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.Â
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 was upbeat, positive, professional and provided excellent tennis instruction.
We enjoyed the curriculum and his enthusiasm! Highly recommend Hawks Cay Resort and Patrick C with the Cliff Drysdale tennis academy.
FR
Great pickleball and tennis club with well-kept courts and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Easy to find good games, and the staff keeps everything organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend.
FL
Super fun pickleball social. Ran very well, good players, well organized. Nice property and courts
KC
We love Hawks Cay. A lot of things to do with grandkids and adults. Very fun for all ages.
KE
Patrick Castronovo Great tennis pro.
JJ
This tennis club stands out for its great energy and welcoming vibe. The instruction is clear, engaging, and actually helps you improve right away. Clinics are well-run and never feel repetitive, and the overall atmosphere makes it fun to be on the court. A great spot for players of any level.
Tim
Great pickleball. They have 8 well maintained courts. Good pro, a lot of player in the mornings. Fun experience
CC
Fantastic tennis getaway! The coaching with Patrick Castronovo was engaging and insightful, with tips I could apply right away. Courts were in excellent condition, and the overall setting was both relaxing and energizing. Patrick was welcoming, professional, and made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I’ll definitely be coming back and would recommend working with Patrick Castronovo to anyone looking to elevate their game while having a great time.
PA
had an outstanding experience at this tennis resort. The instruction was top-notch, with clear, personalized coaching that immediately improved my game. The facilities were beautiful and well-maintained, creating the perfect atmosphere to play and relax. The staff was friendly, professional, and made everything seamless from start to finish. I highly recommend this resort to players of all levels looking for a fun and high-quality tennis experience.
TD
Pickleball program is good. Lots of people playing, offers daily clinics. Patrick Castronovo has done a great job building the club and a great pro
KD
Great clinic!
NC
Beautiful property. Patrick Castronovo, is a great pro and keeps clinics active and fun.
DB
Nice resort. Great tennis and pickleball facility. The pro is very knowledgeable and was able to make it fun. I took a lesson each day and he was able to correct inconsistency’s in my swing as well as provide a strategic approach to my game.
SA
Had a great time in the clinics! Learned a lot, will definitely be returning to see Coach Pat
PA
Patrick ran great clinics, even with a lot of people he is able to mange and get everyone involved.
DG
Great coach! Really understands how to explain what you need to work on in simple and relatable terms to best to fix your swing. Also is great with strategic play and makes the concept of Tennis fun and winnable.
AM
Coach Patrick is our favorite!!!
MH
Small but nice tennis facility. Both tennis courts and pickleball courts are in good shape.
TB
Nice courts. Great pro, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
LC
Great family experience.
CM
Great place to visit
HW
Went down for a long weekend, really enjoyed lessons with coach Patrick. Ended up taking lessons every day I was there, will definitely be back!
NC
Patrick is a great pro! He makes his clinic very fun but also challenging !
We also enjoy our private lessons !
NC
Patrick does a great job for Hawks Cay and always enjoy his clinic!
MF
Will be back just for lessons! I’ve been having issues with my back hand for years and Patrick was able to fix me in 3 days, was very good with my kids
DF
Been part of the Hawks Cay tennis since 2008 and Patrick is the pro that helps everyone be a better player. When you take his tennis clinics he will coach you to be better whether your a 4.5 player or a 3.0 player. Whether your a young hot shot or a senior player you leave the clinic with tips to improve your game.
Courts are in great shape.
CC
I had an incredible experience training with Patrick whose expertise and enthusiasm for tennis truly shine through in every lesson. Their personalized approach helped me improve my backhand and boost my confidence on the court in just a few sessions. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to elevate their game!
KB
Great Clinics!
AW
We played as family, had great fun. Patrick is skilled and enthusiastic.
SM
I had a blast playing pickleball with my family. Well organized.
SM
Beautiful pickleball facility, 8 well maintained courts.
NF
Great clinics.
NF
Patrick is a very knowledgeable pro that can teach all abilities
MM
Big upgrade from prior years, courts are in great condition, Daily clinics, match play. Patrick has done a great job upgrading facility.
CS
cant speak to the accommodations since i’m off-site, but Tennis has greatly improved at Hawks Cay since Patrick’s been at the helm. the courts are in good shape and it’s a pleasure playing there whether you’re playing with an organized group or taking clinics or lessons with Patrick. he’s an excellent pro, tons of good tips and keeps things energized and moving! hope he stays on!
DD
Patrick has been a fantastic tennis coach. He is inspiring and encouraging you to always do your best.
I only wish there were more clay courts.
MO
Patrick has made great improvements to tennis program. We are lucky to have him.
GS
Great instruction, beautiful property. Patrick is very knowledgeable and runs a great program.
CC
Amazing place! Loved the tennis and pickleball amenities. Will definitely be back!
MC
Love Hawks Cay Resort
Staying offsite and driving in silly for tennis clinic is just gorgeous and I thank God each time gif the experience.
The tennis is top-notch with Patrick offering quality instruction, tips, and keeping the drills quick paced, challenging, yet fun.
Can’t wait to return!
WC
Tennis instructor was the best. Totally fixed my serve. Patrick Castronovo was the best tennis instructor I ever had.
KC
Love hawks cay resort..
we are a tennis family..
we had great tennis and pickle ball instruction..
Our family enjoyed our tennis trip there… we will be back for sure….
