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.
This resort and tennis center is fabulous… the surroundings, the pros and the facilities. I loved the beautiful new courts!!
ST
Visited Kiawah for the first time over spring break, had a blast Tennis was exceptional amazing staff really enjoyed my lessons w the Tennis Pros , took lessons with Santiago and was super impressed with the level of Tennis and the facilities were state of the art. Can’t wait to go back to this paradise! I’m a high level player and my wife is beginner and they were able to arrange both singles and doubles w other guests which was awesome and the kids had a blast as well, great junior programs!
AV
My family loves taking “staycations” at Kiawah every once in a while throughout the year. Our kids play the Kiawah tournament and we’ve always taken that opportunity to stay at the resort and enjoy the wonderful facilities and setting that Kiawah island has to offer. We enjoyed the social play as well as the instructional clinics with Jonathan, Santiago, Langdon, and Lauren. All the pro’s are very consistent with their teaching method and they all have great personalities. We were also super excited while talking to their director Jonathan Barth and hearing about the new year round academy they are launching this summer, as this is something we are considering for our kids to join. We also love how the new facility looks with the brand new 10 courts and how everything is consolidated into the Roy Barth Tennis Center. If you are considering your perfect tennis vacation this is the one place you cannot miss. did I mention we love kiawah!
RT
Took a few lessons with a pro named Santiago. Truly a wonderful teacher and lovely person . My level improved quickly and he made me Want to come back to visit again!! Wonderful staff.
TH
Kiawah Island Resort is magical, it is my favorite place to visit. The tennis staff is outstanding, the courts are beautiful and well maintained, the clinics and private lessons are always enjoyable, fun and packed full of great instruction. The entire resort is just heaven, this is our number one place to get away.
JS
Amazing Facility! Can’t wait to see the new courts!
JC
The quality and consistency of the pros is top notch. I take private and group lessons and my game has improved a ton! The instructors, even in the group setting, pay close attention to your swing and always have advice. They care about your progress and are excited when you improve.
BT
Always an exceptional tennis resort that is strengthening its program with the addition of eight new clay courts. Expert staff and extensive offering of classes. Other plus items: five-star Sanctuary hotel, many top rated golf courses on the island, tremendous array of casual to fine dining opportunities. The beach is but a few minutes walk from the tennis complex. Amenities, amenities, amenities to complement the tennis program. Wide array of lodging opportunities to fit any budget. Less than an hour to downtown Charleston, SC.
AV
I have a great experience coming down to Kiawah Island every year. the shop people (David and Sean) go above and beyond trying to set up matches with people with similar abilities. as a beginner player that sometimes can be intimidating. I love how they have programs for all abilities every day of the year. I can do the strokes of the day while my husband does the drill sessions or books a private Lesson with Santiago. All the pro’s are very friendly and consistent with their teaching method. As I said before, we love Kiawah!
PR
Came down for the weekend (easy trip from Atlanta) and well worth the drive. It’s amazing how much one can improve in a weekend when you have the right coaching. Met up with tennis pro Santiago Falla and worked on my area needing the most improvement: my serve. In a matter of 20 minutes I was hitting the ball completely different and harder. Of course, I’ve been playing for a while so this was the perfect tuning I needed. However, it’s clear to me that Santi can help at any level from beginner to advanced. I also worked on my backhand and after a few tips, I had the opportunity to spend a good while on the tennis machine in this individual court to myself to build muscle memory. Can’t say enough good things about Santiago and the tennis center. Very well run and after a weekend I will definitely be a repeat customer.
JC
Kiawah Island is the best tennis resort I have ever been to. There are great instructors and programming for all ages, guaranteed match making system, and beautiful grounds and facilities. Jonathan Barth is a great instructor and Roy Barth is wonderful.
SK
Kiawah Island Tennis Resort has fabulous programs, great accommodations, and fantastic professionals. The staff is exceptional, offering a variety of clinics for adults and kids. The entire family can enjoy a tennis vacation at Kiawah. The pro shop offers a great selection of tennis clothing, raquets, and resort apparel. We save all year to travel to Kiawah for tennis.
KD
Best experience ever! Beautiful place with great staff who are knowledgeable and professional. Tons of options for every walk of life including children and single travelers. Would definitely recommend.
TT
This resort and especially the tennis program exceed customer service expectation. You will not find a better quality tennis program anywhere. Attention to detail and individual skill sets make even group lessons seem like a private lesson. You can get a good workout and have fun at the same time. The facilities are well kept and beautiful.
