The bottle-nose dolphin seemed quite happy to tow me around a lagoon in exchange for a few fish doled out from the hands of the trainer at the Dolphin Connection. It took very little effort on his part, though I’d never moved through the water so fast without the aid of wind or motor, and I was astonished to feel just how powerfully these mammals swim. I came out of the water with an even deeper respect for these lovable animals.
Set on Duck Key, Hawk’s Cay Resort takes up all of a roughly boot-shaped 60-acre private island just off the Overseas Highway to Key West, 97 miles south southeast of Miami. Its focal point is a 177-room hotel, which rises behind a perfect circle of a lagoon fringed with sand, but for a small resort it harbors an extensive array of distractions, including a spa, several restaurants, five swimming pools, an 85-slip marina, a watersports center, fishing and scuba diving charters, a dedicated children’s center, a tennis and pickleball complex, some 100 two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas, and, of course, that dolphin encounter.
Cliff Drysdale Tennis professional, Patrick Castronovo, oversees the operation of the tennis club, which consists of two clay and four hard courts. He has crafted a program that takes into account the needs of both hotel guests and active local players. The weekly roster includes morning clinics for adults, Cardio tennis, and family tennis classes as well as private and group lessons. Like the clinics, a once-weekly round robin provides another means to meeting locals and other hotel guests, and the staff does it best to arrange singles and doubles matches. There are also one-hour clinics for kids.
Court Complex: There are four tennis courts—two Hydrocourt and two hard—as well as eight permanent pickleball courts. Guests pay no court fees.
Off Court
Beach: You won’t find a beach washed by the ocean but rather one that encircles a salt-water-fed, man-made lagoon that is part of the resort..
Spa & Fitness Center: The resort’s Calm Waters Spa mixes traditional with locally inspired spa treatments. The fitness center in another part of the same building has a variety of weight-training machines and cardio equipment.
The most unusual of the other activities is the Dolphin Connection, which takes small numbers of people into the water to interact with the dolphins while anyone in the resort is free to watch from the side of the dolphin pond. Otherwise there is a fully equipped marina offering sportfishing charters, dive boat and snorkeling excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises. Other watersports equipment, including standup paddleboards and kayaks, are available in the lagoon.
Children's programs: With its own building and a fenced playground with everything from miniature golf to a pirates’ ship, the Indies Club schedules a full day of activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those ages 5 to 12 as well as a variety of social and recreational activities for teens.
Dining: There are half a dozen dining outlets, including 61 Prime, the signature restaurant for fresh seafood and steaks; the low-key Angler and Ale for burgers, catch of the day specials, and cook-your-catch options.
Accommodations
The main block of accommodations are the 177 rooms and suites in the main hotel. These have a West Indies decor, upscale amenities, and, with the exception of a few standard room, broad terraces with views of the island or water. Alternatively, the resort offers villas ranging in size up to four bedrooms and situated somewhat removed from the main hotel in four villages.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, though busiest from a tennis perspective from mid December into April.
Travel Instructions: By Air: The nearest major airport is Miami International Airport (MIA), 104 miles to the north.
Patrick did a superb job. Very knowledgeable, upbeat, as well as a beautiful property.
LM
Patrick is a great pro
TF
I had a great time on court. The weather was amazing, the courts were great and so was the coach. Would definitely come back. My family also enjoyed that there were places for kids to play and the pools were heated which made everyone happy.
Came for tennis, loved the resort and my family was thrilled at all the amenities.
LC
Just had the best three days of tennis instruction with Patrick. He was attentive to our needs and offered so many new insights into the game. Would highly recommend taking lessons with Patrick.
JA
Spent a week with my family and got to play with the head coach.
Courts quality is good but the hitting group level was very low.
It would be nice if you had a list/app that matched people in the resort interested in playing with their NTRP level.
SA
We have been coming here for years. This is our favorite vacation spot. Great spot for Pickleball
SB
Beautiful resort, lots of activities for kids. Great vacation
BH
Beautiful resort. Great tennis and pickleball program.
CD
Patrick runs a good program with all of options for the whole family.
CM
Patrick helped my tennis game more in one hour, than a lifetime of lessons. Great pro.
JC
Great pickleball facility
EL
Great overall experience.
CC
Patrick brings a lot of life and knowledge to Hawk’s Cay Tennis
DB
Fun experience. Patrick is a good pro.
NC
Patrick is a wonderful instructor! We’re local and he has exceeded my expectations! He is patient and engaging! We are learning so much and enjoying the process.
DB
I have been coming to Hawks Cay for years. Patrick has really turned this facility around, the clay courts are perfect. Patrick can offer you a 1 of a kind tennis/pickleball experience.
