Safety Harbor has a long history as a therapeutic spa. A National Historic Landmark, it differs from other spas in having natural mineral springs. Indian shell mound builders settled here as long ago as 2,000 years, probably attracted by the waters which flow from five springs on the property. The Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto came upon them in 1539 and dubbed the "Springs of the Holy Spirit." Not until Dr. Salem Baranoff purchased it in 1944, however, did Safety Harbor take on the mantle of "health spa" by combining the therapeutic waters with body and skin treatments and overnight accommodations. Now under new ownership, it's going through a major renovation.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 727-724-7722

As part of the overall renovation, Safety Harbor has also invested in upgrading its seven Har-Tru tennis courts, resurfacing all seven and installing new nets and windscreens. The clubhouse, too has been spiffed up, and now sports a large flat-screen television. But the most dramatic development is management's decision no longer to farm the tennis operation out to a concessionaire and to bring it in house, instead. To that end, they've former Yugoslavian Fed Cup coach Paul Spies, who had previously helped both Phil Green and Terry Addison run academies at the resort.

Tennis Programs. Says Spies of his plans: "We're going to run the program pretty much as we did when Phil was here," referring to the customized academy programs. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Courts & Fees. The 7 clay courts (3 with lights) overlook Tampa Bay (one of them, the teaching court, runs east-west). They're anchored by a two-story clubhouse, with several wooden terraces overlooking the courts, with the air-conditioned pro shop and that bigscreen TV on the upper tier. Court fees: $8/person/2 hours.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about Safety Harbor Resort & Spa.

• "My husband and I have been here several times soley for the tennis instruction. It is geared for each indivdual and it far surpasses any of the other top 100 places we have visited. Unfortunately under the new hotel ownership they have left the courts needing much tlc. The rooms have greatly improved, but more importatly so has our tennis."—J.J., Adv. Int., January 2008

Other Recreation

Spa & Fitness Center. Developed and expanded over a period of more than 50 years, the spa now encompasses some 50,000 square feet. Meandering hallways provide access to the 40 treatment rooms and lead to the mineral-spring-fed indoor and outdoor pools which are used for the spa's renowned water-fitness programs. Massages run the gamut from traditional Swedish to reiki, shiatsu, aromatherapy, and shirodhara. Give the presence of those mineral springs, there are also many hydrotherapy treatments. With renovations has come an outdoor Sanctuary situated between wings of the hotel with an patio and fountain. "We're gearing to become a wellness center," says general manager Zachary Frangos. The room off that Sanctuary and the pretreatment areas have organic teas, cucumber water, whole fruit, and the like.
The spa is supplemented by an extensive fitness center consisting of cardiovascular equipment, a weight-training room, three fitness studios, and dozens of weekly classes, among them spinning, yoga, tai chi, hydro-aerobics, and full Pilates reformer.

Lodging

The resorts's 175 rooms and suites are spread through four buildings ranging in size from one to six stories. All of them have terraces or balconies and views of the water.

Restaurants

Although there is a historic dining room beneath the cupola of one of the original buildings, it tends to be used for weddings and functions so most guests end up dining in the Cafe and Patio at the front of the resort. The health-conscious menus list grams of fat and carbohydrates for each entrée and includes such selections as tofu steak, grilled polenta with scallops and shrimp, and pan-seared Florida grouper.

See Also

Among the other tennis resorts with programs similar to Safety Harbor's are:

• Daufuskie Island Resort and Breathe Spa, South Carolina
• The Greenbrier, West Virginia
• The Homestead, Virginia
• La Costa Resort & Spa, California

Travel Essentials

Seasons. Year-round, though there is more tennis activity from September to May.

The following rates are for the tennis package, which bundles premium accommodations with two hours of group instruction daily, breakfast daily, a 30-minute massage, and more.

Safety Harbor Resort & Spa
105 N. Bayshore Dr.
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
727-726-1161
Toll-free: 888-237-8772
Web Link: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa

NEW!

Book Online: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa

 

Travel Instructions. It is less than a 20-minute drive from either the Tampa or St. Petersburg/Clearwater international airports to Safety Harbor. From the Tampa International Airport (TPA), head west on Route 60 and cross the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Turn right on Bayshore. At the four-way stop, the resort will be on your right. From the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport: head north on Route 611 and cross the Bayside bridge. Turn right on Main Street. At the four-way stop, the resort will be directly in front of you.

General Tourist Information. Visit the St Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, web site or contact them at 14450 46th Street North, Suite 108, Clearwater, FL 33762. Phone: 727-464-7200 or 800-FL-BEACH.

Links: Home | Index | Search | Specials | Calendar | Juniors | Join Our Mailing List | Contact TRO | Site Map | Rate This Resort

Maps: Northwest | Southwest & Hawaii | Midwest & South | Northeast | Mid-Atlantic | Southeast & Caribbean | Europe & North Africa

©Copyright 1999-2008 Roger Cox