PALM HARBOR, Fla. – Entering into Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, which dangles along the edge of Tampa, Fla., is like stepping into an alternative dimension. You almost want to slam on your breaks in the middle of the gorgeous tree-lined roads just to ingest the atmosphere and drink in the breathtakingly beautiful sights.
Green predominates the 900-acre five-star resort Innisbrook, including the meticulously manicured lawns that make up the four golf courses. It’s as if you can fling your stress and worldly cares at the gate entering this colossal masterpiece resort community. Owner Sheila Johnson has created an experience that you have to see in person to truly appreciate for it’s otherworldly beauty. There are innumerable amenities that augment the aura of this wondrous resort:
Stay: The upscale homes boasts full kitchens, oversized living and dining areas, a private patio or balcony, and luxurious bedding. For good measure, Innisbrook throws in complimentary, high-speed Internet access. Each home comes with flat-panel TVs and iPod players. Innisbrook’s sparkling new 20,000-square-foot spa, salon and fitness center augment the quality of life on Innisbrook.
Dining: With an array of selections and concepts — including poolside casual, clubhouse dining and suite delivery for your own culinary get together — the new Innisbrook provides more choices than the traditional resort. Their cuisine ranges from light, organic salads to robust steaks and seafood — all at fantastic value. The friendly staff at Market Salamander will even prepare custom picnic baskets for your day excursions. In the evening, the Osprey Bar, which overlooks golf greens and enjoys a spectacular sunset, provides a relaxing indoor and outdoor environment with live entertainment.
Fact: Innisbrook Resort owner, billionaire Sheila Johnson, is the former wife of BET founder Bob Johnson.
Party: Along with pools, families can enjoy the Fox Squirrel Golf Course which is designed for beginners of all ages to play together. There are a multiplicity of age-appropriate activities, including tennis, biking, wetlands exploration and lizard scavenger hunts. The more artistic can paint, create jewelry, mosaic stepping stones and make sand sculptures and tye dye t-shirts. The nearby Caladesi Beach, rated America’s Best Beach, and a Market Salamander-prepared picnic lunch.
For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Innisbrook is the natural place to find largemouth bass — some over 10 pounds — as well as catfish and bluegills. They can even arrange a charter trip to the Gulf of Mexico, where you’ll find an abundance of Florida redfish, snook, tarpon, grouper and snapper. –terry shropshire
