Since 1981, Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, FL, 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, the 480-acre property, part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent resorts and hotels operated by Pyramid Global Hospitality, is undergoing a $92 million comprehensive renovation led by architecture and design firm EoA Group. From the 451 guestrooms and the lobby to the meeting space, pool and golf courses will be transformed to reflect Saddlebrook’s more than 40-year legacy, while embracing the future.
According to Raj Mohan, managing director, 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.
“The lobby will include a thoughtfully curated memorabilia area that pays homage to Saddlebrook’s celebrated sports legacy, highlighting its storied alumni and decades of excellence in golf and tennis,” he added. “Another exciting addition is a new coffee bar concept, which will serve as a lively 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.”
The guestrooms and suites are undergoing complete transformation, reflecting a “modern yet comfortable residential aesthetic,” noted Mohan, who added, “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.”
The resort’s 500,000-gallon pool, known as Super Pool since it opened the same year Tampa hosted the Super Bowl in 1984, is also being refreshed with a retro-inspired look.
“The redesign will incorporate a lively color palette of vibrant pinks and lush greens, complemented by modern touches to create a vintage-chic, tropical aesthetic,” said Mohan. “The vision is to cultivate a stylish yet laid-back social atmosphere, ideal for everything from poolside lounging to fun gatherings with friends and family.”
The resort’s golf courses are undergoing 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.
“This new design will allow for varied play and enhanced pace of play, appealing to both casual golfers and seasoned players,” said Mohan. “The upgrades include new greens built to USGA standards, laser-leveled tee boxes for improved consistency and enhanced bunkers that elevate the challenge and beauty of the courses. A state-of-the-art irrigation system is also being introduced to ensure optimal playing conditions year-round. These enhancements build upon the December 2024 debut of Saddlebrook’s new 13-acre driving range with a double-sided hitting area, two TifEagle Bermuda grass putting greens and three dedicated short-game zones with greenside bunkers.”
Earlier this year, the resort’s indoor event venues, including the 12,500-sq.-ft. Royal Palm Ballroom and the 8,000-sq.-ft. Pegasus Ballroom.
“These signature spaces have been upgraded with new chandeliers, fresh patterned carpeting and integrated high-speed internet and digital signage technology—creating a flexible, modern environment suited for everything from weddings to corporate conferences and social gatherings,” noted Mohan. “These updates are just one of the ways we are elevating the guest experience to ensure Saddlebrook is a leading destination for both leisure and business events.”
According to Mahon, the redesigned ballrooms debuted in February. Some renovated public spaces with be unveiled this summer, with new dining venues, golf courses and the Super Pool to follow later this year. Guestroom renovations are underway in phases and will be completed by the end of the year.
