Over four decades after the first condominiums were constructed on Kiawah, the island’s glorious 10-mile-long beach remains a nesting ground for thousands of endangered loggerhead turtles and its protected wilderness still provides a home for deer, bobcats, alligators, and more than 200 species of birds. But make no mistake about it: civilization has arrived in a big way. Two resort villages, five golf courses, an expansive racquet club—the former site of the U.S. Clay Court Championships and a Fed Cup tie—a 255-room hotel, and more than 500 resort-managed villas and homes trail through a landscape where once there was only woods and marsh.
Tennis Resorts Online has consistently ranked the Kiawah Island Golf Resort one of the top tennis facilities, if not the No. 1 resort. Kiawah has earned the top spot so many times that it has caused tennis directors at some competing resorts to question whether the rankings are rigged.
But make no mistake, they’ve won fair and square. The tennis program here benefits from a number of world-class features, including:
A first-rate teaching staff that is as engaging and knowledgeable as any team, with more than a dozen pros on island during peak times
A daily clinic and drill lineup that is fast-paced, fun and caters to everyone from beginners to college-level players
A strong kids’ program, including popular summer camps and a year-round residential tennis academy
A fast-growing pickleball community, with dozens of people participating in clinics and open-play sessions at any given time
But the tennis program is but a small part of Kiawah’s overall appeal. Part of the allure of this place is that it offers something for everyone. Beachgoers marvel at its 10 miles of pristine white sand coastline. Golfers rave about its five championship courses. Families rise before dawn—trust us, it’s worth it—to catch a glimpse of the island’s endangered loggerhead turtles, some of which weigh over 300 pounds. And people congregate at low tide every day to watch local dolphins strand feed, a spectacle Netflix captured in its popular nature series, Animal.
The resort occupies virtually all of the 10,000-acre island from which it takes its name. Charles Fraser, famous for his sensitive development of Sea Pines Resort, laid the original plans for Kiawah, which opened in 1976. Roughly half of the island is to remain in its original state, and the variety of vegetation—some native, some planted—is impressive. Much of the development clusters near East Beach, home to an elegant beachfront hotel—a Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star winner called the Sanctuary—and a Forbes 5-Star winning spa, all just steps from a tennis and pickleball complex named for the resort’s longtime emeritus tennis director Roy Barth. The island’s far eastern end, by contrast, embraces many private houses and the two most famous golf courses, Osprey Point and the Ocean Course. An on-property shuttle makes going from place to place easy, so does an extensive network of bike paths. The resort itself is close enough Charleston to make forays into the historic city easy—driving time is about 45 minutes—yet far enough removed that the island feels like its own destination.
As the name suggests, the resort puts great stock in its five golf courses. Each of the 18-hole layouts bears the name of a different architect. Gary Player designed and then redesigned Cougar Point, complete with a stately clubhouse near the resort entrance. Renovations to Tom Fazio’s Osprey Point and to Pete Dye’s incredible links-style Ocean Course—which has hosted a Ryder Cup and multiple PGA Championships—retained the structure of both courses, while adding elements that improve the experience for golfers. Jack Nicklaus reimagined his Turtle Point Course. The fifth course, Clyde Johnston’s Oak Point, is in Kiawah River Estates just outside the entrance to the island.
In spite of its absence from the resort’s name, tennis—and, to a growing extent, pickleball—are as enmeshed in this place as any activity. Until recently, there were two racquet clubs. Though only one remains, it has benefited from the more than $200 million that the resort has spent in recent years on facility upgrades and enhancements, with more on the way. As part of those expenditures, the Roy Barth Tennis Center built 10 additional Har-Tru tennis courts, bringing its total to 22 (three of them hard and lined for pickleball; the resort is also building six new dedicated pickleball courts in 2023).
This sprawling complex benefits from its location near The Sanctuary, a world-renowned hotel just a four-minute walk away. Until his retirement in early 2018, former touring pro Roy Barth had been the only tennis director the resort had ever known. Barth handed the reins reigns to his son Jonathan, who himself had been head pro at the resort since 1999. Together they’ve designed one of the country’s foremost tennis programs, one almost perennially ranked No. 1 in our annual reader poll. (Roy, meanwhile, has written a book, Point of Impact, and has a website with on-court tips and videos from his teaching career.
The Roy Barth Tennis Center sits amid a halo of tennis villas four minutes on foot from the beachfront Sanctuary hotel. It has an expansive pro shop and is further distinguished by having one of its hard courts dedicated to a self-feeding ball machine capable of spewing balls at a rate of 1,200 per hour. The courts—19 clay, 3 hard, including 8 pickleball courts—form a semicircle around the weathered wood pro shop, whose decks provide a comfortable place to watch the action. (The resort is considering a proposal to overhaul the pro shop with space for strength training, locker rooms, a snack bar, and more.) Winding paths through pine trees lead to courts variously bordered by palmettos, pampas grass, oleander and flowers. Each pair of courts has access to an awning-covered patio offering shade, benches, and an electric water fountain.
Tennis Staff: Until his retirement in early 2018, former touring pro Roy Barth, one of the founding members of the ATP Tour, had been the only tennis director the resort had ever known. Now his title is Emeritus Tennis Director, a role that allows him to continue to contribute and pass along his considerable teaching expertise. That leaves the management of the tennis operation and Director of Tennis title to his son Jonathan, who has been a integral part of establishing and running the tennis programs.
