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.
Super experience. Offer all one might want. Beautiful and very special
BC
There is no better place to visit than Kiawah Island for a vacation. The tennis facility is outstanding and the tennis program is the best I have ever experienced. The staff is high energy and the teaching level of the pros there far exceeds any of other facilities I have visited. The setting is beautiful and the various clinics, individual lessons and programs offered make it a place to receive any type of instruction you might want to receive. Make your reservations early!
AT
There is no better place than Kiawah. I have been going there for over 30 years and it just keeps getting better and better and better. Unbelievable. I have been a 4.0 USTA player for many years and I love playing in Kiawah’s tournament in May with my husband every year. I’ve also attended their team clinic weekends and we not only have fun but learn so much! I am a world traveler and can honestly say that Kiawah’s tennis program in all facets is my favorite.
HG
Tennis is my passion! Kiawah has it ALL for me! Play, Instruction, Support AND wonderful vacation environment for me and my crew! Every visit is a 10!!!!!
JG
A wonderful vacation spot for couples and/or family! Experiences on and off the courts are awesome. Look forward to every visit!
AE
JB
I have been vacationing on Kiawah Island for 27 years, and playing tennis avidly for more than 50. While I have visited many other tennis resorts in the U.S., Kiawah Island Tennis is the pinnacle in terms of amenities, quality, and overall experience. And Kiawah’s tennis program just keeps evolving and improving! The tennis program on Kiawah Island is amazing and unique. The Tennis Center’s soft and hard courts are perfectly maintained and located conveniently at the center of the island, a short stroll from Kiawah’s five-star Sanctuary Hotel, and immediately adjacent to the Tennis Club Villas, many of which are available for short-term rental. These villas serve as a perfect base for everything from a family week of surf, sand, and sports, to a fun tennis weekend with friends. About 4 years ago, Kiawah added ten clay courts, all of which have state-of-the-art LED lighting that provides both a brilliant “daytime” lighting experience (needed for these sixty-plus-year-old eyes!) and such precise focusing that they do not intrude upon nearby Tennis Club Villas, or turtles nesting on the beaches nearby. But the true brilliance of Kiawah tennis is in its teaching program. Led by Director of Tennis Jonathan Barth and Head Tennis Professional David Boyd, Kiawah’s program is perfectly tailored for the transient tennis population visiting vacation resorts. Early on, Kiawah Tennis’s founder, Roy Barth (Jonathan’s father, and a legend himself) identified the five or six characteristics shared by every excellent tennis player, regardless of his or her individual playing style. Roy then created a teaching program that focuses on improving these common characteristics. The final component is a methodical approach through which the entire teaching staff unerringly teaches these same characteristics through a consistent methodology. While each tennis professional has his or her own personality, tennis players are guaranteed to receive consistent training, regardless of whether they are paired with David (my go-to tennis guru), Jonathan, longtime pros Langdon Brockington, or others on Kiawah’s professional teaching staff. The fact that David and Jonathan have each taught at Kiawah for more than 20 years and Langdon, for 18, says volumes about the level of dedication and commitment each Kiawah Island tennis professional brings onto the court for every lesson. The program Roy Barth created is pure genius, as players of every level and style can achieve tangible improvement through a single lesson, or series of lessons. The friendly atmosphere around the courts provides the relaxation we are all looking for during a resort vacation. The tennis staff also maintains a list of local residents and other vacationers who are interested in playing and will match you with compatible tennis partners (singles or doubles) upon request. And, while Tennis Resorts Online is the go-to resource for all things tennis¸ I have to recognize Kiawah’s extremely active pickleball program. The Tennis Center now includes six perfect, dedicated pickleball courts, which also have excellent lighting. Head pickleball pro Alex Holdgate is ready and able to provide helpful and fun pickleball instruction, upon request. So, whether you are one of the many families who have been frequenting Kiawah’s tennis program, year after year, or part of a new family beginning its own Kiawah tennis tradition, I am certain you will find the Kiawah experience surpasses all others!
