SkyBeach’s evolution with an elevated culinary experience helmed by Executive Chef Tom Legg. Nodding to the property’s 1960s history as the Outrigger Inn, the restaurant will blend French and Asian coastal influences with a nostalgic nod to tiki culture. Expect a seafood-forward menu, marina views, and a dining space that celebrates SkyBeach’s storied past.
From the Azibi Stage, named in honor of hotel owner Ben Willner’s late cousin and Ibiza-based musician Henri Maizel, to SkyBar + Grille’s open-air dining on the sand, SkyBeach continues to build a multifaceted hospitality experience rooted in local flair, leisure, and thoughtful design.
With its private marina, expansive recreational offerings, and a growing list of elevated amenities, SkyBeach isn’t simply a beach resort—it’s fast becoming one of Florida’s most thoughtfully reimagined coastal retreats.
The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Spring Break Getaways in Florida