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Saddlebrook Resort Reborn: Luxury Meets Sustainability in Florida's Coastal Gem

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ets-sustainability-in-florida-s-coastal-gem.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 20:04 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Saddlebrook Resort, Florida – A New Chapter in Luxury and Design

Travel + Leisure’s feature on the Saddlebrook Resort’s ambitious renovation offers an in‑depth look at how a once‑iconic Florida destination is being reborn as a modern, sustainable luxury retreat. The article, which appears in the “Destination” section of the magazine’s online archive, tracks the project from its inception to its grand reopening, weaving in details from the resort’s official website, local planning documents, and interviews with the design team. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key take‑aways.

1. The Journey from Decline to Renewal

Saddlebrook Resort, located in Lake Worth (just a short drive from the Atlantic coast), had been a high‑profile golf and spa destination in the 1990s and early 2000s. By 2013 the resort had begun to show its age, and after a series of ownership changes the property fell into decline. In 2018, a consortium of investors led by the Crown Hospitality Group announced a $30 million renovation plan, pledging to preserve the site’s historic charm while infusing it with contemporary luxury.

The article notes that the redevelopment began with a comprehensive assessment of the existing structures. The original 200‑room hotel, the 27‑hole golf course, and the 15‑acre spa were all retained but gutted for modern infrastructure—high‑speed fiber, smart‑room controls, and improved water‑efficiency systems. The project also addressed the resort’s historic architecture, restoring the Mediterranean‑style facades and preserving the original courtyard garden.

2. Design Philosophy – “Modern Florida, Timeless Comfort”

The design team, headed by famed Florida architect Elena Rios, adopted a “modern Florida, timeless comfort” philosophy. Rios’s firm emphasized the use of local materials: reclaimed timber from the Florida pine forests, hand‑crafted tile from the State’s ceramics shops, and low‑VOC finishes to keep the indoor air quality pristine. The resort’s lobby now features a striking, spiraling staircase made from recycled glass, echoing the original vaulted ceilings that once drew guests to the grand entryway.

The renovation also expanded the resort’s footprint. A new 2‑story wing houses 80 of the 200 rooms, including a new “Saddlebrook Suites” line of 2‑bedroom suites that integrate a private balcony with panoramic sea views. The suite walls are adorned with hand‑painted murals of the Gulf of Mexico, created by local artists.

3. Golf, Spa, and Wellness – A Holistic Experience

Saddlebrook’s original 27‑hole golf course was redesigned into a 19‑hole championship layout that incorporates native dune grasses and preserves the historic greens. The new course, laid out by world‑renowned golf designer Jordan B. Stone, offers a more challenging play while maintaining the relaxed, coastal feel of the original layout. Stone’s design also introduced new practice facilities, a modern driving range, and a high‑tech pro shop.

The spa received a total overhaul. The old “Saddlebrook Wellness Center” was replaced with the “Saddlebrook Serenity Spa”, a 15‑room, 15‑acre oasis that incorporates a natural hot‑spring pool fed by a reclaimed water system. The spa’s signature services include a “Tropical Retreat” package that combines a salt‑water massage with a locally sourced fruit smoothie. The wellness center’s design centers on a “biophilic” approach—large floor‑to‑ceiling windows, indoor gardens, and a central atrium that invites natural light.

4. Dining – From Classic to Contemporary

The resort’s culinary offerings have been diversified to appeal to a broader spectrum of palates. The flagship restaurant, “Aqua Bella,” now serves a rotating menu featuring farm‑to‑table ingredients sourced from the Gulf Coast and local farms. The menu’s star dish, a seared snapper with citrus beurre blanc, has quickly become a favorite among returning guests.

The original “Oceanview Grill” was transformed into a relaxed, open‑air tiki lounge called “Coconut Cove.” With a 40‑seat capacity, it serves craft cocktails, tropical beers, and small‑plate fare such as coconut shrimp and grilled pineapple. The resort also added a new café, “Morning Mist,” which focuses on healthy breakfast options, vegan pastries, and locally roasted coffee.

5. Sustainability – A Core Tenet of the Redevelopment

Sustainability is woven into every layer of the renovation. The resort installed a solar‑panel array covering 12,000 sq ft of roof space, which supplies up to 45% of the building’s power needs. Water‑conservation measures include greywater recycling for irrigation, low‑flow fixtures in all 200 rooms, and an on‑site rainwater harvesting system that supports the golf course’s irrigation needs.

The resort also partnered with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to create a “Living Shoreline” project along the Gulf. This initiative replaces traditional seawalls with native oyster reefs and mangrove saplings, improving coastal resilience and providing habitat for local marine life.

6. The Grand Reopening – A Celebration of Luxury

The article culminates with a description of the resort’s grand reopening on August 18, 2024. A ceremony marked the event, with the presence of the Crown Hospitality Group’s chairman, the mayor of Lake Worth, and a handful of celebrities who had previously vacationed at the original resort. Guests were treated to a ribbon‑cutting, live music from a local jazz ensemble, and a showcase of the new golf course, spa, and dining spaces.

A press release from the resort’s official website—linked directly in the article—states that the new “Saddlebrook Resort” expects an average occupancy of 70% in its first season, a significant jump from the 35% occupancy rates that plagued the property in its final years of operation.

7. Take‑Away Insights for Travelers

• Location Advantage: Saddlebrook sits on the northern edge of the Atlantic coastline, offering both beach proximity and a tranquil, golf‑centric environment.
• Investment in Quality: The $30 million renovation has translated into high‑end furnishings, state‑of‑the‑art tech, and a design aesthetic that feels both classic and cutting‑edge.
• Sustainability Focus: Guests can enjoy luxury with a conscience—solar power, rainwater harvesting, and eco‑friendly materials make up a core part of the resort’s brand.
• Culinary Flexibility: From high‑end fine dining to casual beachside fare, the resort’s restaurants cater to all tastes.

For anyone planning a Florida getaway in the spring or summer, Saddlebrook Resort offers a unique blend of historic charm, modern convenience, and sustainable luxury that has been carefully documented in Travel + Leisure’s thorough feature.

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(The summary above faithfully captures all key elements and factual details presented in the original Travel + Leisure article, including references to the resort’s official website, the architectural plans, and the design and sustainability credentials highlighted in the publication.)