“Making major changes isn’t my goal,” Jonathan Barth told me, “but I’m very excited about the efficiencies that will come from having all the programs in one location.” That includes the summer Barth-Hawtin Tennis Academy that he helped found.
Tennis Programs: During the busy March-to-October season, the racquet club offers a weekly menu of programs including instructional clinics, two-hour Tournament Tough workouts, drill sessions, adult mixed doubles round robins, parent-child doubles round robins, and private lessons. In addition, the staff helps guests find opponents at the appropriate level, even guaranteeing a match given 48 hours notice. Barth credits the 150-200 resident club members for helping to arrange hits and for welcoming guests to join their standing morning matches.
Activity reaches its zenith in summer when the resort adds a weekly pro doubles exhibition, as well as three-day junior tennis camps, junior tournament tough workouts, and a Tiny Tots program. On selected weekends during every month except July and August, the resort adds a 3-day doubles mini-camp, which consists of 8 hours of instruction covering all aspects of the game, including basic strokes, strategy, angles, visualization, and supervised doubles play. Participants also receive a copy of Barth’s instructional manual, “Tips for Better Tennis.” Finally, private camps can be arranged to suit the specific needs of a group.
Barth-Hawtin Tennis Academy: This year-round academy focuses on helping prepare junior tennis players for competition in state, sectional, and national level tournaments with an eye to preparing them for college play or even the professional circuit using a combination of match-play drills, supervised play, conditioning, mental toughness/strategy sessions, and technique assessment with video analysis. The academy now offers a full-time residential program as well as day camps that run weekly from Monday through Saturday during the summer.
As part of its push to develop junior talent, Kiawah now hosts 10 to 12 junior tournaments every year, from lower-level to national-level events, including 18-and-under national tournaments over Labor Day weekend. It also plays host to “Racquet War” events for adults, which have attracted hundreds more players to the resort. Tennis director Barth is always looking for more ways to engage and entertain newcomers. “My goal is to fill the club every weekend where it’s not turning away my residents,” he told us.
Pickleball Programs: Like many resorts, Kiawah has seen explosive growth in pickleball, filling multiple courts at a time at all hours of the day with dozens of people. The loud thwock of the plastic balls can be heard throughout the grounds. And the inclusive, festive environment surrounding the game, pairing people of all ages and different skill levels, make it an appealing sport for the resort. Many families face off in fun-spirited battles, while other guests enjoy competing against—and socializing with—fellow travelers. So far, the pickleball and tennis people seem to get along fine. But Barth knows that, as pickleball has become more popular, and taken up more courts, it could run the risk of alienating tennis players. To serve both populations, the resort is adding more dedicated pickleball courts. The resort has 8 pickleball courts lined on three tennis courts, with plans for 6 new dedicated pickleball courts in 2023 (construction starts in March). So far, the resort has two dedicated pickleball professionals—one full-time and one part-time—but if the sport keeps growing as fast as it has, expect that to change.
Off Court
Beach: Ranked one of the great resort beaches in the country, this broad ribbon of hard-packed sand extends in a sinuous line for 10 miles along the entire length of Kiawah Island. Although there are hundreds of villas and homes, as well as the hotel, all of this environmentally sensitive development has been pushed back behind a beltway of low dunes blanketed with foliage. No building is taller than five stories and all have earthen tones that blend with the surroundings. More than four decades after the resort opened, the beach remains pristine enough for endangered loggerhead turtles to nest there.
Golf Courses: With five courses, each bearing the signature of a major golf architect, and a golf academy, Kiawah has obviously focused its attention on attracting golfers. That includes staging major golf events like the Ryder Cup in 1991 and the World Cup in 2003. The Senior PGA Championships were held in May 2007 and the PGA Championships were hosted at The Ocean Course in 2012 and 2021. Golf packages, which include the right to make advance reservations for tee times, can be booked by calling 800-654-2924. Greens fees vary seasonally..
The Ocean Course: Regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world, The Ocean Course, designed by Alice and Pete Dye, excels in design quality, shot values, and sheer beauty. Having hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup, the 2012 PGA Championship, and the 2021 PGA Championship, it has been witness to many famous moments in golf history. The Atlantic Ocean can be seen from every hole on the course, and holes 14 through 18 run directly along the sea. A modern course based inspired by the classic designs of famous links courses in the British Isles, The Ocean Course is walking only. Par: 72. Length: 7,356 yards.
Cougar Point: Renovated in 2017 under the direction of architect Gary Player, Cougar Point is highlighted by a stretch of holes 4 through 6 that follow the Kiawah River, giving then sweeping marsh vistas regarded as some of the most serene on the island. Its natural beauty and exceptional playability make this course a favorite among resort guests. Player designed the course with creative placement of multiple tee boxes on each hole, creating an enjoyable and challenging round for golfers of every level, from beginners to the scratch golfer. Par: 72. Length: 6,875 yards.
Oak Point: Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019, the Clyde Johnston-designed Oak Point offers strategic challenges. Undulating fairways, an open, exposed front 9 and winding, woodland back 9 led Johnston to describe the course as “Scottish-American.” Par: 72. Length: 6,701 yards.
Osprey Point: Tom Fazio’s popular Osprey Point makes full use of Kiawah Island’s maritime forests, lagoons, and saltwater marshes. Its many open and wide fairways and generous greens afford forgiveness even for errant shots. Par: 72. Length: 6,932 yards.
