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.
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15 Reviews on “Guizar Tennis Academy”
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. The purpose of this vacation was to spend time with a fabulous friend from Baltimore, Maryland, play on Har-Tru courts, enjoy the spa and relax. The resort was nice, with a friendly, well trained staff, good food, excellent California wine for $2 for a large pour and spa treatments pricey but pleasant. The best part of this resort is the tennis pro, Paul Spies. In four days he gave me great tips and guided me to change my 3.5 level to the potential of a 4.0. I was amazed how effectively Paul analyzed what I needed to change and his ability to explain what to do and why it worked. This might not be a 5-star resort, but Paul Spies is a 5-star tennis teacher.
Last week I spent three days at Safety Harbor Resort with my sister for a spa getaway. A major highlight for my trip was playing tennis with Paul Spies. I have not picked up a racket in 20 years and after two clinics with him I have a successful new grip, several fool-proof technique tips tailored just for me, and a newfound motivation to get back in the game in Atlanta! He was fantastic! Extremely knowledgeable, personable, and a great sense of humor too! It was so enjoyable. We hope to return soon- and we will be sure to make reservations with the spa AND Paul!
Spent 6 days at Safety Harbor and had two, 1 & 1/2 hour private lessons with Kenny Phoenix, one of the pros. He is excellent….gave me a really good workout and got my forehand back on track in no time. The courts are beautifully maintained and the whole atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed. My renovated room at the resort was lovely & spacious, spa treatments excellent, and food was good. Overall, a great value…I look forward to returning soon!
A great set of sessions with Pro Kenny Phoenix. Courts are clay and in good shape — and look out over the Bay in Tampa.
The tennis staff do everything possible to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Great Tennis
Loved the tennis instructors there. Ken is a remarkable teacher and in only 2 clinics helped me to improve many aspects of my game. The spa there is also terrific. I look forward to my next visit.
This is the second time my wife and I visited this resort and we love it, both for the spa aspect and the tennis. We came back to our tennis pro Kenny Phoenix, who gives us excellent instruction, he is very personable and gives meaningful tips in a positive way. He definitely improves your game. My only regret is we couldn’t stay longer.
A truly wonderful tennis setting with excellant pro’s ready to help in any way they can. Setting up games, giving instructions and generally just good guys. The courts are among the best I have ever played on and the upkeep is excellant. A real pleasure.
I stayed at Safety Harbor for a long weekend recently specifically to take tennis lessons. Within five minutes of being on the court with Kenny, my game was improving dramatically! Kenny made me feel so comfortable and confident that I want to go back ASAP to work with him some more. I highly recommend him and Paul!
Tennis program is very good. I loved the pro – Kenny – who didn’t try to change my game, just gave me pointers that helped me tremendously. I am very satisfied with the tennis offerings at Safety Harbor. The hotel needs to improve its operation – some minor but very irritating problems there, but I would come again and I would recommend it to my tennis friends
The Resort has so many activities to enjoy, but it’s the Tennis Facility and the staff that keeps me coming back. Not only is it a beautiful setting, but Kenny, one of the pro’s, brought me back to the love of the game. Tennis enthusiasts won’t be disapointed.
Serious tennis in a relaxed atmosphere! Me and my wife purchased the tennis package (2 hours of tennis classes/day) plus unlimited tennis court time, and really enjoyed it.
Kenny and Paul (the tennis pro’s) are very konwledgeable and accomodating. We had a great time and got many great tips on how to improve our game. Despite that the weather was not collaborating (it rain on and off) Kenny was able to modify his schedule to provide us with all the classes. We enjoyed having Paul overlooking and providing some extra tips as well. I have not done this for many years, but, this one is a keeper!
On the weaknesses side, there was minimal information or help from the Spa help desk regarding the tennis program, classes and court time. There seemed to be a disconnect between the front desk and the tennis program and they can improve that aspect of the package.
I recently stayed at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa for a tennis weekend with two friends. It was a great experience. We mostly played amongst the three of us but I also had a hitting session with one of the pros. The two pros – Paul and Kenny – were tremendous at scheduling court time, match arrangement, and teaching. They are very konwledgable and take interest in the players – whether they are guests of the resort or regular club memebers. The cost of is reasonable and the location is very good in that it is only 15 minutes from the airport and equidistant to Tampa and the beach – Clearwater. The facility is in good shape and they work hard to keep it watered and rolled. My sense is that they are on a tight budget but do a great job despite that. I would highly recommend both the resort and in particular the tennis facility. The resort has nice rooms and great pools and workout facilities. I did not use the spa facility but it looks really nice and seemed busy. MF Columbus, Ohio
The tennis instruction I recieved from Paul and his staff was top notch! I got one on one instruction as well as competitive member matching and an aspiring pro to hit with. I will go back as often as business or pleasure takes me.