There is a certain breed of tennis player who cannot be stopped by the weather, and the debate over winter tennis in Florida vs. summer tennis in New England resorts is one they live rather than argue.
From the prominent Coachella Valley to the breezy coastlines of San Diego and Santa Barbara, this guide covers seven standout properties that have made California one of the most celebrated tennis destinations in the world.
There is a certain breed of tennis player who cannot be stopped by the weather, and the debate over winter tennis in Florida vs. summer tennis in New England resorts is one they live rather than argue.
From the prominent Coachella Valley to the breezy coastlines of San Diego and Santa Barbara, this guide covers seven standout properties that have made California one of the most celebrated tennis destinations in the world.
This guide covers six padel resorts in Italy, from a family-friendly all-inclusive village on the Calabrian coast to a five-star lakeside retreat in Veneto.
It might be tempting to settle into your spacious one-bedroom suite at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa—the smallest rooms in the central tower are still a generous 700 square feet—and simply unwind after spending the afternoon exploring the historic sites of St. Augustine, just 25 miles to the north.
However, just to the east, two miles of pristine beach stretch out, bordered not by houses but by dunes and the lush expanse of golf fairways. “Tennis can wait until tomorrow,” my friend suggests. “Let’s go walk on the beach.” Indeed, the resort offers a full two miles of unspoiled coastline in Palm Coast. At its heart, two 12-story towers of luxury suites rise above an array of swimming pools, event lawns, a lake, and golf fairways. Additional accommodations include a two-story Lodge with 20 more rooms, the golf pro shop, the ocean-view Atlantic Grille, low-rise villas with up to four bedrooms, a spa, a fitness center, and several other restaurants. All of this is within easy walking distance, but the tennis courts are nearly three miles away at Yacht Harbor Village, a marina on the Matanzas River. A free shuttle or a short drive takes you there, where you’ll find eight lighted Hydro-Grid clay courts arranged in pairs along a long line anchored by a clubhouse with a modest pro shop, restrooms, and a covered plaza. Palm trees and oleander hedges frame the well-maintained courts, overseen by the personable and enthusiastic veteran teaching pro, Gene Paul Lascano.
Lascano originally came to Hammock Beach as head pro before rising to director in 2016. As an RSPA Pro, he brings 20 years of teaching experience to the position. Although an active local membership ensures good turnouts for all the activities, luring hotel guests hasn’t been easy. “Our biggest challenge is that you don’t look out of your hotel room and see the courts,” he told me. Once guests discover the courts, they’re likely to be lured back by the amiable and accomplished staff and such services as bottled water and towels. “Much of the hotel traffic is return traffic,” Lascano continues, “so we’re able to retain clients once they come.” His stable of eager locals is crucial to that success, both by being on call when a guest is looking for matches and by providing competition for teams who come for custom-tailored programs. Those locals are also loyal participants in the weekly clinics (both adult and junior), doubles drills, Cardio workouts, and bi-monthly round robins, many of the last with themes, like “Wimbledon Whites.” The club also hosts a couple of USTA junior tournaments and occasional special events.
For pickleball, there are some opportunities for Open Play on certain mornings (WED - men; SAT - Mixed Intermediate).
Court Complex: There are eight clay tennis courts, all with lights. There are also four DecoTurf pickleball courts (outdoor, no lights.)
Court Fees: $50/court before 12pm; $30 court after 12pm. Pickleball court rental is $30.
Off Court
Beach: The resort borders two miles of dune-backed Atlantic-washed beach, which while not great for swimming is known as a great spot to watch for whales. It’s also pet friendly. The public have access via Old Salt Road Beach Park.
Golf Courses: Jack Nicklaus designed the 18-hole Ocean Course, laying out six of the holes along the Atlantic, while weaving the rest along inland wetlands and lakes. A second 18-hole course, the Tom Watson-designed Conservatory is one of Florida’s longest courses.. It is characterized by waterfalls, brooks, and veneered field stone work given a links-style feel thanks to its many sand and coquina bunkers.
Spa and Fitness Center: The Spa at Hammock Beach offers a range of massages, body treatments, and facials. The fitness center supplements the usual Cardio and weight-training equipment with Peloton bikes and classes devoted to body sculpting, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and more.
The highlight of the resort is a spectacular multi-level water and swim pavilion – The Fantasy Pool Complex, which features an array of pools, including an indoor option and hot tubs. Guests can float along a lazy river, plunge a water slide, enjoy a game of beach volleyball, and sip cocktails at the poolside bar. Near the Fantasy Pool Complex, guests can take advantage of a complimentary putting course and bike rentals, ensuring endless entertainment for everyone.