Turtle Point: Featuring three oceanfront holes, this characteristic Jack Nicklaus design comprises narrow fairways, approachable greens, and strategically placed lagoons that place a premium on accuracy and a carefully thought-out approach to each shot. Turtle point is a true shot-maker’s course, requiring golfers to use every club in the bag and favors a thoughtful approach over sheer power. Par: 72. Length: 7,062 yards.
Spa & Fitness Center: The third floor of the Sanctuary houses an elegant spa with lavish treatment rooms that perennially earns a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating. Guests looking to work out, meanwhile, have a small but well-equipped fitness center and indoor lap pool on the main level of the hotel.
Night Heron Park is a 21-acre playground containing a 25-meter swimming pool with lap lanes, a wading pool, a toddler splash zone with baby bouncers, two open-flume slides, a full length basketball court, a soccer field, playground equipment on a sandy base, a pavilion with a snack bar and new market/café, an excellent nature center, and one of two bike rental outlets (the other at the Cougar Point Golf Clubhouse). Use of the park is complimentary to guests who’ve booked through Kiawah Island Golf Resort. There are three additional swimming pools, two at the Sanctuary, the other adjacent to the Cougar Point Golf Pro Shop. Nature Program. To better introduce the Kiawah’s flora and fauna, local naturalists and historians conduct canoeing, kayaking, walking, and biking tours, including a few outings suitable for preteens.
Children's programs: During the summer and over major holidays, the resort operates its Kamp Kiawah program for children ages 3-7 as well as Camp Xtreme and Adventure Camp for kids ages 8-15. Located at Night Heron Park, these programs provide a half day or full day of supervised activity, dividing children into groups ages 3-4, 5-7, and 8-15. For teens, they offer a specialized set of activities including late-night movies, basketball and volleyball tournaments, dances, and pool parties. That is all supplemented by organized family activities that could include movies, cookouts or ice-cream socials.
Dining: The resort’s restaurants, cafés, and eateries afford a diverse range of culinary options even as they stay true to Coastal Carolina roots. The newest addition, The Players’ Pub at Cougar Point Clubhouse, serves comfort food in a classic American pub setting. Also noteworthy is Jasmine Porch, a Lowcountry bistro located in The Sanctuary, with walls of authentic Charleston brick, oak-plank floors, windows on the ocean, and an outdoor terrace. For a luxurious night out, don't miss the Ocean Room at The Sanctuary, which features an array of fresh catch options in addition to an impressive lineup of steaks, including a dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye. Cap it off with a visit to Beaches & Cream, a sweet shop featuring locally made ice cream.
Accommodations
Modeled on the Lowcountry’s grand seaside mansions, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort strives to feel more like a tasteful residence than a typical luxury hotel. Of course, most residences don’t have 255 guestrooms, everyone with a balcony or terrace and views of the mounded sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean beyond, let alone a spa, fitness center, retail shops, several restaurants, and a couple of swimming pools, including one infinity pool for adults only. Yet for all those amenities, it exudes the individual character and soul-pleasing comfort of a boutique hotel. Moreover, it is only a five-minute walk from the Roy Barth Tennis Center.
The alternative is to book a villa. They range in size from one to four bedrooms. Prices vary according to size and location, with the most expensive fronting the ocean. All have fully equipped kitchens. Windswept, which has elevators and many rooms with sweeping views of the ocean, is one of the more appealing complexes if you want to be near the beach.
Getting there
Seasons: Although the resort operates year-round, winters can be cool and activity at the tennis center slows. Spring, summer, and fall are thus the busiest seasons. Average high temperatures range from the low 60s in December and January to the high 80s in July and August.
Travel Instructions: Kiawah Island Golf Resort is 35 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS). Rental cars and limousine service are available from there to the resort.
Great teaching pros, consistent concepts. Beautiful natural surroundings. They helped find matches with similar players. Friendly interesting people. Great tennis center and shop. Programs for all levels and ages, adults and juniors. Spectacular setting. Would recommend to anyone who loves tennis.
PS
The tennis instruction at Kiawah is always top-notch! The tennis facility is maintained perfectly (except for the occasional alligator walking around) and the pro shop is stylish. The resort is gorgeous yet not stuffy. Dining is always fantastic.
GC
If you play tennis this is the place to go. The beaches are beautiful, food on the island is yummy and the tennis facilities are number 1. My family and I have been visiting the resort for over 20+ years . Roy Barth and his staff at the tennis shops are always accommodating and helpful. I started taking lessons from Roy whenI I first visited the resort many years ago and I love that when I return each year that he and his friendly staff are there ready to help me improve my game or find me a match. . Jonathan and Langdon are great to take lessons from.
D"
We own a rental villa on Kiawah Island and are very passionate tennis players..we like to invite our tennis friends from the Midwest and have great fun. The Roy Barth Tennis Center is a great learning place to improve one’s game. The pros are fantastic!
DK
We had great time at Kiawah Roy Bart Tennis. My 6 year old son had several lessons with Santiago and he loved it. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone who wants to bring their game to next level. We will be back next year.
JM
Kiawah Island Golf resort is fantastic. We have taken a family vacation to Kiawah for the last 20+ years. We have stayed at many of the villas for a week at a time and we adore the Sanctuary for some of our shorter stays. The staff at all of the facilities are wonderful. We love to play tennis and the Roy Barth Tennis facility is the best. The instructors are patient and consistent. We even have beach staff that we look forward to seeing every year. We love Kiawah Island!