KB
PS
Patrick is extremely knowledgeable and has extensive knowledge of both pickleball and tennis. Would highly recommend.
PD
Patrick has high energy and unbelievable knowledge about the game of Tennis and Pickleball. One of the best overall experiences I have had on a tennis court. I highly recommend him.
DS
I live local. Patrick is an awesome instructor.
DC
Patrick had a very informative and fun Pickleball clinic. We did some good drills and were able to put our new skills to work in some games afterwards. Patrick was always friendly and polite with everyone. I really enjoyed all of the clinics!
KC
Patrick Castronovo is a great tennis and pickle ball instructor
EZ
EE
We go for family vacation every year. Excellent place to host entire families.
GM
The tennis pro Patrick Castronova has developed a great Tennis & Pickleball Program. Patrick is a good coach who is supportive and always energetic which makes for great tennis clinics. Even when players are not playing that well, coach Patrick is encouraging and supportive which makes everyone feel good and play better.
EC
I hear the pickleball is quite good. I would highly recommend.
SC
We enjoyed Patrick and think he is an asset to Hawks Cay. We played three days with him and our family… A pro court would be a huge improvement to the facility at Hawks Cay.
NC
EC
GN
We had another wonderful family vacation at Hawk’s Cay!
KL
Patrick Castronovo was an exceptional tennis instructor. He was very knowledgeable and made it fun!
SC
Patrick was great, very attentive. High energy, very knowledgeable. Will be booking another stay at Hawks Cay to make more time for tennis/pickleball. He is the best!
DS
CR
The pickle ball/tennis instructor was exceptional. Wanzell was friendly, organized, and always willing to give pointers. The round robins were fun. If you weren’t playing in a game Wanzell was playing with you and giving lessons. The pro shop and ground’s definitely need some updating but the courts and instructor were great!
BP
Wanzy at Duck Key is an amazing instructor. He is highly skilled, patient and very funny. I have taken private lessons, and participated in round robbins. He always tries to help regardless of your skill level. He challenges you and mixes the players up so you play all levels as well as your own. I wish I had more time to play because I really get a lot out of these lessons.
SS
I am writing this review for Hawks Cay resort in Duck Key, Florida, specifically for the outstanding employee, Director Wanzell Fleming. During my recent stay at the resort, I had the pleasure of witnessing Mr. Fleming’s exceptional work ethic and dedication to ensuring that all guests had a memorable and positive experience. Mr. Fleming went above and beyond what was expected of him to ensure that guests who were interested in playing pickle ball or tennis had access to the necessary equipment and guidance. He was patient, friendly, and truly a pleasure to interact with. He was generous with his time and always willing to help, even if it meant doing more than his share. By his actions, Mr. Fleming truly embodied the spirit of outstanding customer service, making a lasting impression on all the guests he served. I believe he is a tremendous asset to the Hawks Cay resort, and his contributions are invaluable to the resort’s continued success. I highly recommend Hawks Cay resort,
ML
The Pro, Wanzy Flemming, is exceptional. He is well-organized, plans ahead, organizes lessons/sessions very well, wastes. no time. He gives immediate helpful feedback on every shot. He has a gift of an ability to deal well with all personality types. His teaching/mentoring exceeds all expectation.
GM
The tennis director Patrick is great. I highly recommend him.
KL
Patrick Castronovo is an excellent tennis professional. He is very knowledgeable and improved my tennis game tremendously. He gave me skills to think about the game differently and in a more strategic manner. I would highly recommend him to anyone! Excellent pro!
TM
I enjoy the tennis clinics here at this beautiful resort. Patrick, the tennis pro, is amazing. A very good instructor. My game has improved A LOT!!! He is observant & personable. Taking each participate individually while still keeping us playing as a group. I look forward to my clinics every week! Hoping to play more when “season” in the Florida Keys resumes this month!
GM
The tennis director Patrick is great. I highly recommend him.
KL
Patrick Castronovo is an excellent tennis professional. He is very knowledgeable and improved my tennis game tremendously. He gave me skills to think about the game differently and in a more strategic manner. I would highly recommend him to anyone! Excellent pro!
TT
I enjoy the tennis clinics here at this beautiful resort. Patrick, the tennis pro, is amazing. A very good instructor. My game has improved A LOT!!! He is observant & personable. Taking each participate individually while still keeping us playing as a group. I look forward to my clinics every week! Hoping to play more when “season” in the Florida Keys resumes this month!
CR
The pickle ball/tennis instructor was exceptional. Wanzell was friendly, organized, and always willing to give pointers. The round robins were fun. If you weren’t playing in a game Wanzell was playing with you and giving lessons. The pro shop and ground’s definitely need some updating but the courts and instructor were great!
