A reimagined guest experience—featuring a redesigned lobby, upgraded accommodations, refreshed event spaces, new dining concepts, and an ambitious golf course overhaul—marks the beginning of a dynamic new chapter for Florida’s iconic resort.
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. An exciting new chapter is underway at Saddlebrook Resort, the iconic 480-acre Tampa Bay-area destination known for world-class golf, tennis, leisure and group getaways. The sweeping $92 million transformation now in motion is reimagining the 451-room resort from the ground up – positioning it among the nation’s premier leisure and sports resorts.
The renovations - led by acclaimed architecture and design firm EoA Group – touch nearly every facet of the guest experience, from the lobby, accommodations, and restaurants to the event spaces, outdoor areas, and multiple swimming pools. Renowned golf course architect Rees Jones will undertake a redesign of Saddlebrook’s courses, an integral piece of the resort’s expansive sports offerings that already include a digital golf learning studio, indoor hitting bay, BalanceLab and SAM PuttLab for advanced golf play analysis, 43 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, a fitness center for cardio and strength training, a spa, plus a planned multi-court Padel area, and more. Saddlebrook is also home to the famed Saddlebrook Golf Academy, Hopman Tennis Program, and Saddlebrook Prep, long time training grounds for international sports legends.
“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,” said Michael Kazma, President of Amzak Capital Management. “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.”
Guided by a vision that honors Saddlebrook’s more than 40-year legacy while embracing the future, the resort is evolving into a vibrant retreat for today’s travelers, athletes, and groups. Guests can experience this new iteration of Saddlebrook as early as summer 2025, with the golf course renovations debuting in fall 2025.
“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 guest rooms 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.”
Saddlebrook’s Storied History in Sports & Hospitality
The original owners of the resort acquired the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy in 1986 and moved it to Saddlebrook, which has been its home ever since. Champions like Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis, Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish, James Blake and John Isner are counted among alumni, and today’s #2 ATP tour player, Alex Zverev, has trained at Saddlebrook since the age of 12.
Saddlebrook’s renowned golf courses, originally designed by Arnold Palmer, further cemented Saddlebrook’s reputation as a destination for the who’s-who in sports. Over the years, pro players like Keegan Bradley, K.J. Choi, Akshay Bhatia and Karl Vilips have honed their skills at Saddlebrook’s on-site academy and facility.
The launch of Saddlebrook Preparatory School in 1993, combined with the resort’s impressive sports facilities, attracted student-athletes from around the world, blending elite training with academics.
In 2024, the Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry relocated their international headquarters to Saddlebrook, reinforcing the resort’s reputation as a world-class training and sports destination.
The Arrival Experience
From the moment guests arrive, the resort’s transformation will be evident. A refreshed porte-cochère will feature a new outdoor entrance, lighting, and refined landscaping to create an inviting first impression. The redesigned lobby will feature thoughtful enhancements, including a memorabilia area paying tribute to the resort’s rich heritage and Saddlebrook Academy’s legendary sports alumni. Guests will be able to explore a curated display of trophies, mementos, and historic relics, offering a deeper connection to the resort’s history. A new coffee shop concept will be introduced just off the lobby, where guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, baked goods, and a selection of grab-and-go items.
Redesigned & Modernized Guest Rooms and Suites
Guest rooms and suites will be entirely reimagined—seamlessly blending contemporary sophistication with the warmth and ease of residential living. The refreshed accommodations will include a range of standard guest rooms to three-bedroom suites perfect for families and groups who want more room to spread out. Every detail has been considered to create a space that feels fresh, functional and inviting. New furniture will give the rooms a modern feel – marked by sleek wood-accented dressers, plush seating, and thoughtfully designed dining areas. A calming palette of soft neutrals and deep blues will set the tone, complemented by warm lighting and hand-selected artwork. In the suites, updated kitchens will feature white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and rich navy accents. Grouped in peaceful residential clusters, Saddlebrook’s rooms and suites are a central component of the resort’s innovative walking village layout.