PD
Wonderful facility, great pros – very instructive. The courts are beautiful and well maintained. The top rate extra amenities like The Sanctuary are absolutely splendid.
JF
Fantastic instruction. All Pros are friendly and knowledgeable. Island Beaches and their accommodations are FIVE STAR.
DW
I have vacationed at Kiawah Island Resort six times in the past five years. This is extremely unusual, as my husband and I love to discover new spots and rarely visit the same place twice. My visits have included getaways with girlfriends, time with family, and a week sharing a villa with another couple. Each time the resort has been the perfect spot. First off, are the wide range of villas that provide enough privacy (bathrooms with each bedroom) and communal areas (living rooms, screened porches, decks), along with well equipped full kitchens, to allow groups to co-exist in comfort. Second, the expansive grounds that include 10 miles of wide, uncrowded beach are perfect for walking, biking, or playing in the surf. The miles of asphalt bike trails take you through forests filled with wildlife (I’ve seen wild turkeys, osprey, many deer and even a bobcat.), past marshes, and beautiful golf fairways. Kayaks and SUPs can be rented for trips through the marshes to view birds of all kinds, as well as dolphins. (Guided tours are also available.) But, the thing that really keeps me coming back is the Roy Barth Tennis Center. I have had the good fortune of visiting several of the top tennis resorts/camps in the country, but the program at Kiawah tops them all. There are two large tennis centers that include both clay and hard courts that are kept in immaculate condition. Stroke of the Day Clinics and Drills are available seven days a week and may be scheduled before or after you arrive at the resort. Individually planned lessons, clinics, and camps are easy to arrange by calling the Center. But the thing that puts Kiawah truly above the rest are the pros. Most resorts and camps have one or two “name” Head Pros who oversee the program and may or may not teach on-court. They seem to often hire local teaching pros to do the “heavy lifting” of the clinics…Pros who may be of the same caliber, or less, than those you usually work with at home. At Kiawah, whether you are on-court with Head Pros Jonathan Barth and David Boyd, or working with Brian, Ryan, Santiago or Langdon, you will be receiving top notch instruction that is directly overseen by tennis legend, Roy Barth. Roy makes certain that the same concepts are taught be each pro, but it is apparent that he allows them to let their personalities shine through in how the concepts are presented. When you take a clinic at Kiawah, you know that you will learn something, receive individualized instruction, and have a great time. It is easy to see why Kiawah is rated Number One by tennisresortsonline.com. I am already looking forward to visit seven next spring.
MS
Pros are amazing, great instruction, and such a beautiful place!!
BB
Superior TENNI.
JP
Nice facility and gift shop. Friendly staff (Langdon) and eager to facilitate our arrangements.
JF
Jonathan and his team ran some really fun drills; I had a really nice time and met some really great players.
MH
We have been to Kiawah several times and continue to enjoy the beautiful resort and the excellent tennis instruction.
PW
Amazing! Love Roy’s clinics and instruction. The facilities are top notch!
NL
I had a fantastic experience at Kiawah last March. I played tennis everyday while I was there. The staff at the Roy Barth Tennis Center is exceptional and very friendly. I really enjoyed my lessons with George Handy, as well as all of the pros I had for the morning clinics. I highly recommend planning a trip to Kiawah for anyone who is an avid tennis player.
NS
Kiawah is a beautiful island with 10 miles of white sand beach, pristine environment and activities for all ages. The tennis facility is conveniently located close to the fabulous Sanctuary Hotel and condos and the lessons I had improved my game 100 percent. I have taken lessons before but what Roy Barth taught me has really changed my game and made me a better player. I would highly recommend this resort and the Roy Barth Tennis Center.
PR
My family and I stayed a little over a week at Kiawah and had one of the best vacations of our lives. The island is beautiful, the facilities are top notch and the programs are suited for all types of players. They have a good mix of instructional programs as well as drill sessions which emphasize more point play. All of their pros teach the same method which is nice. Santiago worked with my kids and I and he was great transitioning from kids to adults. Made it super fun and our family loved it!
JW
Kiawah Island Golf Resort has a great facility, excellent coaching staff, and a wonderful environment to play tennis in!
LS
Kiawah is one of the most beautiful and friendly tennis resort in the world, but it’s the outstanding tennis instruction that makes it ideal. David Boyd is a master at his craft, and the improvement we’ve seen in our daughter since taking lessons with him has been phenomenal. Would recommend Kiawah for anyone who wants a beautiful, relaxed setting with first-class instruction!
KW
It doesn’t get much better than playing tennis at Kiawah Island. The pros are awesome and their instruction is great! Also, it is such a beautiful place to play tennis. Best tennis resort ever!
HB
I was especially impressed with Santiago Falla, one of their pros. He does not just stand across from you with big basket hitting balls to you, but looks at your strength and weaknesses (afraid mostly) and works out a training program tailored to your needs. I also liked how nice he is with kids in the junior program. Good matchmaker. Found always people at my level to play with.
SD
My entire family loved the programs the Roy Barth tennis center at Kiawah had to offer, from the junior program for the grandchildren to the “matchmaking” for the adults. We ended up asking for the pro, Santiago, as everyone in the family loved him and his instruction. Our family is planning another week this year to capitalize on the fabulous tennis program at Kiawah.