AA
Wanzy at Duck Key is an amazing instructor. He is highly skilled, patient and very funny. I have taken private lessons, and participated in round robbins. He always tries to help regardless of your skill level. He challenges you and mixes the players up so you play all levels as well as your own. I wish I had more time to play because I really get a lot out of these lessons.
SS
I am writing this review for Hawks Cay resort in Duck Key, Florida, specifically for the outstanding employee, Director Wanzell Fleming. During my recent stay at the resort, I had the pleasure of witnessing Mr. Fleming’s exceptional work ethic and dedication to ensuring that all guests had a memorable and positive experience. Mr. Fleming went above and beyond what was expected of him to ensure that guests who were interested in playing pickle ball or tennis had access to the necessary equipment and guidance. He was patient, friendly, and truly a pleasure to interact with. He was generous with his time and always willing to help, even if it meant doing more than his share. By his actions, Mr. Fleming truly embodied the spirit of outstanding customer service, making a lasting impression on all the guests he served. I believe he is a tremendous asset to the Hawks Cay resort, and his contributions are invaluable to the resort’s continued success. I highly recommend Hawks Cay resort,
MK
The Pro, Wanzy Flemming, is exceptional. He is well-organized, plans ahead, organizes lessons/sessions very well, wastes. no time. He gives immediate helpful feedback on every shot. He has a gift of an ability to deal well with all personality types. His teaching/mentoring exceeds all expectation.
RV
Hannah Thompson is the best tennis coach I’ve ever played with. She is a really fun coach to learn from, her energy is super high and her positivity is contagious. The instruction I received was well above par in coaching and game playing. I would 100 percent recommend Hannah to anyone visiting Hawks Cay no matter the skill level.
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218 Reviews on “Hawks Cay Resort”
Patrick was wonderful!!!
Fun experience
Patrick did a superb job. Very knowledgeable, upbeat, as well as a beautiful property.
Patrick is a great pro
I had a great time on court. The weather was amazing, the courts were great and so was the coach. Would definitely come back. My family also enjoyed that there were places for kids to play and the pools were heated which made everyone happy.
Came for tennis, loved the resort and my family was thrilled at all the amenities.
Just had the best three days of tennis instruction with Patrick. He was attentive to our needs and offered so many new insights into the game. Would highly recommend taking lessons with Patrick.
Spent a week with my family and got to play with the head coach.
Courts quality is good but the hitting group level was very low.
It would be nice if you had a list/app that matched people in the resort interested in playing with their NTRP level.
We have been coming here for years. This is our favorite vacation spot. Great spot for Pickleball
Beautiful resort, lots of activities for kids. Great vacation
Beautiful resort. Great tennis and pickleball program.
Patrick runs a good program with all of options for the whole family.
Patrick helped my tennis game more in one hour, than a lifetime of lessons. Great pro.
Great pickleball facility
Great overall experience.
Patrick brings a lot of life and knowledge to Hawk’s Cay Tennis
Fun experience. Patrick is a good pro.
Patrick is a wonderful instructor! We’re local and he has exceeded my expectations! He is patient and engaging! We are learning so much and enjoying the process.
I have been coming to Hawks Cay for years. Patrick has really turned this facility around, the clay courts are perfect. Patrick can offer you a 1 of a kind tennis/pickleball experience.
Patrick is extremely knowledgeable and has extensive knowledge of both pickleball and tennis. Would highly recommend.
Patrick has high energy and unbelievable knowledge about the game of Tennis and Pickleball. One of the best overall experiences I have had on a tennis court. I highly recommend him.
I live local. Patrick is an awesome instructor.
Patrick had a very informative and fun Pickleball clinic. We did some good drills and were able to put our new skills to work in some games afterwards. Patrick was always friendly and polite with everyone. I really enjoyed all of the clinics!
Patrick Castronovo is a great tennis and pickle ball instructor
We go for family vacation every year. Excellent place to host entire families.
The tennis pro Patrick Castronova has developed a great Tennis & Pickleball Program. Patrick is a good coach who is supportive and always energetic which makes for great tennis clinics. Even when players are not playing that well, coach Patrick is encouraging and supportive which makes everyone feel good and play better.
I hear the pickleball is quite good. I would highly recommend.
We enjoyed Patrick and think he is an asset to Hawks Cay. We played three days with him and our family… A pro court would be a huge improvement to the facility at Hawks Cay.
We had another wonderful family vacation at Hawk’s Cay!
Patrick Castronovo was an exceptional tennis instructor. He was very knowledgeable and made it fun!
Patrick was great, very attentive. High energy, very knowledgeable. Will be booking another stay at Hawks Cay to make more time for tennis/pickleball. He is the best!