NC
Great food, lots of activities for kids, tennis clinic was great.
KJ
We love the Keyes, nice pickleball courts. Great for families. Beautiful resort, great instruction.
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244 Reviews on “Hawks Cay Resort”
Patrick was upbeat, positive, professional and provided excellent tennis instruction.
We enjoyed the curriculum and his enthusiasm! Highly recommend Hawks Cay Resort and Patrick C with the Cliff Drysdale tennis academy.
Great pickleball and tennis club with well-kept courts and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Easy to find good games, and the staff keeps everything organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend.
Super fun pickleball social. Ran very well, good players, well organized. Nice property and courts
We love Hawks Cay. A lot of things to do with grandkids and adults. Very fun for all ages.
Patrick Castronovo Great tennis pro.
This tennis club stands out for its great energy and welcoming vibe. The instruction is clear, engaging, and actually helps you improve right away. Clinics are well-run and never feel repetitive, and the overall atmosphere makes it fun to be on the court. A great spot for players of any level.
Great pickleball. They have 8 well maintained courts. Good pro, a lot of player in the mornings. Fun experience
Fantastic tennis getaway! The coaching with Patrick Castronovo was engaging and insightful, with tips I could apply right away. Courts were in excellent condition, and the overall setting was both relaxing and energizing. Patrick was welcoming, professional, and made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I’ll definitely be coming back and would recommend working with Patrick Castronovo to anyone looking to elevate their game while having a great time.
had an outstanding experience at this tennis resort. The instruction was top-notch, with clear, personalized coaching that immediately improved my game. The facilities were beautiful and well-maintained, creating the perfect atmosphere to play and relax. The staff was friendly, professional, and made everything seamless from start to finish. I highly recommend this resort to players of all levels looking for a fun and high-quality tennis experience.
Pickleball program is good. Lots of people playing, offers daily clinics. Patrick Castronovo has done a great job building the club and a great pro
Great clinic!
Beautiful property. Patrick Castronovo, is a great pro and keeps clinics active and fun.
Nice resort. Great tennis and pickleball facility. The pro is very knowledgeable and was able to make it fun. I took a lesson each day and he was able to correct inconsistency’s in my swing as well as provide a strategic approach to my game.
Had a great time in the clinics! Learned a lot, will definitely be returning to see Coach Pat
Patrick ran great clinics, even with a lot of people he is able to mange and get everyone involved.
Great coach! Really understands how to explain what you need to work on in simple and relatable terms to best to fix your swing. Also is great with strategic play and makes the concept of Tennis fun and winnable.
Coach Patrick is our favorite!!!
Small but nice tennis facility. Both tennis courts and pickleball courts are in good shape.
Nice courts. Great pro, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Great family experience.
Great place to visit
Went down for a long weekend, really enjoyed lessons with coach Patrick. Ended up taking lessons every day I was there, will definitely be back!
Patrick is a great pro! He makes his clinic very fun but also challenging !
We also enjoy our private lessons !
Patrick does a great job for Hawks Cay and always enjoy his clinic!
Will be back just for lessons! I’ve been having issues with my back hand for years and Patrick was able to fix me in 3 days, was very good with my kids
Been part of the Hawks Cay tennis since 2008 and Patrick is the pro that helps everyone be a better player. When you take his tennis clinics he will coach you to be better whether your a 4.5 player or a 3.0 player. Whether your a young hot shot or a senior player you leave the clinic with tips to improve your game.
Courts are in great shape.
I had an incredible experience training with Patrick whose expertise and enthusiasm for tennis truly shine through in every lesson. Their personalized approach helped me improve my backhand and boost my confidence on the court in just a few sessions. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to elevate their game!
Great Clinics!
We played as family, had great fun. Patrick is skilled and enthusiastic.
I had a blast playing pickleball with my family. Well organized.
Beautiful pickleball facility, 8 well maintained courts.
Great clinics.
Patrick is a very knowledgeable pro that can teach all abilities
Big upgrade from prior years, courts are in great condition, Daily clinics, match play. Patrick has done a great job upgrading facility.
cant speak to the accommodations since i’m off-site, but Tennis has greatly improved at Hawks Cay since Patrick’s been at the helm. the courts are in good shape and it’s a pleasure playing there whether you’re playing with an organized group or taking clinics or lessons with Patrick. he’s an excellent pro, tons of good tips and keeps things energized and moving! hope he stays on!
Patrick has been a fantastic tennis coach. He is inspiring and encouraging you to always do your best.
I only wish there were more clay courts.
Patrick has made great improvements to tennis program. We are lucky to have him.
Great instruction, beautiful property. Patrick is very knowledgeable and runs a great program.
Amazing place! Loved the tennis and pickleball amenities. Will definitely be back!
Love Hawks Cay Resort
Staying offsite and driving in silly for tennis clinic is just gorgeous and I thank God each time gif the experience.
The tennis is top-notch with Patrick offering quality instruction, tips, and keeping the drills quick paced, challenging, yet fun.
Can’t wait to return!
Tennis instructor was the best. Totally fixed my serve. Patrick Castronovo was the best tennis instructor I ever had.
Love hawks cay resort..
we are a tennis family..
we had great tennis and pickle ball instruction..
Our family enjoyed our tennis trip there… we will be back for sure….
Great food, lots of activities for kids, tennis clinic was great.
We love the Keyes, nice pickleball courts. Great for families. Beautiful resort, great instruction.