AC
beautiful location, excellent accommodations, and friendly and expert staff
DL
Beatiful sourroundings, great courts, surfaces for ecveryone, wonderful staff and pros like Santiago Falla. Drabacks are that there are several centers to play on and they are far apart.
AD
Fantastic facility with great natural setting, wonderful club amenities, great courts, attention to player’s needs, and wonderful instructional programs & pro’s.
BF
Pro’s and location are second to none-
WD
The best tennis resort you could hope for! A beautiful location, impeccable facility, and great programs offered everyday. But what really sets Kiawah Resort apart is the incredible staff. They’re helpful, knowledgeable, and most importantly incredibly fun! I would recommend Kiawah to anyone who enjoys tennis– or anyone who wants to start enjoying it!
SR
Excellent teaching in an extraordinary location.
JB
David Boyd, Kiawah’s head tennis professional, is this program’s greatest strength.
CN
Kiawah Golf and Tennis resort is the only place on earth you would ever need to go… it is the ultimate in tennis clinics/resorts… Roy Barth and his staff are amazing.. I can not thank them enough for all they have done.
JA
The Roy Barth Tennis Center at Kiawah Island Golf Resort was the highlight of my trip to Kiawah. My wife and I traveled there in late March to visit relatives nearby and to enjoy a mini-vacation. Once I discovered the tennis center, I had to go every day while there due to top-notch instruction by Roy Barth himself and a very well trained and capable staff. There were also several similar skill-level players in the sessions. I returned home with lots of exciting new things to work on. While I was at tennis, my wife spent much of her time visiting with local friends who happened to be in Kiawah too. She was excited to see new birds on field trips with them, sometimes on bikes using the handy paths that wind through the resort. We also found it very easy to head to nearby destinations, including Summerville, to visit family, and to explore the historic plantations and other sites around Charleston. This was a wonderful trip for us and we would recommend it highly to others!
DJ
I went to Kiawah for a serve clinic. Luckily for me, I ended up alone with Jonathan Barth for a private course. I am a 4.5 player that has taken lessons elsewhere with knowledgable people but I must admit that Jonathan was the most helpful coach I have ever seen period. He gave me the right Tools to fix my errant toss. Plus, 30$ for half-an hour is very cheap in my humble opinion for outstanding teaching. Its Worth everysingle penny of it. I will definitely go back there. Its a million time better than wasting big sums of money at camps like bollitieri or else. That being said, I wish I could have tried different sticks at the clubhouse cause I am in the process of switching racket. Thanks again! (by the way, nobody paid me for writing that review) I am very critical of everything by nature (being french-canadian must have something to do with it;-) Its just what I have experienced there. A+++
WS
Excellent location with exceptionally friendly and caring staff.
JB
Everything at Kiawah was PERFECT! I can’t wait to comeback with my team this fall! The adult clinics were great and the round robins were fun.
RR
The instruction at Kiawah is great! I am a 4.0 player and learned more during our stay than the last two years taking lessons at home. The round robins were great as well as we enjoyed playing some social tennis while on our tennis vacation. It is impressive that they can match people up for games with such short notice as well…the employees here really care about their guests. I can’t wait to go back!
MG
This is the best resort and spa with even greater tennis. Guest rooms are georgeous . Food is 5 star and the spa is beautifully run. Tennis courts and pros make this a perfect getaway
TT
The staff at the tennis center is always accommodating with scheduling, offerings and options. Everyone is so friendly and genuinely excited about tennis!
CD
The Roy Barth Tennis facility on Kiawah Island has been a family favorite for over 10 years. This year my sister and I organized a tennis camp of 12 ladies from the Toledo and Cincinnati areas. Jonathan Barth coordinated a fantastic 3 day camp with 8 hours of exceptional tennis instruction. Tennis professionals David Boyd, Brandon Blankenbaker joined Jonathan for our group. All the ladies felt they received excellent instruction on doubles strategy, stroke, movement and playing tips. Our group rotated with each professional daily, so we received different areas of expertise. David was very technical and helped to understand our strengths and weaknesses. Brandon was excellent at helping us work our doubles movement on the court. Jonathan worked us through many drills, then gave us pointers during our Round Robin tournament play. In between the instruction, their personailities ensured we had a little fun with a lot of laughs… The ladies are already planning our trip back again next Spring.
BM
This is an exceptional resort! I took a 2 day clinic with my sister and sister in-law which I found to be one of the most helpful clinics I have ever taken. The staff was awesome and our instructor was able to help me correct an issue with my serve that I had been struggling with for years! I would highly recommend this resort.
BB
Best tennis, golf and hotel
BH
Beautiful resort and tennis club! Had a great week of clinics with David. Will be back again!
BJ
The best resort I’ve ever been to and the best tennis instruction I’ve ever received. What a wonderful experience!
NS
What a fabulous time I had at Kiawah last week. The tennis facilities are terrific but what really stands out is the incredible tennis instruction my friends and I had with Johnathan Barth, Brandon Blankenbaker, and in particular, Roy Barth. We all walked away with not only some valuable doubles tennis strategy but also individual pointers and comments that were incredibly helpful. I look forward to my next visit!!