KK
Beautiful resort with countless activities for the whole family. We particularly enjoyed the tennis complex because the instructors were so much fun and made sure that all in our group enjoyed the clinic. The overall instruction was top notch and the facility itself allowed us all to play up to our level. Cannot recommend it enough!
CW
What are you waiting for????
RS
SM
GC
The Kiawah Island Tennis Center (Roy Barth Center) is by far the best tennis facility we have ever visited and experienced. The staff is outstanding, very knowledgeable, and friendly. We have been in Kiawah Island for almost 30 years and play tennis each and every time we visit. It is an important part of our vacation experience. Head Professional, David Boyd, and his staff provide the best teaching techniques available. We have enjoyed the clinics, private lessons and free play every time we visit. The tennis resort should be very proud of their high ranking in the United States.
SL
Best place in the world
KP
TC
Fabulous tennis program with awesome instruction. Beautiful resort all around.
AM
Kiawah is our family’s favorite vacation. The tennis facility and the tennis pros are outstanding. Jonathan and Roy Barth do an excellent job with the tennis program on the island. The resort is absolutely beautiful and we will continue visiting Kiawah with our family for years to come.
LK
I cannot say enough good things about Kiawah. It is elegant. It is spectacularly beautiful. When you are there, you feel like you are whisked away to the most amazing oasis. The tennis center is beyond reproach. The courts have wonderful maintenance. And we’re like playing in a tropical paradise. The instructors are spectacular understanding all different layers of players. I will return to Kiawah again and again!
IW
Kiawah is my favorite tennis resort. I have visited many times over many years. David Boyd is my favorite tennis professional. He is the best on-court teacher I have ever had. Looking forward to my next visit.
MR
RD
The Roy Barth tennis center is outstanding. We had clinics and private lessons with David Boyd, Langdon and Jonathan and Roy Barth. Roy still does on court lessons and gives tips from his Wimbledon tournaments. We look forward to our trip this September.
NL
We’ve been going to Kiawah for years and can’t wait to go back. Great Tennis vacation.
LM
Visited in November 2023 with my wife and participated in pickleball and tennis clinics and found the instruction to be superb, friendly, and not intimidating. Combine this with the Five Star Sanctuary and it makes for a perfect getaway weekend.
LB
Everything is simply amazing!
BH
SM
The accommodations are really great, my wife was in heaven. The Sanctuary Hotel is really top drawer, and it has an enormous, beautiful grass courtyard which is behind hotel and just in front of the beach….great for hanging out or having a drink. We dined at perhaps 2 of the hotel restaurants and both were outstanding. On balance, there’s so much to do on the island. We spent most of the daytime at the pools, biking, and playing tennis. The Barth Tennis Center is great. Drills are fun and I took a couple private lessons. I thought the staff was great and my overall experience was wonderful.
AQ
The Sanctuary hotel is absolutely lovely and accommodations are 5-star. Food is was excellent everywhere well we went on the property. The Kiawah beaches are big and wide, great for biking- the whole island has exceptional trails. The Barth Tennis center is a super nice facility and we enjoyed both group and private lessons, and the pros were both fun and challenging. We didn’t take kids but they had a large groups of kids on the court in organized training. Pickleball has been expanded and they have a certified pro on staff. Even though we didn’t play a lot of pickleball, they have good opportunities daily for open play. We’d go to Kiawah again in a minute.
AA
JC
Most beautiful place ever, fantastic tennis coaches esp David Boyd extremely helpful and communicative. He really knows his stuff, makes it fun and is very accomodating with times and days we need him. Alex is a fun pickleball coach, had some great tips from him, he organises the socials very smoothly, a thoroughly nice chap!
SZ
Kiawah has the whole package. The tennis was outstanding. From the game arranging, private lessons, group clinics, and open play. My grandkids had a great time at their camps/academy. My family biked across the island on the bike paths. The beach was great and the pools were excellent. Will go back in 2024.
EZ
David boyd and academy tennis program exceptional !
AW
We have continued to vacation at Kiawah Island for the last 20 years. The tennis and pickleball setup on Kiawah is top-notch across the board and has continued to improve over time! A must visit for anyone new.
