Located near Tampa, Fla., Innisbrook, a Salamander® golf and spa resort, welcomes girlfriends to explore its 900 acres situated just a few miles from the Florida coastline and the Gulf of Mexico. From the top-notch spa to the relaxing nature walk to the many swimming pools, this resort provides more than enough offerings to keep you and your girlfriends entertained.
The first, most obvious draw of Innisbrook is the Indaba Spa. Encompassing 18,000 square feet, Indaba embodies all the elements that comprise a pampered experience: a comfortable lounge, a relaxing steam room and plunge pool, and, of course, soothing treatments. During my visit, I enjoyed the Indaba Signature Citrus Massage, a combination of a full body massage and a scalp treatment infused with citrus massage lotion and oils that left me feeling completely at ease. My mother tried the Coco-Luscious Manicure and Pedicure, which includes a warm coconut milk bath, a refining coconut scrub and a massage with a rich tropical butter. She told me she could have endured that treatment all day long.
When not at the spa, you and your gal pals can pass the time lounging at one of the property’s six pools, although I would steer clear of the family favorite, the Loch Ness Monster Pool, if you want a more adults-only experience.
If you want a more active itinerary, Innisbrook delivers. Addressing the obvious, Innisbrook is a golf resort, boasting four courses on the grounds. Perhaps the most well-known, the par-71, 7,340-yard Copperhead Course hosts the annual PGA Tour Transitions Championship. However, the par-72, 7,310-yard Island Course also garners praise from pros and casual golfers alike for its demanding fairways, challenging water hazards and dramatic elevation changes. The North Course and South Course also test players, so if you and your girlfriends enjoy a round on the links, schedule enough days to hit all four courses.
Other activities include biking, tennis, racquetball, volleyball and miniature golf. One of our favorite activities was taking the nature walk, which travels across a boardwalk through a 2-acre nature preserve, ending at a deck overlooking a pond. On the advice of Arica Haro, Innisbrook recreation director, we brought along some bread to feed the turtles.
Innisbrook is just as varied in its accommodations, so regardless of your travel party size, you’ll find rooms that will leave everyone in comfort. For instance, during my trip, I shared a two-bedroom suite with my mother and my daughter that included a full kitchen, a spacious living room and a large balcony. Other accommodations include deluxe guest rooms, executive suites and one-bedroom suites.
Likewise, the property features five dining options that will sate your appetite whether large or small. While I enjoyed everything I sampled, my overall recommendation goes to the flatbread pizzas available at the Market Salamander Grille. If you have any room left over after finishing one of these delectable pies, I suggest filling it with the bread pudding. The patio at the Market Salamander Grille also is a great place to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail with your best friends.
As you can see, Innisbrook is the perfect choice for your next girlfriend getaway. To add to its appeal, check the website for the most current girlfriend getaway specials.