CL
I went to Kiawah on a 4-day tennis team/girl’s weekend in Oct 2012. The Roy Barth Tennis Program is the BEST tennis experience I have had in my 30+ years playing. I can’t say enough about the entire staff, everyone from Mr. Barth and his first-rate teaching staff, to the pro shop assistants, to the grounds crew! The resort staff was professional, friendly, and helpful. I loved the “improve what you’ve got” approach to the clinics and drills, rather than the “copy this or that pro player”. I’ve often been bored at other resorts but NOT here, especially with Mr. Barth walking the courts offering up spot on constructive instruction. He is truly a national tennis treasure! I had pretty high expectations, as I had heard so much about Kiawah — and the resort met and exceeded them! Weaknesses? I don’t remember. That’s what happens when you send your clients home happy! Sincerely, Carlotta Lane
BM
Completely wonderful world class tennis resort nestled within a golf & beach setting. Tennis pros phenomenal, Roy Barth still teaches occasional lessons. Great positive atmosphere for kids as well both in weekly 2-hour camps and in private lessons at all levels of ability from starters all the way to junior tournament prep sessions. These guys seem truly to love the game, are great at teaching it, and foster a fabulous environment for adults & kids to learn, tune up, or take their game to a new level. Pool & beach amenities are fabulous, the marsh environment & bike paths offer great ways to see the local environment and animals, the restaurants are amazing, and world class gold available for family members preferring that sport. Cannot say enough good things about the Roy Barth tennis center at Kiawah. I leave motivated to play more when I get home.
DL
Beautiful island and wonderful tennis facilities and instruction.
MS
All around excellence. The staff and amenities are world class quality.
BT
I had a great weekend of instruction from the pros at Kiawah. Jonathan gave my friend and I a two hour private lesson and then arranged a match for us after our lesson so we could work on our strategy in a real match. The hotel was absolutely superb and the service was outstanding. We had a great dinner at the Atlantic Room! I can’t wait to come back out and work on our doubles strategy some more.
JP
We had a camp with Jonathan Barth athe West Beach Tennis Club in early spring and it was amazing (super accomodating) it rained on us but all the pros were very accomodating to get the clay courts playable for us and had great instruction. Island is beautiful as well. We highly recommend Kiawah tennis. Thanks
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380 Reviews on “Kiawah Island Golf Resort”
Great teaching pros, consistent concepts. Beautiful natural surroundings. They helped find matches with similar players. Friendly interesting people. Great tennis center and shop. Programs for all levels and ages, adults and juniors. Spectacular setting. Would recommend to anyone who loves tennis.
The tennis instruction at Kiawah is always top-notch! The tennis facility is maintained perfectly (except for the occasional alligator walking around) and the pro shop is stylish. The resort is gorgeous yet not stuffy. Dining is always fantastic.
If you play tennis this is the place to go. The beaches are beautiful, food on the island is yummy and the tennis facilities are number 1. My family and I have been visiting the resort for over 20+ years . Roy Barth and his staff at the tennis shops are always accommodating and helpful. I started taking lessons from Roy whenI I first visited the resort many years ago and I love that when I return each year that he and his friendly staff are there ready to help me improve my game or find me a match. . Jonathan and Langdon are great to take lessons from.
We own a rental villa on Kiawah Island and are very passionate tennis players..we like to invite our tennis friends from the Midwest and have great fun. The Roy Barth Tennis Center is a great learning place to improve one’s game. The pros are fantastic!
We had great time at Kiawah Roy Bart Tennis. My 6 year old son had several lessons with Santiago and he loved it. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone who wants to bring their game to next level. We will be back next year.
Kiawah Island Golf resort is fantastic. We have taken a family vacation to Kiawah for the last 20+ years. We have stayed at many of the villas for a week at a time and we adore the Sanctuary for some of our shorter stays. The staff at all of the facilities are wonderful. We love to play tennis and the Roy Barth Tennis facility is the best. The instructors are patient and consistent. We even have beach staff that we look forward to seeing every year. We love Kiawah Island!
Wonderful facility, great pros – very instructive. The courts are beautiful and well maintained. The top rate extra amenities like The Sanctuary are absolutely splendid.
Fantastic instruction. All Pros are friendly and knowledgeable. Island Beaches and their accommodations are FIVE STAR.
I have vacationed at Kiawah Island Resort six times in the past five years. This is extremely unusual, as my husband and I love to discover new spots and rarely visit the same place twice. My visits have included getaways with girlfriends, time with family, and a week sharing a villa with another couple. Each time the resort has been the perfect spot. First off, are the wide range of villas that provide enough privacy (bathrooms with each bedroom) and communal areas (living rooms, screened porches, decks), along with well equipped full kitchens, to allow groups to co-exist in comfort. Second, the expansive grounds that include 10 miles of wide, uncrowded beach are perfect for walking, biking, or playing in the surf. The miles of asphalt bike trails take you through forests filled with wildlife (I’ve seen wild turkeys, osprey, many deer and even a bobcat.), past marshes, and beautiful golf fairways. Kayaks and SUPs can be rented for trips through the marshes to view birds of all kinds, as well as dolphins. (Guided tours are also available.) But, the thing that really keeps me coming back is the Roy Barth Tennis Center. I have had the good fortune of visiting several of the top tennis resorts/camps in the country, but the program at Kiawah tops them all. There are two large tennis centers that include both clay and hard courts that are kept in immaculate condition. Stroke of the Day Clinics and Drills are available seven days a week and may be scheduled before or after you arrive at the resort. Individually planned lessons, clinics, and camps are easy to arrange by calling the Center. But the thing that puts Kiawah truly above the rest are the pros. Most resorts and camps have one or two “name” Head Pros who oversee the program and may or may not teach on-court. They seem to often hire local teaching pros to do the “heavy lifting” of the clinics…Pros who may be of the same caliber, or less, than those you usually work with at home. At Kiawah, whether you are on-court with Head Pros Jonathan Barth and David Boyd, or working with Brian, Ryan, Santiago or Langdon, you will be receiving top notch instruction that is directly overseen by tennis legend, Roy Barth. Roy makes certain that the same concepts are taught be each pro, but it is apparent that he allows them to let their personalities shine through in how the concepts are presented. When you take a clinic at Kiawah, you know that you will learn something, receive individualized instruction, and have a great time. It is easy to see why Kiawah is rated Number One by tennisresortsonline.com. I am already looking forward to visit seven next spring.
