A Must-Visit Spot in Tampa Bay Area: Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort

By: Lucie Hys

Busy and stressed out? Need to get away? I know that feeling! Everyone can get a well-deserved break at Innisbrook Golf Resort. Citrus massage for Mom, round of golf for Dad, Loch Ness Monster Pool fun for the kids – the whole family will have a blast here!

Close to Tampa and Clearwater, Innisbrook is a place to be if you are in the Tampa Bay area. The home to the finest golf courses in the country, Innisbrook is a true heaven for any golfer. You may have heard of the Copperhead Course (7,430 yards, par 71), as it plays host to the PGA Tour each year. Also challenging and stunning, the Island Golf Course (7,310, par 72) has been ranked among the country’s top 50 resort courses by Golf Digest. If you are still in the mood to play, head to the North and South Courses or have fun with the kids at the Fox Squirrel Course. To tell you the truth, with all these beautiful golf courses, even the non-golfers feel the itch.

If golf is not your thing, you can still find hundreds of ways to keep yourself entertained here. Innisbrook features 11 Har-Tru tennis courts, 6 swimming pools (including huge Loch Ness Monster Pool with water slides and sand beach areas), fitness center, jogging track and much more. For the beach lovers, there is a free shuttle to Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Park. Even though I do like the sports and the beach, I have discovered something at the Innisbrook that I like even more… The Indaba Spa!

Without a doubt, Indaba Spa is a top-notch spa when it comes to both service and quality. You will feel like a million dollars when you get pampered here. Relax at the lounge before your treatment or enjoy the eucalyptus steam room. You may also choose to stay after the treatment and jump into Jacuzzi or find peace at the Indaba Labyrinth. The Spa offers wide range of services, including massages, body treatments, facials, waxing, enhancements… you name it. However, one treatment not to be missed here is the Indaba Signature Citrus Massage (the full body massage and scalp treatment infused with citrus massage oil). It feels so good that you will start planning for the next visit even before you get off the massage table.

When you return back to reality and start getting hungry, you don’t have to go very far. The Innisbrook has six places on its grounds where you can wine and dine. If you are looking for a fine yet casual dining experience, head to the Market Salamander Grill Restaurant. I am still dreaming of this Black Thai Shrimp! If steak is your “cup of tea”, try the Premium Beef Filet – honestly, it was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had! If you come on Friday or Saturday evening, you will also get to enjoy live music, which creates a really nice atmosphere throughout.

The customer service everywhere, not only at the restaurant, was superb. The staff is very pleasant and eager to help (trust me, I had several chances to test it with my tendency to run late). After all the trials I’ve put the staff through, I can say with confidence that the customer service at Innisbrook is one of the best I’ve ever experienced.

If you too appreciate great customer service and love having a great variety of dining, accommodation, and entertainment options in one place, Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort should be on your list.  I know that anytime I will be heading to Tampa Bay area, it will be on mine!