Since 1981, Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida, a suburb of Tampa, has been a year-round destination for recreational activities such as golf and tennis. In fact, the original owners of the resort in the mid-1980s acquired the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy—standouts such as Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis and Andy Roddick are counted among alumni—and moved it to the resort.
Today, Saddlebrook Resort is stepping into an exciting new era. The 480-acre property, part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent resorts and hotels operated by Pyramid Global Hospitality, is a luxury destination for meetings and events, undergoing a $92 million comprehensive renovation led by architecture and design firm EoA Group. Everything from the 451 guestrooms and lobby to the meeting space, pool and golf courses will be transformed to reflect Saddlebrook’s continued commitment to delivering personalized experiences in the heart of Florida's natural beauty.
Coming This Fall
A Stunning New Lobby, Now Open: Welcome to the heart of the resort, where thoughtful textures, airy seating and artful details set the tone for effortless arrivals and linger-longer moments. According to Jeff Mayers, Managing Director at Saddlebrook Resort, the lobby renovation is all about “reimagining the arrival experience with a balance of comfort, style and storytelling,” featuring a refreshed porte-cochère with a new entrance design, updated lighting elements and lush landscaping.
BREW Cafe: A new coffee bar concept will serve as a social hub for guests to grab their morning coffee, connect with others or unwind throughout the day. The overall design blends contemporary finishes with subtle nods to the resort’s rich heritage, delivering a warm and welcoming first impression.
Reimagined Rooms & Suites: The guestrooms and suites are undergoing a complete transformation, designed to reflect a modern and comfortable residential aesthetic. The interiors have been reimagined to offer a more elevated and contemporary guest experience, from thoughtfully selected new furniture and custom lighting to hand-picked artwork in a palette of soft neutrals and deep blues. In the suites, guests will find upgraded kitchens outfitted with crisp white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and sophisticated navy accents, blending functionality with refined design.
A New Era for Unforgettable Events
Earlier this year, the resort completed a renovation of its 95,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including the 12,500-square-foot Royal Palm Ballroom and the 8,000-square-foot Pegasus Ballroom. These signature ballrooms have been thoughtfully redesigned with modern elegance and flexible layouts, setting the stage for impactful meetings and memorable gatherings of all kinds.
Upgraded with new chandeliers, fresh patterned carpeting and integrated high-speed internet and digital signage technology - enjoy a flexible, modern environment suited for everything from weddings to corporate conferences and social gatherings. "These updates are one of the many ways we are elevating the guest experience to ensure Saddlebrook is a leading destination for both leisure and business events," said Mayers.
Saddlebrook's Iconic Pool, Refreshed
A cornerstone of the resort's “Stay & Play, Your Way” philosophy, the iconic Saddlebrook Super Pool is being reimagined to elevate every moment under the Florida sun. Framed by lush landscaping and tropical palms, the redesigned poolscape features a sprawling lagoon-style design, contemporary cabanas and generous lounge areas perfect for unwinding in style. A new open-air bar nearby offers handcrafted cocktails and light bites, adding an extra touch of ease and indulgence to the experience.
Golf Renovations in Full Swing
Exciting changes are on the horizon for golf at Saddlebrook Resort. This spring, the resort began the next phase of an extensive golf course renovation—now in full swing. These enhancements include a complete redesign by golf course architect Rees Jones, who will transform the layout into a 27-hole configuration comprising three interchangeable nine-hole courses.
Read more about Saddlebrook Resort's golf course redesign.