Saddlebrook Resort, the 480-acre, 451-guestroom property in Florida’s Tampa Bay, has kicked off its $92 million renovation. The project, overseen by architecture and design firm EoA Group, is updating the lobby, accommodations, restaurants, event spaces, outdoor areas and multiple swimming pools.
“This renovation represents more than just an investment in Saddlebrook—it’s a commitment to restoring and elevating a legacy destination that has long been recognized as a premier setting for group travel, athletic training, and leisure,” said Camilo Miguel Jr., founder & CEO of Mast Capital, the real estate and investment firm that owns Saddlebrook Resort in partnership with Amzak Capital. “Our goal was to thoughtfully enhance the resort’s offerings, blending tradition with innovation to create a destination where golf, tennis and relaxation thrive.”
“Our partnership with Mast Capital is rooted in a shared commitment to preserving Saddlebrook’s unique heritage while reinvigorating its role as a dynamic destination,” Michael Kazma, president of Amzak Capital Management, said in a statement. “This renovation reflects our long-term vision to modernize the property and enhance its value for guests, the local community, and the broader Wesley Chapel area.”
"Our renovation is enhancing the guest experience with a blend of modern comfort and rich history,” said Raj Mohan, managing director of Saddlebrook Resort. “From updated guestrooms and dining options to revamped event spaces and recreational areas, every detail has been designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Whether guests are looking to lounge by the pool, spend a day on the green or courts, or host a productive corporate retreat, we’re creating an inviting environment that offers something for everyone."
The Arrival Experience
A refreshed porte-cochère will feature a new outdoor entrance, lighting and refined landscaping. The redesigned lobby will feature thoughtful enhancements, including a memorabilia area paying tribute to the resort’s history and Saddlebrook Academy’s sports alumni. Trophies, mementos and historic relics will be on display and new coffee shop concept will be introduced just off the lobby.
Redesigned Guestrooms and Suites
Guestrooms and suites will be entirely reimagined and will range from standard rooms to three-bedroom suites. New furniture will include wood-accented dressers, plush seating and dining areas. The rooms will have a calming palette of soft neutrals and deep blues. In the suites, updated kitchens will have white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and navy accents.
Dining
The resort’s dining experiences are being revitalized, with multiple concepts and venues opening in the coming months. Once complete, Saddlebrook will have four experiences for food and drink, including the lobby’s coffee shop, a new poolside restaurant and bar a sports bar and all-day dining destination.
Updated Pool
Setting the stage for leisurely afternoons, guests will lounge around Saddlebrook’s “Super Pool” – named in honor of the 1984 Super Bowl hosted in Tampa, the same year the pool originally opened. Inspired by a playful ‘60s aesthetic, the 500,000-gallon Super Pool’s new aesthetic will reflect a palette of pinks and greens.
Upgraded Golf Courses
Golf course architect Rees Jones will redesign Saddlebrook’s courses, which already include a digital golf learning studio, indoor hitting bay, BalanceLab and SAM PuttLab for advanced golf play analysis.
The two existing 18-hole courses will be redesigned into a 27-hole layout made up of three interchangeable nine-hole courses. These can be combined in various ways to create three distinct 18-hole championship courses. Greens will be reconstructed using the USGA method for improved performance, fairway bunkers will be invigorated with upgraded drainage and crisp sand, and tee surfaces will be rebuilt and laser-leveled for consistency. Additionally, a new irrigation system will be introduced to optimize course conditions.
Other sports facilities include 43 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, a fitness center for cardio and strength training, a spa plus a planned multi-court Padel area. Saddlebrook is also home to the Saddlebrook Golf Academy, Hopman Tennis Program and Saddlebrook Prep, long time training grounds for international sports legends.
These upgrades build upon the December 2024 opening of Saddlebrook’s new 13-acre driving range that features a double-sided range, two TifEagle bermudagrass putting greens, and three short-game areas with greenside bunkers.
Event Spaces
Saddlebrook’s revamped ballrooms were unveiled this February. More than 40,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting and event spaces have been completely transformed with new chandeliers and patterned carpets throughout. Two signature ballrooms, including the 12,500-square-foot Royal Palm Ballroom and the 8,000-square-foot Pegasus Ballroom, can be segmented into nearly two dozen separate rooms.
Saddlebrook has more than 175,000 square feet of outdoor space for breakout sessions or outdoor meeting space – including the Sports Village, Fountain Courtyard, and the pool deck – each delivering dynamic backdrops for team-building activities, wedding receptions, and al fresco gatherings. Among the resort’s most unique venues is its 60-yard football field, expertly constructed by the same team behind select pro sports fields.
Saddlebrook has more than 200,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space.
In 2022, Mast Capital and Amzak Capital Management acquired the resort with a long-term commitment to its revitalization. In addition to the $92 million renovation with financing from Beach Point Capital, the property’s evolution includes a forthcoming town center with 465 luxury apartments, 25 townhomes, 75,000 square feet of retail and office space, and a pedestrian-friendly promenade. Adjacent development will also introduce a 120-unit townhome community and 25,000 square feet of commercial offerings—further enhancing Saddlebrook’s role as a dynamic hub of resort living, sport, and lifestyle.
Saddlebrook is part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent resorts and hotels operated by Pyramid Global Hospitality.