CK
Kiawah’s tennis/pickleball resorts is incredible! Love this place — I had the best time with my instructor and will definitely bring my entire family back again soon. I cannot say enough about how amazing this place treated me. What an incredible resort!!!!
DP
This is my 5th trip to the Island for tennis and golf. Exceptional times and facilities. The new Head Tennis Director is doing an outstanding job of setting matches and giving lessons. Even had the opportunity to meet the famous and retired Tennis Director, Roy Barth, on a couple occasions. Stay at the hotel with easy access to the courts and golf courses. Another great vacation and tennis experience.
AC
I’ve been coming to Kiawah Island for over 10 years. Every year I’m blown away by the island’s staff, hospitality, cleanliness, beauty and more. We always do the tennis clinics as a family and even did it for a wedding welcome party! It was a blast and very entertaining for both kids and adults.
JM
Kiawah is the best family vacation. We look forward to our visit each year. Roy and Jonathan Barth provide an unbelievable tennis experience with their hospitality and their individualized instruction. The resort offerings and amenities are the best!
PV
JS
CW
ML
TM
TW
Kiawah is an outstanding island, that includes a 5 star experience for all ages, great beach, hotel, tennis, golf, culinary and recreation amenities, the Roy Barth Tennis Center is our favorite tennis resort globally. Jonathan Barth and the legendary Roy Barth are always on-site along with very capable tennis professionals such as David and Langdon. This is a very well maintained Tennis center with a great shop and recently added state of the art pickleball courts. Just a great resort with world class amenities!
ST
AH
One of our all-time favorite family vacations! Traveled to Kiawah Island with our 3 younger children, and they had the best time playing tennis, swimming in the pools, biking around the island, beach-combing, and so much more. Would love to come back to visit very soon! Can’t say enough about the Roy Barth Tennis Center and their exceptional staff!
RM
I have found no better place to go on recurring vacations with my family. Kiawah is absolutely the best! Love the staff, accommodations, cuisine, and both Tennis and Pickleball facilities.
RK
We have been to several tennis resorts over the years and Kiawah is at the top of the list for overall experience!
MK
Kiawah Island’s Tennis Center has always been one of my favorites to visit. The facilities are outstanding and set in such a natural environment, it is truly unique. They have added Pickelball as well and my kids have enjoyed trying that in addition to Tennis. The Staff is outstanding, and the Head Pro Jonathan Barth runs great adult and Junior programs. In short, Kiawah’s is just a great place for tennis!
PK
Kiawah Island is a place unto itself! Beautiful, fun, good people there for one reason – to make your stay there memorable and fun! The reception there is totally different than other places I have visited. This place lives up to all its “hype!” It is one of the few places that never changes, and my personal experience(s) are always so good, I look forward to coming back for more! To Kiawah – please do not change anything!
JJ
Highly enjoyable clinics and great teaching staff. Great that Roy Barth spends some time on the court and offers tips – very useful!
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380 Reviews on “Kiawah Island Golf Resort”
Outstanding programs for tennis of all levels
Super experience. Offer all one might want. Beautiful and very special
There is no better place to visit than Kiawah Island for a vacation. The tennis facility is outstanding and the tennis program is the best I have ever experienced. The staff is high energy and the teaching level of the pros there far exceeds any of other facilities I have visited. The setting is beautiful and the various clinics, individual lessons and programs offered make it a place to receive any type of instruction you might want to receive. Make your reservations early!
There is no better place than Kiawah. I have been going there for over 30 years and it just keeps getting better and better and better. Unbelievable. I have been a 4.0 USTA player for many years and I love playing in Kiawah’s tournament in May with my husband every year. I’ve also attended their team clinic weekends and we not only have fun but learn so much! I am a world traveler and can honestly say that Kiawah’s tennis program in all facets is my favorite.
Tennis is my passion! Kiawah has it ALL for me! Play, Instruction, Support AND wonderful vacation environment for me and my crew! Every visit is a 10!!!!!