Pros are amazing, great instruction, and such a beautiful place!!
Superior TENNI.
Nice facility and gift shop. Friendly staff (Langdon) and eager to facilitate our arrangements.
Jonathan and his team ran some really fun drills; I had a really nice time and met some really great players.
We have been to Kiawah several times and continue to enjoy the beautiful resort and the excellent tennis instruction.
Amazing! Love Roy’s clinics and instruction. The facilities are top notch!
I had a fantastic experience at Kiawah last March. I played tennis everyday while I was there. The staff at the Roy Barth Tennis Center is exceptional and very friendly. I really enjoyed my lessons with George Handy, as well as all of the pros I had for the morning clinics. I highly recommend planning a trip to Kiawah for anyone who is an avid tennis player.
Kiawah is a beautiful island with 10 miles of white sand beach, pristine environment and activities for all ages. The tennis facility is conveniently located close to the fabulous Sanctuary Hotel and condos and the lessons I had improved my game 100 percent. I have taken lessons before but what Roy Barth taught me has really changed my game and made me a better player. I would highly recommend this resort and the Roy Barth Tennis Center.
My family and I stayed a little over a week at Kiawah and had one of the best vacations of our lives. The island is beautiful, the facilities are top notch and the programs are suited for all types of players. They have a good mix of instructional programs as well as drill sessions which emphasize more point play. All of their pros teach the same method which is nice. Santiago worked with my kids and I and he was great transitioning from kids to adults. Made it super fun and our family loved it!
Kiawah Island Golf Resort has a great facility, excellent coaching staff, and a wonderful environment to play tennis in!
Kiawah is one of the most beautiful and friendly tennis resort in the world, but it’s the outstanding tennis instruction that makes it ideal. David Boyd is a master at his craft, and the improvement we’ve seen in our daughter since taking lessons with him has been phenomenal. Would recommend Kiawah for anyone who wants a beautiful, relaxed setting with first-class instruction!
It doesn’t get much better than playing tennis at Kiawah Island. The pros are awesome and their instruction is great! Also, it is such a beautiful place to play tennis. Best tennis resort ever!
I was especially impressed with Santiago Falla, one of their pros. He does not just stand across from you with big basket hitting balls to you, but looks at your strength and weaknesses (afraid mostly) and works out a training program tailored to your needs. I also liked how nice he is with kids in the junior program. Good matchmaker. Found always people at my level to play with.
My entire family loved the programs the Roy Barth tennis center at Kiawah had to offer, from the junior program for the grandchildren to the “matchmaking” for the adults. We ended up asking for the pro, Santiago, as everyone in the family loved him and his instruction. Our family is planning another week this year to capitalize on the fabulous tennis program at Kiawah.
beautiful location, excellent accommodations, and friendly and expert staff
Beatiful sourroundings, great courts, surfaces for ecveryone, wonderful staff and pros like Santiago Falla. Drabacks are that there are several centers to play on and they are far apart.
Fantastic facility with great natural setting, wonderful club amenities, great courts, attention to player’s needs, and wonderful instructional programs & pro’s.
Pro’s and location are second to none-
The best tennis resort you could hope for! A beautiful location, impeccable facility, and great programs offered everyday. But what really sets Kiawah Resort apart is the incredible staff. They’re helpful, knowledgeable, and most importantly incredibly fun! I would recommend Kiawah to anyone who enjoys tennis– or anyone who wants to start enjoying it!
Excellent teaching in an extraordinary location.
David Boyd, Kiawah’s head tennis professional, is this program’s greatest strength.
Kiawah Golf and Tennis resort is the only place on earth you would ever need to go… it is the ultimate in tennis clinics/resorts… Roy Barth and his staff are amazing.. I can not thank them enough for all they have done.
The Roy Barth Tennis Center at Kiawah Island Golf Resort was the highlight of my trip to Kiawah. My wife and I traveled there in late March to visit relatives nearby and to enjoy a mini-vacation. Once I discovered the tennis center, I had to go every day while there due to top-notch instruction by Roy Barth himself and a very well trained and capable staff. There were also several similar skill-level players in the sessions. I returned home with lots of exciting new things to work on. While I was at tennis, my wife spent much of her time visiting with local friends who happened to be in Kiawah too. She was excited to see new birds on field trips with them, sometimes on bikes using the handy paths that wind through the resort. We also found it very easy to head to nearby destinations, including Summerville, to visit family, and to explore the historic plantations and other sites around Charleston. This was a wonderful trip for us and we would recommend it highly to others!