AH
Roy Barth tennis center is absolutely fantastic! I frequently come here with my family, and every time, we have a friendly face greeting us! Also, when I take tennis lessons from the pros, they are super helpful and instructive. The ball machine is also super convenient and always helps me with my form. I was also happy when they found matches for me to play when I was there. Love this place and it is always my go-to when I’m in Kiawah!
JS
Wonderful resort with excellent staff
AS
Kiawah is a magical place! Bike trails gallor, golf and lots of tennis. Plus an amazing interactive water area with 2 slides for the kids. Don’t forget to go to the beach too! So much to do in a relaxing atmosphere! The tennis camps are awesome! All the coaches are wonderful and you have so much fun. They are really great with the kids too! My kids love going to tennis camp while we are there. We always up our tennis game for sure after we have left these camps! Can’t say enough great things about Kiawah!
CR
My family and I stayed at kiawah over the winter break and we had an abosulte blast! The weather was fantastic for that time of the year which allowed us to play tennis every day. My wife and I did the clinics while the kids took private lessons with Santiago. Now all they talk about is wanting to come back!
MS
My family loved vacationing on Kiawah and taking tennis lessons from Santiago. We are from the Northeast and Santiago taught us great fundamentals to bring back home with us. He and the rest of the tennis staff are very patient and flexible instructors. Santiago was charismatic and ensured we got the most of our hour lesson each day. We will be back!
JK
I recently attended a tennis clinic on Kiawah Island at the Roy Barth Tennis Center a few months ago. This was my first time taking a tennis clinic on Kiawah. I have been in the past to play tennis with my children, since their clay courts are so nice. The clinic was a wonderful surprise! I had a great time and learned a ton on how to improve my groundstrokes. I would recommend any player trying to improve their game to give Kiawah a try. You won’t regret it!
DN
My family and I have been coming to Kiawah Island for 25 years and never grow tired of it. I have been playing tennis at the Roy Barth Tennis Center for most of those 25 years and keep returning because of the outstanding facilities and tennis instruction I have received. During that time I have gotten to know all of the instructors and have come to feel as if they are part of an extended family. Jonathan, David, Langdon and all of the others have always tailored their instruction to the needs of my particular game thus allowing for me to glean maximum benefit from the time I spend there. Through the years, I have visited other tennis camps and resorts, but have nowhere experienced the friendly, personal, and expert instruction that I have at Kiawah. I plan to keep going back for the next 25 years!
PG
Great place for tennis, golf, the beach and overall enjoyment
WG
This resort has everything. A great tennis program, friendly staff, with lessons & many clinics; and opportunities to join round robin groups. The courts and grounds are extremely well taken care of which makes for lovely surroundings. Being located so close to Charleston, makes this a perfect location to soak in southern culture as well.
TP
We traveled to Kiawah Island for a tennis weekend at Roy Barth Tennis Center. I spoke directly with Jonathan Barth to set up a weekend specifically tailored for our tennis ladies which included four women. We had three days of 3 hour sessions that included techniques, i.e. eye on the point of contact, strategy for doubles, i.e. pressure opponent, live ball feeds playing the point out. Amazing each day the energy and content that was given to us by Jonathan. Jonathan went above and beyond to arrange tennis matches for us in the afternoon with local ladies. We truly experienced Southern hospitality. The facility is very nice. The one downside is our trip was too short. We all wanted to keep drilling on the courts. Thank you!
BA
Everything about our tennis at Kiawah was top notch! The instructors were great and super accommodating!
DH
Plenty of courts, great physical beauty, few singles players, high fees,
MP
Kiawah Island has a perfect blend of leisre, relaxation, and sports. The beach is gorgeous. The walking and riding paths copious and beautiful. But it is the tennis that rises above it all. The grounds r arranged for uninterrupted tennis and the staff is impeccable. Always a pleasure to visit the Roy Barth Tennis club.
MN
The staff is top notch and always willing to help. They treat everyone like they are the most important guest there. My husband and I usually celebrate our anniversary there and the resort always makes sure they send us a bottle of wine. We love the tennis facilities and the instruction is always fun but technical. I go home with improvement to some aspect of my game. We can’t wait until our next visit in paradise.
SP
After coming to Kiawah for the junior tournament in October for the last 5 years, I decided to enroll my son into the Barth Tennis Academy. He was able to get strong preparation for his tournament, by having an opportunity to play matches against other top ranked junior players, get key strategic advice from the coaches, and be challenged everyday with new drills. Jonathan and George worked with him for the week which he greatly enjoyed. The big draw that will keep us coming back was the individual attention he was able to receive that other tennis academies don’t always guarantee. We will be back this summer for more top notch tournament preparation.