The pickle ball/tennis instructor was exceptional. Wanzell was friendly, organized, and always willing to give pointers. The round robins were fun. If you weren’t playing in a game Wanzell was playing with you and giving lessons. The pro shop and ground’s definitely need some updating but the courts and instructor were great!
Wanzy at Duck Key is an amazing instructor. He is highly skilled, patient and very funny. I have taken private lessons, and participated in round robbins. He always tries to help regardless of your skill level. He challenges you and mixes the players up so you play all levels as well as your own. I wish I had more time to play because I really get a lot out of these lessons.
I am writing this review for Hawks Cay resort in Duck Key, Florida, specifically for the outstanding employee, Director Wanzell Fleming. During my recent stay at the resort, I had the pleasure of witnessing Mr. Fleming’s exceptional work ethic and dedication to ensuring that all guests had a memorable and positive experience. Mr. Fleming went above and beyond what was expected of him to ensure that guests who were interested in playing pickle ball or tennis had access to the necessary equipment and guidance. He was patient, friendly, and truly a pleasure to interact with. He was generous with his time and always willing to help, even if it meant doing more than his share. By his actions, Mr. Fleming truly embodied the spirit of outstanding customer service, making a lasting impression on all the guests he served. I believe he is a tremendous asset to the Hawks Cay resort, and his contributions are invaluable to the resort’s continued success. I highly recommend Hawks Cay resort,
The Pro, Wanzy Flemming, is exceptional. He is well-organized, plans ahead, organizes lessons/sessions very well, wastes. no time. He gives immediate helpful feedback on every shot. He has a gift of an ability to deal well with all personality types. His teaching/mentoring exceeds all expectation.
The tennis director Patrick is great. I highly recommend him.
Patrick Castronovo is an excellent tennis professional. He is very knowledgeable and improved my tennis game tremendously. He gave me skills to think about the game differently and in a more strategic manner. I would highly recommend him to anyone! Excellent pro!
I enjoy the tennis clinics here at this beautiful resort. Patrick, the tennis pro, is amazing. A very good instructor. My game has improved A LOT!!! He is observant & personable. Taking each participate individually while still keeping us playing as a group. I look forward to my clinics every week! Hoping to play more when “season” in the Florida Keys resumes this month!
The tennis director Patrick is great. I highly recommend him.
Patrick Castronovo is an excellent tennis professional. He is very knowledgeable and improved my tennis game tremendously. He gave me skills to think about the game differently and in a more strategic manner. I would highly recommend him to anyone! Excellent pro!
I enjoy the tennis clinics here at this beautiful resort. Patrick, the tennis pro, is amazing. A very good instructor. My game has improved A LOT!!! He is observant & personable. Taking each participate individually while still keeping us playing as a group. I look forward to my clinics every week! Hoping to play more when “season” in the Florida Keys resumes this month!
The pickle ball/tennis instructor was exceptional. Wanzell was friendly, organized, and always willing to give pointers. The round robins were fun. If you weren’t playing in a game Wanzell was playing with you and giving lessons. The pro shop and ground’s definitely need some updating but the courts and instructor were great!
Wanzy at Duck Key is an amazing instructor. He is highly skilled, patient and very funny. I have taken private lessons, and participated in round robbins. He always tries to help regardless of your skill level. He challenges you and mixes the players up so you play all levels as well as your own. I wish I had more time to play because I really get a lot out of these lessons.
I am writing this review for Hawks Cay resort in Duck Key, Florida, specifically for the outstanding employee, Director Wanzell Fleming. During my recent stay at the resort, I had the pleasure of witnessing Mr. Fleming’s exceptional work ethic and dedication to ensuring that all guests had a memorable and positive experience. Mr. Fleming went above and beyond what was expected of him to ensure that guests who were interested in playing pickle ball or tennis had access to the necessary equipment and guidance. He was patient, friendly, and truly a pleasure to interact with. He was generous with his time and always willing to help, even if it meant doing more than his share. By his actions, Mr. Fleming truly embodied the spirit of outstanding customer service, making a lasting impression on all the guests he served. I believe he is a tremendous asset to the Hawks Cay resort, and his contributions are invaluable to the resort’s continued success. I highly recommend Hawks Cay resort,
The Pro, Wanzy Flemming, is exceptional. He is well-organized, plans ahead, organizes lessons/sessions very well, wastes. no time. He gives immediate helpful feedback on every shot. He has a gift of an ability to deal well with all personality types. His teaching/mentoring exceeds all expectation.
Hannah Thompson is the best tennis coach I’ve ever played with. She is a really fun coach to learn from, her energy is super high and her positivity is contagious. The instruction I received was well above par in coaching and game playing. I would 100 percent recommend Hannah to anyone visiting Hawks Cay no matter the skill level.