The former Vanderbilt estate on 200-acre Fisher Island in Biscayne Bay has been transformed into an exclusive, mostly residential retreat more Portofino than Miami. Those who merely want to experience the island before shelling out seven figures for a condo can book one of the dozen historic cottages or a posh suite or villa and tool around the island on a golf cart.
A world of its own, Fisher Island encompasses a 9-hole P.B. Dye golf course, one of the country’s most beautifully designed tennis centers (with 18 hard, clay, red clay, and grass courts), an elegant spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the bay from the Vanderbilt’s former seaplane hangar. There is also a beach, marina, several restaurants, and even a small grocery, dry cleaner, and a pizzeria. Tens of millions of dollars have been spent on major upgrades to the historic Vanderbilt Mansion, the cottages, villas, suites, landscaping, the golf course, the Racquet Club, and private marina as well as the construction of a new beach club. Nothing in Miami comes close, but it won’t work for those who find it unbearably inconvenient to hop a car ferry or boat (or helicopter) every time they want to ogle the parade of models, actors, and wannabes from a table at the trendy News Cafe or gorge on succulent crustaceans at Joe’s Stone Crab.
Tennis Staff: Paolo Barros presides over this handsomely designed complex. A top-ranked junior in his native Brazil, he went on to play for Hampton University, helping it to three conference titles and three NCAA nationals appearances. He and his staff offer private lessons and weekly clinics, while also matching guests who want to play with appropriate opponents.
Court Complex: There are 18 courts altogether, grouped around a central patio with decorative chairs and a clubhouse in ivory-colored stucco and bordered by a landscape of subdued pink pots of magenta bougainvillea and ferns and palm trees surrounded by flowers. Terracotta walkways connect the courts—nine Har-Tru (all with lights), five red clay, two hard, and two grass—which are framed by stucco pillars, rather than metal posts, and anchored by red-tile-roofed gazebos. It is, unquestionably, a beautiful place to play.
Off Court
Beach: The island has a small, postage-stamp of a beach.
Golf Courses: There is one P.B. Dye golf course on the island.
Accommodations
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round though hot and humid in July and August
The great strength to this facility is the knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with beautifully maintained clay courts!!!
EA
Great location and exceptional Tennis Facility
RH
Great tennis on clay, hard or grass! Incredible beach. Pools everywhere, wonderful spa. Amazing large condo units to accomodate families. And Miami only a few minutes away. A must see.
DH
Best kept and best set tennis courts. Clay, Hard and Grass Courts Available. All courts lit for easy day or evening play. Excellent instruction. Wide variety of players of all ages and ability available for singles or doubles play. Incredible beach, golf and spa as extras.
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4 Reviews on “Fisher Island Club & Resort”
The great strength to this facility is the knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with beautifully maintained clay courts!!!
Great location and exceptional Tennis Facility
Great tennis on clay, hard or grass! Incredible beach. Pools everywhere, wonderful spa. Amazing large condo units to accomodate families. And Miami only a few minutes away. A must see.
Best kept and best set tennis courts. Clay, Hard and Grass Courts Available. All courts lit for easy day or evening play. Excellent instruction. Wide variety of players of all ages and ability available for singles or doubles play. Incredible beach, golf and spa as extras.