JT
As a relatively new tennis player I thought the morning clinics were very helpful, to help me really focus on the fundamentals of how to make more consistent solid contact. The instructors were all very enthusiastic and the courts were in excellent condition. I will be back in the future for sure.
SR
Absolutely breathtaking. The staff, facilities, and environment is in a league of its own.
BB
I had an awesome experience at Kiawah Island. The people were super nice and the experience was once in a lifetime. I will be back for another experience.
JG
Thoroughly enjoyed the seclusion and the beautiful atmosphere. Staff and scenery were both exceptional. Would recommend to anyone trying to get away and enjoy some peace and quiet while at the same time having your needs tailored to by an extraordinary staff.
WS
The staff and tennis professionals were second to none in terms of knowledge and approachability. A must visit for any golf and/or tennis enthusiast!
PW
Greatly enjoyed my trip to Kiawah this past January. I always come down for a week at a time for tennis and golf. The staff at the Roy Barth Tennis Center were very accommodating and friendly, even when I came during a busy weekend asking for tennis lessons. I learned far more than expected for the second straight year. The forehand clinic with Langdon and serve clinic with George were a blast. Recommend any avid tennis player hoping to improve their game to give Kiawah a try.
GG
Brought a group of 8 women to the Tennis camp. It was one of the best camps for developing skills and analyzing each individual. Fabulous experience. We stayed at a friends private residence.
EF
The golf and tennis are superb! Walking the beach is a must…
BS
This spring was my first time coming to Kiawah Island for tennis exclusively. I typically make the drive with a few friends to go golf, but with my young kids picking up tennis recently I decided to go try and get a few lessons. Never having been to the Roy Barth Tennis Center in my past trips to the island, I was very impressed. The courts were in much better shape than the clay courts I’m used to playing on, and I could hear the ocean from the court. The shop staff was very helpful in informing me on the different types of rackets I should use as a beginner. Once I got out on the court for my lesson I had a great time. The pro was absolutely terrific. It is safe to say that from now on I will be bringing both my golf bag and my tennis rackets on hopefully many trips to come.
TB
Probably the best resort I’ve ever attended anywhere in the world. Every facet of Kiawah’s operation is top notch and exudes professionalism. I would be hard pressed to think of anything they could do better, but each year, they exceed my expectations.
JC
Beautiful Island with excellent tennis court. The staff are friendly and courteous. The pros are the best!
TW
Great tennis staff right on the ocean. If you want top rate training see Roy Barth and his team. They are the best.
SW
Kiawah Island is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. The natural beauty, along with thoughtful development has produced a very serene, relaxing environment. The tennis program is my favorite activity, with multiple clinics to choose from everyday and friendly, talented pros to help get the most out of your game.
DM
Amazing tennis, David Boyd is a standout instructor. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed
AG
I took several lessons over a long weekend with Pro David Boyd. He did a fantastic job and I learned so much in such a short amount of time. I have taken lessons regularly from at least six pros (at other clubs) over the last 10-15 years and he is, by far, my favorite.
TF
Being from a small town in southern Vermont, travelling south to spend a week at Kiawah with my family was a terrific experience that I look forward to repeating in the near future. The shop staff that greeted me once I arrived on the grounds at the Roy Barth Tennis Center, was as charming as the beautiful facility that I was so so excited to play at. All of the pros were excellent in their instruction and were all incredibly friendly. I left Kiawah with the feeling that my tennis game had greatly improved in just a few days, and I strongly recommend any tennis player to check it out!
AJ
A few girlfriends and I have been taking a yearly “girls trip” to Kiawah for the last 3 years. We are set to go again in a couple of weeks. The tennis instruction by David Boyd is fantastic. We all agree it is the best we’ve experienced. Kiawah is a beautiful island. It’s very relaxing and well preserved. The food is outstanding. We always rent a condo vs. staying at the on-site hotel so I cannot comment on the hotel rooms, although what I have seen of the hotel is beautiful! Highly recommend!
EW
Kiawah has great facilities with excellent pros led by Roy Barth. We always enjoy our visits to Kiawah because we are tennis nuts and the courts are in great shape and we always get fun and competitive matches there.
RH
Kiawah Island is on of the most well-run resorts that I have visited because of the variety of ages that it caters to along with the variety of activities that are offered. The tennis and golf programs are unparalleled.
