Led by architecture and design firm EoA Group, renowned golf course architect Rees Jones reimagined its courses into three interchangeable nine-hole courses, including those originally designed by Dean Refram. in 1976 and Arnold Palmer in 1982. They sit alongside 41 tennis courts, spanning all Grand Slam surfaces of hardcourt, grass, and clay, on which Hall of Famers Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick, and Martina Hingis—and even current men’s No. 3 Alex  Zverev—have trained. That’s in addition to an elevated poolside experience, four new dining concepts, and a complete refresh of the resort’s 451 guestrooms.

“Whether they come to work on their golf or tennis swing, learn to play paddleball, or are simply looking for a destination to relax and reconnect with friends and family, we want guests to embrace the energy of the resort and its more than 40-year legacy,” the resort’s managing director Jeff Mayers says.

A Sporting Legacy

With a convenient location just 30 minutes northeast of Tampa International Airport, Saddlebrook Resort may have started as a convention resort when it opened in 1981, but it quickly veered its reputation into a sports getaway, as athletes and amateurs alike clamored for its tennis and golf facilities.

With the Saddlebrook Golf Academy opening along with the resort in 1981, Harry Hopman Tennis Academy joining in 1986, and student-athlete hub Saddlebrook Preparatory School in 1993, the resort has grown from a place where vacationers hit a few balls for leisure to destination that travelers seek out for its top-tier facilities, as proven by the long list of celeb names who have trained here. Among them are tennis greats James Blake, Jim Courier, Mardy Fish, and John Isner, and golf pros Akshay Bhatia, K.J. Choi, and Karl Vilips.

“We want our guests to be inspired by our legacy,” Mayers says of the opportunities not just to play on the same courts and links that the champions have, but to also benefit from their coaches and instructors, which guests and resort members have access to. “When you visit, you become part of what’s made us great for so many years.”

And Saddlebrook is continuing to up the ante on its partnerships and facilities to ensure that legacy carries forth into the future. In late 2024, the Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry—which serves more than 20,000 players— moved their international headquarters to the resort, which also has eight pickleball courts and fitness center, plus a padel facility in the works.

Over on the links—set among the cypresses, pines, oaks, and palm trees—the transformation of its two 18-hole courses into three nines means more options for golfers, rare even among the most storied golf resorts. Also new: a 13-acre driving range, which opened in December 2024 with two-sided tees and putting greens.

Perhaps the most innovative addition is the Play-by-Play Broadcasting experience that’s bookable for private groups, allowing guests to step behind the mic to try their sports broadcasting skills, adding another unique dimension to Saddlebrook’s offerings for sports-minded travelers.

Rooms with a (Stunning) View

Despite its sports focus, at the heart of Saddlebrook is an upscale resort experience, now with an extra gleam as every step of the guest’s visit has been mindfully elevated through the recent makeover.

That begins upon arrival with the natural light-filled entrance of the lobby with contemporary furnishings and curated artwork. “I love watching guests walk into this newly revived space for the first time,” Mayers says. “They’re at the beginning of their stay, and all the memories they’ll take home with them are still ahead.”

Each of the newly renovated guest rooms offers spacious accommodations that work for a variety of travelers—from traditional hotel rooms to three-bedroom suites with living areas and kitchens, as well as a private patio or balcony with views of the golf course or nature preserve.

Outside of the rooms, conference goers can enjoy the 200,000 square feet of renovated meeting space, while nature lovers can head out on the tropical trails, where they’re treated to sightings of turtles, frogs, and gators. And everyone can make a splash in the Super Pool, named after the 1984 Tampa Super Bowl, updated with lush landscaping and private cabanas, in addition to mural by Miami illustrator Gabriela Benatar that’s an ode to the local flora and fauna.

Fresh Flavors

The renovation also brought a complete reimagining of Saddlebrook’s culinary experience, introducing four new concepts. The signature restaurant is RARE 1981, honoring the resort’s founding year with Gulf Coast cuisine like mojo glazed shrimp skewers, Moroccan stewed chicken, and Mayers’ favorite, osobuco. “The blend of flavors leaves a lasting impression,” he says. “Coupled with a bold wine or creative cocktail, it’s the hallmark of a great night out at Saddlebrook Resort.”

For more casual meals, the all-day cafe and marketplace BREW serves up specialty coffee and pastries, as well as breakfast options like omelet bites and overnight oats, and lunch dishes ranging from Caesar salads to Cuban sandwiches. There’s also the Palmhaus poolside bar and kitchen with locally-inspired small plates, like grouper ceviche, shrimp tostada, and peel-and-eat shrimp—and Saddlebrook’s new sports tavern is set to open in spring 2026.

Like its varied dining options, the resort is a true destination with something for everyone.

“Saddlebrook offers plenty of ways to unwind and enjoy the Florida lifestyle,” Mayers says. “We hope all of our guests leave with a sense of fulfilment, lasting memories, and a desire to return.”

Saddlebrook Resort is a part of the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.