Dining: With nine dining outlets, there are many options to try. Dining options include Delfinos Italian Chophouse, Atlantic Grille, Stix Authentic Sushi, Loggerheads Sports Pub, a poolside café, Beach Brew Coffee, Lobby Bar, and grab-and-go pizza/gelato.
Accommodations
There are three options: a 415-square-foot room in the Lodge, which affords the closest lodging to the beach; one-to-four bedroom suites in the tower; and 2- and 3-bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round.
Travel Instructions: The closest major airports are Daytona Beach International (DAB) roughly 35 miles to the south and Jacksonville International Airport, 75 miles to the north.
Great time! The pros are positive, friendly, and adjusted well to our level of ability for clinics.
CS
Once again a great weekend of tennis instruction and meeting new friends with round robin play. The director of Tennis Gene Paul never fails to provide the best experience. Highly recommend. Looking forward to our next girls trip.
JK
Booked a girls weekend for 3 days of tennis at Hammock Beach Tennis and had the most fabulous time! Booked a couple of lessons with Gene Paul and Maja. Both great and informative pros. Gene Paul also incorporated us as well into a couple of round robins with such wonderful lady members. By far the most fun and competitive tennis facility away from our home courts in FL. Highly recommend Gene Paul and Hammock Beach Tennis if you’re looking to get away to learn from the best as well as just to play lots of tennis. We cannot wait to come back!
JM
We took a pickleball lesson with Maja and it was great! We all learned some new strategies and rules about the game. She was a good instructor to have!
DB
Maja was amazing! We used her for a pickleball and tennis lesson. She gave us great tips that we took with us. Thanks, Maja!
KS
Love Hammock Beach tennis center- the courts are always in great shape, the water is always refreshing and cold. The pros are top notch and I learn something new every time. Top notch program!
BS
Absolutely LOVE Hammock Beach! It’s the perfect place for a quiet, relaxing weekend getaway with my hubby and is also the perfect place for a fun tennis-packed weekend with friends! The courts, coaches and clinics are always spot on! Check it out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
AE
Absolutely best tennis- and pickleball courts! Amazing staff, great team!
TR
I have taken several pickleball lessons for myself and also for the kids with coach Gene. It’s always an absolute blast and very informative! He’s engaging with the kids too! The facilities are also very nice. Highly recommended.
BW
Outstanding Pickleball and tennis courts, excellent management and entire team is outstanding!
SW
The Hammock Beach racquet program for tennis and P-Ball is fabulous. Great pros. Beautiful facility. Great people. Great instruction. A warm and friendly atmosphere. We love it.
JC
The best! Been a member for almost 20 years. From the facilities to the pros to the setting, this place is the BEST!
TJ
Gene Paul and his team are top notch. Racquet facilities are amazing and staying at hammock beach resort isn’t bad either!
SL
Hammock Beach has fantastic tennis and pickleball courts.
JO
The tennis staff at Hammock Beach is top notch. The courts are always beautiful and things run smoothly.
DM
Having lived in three country club communities in South Florida we had a lot of apprehension leaving that beautiful life style and making our home here in The Hammock. Gene Paul certainly has exceeded our expectations. His leadership and knowledge of tennis has made our acclimation into this community such a pleasure. Our tennis facility is five star. Every morning his team of professionals makes sure our courts are the best around. Clinics and lessons are top notch and always taught so we get the most knowledge out of it yet enjoyable to participate in. Thank you to Gene Paul, Don, Maja and Steve for making our life here in The Hammock such a great experience.
RT
Beautiful facility that is well maintained and very friendly! Would love to become a regular visitor here.
MW
I live in Palm Coast and visit this Resort every chance I get. The tennis pro’s are top notch. Courts are well maintained. Gene Paul the Head Pro always makes you feel comfortable on the court.
CK
Everything about this tennis facility is perfect. Thank you
JJ
Amazing experience. Staff was incredible.
HE
I stayed at the Hammock Beach Resort in April and was able to enjoy their pickleball clinics and courts a few times during my stay. I took a clinic with Gene Paul one morning with two other guests. Gene Paul is very knowledgeable about the sport and made the clinic entertaining. I also enjoyed the courts for open pickleball play with other guests and residents the following morning. The facility is very nice and everyone was inviting and friendly. Highly recommend!
LB
We had so much fun with Gene Paul and Don and Steve! The tennis and facilities were top notch. What a great way to start each morning!
DC
I took the doubles clinic every morning and it was really great. I also took the live ball drill and that was fast-paced and a lot of fun. The pros were friendly and excellent. Gene Paul, Don, and Steve all gave very good instruction while keeping everyone moving and having a fun time. The courts are in very good condition. I stayed at the main resort and they offer a shuttle bus to and from the courts so it is very convenient. I had a really nice time at this resort and the tennis was a big part of that!