A wonderful vacation spot for couples and/or family! Experiences on and off the courts are awesome. Look forward to every visit!
I have been vacationing on Kiawah Island for 27 years, and playing tennis avidly for more than 50. While I have visited many other tennis resorts in the U.S., Kiawah Island Tennis is the pinnacle in terms of amenities, quality, and overall experience. And Kiawah’s tennis program just keeps evolving and improving! The tennis program on Kiawah Island is amazing and unique. The Tennis Center’s soft and hard courts are perfectly maintained and located conveniently at the center of the island, a short stroll from Kiawah’s five-star Sanctuary Hotel, and immediately adjacent to the Tennis Club Villas, many of which are available for short-term rental. These villas serve as a perfect base for everything from a family week of surf, sand, and sports, to a fun tennis weekend with friends. About 4 years ago, Kiawah added ten clay courts, all of which have state-of-the-art LED lighting that provides both a brilliant “daytime” lighting experience (needed for these sixty-plus-year-old eyes!) and such precise focusing that they do not intrude upon nearby Tennis Club Villas, or turtles nesting on the beaches nearby. But the true brilliance of Kiawah tennis is in its teaching program. Led by Director of Tennis Jonathan Barth and Head Tennis Professional David Boyd, Kiawah’s program is perfectly tailored for the transient tennis population visiting vacation resorts. Early on, Kiawah Tennis’s founder, Roy Barth (Jonathan’s father, and a legend himself) identified the five or six characteristics shared by every excellent tennis player, regardless of his or her individual playing style. Roy then created a teaching program that focuses on improving these common characteristics. The final component is a methodical approach through which the entire teaching staff unerringly teaches these same characteristics through a consistent methodology. While each tennis professional has his or her own personality, tennis players are guaranteed to receive consistent training, regardless of whether they are paired with David (my go-to tennis guru), Jonathan, longtime pros Langdon Brockington, or others on Kiawah’s professional teaching staff. The fact that David and Jonathan have each taught at Kiawah for more than 20 years and Langdon, for 18, says volumes about the level of dedication and commitment each Kiawah Island tennis professional brings onto the court for every lesson. The program Roy Barth created is pure genius, as players of every level and style can achieve tangible improvement through a single lesson, or series of lessons. The friendly atmosphere around the courts provides the relaxation we are all looking for during a resort vacation. The tennis staff also maintains a list of local residents and other vacationers who are interested in playing and will match you with compatible tennis partners (singles or doubles) upon request. And, while Tennis Resorts Online is the go-to resource for all things tennis¸ I have to recognize Kiawah’s extremely active pickleball program. The Tennis Center now includes six perfect, dedicated pickleball courts, which also have excellent lighting. Head pickleball pro Alex Holdgate is ready and able to provide helpful and fun pickleball instruction, upon request. So, whether you are one of the many families who have been frequenting Kiawah’s tennis program, year after year, or part of a new family beginning its own Kiawah tennis tradition, I am certain you will find the Kiawah experience surpasses all others!
Beautiful resort with countless activities for the whole family. We particularly enjoyed the tennis complex because the instructors were so much fun and made sure that all in our group enjoyed the clinic. The overall instruction was top notch and the facility itself allowed us all to play up to our level. Cannot recommend it enough!
What are you waiting for????
The Kiawah Island Tennis Center (Roy Barth Center) is by far the best tennis facility we have ever visited and experienced. The staff is outstanding, very knowledgeable, and friendly. We have been in Kiawah Island for almost 30 years and play tennis each and every time we visit. It is an important part of our vacation experience. Head Professional, David Boyd, and his staff provide the best teaching techniques available. We have enjoyed the clinics, private lessons and free play every time we visit. The tennis resort should be very proud of their high ranking in the United States.
Best place in the world
Fabulous tennis program with awesome instruction. Beautiful resort all around.
Kiawah is our family’s favorite vacation. The tennis facility and the tennis pros are outstanding. Jonathan and Roy Barth do an excellent job with the tennis program on the island. The resort is absolutely beautiful and we will continue visiting Kiawah with our family for years to come.