RS
Great tennis facility with outstanding staff!
JS
Great tennis program with variety of styles to instruction but consistency in teaching techniques across pros! Helpful, encouraging, fun!
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380 Reviews on “Kiawah Island Golf Resort”
This resort and tennis center is fabulous… the surroundings, the pros and the facilities. I loved the beautiful new courts!!
Visited Kiawah for the first time over spring break, had a blast Tennis was exceptional amazing staff really enjoyed my lessons w the Tennis Pros , took lessons with Santiago and was super impressed with the level of Tennis and the facilities were state of the art. Can’t wait to go back to this paradise! I’m a high level player and my wife is beginner and they were able to arrange both singles and doubles w other guests which was awesome and the kids had a blast as well, great junior programs!
My family loves taking “staycations” at Kiawah every once in a while throughout the year. Our kids play the Kiawah tournament and we’ve always taken that opportunity to stay at the resort and enjoy the wonderful facilities and setting that Kiawah island has to offer. We enjoyed the social play as well as the instructional clinics with Jonathan, Santiago, Langdon, and Lauren. All the pro’s are very consistent with their teaching method and they all have great personalities. We were also super excited while talking to their director Jonathan Barth and hearing about the new year round academy they are launching this summer, as this is something we are considering for our kids to join. We also love how the new facility looks with the brand new 10 courts and how everything is consolidated into the Roy Barth Tennis Center. If you are considering your perfect tennis vacation this is the one place you cannot miss. did I mention we love kiawah!
Took a few lessons with a pro named Santiago. Truly a wonderful teacher and lovely person . My level improved quickly and he made me Want to come back to visit again!! Wonderful staff.
Kiawah Island Resort is magical, it is my favorite place to visit. The tennis staff is outstanding, the courts are beautiful and well maintained, the clinics and private lessons are always enjoyable, fun and packed full of great instruction. The entire resort is just heaven, this is our number one place to get away.
Amazing Facility! Can’t wait to see the new courts!
The quality and consistency of the pros is top notch. I take private and group lessons and my game has improved a ton! The instructors, even in the group setting, pay close attention to your swing and always have advice. They care about your progress and are excited when you improve.
Always an exceptional tennis resort that is strengthening its program with the addition of eight new clay courts. Expert staff and extensive offering of classes. Other plus items: five-star Sanctuary hotel, many top rated golf courses on the island, tremendous array of casual to fine dining opportunities. The beach is but a few minutes walk from the tennis complex. Amenities, amenities, amenities to complement the tennis program. Wide array of lodging opportunities to fit any budget. Less than an hour to downtown Charleston, SC.
I have a great experience coming down to Kiawah Island every year. the shop people (David and Sean) go above and beyond trying to set up matches with people with similar abilities. as a beginner player that sometimes can be intimidating. I love how they have programs for all abilities every day of the year. I can do the strokes of the day while my husband does the drill sessions or books a private Lesson with Santiago. All the pro’s are very friendly and consistent with their teaching method. As I said before, we love Kiawah!
Came down for the weekend (easy trip from Atlanta) and well worth the drive. It’s amazing how much one can improve in a weekend when you have the right coaching. Met up with tennis pro Santiago Falla and worked on my area needing the most improvement: my serve. In a matter of 20 minutes I was hitting the ball completely different and harder. Of course, I’ve been playing for a while so this was the perfect tuning I needed. However, it’s clear to me that Santi can help at any level from beginner to advanced. I also worked on my backhand and after a few tips, I had the opportunity to spend a good while on the tennis machine in this individual court to myself to build muscle memory. Can’t say enough good things about Santiago and the tennis center. Very well run and after a weekend I will definitely be a repeat customer.
Kiawah Island is the best tennis resort I have ever been to. There are great instructors and programming for all ages, guaranteed match making system, and beautiful grounds and facilities. Jonathan Barth is a great instructor and Roy Barth is wonderful.
Kiawah Island Tennis Resort has fabulous programs, great accommodations, and fantastic professionals. The staff is exceptional, offering a variety of clinics for adults and kids. The entire family can enjoy a tennis vacation at Kiawah. The pro shop offers a great selection of tennis clothing, raquets, and resort apparel. We save all year to travel to Kiawah for tennis.
Best experience ever! Beautiful place with great staff who are knowledgeable and professional. Tons of options for every walk of life including children and single travelers. Would definitely recommend.
This resort and especially the tennis program exceed customer service expectation. You will not find a better quality tennis program anywhere. Attention to detail and individual skill sets make even group lessons seem like a private lesson. You can get a good workout and have fun at the same time. The facilities are well kept and beautiful.
