Longboat Key Club/Resort
On Florida's SW coast;home of New 20-court Tennis Gardens
www.longboatkeyclub.com
NE Tennis Holidays
#1 U.S. tennis camp; VT/FL/NH Cape Cod;Fine dining/lodging
netennisholidays.com
Here's what others have had to say about Safety Harbor Resort & Spa and Safety Harbor Resort & Spa Tennis Academy.
"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."—E.H., Low Int., February 2010
"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."—D.L., Adv., July 2009
"Safety Harbor resort was a wonderful place to visit, the tennis was awesome and the coach was wonderful. Kenny took a lot of time to make sure that I was getting the strokes down pact, and did not let me take the easy way out. I would highly recommend this resort and the coaching staff at the tennis facility."—L.B., Low Int., April 2009
"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"—M.F., Adv. Int., March 2009
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.
Pro Shop: 727-724-7729
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."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 a cardio theater, a weight-training room, Pilates Reformer studio, and dozens of weekly classes, among them spinning, yoga, tai chi, and Pilates.
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 Tampa Bay.
The Fountain Grille restaurant offers dining on the patio, the Tiki Bar serves casual fare (sandwiches and salads), and La Sardine lobby lounge is a place to gather at the end of the day.
Among the other tennis resorts with programs similar to Safety Harbor's are:
In addition to the rooms rates outlined below, the resort also offers tennis and other packages. See the website for details.
Jan. 1-Apr. 30, 2010
Rooms: from $149
May 1-Sept. 30, 2010
Rooms: from $139
Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2010
Rooms: from $149
Seasons. Year-round, though there is more tennis activity from September to May.
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.