LA
We stayed at Yacht Harbor Village and played every day in the morning clinics. Excellent pros with great instructions focusing on doubles: low volleys, cross court returns. My two teenagers came with us who both play high school teams and they loved it as well. Courts are in great condition, staff was amazing and friendly. We also took a private lesson to hone in on our groundstrokes. Highly recommend this experience!!
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224 Reviews on “Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa”
Great time! The pros are positive, friendly, and adjusted well to our level of ability for clinics.
Once again a great weekend of tennis instruction and meeting new friends with round robin play. The director of Tennis Gene Paul never fails to provide the best experience. Highly recommend. Looking forward to our next girls trip.
Booked a girls weekend for 3 days of tennis at Hammock Beach Tennis and had the most fabulous time! Booked a couple of lessons with Gene Paul and Maja. Both great and informative pros. Gene Paul also incorporated us as well into a couple of round robins with such wonderful lady members. By far the most fun and competitive tennis facility away from our home courts in FL. Highly recommend Gene Paul and Hammock Beach Tennis if you’re looking to get away to learn from the best as well as just to play lots of tennis. We cannot wait to come back!
We took a pickleball lesson with Maja and it was great! We all learned some new strategies and rules about the game. She was a good instructor to have!
Maja was amazing! We used her for a pickleball and tennis lesson. She gave us great tips that we took with us. Thanks, Maja!
Love Hammock Beach tennis center- the courts are always in great shape, the water is always refreshing and cold. The pros are top notch and I learn something new every time. Top notch program!
Absolutely LOVE Hammock Beach! It’s the perfect place for a quiet, relaxing weekend getaway with my hubby and is also the perfect place for a fun tennis-packed weekend with friends! The courts, coaches and clinics are always spot on! Check it out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
Absolutely best tennis- and pickleball courts! Amazing staff, great team!
I have taken several pickleball lessons for myself and also for the kids with coach Gene. It’s always an absolute blast and very informative! He’s engaging with the kids too! The facilities are also very nice. Highly recommended.
Outstanding Pickleball and tennis courts, excellent management and entire team is outstanding!
The Hammock Beach racquet program for tennis and P-Ball is fabulous. Great pros. Beautiful facility. Great people. Great instruction. A warm and friendly atmosphere. We love it.
The best! Been a member for almost 20 years. From the facilities to the pros to the setting, this place is the BEST!
Gene Paul and his team are top notch. Racquet facilities are amazing and staying at hammock beach resort isn’t bad either!
Hammock Beach has fantastic tennis and pickleball courts.
The tennis staff at Hammock Beach is top notch. The courts are always beautiful and things run smoothly.
Having lived in three country club communities in South Florida we had a lot of apprehension leaving that beautiful life style and making our home here in The Hammock. Gene Paul certainly has exceeded our expectations. His leadership and knowledge of tennis has made our acclimation into this community such a pleasure. Our tennis facility is five star. Every morning his team of professionals makes sure our courts are the best around. Clinics and lessons are top notch and always taught so we get the most knowledge out of it yet enjoyable to participate in. Thank you to Gene Paul, Don, Maja and Steve for making our life here in The Hammock such a great experience.
Beautiful facility that is well maintained and very friendly! Would love to become a regular visitor here.
I live in Palm Coast and visit this Resort every chance I get. The tennis pro’s are top notch. Courts are well maintained. Gene Paul the Head Pro always makes you feel comfortable on the court.
Everything about this tennis facility is perfect. Thank you
Amazing experience. Staff was incredible.
I stayed at the Hammock Beach Resort in April and was able to enjoy their pickleball clinics and courts a few times during my stay. I took a clinic with Gene Paul one morning with two other guests. Gene Paul is very knowledgeable about the sport and made the clinic entertaining. I also enjoyed the courts for open pickleball play with other guests and residents the following morning. The facility is very nice and everyone was inviting and friendly. Highly recommend!
We had so much fun with Gene Paul and Don and Steve! The tennis and facilities were top notch. What a great way to start each morning!
I took the doubles clinic every morning and it was really great. I also took the live ball drill and that was fast-paced and a lot of fun. The pros were friendly and excellent. Gene Paul, Don, and Steve all gave very good instruction while keeping everyone moving and having a fun time. The courts are in very good condition. I stayed at the main resort and they offer a shuttle bus to and from the courts so it is very convenient. I had a really nice time at this resort and the tennis was a big part of that!
We stayed at Yacht Harbor Village and played every day in the morning clinics. Excellent pros with great instructions focusing on doubles: low volleys, cross court returns. My two teenagers came with us who both play high school teams and they loved it as well. Courts are in great condition, staff was amazing and friendly. We also took a private lesson to hone in on our groundstrokes. Highly recommend this experience!!