Roy Barth tennis center is absolutely fantastic! I frequently come here with my family, and every time, we have a friendly face greeting us! Also, when I take tennis lessons from the pros, they are super helpful and instructive. The ball machine is also super convenient and always helps me with my form. I was also happy when they found matches for me to play when I was there. Love this place and it is always my go-to when I’m in Kiawah!
Wonderful resort with excellent staff
Kiawah is a magical place! Bike trails gallor, golf and lots of tennis. Plus an amazing interactive water area with 2 slides for the kids. Don’t forget to go to the beach too! So much to do in a relaxing atmosphere! The tennis camps are awesome! All the coaches are wonderful and you have so much fun. They are really great with the kids too! My kids love going to tennis camp while we are there. We always up our tennis game for sure after we have left these camps! Can’t say enough great things about Kiawah!
My family and I stayed at kiawah over the winter break and we had an abosulte blast! The weather was fantastic for that time of the year which allowed us to play tennis every day. My wife and I did the clinics while the kids took private lessons with Santiago. Now all they talk about is wanting to come back!
My family loved vacationing on Kiawah and taking tennis lessons from Santiago. We are from the Northeast and Santiago taught us great fundamentals to bring back home with us. He and the rest of the tennis staff are very patient and flexible instructors. Santiago was charismatic and ensured we got the most of our hour lesson each day. We will be back!
I recently attended a tennis clinic on Kiawah Island at the Roy Barth Tennis Center a few months ago. This was my first time taking a tennis clinic on Kiawah. I have been in the past to play tennis with my children, since their clay courts are so nice. The clinic was a wonderful surprise! I had a great time and learned a ton on how to improve my groundstrokes. I would recommend any player trying to improve their game to give Kiawah a try. You won’t regret it!
My family and I have been coming to Kiawah Island for 25 years and never grow tired of it. I have been playing tennis at the Roy Barth Tennis Center for most of those 25 years and keep returning because of the outstanding facilities and tennis instruction I have received. During that time I have gotten to know all of the instructors and have come to feel as if they are part of an extended family. Jonathan, David, Langdon and all of the others have always tailored their instruction to the needs of my particular game thus allowing for me to glean maximum benefit from the time I spend there. Through the years, I have visited other tennis camps and resorts, but have nowhere experienced the friendly, personal, and expert instruction that I have at Kiawah. I plan to keep going back for the next 25 years!
Great place for tennis, golf, the beach and overall enjoyment
This resort has everything. A great tennis program, friendly staff, with lessons & many clinics; and opportunities to join round robin groups. The courts and grounds are extremely well taken care of which makes for lovely surroundings. Being located so close to Charleston, makes this a perfect location to soak in southern culture as well.
We traveled to Kiawah Island for a tennis weekend at Roy Barth Tennis Center. I spoke directly with Jonathan Barth to set up a weekend specifically tailored for our tennis ladies which included four women. We had three days of 3 hour sessions that included techniques, i.e. eye on the point of contact, strategy for doubles, i.e. pressure opponent, live ball feeds playing the point out. Amazing each day the energy and content that was given to us by Jonathan. Jonathan went above and beyond to arrange tennis matches for us in the afternoon with local ladies. We truly experienced Southern hospitality. The facility is very nice. The one downside is our trip was too short. We all wanted to keep drilling on the courts. Thank you!
Everything about our tennis at Kiawah was top notch! The instructors were great and super accommodating!
Plenty of courts, great physical beauty, few singles players, high fees,
Kiawah Island has a perfect blend of leisre, relaxation, and sports. The beach is gorgeous. The walking and riding paths copious and beautiful. But it is the tennis that rises above it all. The grounds r arranged for uninterrupted tennis and the staff is impeccable. Always a pleasure to visit the Roy Barth Tennis club.
The staff is top notch and always willing to help. They treat everyone like they are the most important guest there. My husband and I usually celebrate our anniversary there and the resort always makes sure they send us a bottle of wine. We love the tennis facilities and the instruction is always fun but technical. I go home with improvement to some aspect of my game. We can’t wait until our next visit in paradise.
After coming to Kiawah for the junior tournament in October for the last 5 years, I decided to enroll my son into the Barth Tennis Academy. He was able to get strong preparation for his tournament, by having an opportunity to play matches against other top ranked junior players, get key strategic advice from the coaches, and be challenged everyday with new drills. Jonathan and George worked with him for the week which he greatly enjoyed. The big draw that will keep us coming back was the individual attention he was able to receive that other tennis academies don’t always guarantee. We will be back this summer for more top notch tournament preparation.
