Florida's Saddlebrook Resort, owned by real estate and investment firm Mast Capital in partnership with Amzak Capital, has completed a $92 million renovation. $72.5 million of the total price was secured in a loan from Beach Point Capital Management last year.
Overseen by architecture and design firm EoA Group, the project included new guestrooms, dining concepts, meeting spaces and poolside perks. Golf course architect Rees Jones redesigned Saddlebrook’s courses. Other sports offerings include 41 tennis with all four Grand Slam surfaces, eight pickleball courts, a fitness center and a planned multi-court Padel complex.
Originally opened in 1981, the resort is also home to Saddlebrook Golf Academy, Hopman Tennis Program and Saddlebrook Prep. In 2024, the Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry established their global headquarters at the resort.
Saddlebrook’s 451 newly redesigned guestrooms and suites evoke Florida living, blending warm wood tones, soft neutrals and deep navy accents. Natural textures, curated artwork and refined finishes were inspired by the surrounding cypress trees and the relaxed sophistication of the resort lifestyle.
Every accommodation has a private patio or balcony. One-Bedroom Suites have a separate living room and dining area along with fully equipped kitchens. The Two-Bedroom Suites are available in a selection of bed configurations, have ensuite baths and dressing areas for each bedroom and shared living and dining spaces.
Food and Beverage
The renovation extends to Saddlebrook's four culinary venues. Rare 1981 pays homage to Saddlebrook’s founding year and is designed with warm lighting and wood-accents. Brew is an all-day café and marketplace in the reimagined lobby. Palmhaus is the resort’s poolside bar and kitchen, and the sports tavern will have large communal tables and oversized screens when it opens
Golf Venues
Under the direction of architect Rees Jones, the original Saddlebrook Resort Course designed by Dean Refram in 1976 and the Palmer Course designed by Arnold Palmer in 1982 have been reimagined as three interchangeable nine-hole layouts with a new practice facility. The fairways of the Pine, Oak and Cypress courses now wind through the natural landscape, framed by cypress, pine, oak and palm trees. The redesigned Pine and Oak courses have enhanced USGA-spec greens, rebuilt tees, improved bunkers and modernized irrigation systems. The first phase of the redesign debuts this month.
The new 13-acre driving range, opened in December 2024, has double-sided tees, TifEagle putting greens and advanced short-game practice areas steps from the resort’s core amenities. Saddlebrook’s Golf Training Center provides advanced instruction and practice facilities for players.
Updated Poolside
Named in honor of the 1984 Super Bowl hosted in Tampa, Saddlebrook’s Super Pool has been updated with new landscaping and private cabanas. Miami-based illustrator Gabriela Benatar created a custom mural for Palmhaus, inspired by Saddlebrook’s natural surroundings and botanical motifs. Her large-scale ceiling artwork weaves in nods to local flora, fauna and movement.
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 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.
Saddlebrook is part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent resorts and hotels operated by Pyramid Global Hospitality.