A New Era of Dining
The resort’s dining experiences are being revitalized, with multiple concepts and venues opening in the coming months. Once complete, Saddlebrook will feature 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.
A New Pool Experience
Setting the stage for leisurely afternoons, guests will lounge around Saddlebrook’s 500,000 gallon “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 Super Pool’s new aesthetic will reflect a palette of vibrant pinks and lush greens that infuse the space with vintage charm and modern-day appeal.
Upgraded, State-of-the-Art Golf Courses
Saddlebrook’s revered golf courses will be comprehensively reimagined to heighten playability and elevate the player experience at every level. The two existing 18-hole courses will be redesigned into a challenging 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 state-of-the-art irrigation system will be introduced to optimize course conditions and ensure pristine fairways and greens year-round.
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.
Elevated & Unique Places to Meet and Celebrate
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. Upgraded technology, including high-speed internet and digital wayfinding displays, gives advanced connectivity and convenience.
For those seeking an open-air setting, Saddlebrook offers more than 175,000 square feet of outdoor space perfect for breakout sessions or unique 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 offers a total of more than 200,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space.
Wesley Chapel: A Growing Destination Near Tampa
Saddlebrook Resort is located just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport and the area’s most popular attractions, offering an immersive retreat set amidst the natural beauty of Wesley Chapel – one of the Tampa Bay area’s fastest growing enclaves. Surrounded by retail, dining, and outdoor adventure, Saddlebrook is ideally positioned as both a peaceful escape and a gateway to the region’s vibrant cultural scene. In recent years, Wesley Chapel has emerged as a destination in its own right, boasting premier shopping at The Shops at Wiregrass, exciting entertainment at KRATE at The Grove, and access to outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking in nearby nature preserves.
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.
For more information, please visit www.saddlebrookresort.com or follow along on social media at @saddlebrookresort.
About Benchmark Resorts & Hotels
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels is a curated collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality, a leading management company. 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. Learn more at benchmarkresortsandhotels.com and connect on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
About Pyramid Global Hospitality
Pyramid Global Hospitality is a leading third-party hospitality management company known for delivering innovative solutions to some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts. Formed by the 2021 merger of three prominent hotel management companies, Pyramid now manages a portfolio of over 240 properties across the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe, with offices in Boston, The Woodlands, Texas, Cincinnati, and London. For more information, visit www.pyramidglobal.com.
About Mast Capital
Founded in 2006, Mast Capital is a leading, vertically integrated real estate investment and development firm, driven by a global vision to transform communities and reshape the real estate landscape. By seamlessly blending innovative investment strategies with visionary design, Mast Capital has cultivated a diverse portfolio exceeding $4 billion in total project capitalization. As one of Florida’s most dynamic development firms, Mast Capital currently manages twelve active developments with a substantial future pipeline, spanning residential condominiums, multifamily developments, luxury hotels, commercial properties, operating businesses, and land designated for development. In nearly two decades, Mast Capital’s profound expertise and value-driven approach has uniquely positioned the firm to adeptly navigate market complexities and identify untapped investment opportunities. The firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence and crafting timeless icons, has solidified its reputation as an industry pioneer, devoted to maximizing investment returns and ensuring the long-term success of each venture. For more information on Mast Capital’s portfolio, visit www.MastCapital.com.
About Amzak Capital Management
Founded in 1979, Amzak Capital Management is the private investment firm of the Kazma family, bringing over four decades of operational and investment expertise. Specializing in four major areas—real estate, fixed income, industrials, and healthcare—the firm strategically invests across the capital structure, including development financing, preferred equity, high yield debt, and equity. With a focus on sustainable growth and long-term value creation, Amzak serves as a trusted partner to real estate developers, investment firms, private equity sponsors, and operators.
Media Contact: Saddlebrook@quinn.pr