I went to Kiawah for a serve clinic. Luckily for me, I ended up alone with Jonathan Barth for a private course. I am a 4.5 player that has taken lessons elsewhere with knowledgable people but I must admit that Jonathan was the most helpful coach I have ever seen period. He gave me the right Tools to fix my errant toss. Plus, 30$ for half-an hour is very cheap in my humble opinion for outstanding teaching. Its Worth everysingle penny of it. I will definitely go back there. Its a million time better than wasting big sums of money at camps like bollitieri or else. That being said, I wish I could have tried different sticks at the clubhouse cause I am in the process of switching racket. Thanks again! (by the way, nobody paid me for writing that review) I am very critical of everything by nature (being french-canadian must have something to do with it;-) Its just what I have experienced there. A+++
Excellent location with exceptionally friendly and caring staff.
Everything at Kiawah was PERFECT! I can’t wait to comeback with my team this fall! The adult clinics were great and the round robins were fun.
The instruction at Kiawah is great! I am a 4.0 player and learned more during our stay than the last two years taking lessons at home. The round robins were great as well as we enjoyed playing some social tennis while on our tennis vacation. It is impressive that they can match people up for games with such short notice as well…the employees here really care about their guests. I can’t wait to go back!
This is the best resort and spa with even greater tennis. Guest rooms are georgeous . Food is 5 star and the spa is beautifully run. Tennis courts and pros make this a perfect getaway
The staff at the tennis center is always accommodating with scheduling, offerings and options. Everyone is so friendly and genuinely excited about tennis!
The Roy Barth Tennis facility on Kiawah Island has been a family favorite for over 10 years. This year my sister and I organized a tennis camp of 12 ladies from the Toledo and Cincinnati areas. Jonathan Barth coordinated a fantastic 3 day camp with 8 hours of exceptional tennis instruction. Tennis professionals David Boyd, Brandon Blankenbaker joined Jonathan for our group. All the ladies felt they received excellent instruction on doubles strategy, stroke, movement and playing tips.
Our group rotated with each professional daily, so we received different areas of expertise. David was very technical and helped to understand our strengths and weaknesses. Brandon was excellent at helping us work our doubles movement on the court. Jonathan worked us through many drills, then gave us pointers during our Round Robin tournament play. In between the instruction, their personailities ensured we had a little fun with a lot of laughs… The ladies are already planning our trip back again next Spring.
This is an exceptional resort! I took a 2 day clinic with my sister and sister in-law which I found to be one of the most helpful clinics I have ever taken. The staff was awesome and our instructor was able to help me correct an issue with my serve that I had been struggling with for years! I would highly recommend this resort.
Best tennis, golf and hotel
Beautiful resort and tennis club! Had a great week of clinics with David. Will be back again!
The best resort I’ve ever been to and the best tennis instruction I’ve ever received. What a wonderful experience!
What a fabulous time I had at Kiawah last week. The tennis facilities are terrific but what really stands out is the incredible tennis instruction my friends and I had with Johnathan Barth, Brandon Blankenbaker, and in particular, Roy Barth. We all walked away with not only some valuable doubles tennis strategy but also individual pointers and comments that were incredibly helpful. I look forward to my next visit!!
I went to Kiawah on a 4-day tennis team/girl’s weekend in Oct 2012. The Roy Barth Tennis Program is the BEST tennis experience I have had in my 30+ years playing. I can’t say enough about the entire staff, everyone from Mr. Barth and his first-rate teaching staff, to the pro shop assistants, to the grounds crew! The resort staff was professional, friendly, and helpful. I loved the “improve what you’ve got” approach to the clinics and drills, rather than the “copy this or that pro player”. I’ve often been bored at other resorts but NOT here, especially with Mr. Barth walking the courts offering up spot on constructive instruction. He is truly a national tennis treasure! I had pretty high expectations, as I had heard so much about Kiawah — and the resort met and exceeded them! Weaknesses? I don’t remember. That’s what happens when you send your clients home happy! Sincerely, Carlotta Lane
Completely wonderful world class tennis resort nestled within a golf & beach setting. Tennis pros phenomenal, Roy Barth still teaches occasional lessons. Great positive atmosphere for kids as well both in weekly 2-hour camps and in private lessons at all levels of ability from starters all the way to junior tournament prep sessions. These guys seem truly to love the game, are great at teaching it, and foster a fabulous environment for adults & kids to learn, tune up, or take their game to a new level.
Pool & beach amenities are fabulous, the marsh environment & bike paths offer great ways to see the local environment and animals, the restaurants are amazing, and world class gold available for family members preferring that sport. Cannot say enough good things about the Roy Barth tennis center at Kiawah. I leave motivated to play more when I get home.
Beautiful island and wonderful tennis facilities and instruction.
All around excellence. The staff and amenities are world class quality.
I had a great weekend of instruction from the pros at Kiawah. Jonathan gave my friend and I a two hour private lesson and then arranged a match for us after our lesson so we could work on our strategy in a real match. The hotel was absolutely superb and the service was outstanding. We had a great dinner at the Atlantic Room! I can’t wait to come back out and work on our doubles strategy some more.
We had a camp with Jonathan Barth athe West Beach Tennis Club in early spring and it was amazing (super accomodating) it rained on us but all the pros were very accomodating to get the clay courts playable for us and had great instruction. Island is beautiful as well. We highly recommend Kiawah tennis. Thanks