As a relatively new tennis player I thought the morning clinics were very helpful, to help me really focus on the fundamentals of how to make more consistent solid contact. The instructors were all very enthusiastic and the courts were in excellent condition. I will be back in the future for sure.
Absolutely breathtaking. The staff, facilities, and environment is in a league of its own.
I had an awesome experience at Kiawah Island. The people were super nice and the experience was once in a lifetime. I will be back for another experience.
Thoroughly enjoyed the seclusion and the beautiful atmosphere. Staff and scenery were both exceptional. Would recommend to anyone trying to get away and enjoy some peace and quiet while at the same time having your needs tailored to by an extraordinary staff.
The staff and tennis professionals were second to none in terms of knowledge and approachability. A must visit for any golf and/or tennis enthusiast!
Greatly enjoyed my trip to Kiawah this past January. I always come down for a week at a time for tennis and golf. The staff at the Roy Barth Tennis Center were very accommodating and friendly, even when I came during a busy weekend asking for tennis lessons. I learned far more than expected for the second straight year. The forehand clinic with Langdon and serve clinic with George were a blast. Recommend any avid tennis player hoping to improve their game to give Kiawah a try.
Brought a group of 8 women to the Tennis camp. It was one of the best camps for developing skills and analyzing each individual. Fabulous experience. We stayed at a friends private residence.
The golf and tennis are superb! Walking the beach is a must…
This spring was my first time coming to Kiawah Island for tennis exclusively. I typically make the drive with a few friends to go golf, but with my young kids picking up tennis recently I decided to go try and get a few lessons. Never having been to the Roy Barth Tennis Center in my past trips to the island, I was very impressed. The courts were in much better shape than the clay courts I’m used to playing on, and I could hear the ocean from the court. The shop staff was very helpful in informing me on the different types of rackets I should use as a beginner. Once I got out on the court for my lesson I had a great time. The pro was absolutely terrific. It is safe to say that from now on I will be bringing both my golf bag and my tennis rackets on hopefully many trips to come.
Probably the best resort I’ve ever attended anywhere in the world. Every facet of Kiawah’s operation is top notch and exudes professionalism. I would be hard pressed to think of anything they could do better, but each year, they exceed my expectations.
Beautiful Island with excellent tennis court. The staff are friendly and courteous. The pros are the best!
Great tennis staff right on the ocean. If you want top rate training see Roy Barth and his team. They are the best.
Kiawah Island is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. The natural beauty, along with thoughtful development has produced a very serene, relaxing environment. The tennis program is my favorite activity, with multiple clinics to choose from everyday and friendly, talented pros to help get the most out of your game.
Amazing tennis, David Boyd is a standout instructor. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed
I took several lessons over a long weekend with Pro David Boyd. He did a fantastic job and I learned so much in such a short amount of time. I have taken lessons regularly from at least six pros (at other clubs) over the last 10-15 years and he is, by far, my favorite.
Being from a small town in southern Vermont, travelling south to spend a week at Kiawah with my family was a terrific experience that I look forward to repeating in the near future. The shop staff that greeted me once I arrived on the grounds at the Roy Barth Tennis Center, was as charming as the beautiful facility that I was so so excited to play at. All of the pros were excellent in their instruction and were all incredibly friendly. I left Kiawah with the feeling that my tennis game had greatly improved in just a few days, and I strongly recommend any tennis player to check it out!
A few girlfriends and I have been taking a yearly “girls trip” to Kiawah for the last 3 years. We are set to go again in a couple of weeks. The tennis instruction by David Boyd is fantastic. We all agree it is the best we’ve experienced. Kiawah is a beautiful island. It’s very relaxing and well preserved. The food is outstanding. We always rent a condo vs. staying at the on-site hotel so I cannot comment on the hotel rooms, although what I have seen of the hotel is beautiful! Highly recommend!
Kiawah has great facilities with excellent pros led by Roy Barth. We always enjoy our visits to Kiawah because we are tennis nuts and the courts are in great shape and we always get fun and competitive matches there.
Kiawah Island is on of the most well-run resorts that I have visited because of the variety of ages that it caters to along with the variety of activities that are offered. The tennis and golf programs are unparalleled.
Great tennis facility with outstanding staff!
Great tennis program with variety of styles to instruction but consistency in teaching techniques across pros! Helpful, encouraging, fun!