I cannot say enough good things about Kiawah. It is elegant. It is spectacularly beautiful. When you are there, you feel like you are whisked away to the most amazing oasis. The tennis center is beyond reproach. The courts have wonderful maintenance. And we’re like playing in a tropical paradise. The instructors are spectacular understanding all different layers of players. I will return to Kiawah again and again!
Kiawah is my favorite tennis resort. I have visited many times over many years. David Boyd is my favorite tennis professional. He is the best on-court teacher I have ever had. Looking forward to my next visit.
The Roy Barth tennis center is outstanding. We had clinics and private lessons with David Boyd, Langdon and Jonathan and Roy Barth. Roy still does on court lessons and gives tips from his Wimbledon tournaments. We look forward to our trip this September.
We’ve been going to Kiawah for years and can’t wait to go back. Great Tennis vacation.
Visited in November 2023 with my wife and participated in pickleball and tennis clinics and found the instruction to be superb, friendly, and not intimidating. Combine this with the Five Star Sanctuary and it makes for a perfect getaway weekend.
Everything is simply amazing!
The accommodations are really great, my wife was in heaven. The Sanctuary Hotel is really top drawer, and it has an enormous, beautiful grass courtyard which is behind hotel and just in front of the beach….great for hanging out or having a drink. We dined at perhaps 2 of the hotel restaurants and both were outstanding. On balance, there’s so much to do on the island. We spent most of the daytime at the pools, biking, and playing tennis. The Barth Tennis Center is great. Drills are fun and I took a couple private lessons. I thought the staff was great and my overall experience was wonderful.
The Sanctuary hotel is absolutely lovely and accommodations are 5-star. Food is was excellent everywhere well we went on the property. The Kiawah beaches are big and wide, great for biking- the whole island has exceptional trails. The Barth Tennis center is a super nice facility and we enjoyed both group and private lessons, and the pros were both fun and challenging. We didn’t take kids but they had a large groups of kids on the court in organized training. Pickleball has been expanded and they have a certified pro on staff. Even though we didn’t play a lot of pickleball, they have good opportunities daily for open play. We’d go to Kiawah again in a minute.
Most beautiful place ever, fantastic tennis coaches esp David Boyd extremely helpful and communicative. He really knows his stuff, makes it fun and is very accomodating with times and days we need him. Alex is a fun pickleball coach, had some great tips from him, he organises the socials very smoothly, a thoroughly nice chap!
Kiawah has the whole package. The tennis was outstanding. From the game arranging, private lessons, group clinics, and open play. My grandkids had a great time at their camps/academy. My family biked across the island on the bike paths. The beach was great and the pools were excellent. Will go back in 2024.
David boyd and academy tennis program exceptional !
We have continued to vacation at Kiawah Island for the last 20 years. The tennis and pickleball setup on Kiawah is top-notch across the board and has continued to improve over time! A must visit for anyone new.
Kiawah’s tennis/pickleball resorts is incredible! Love this place — I had the best time with my instructor and will definitely bring my entire family back again soon. I cannot say enough about how amazing this place treated me. What an incredible resort!!!!
This is my 5th trip to the Island for tennis and golf. Exceptional times and facilities. The new Head Tennis Director is doing an outstanding job of setting matches and giving lessons. Even had the opportunity to meet the famous and retired Tennis Director, Roy Barth, on a couple occasions. Stay at the hotel with easy access to the courts and golf courses. Another great vacation and tennis experience.
I’ve been coming to Kiawah Island for over 10 years. Every year I’m blown away by the island’s staff, hospitality, cleanliness, beauty and more. We always do the tennis clinics as a family and even did it for a wedding welcome party! It was a blast and very entertaining for both kids and adults.
Kiawah is the best family vacation. We look forward to our visit each year. Roy and Jonathan Barth provide an unbelievable tennis experience with their hospitality and their individualized instruction. The resort offerings and amenities are the best!
Kiawah is an outstanding island, that includes a 5 star experience for all ages, great beach, hotel, tennis, golf, culinary and recreation amenities, the Roy Barth Tennis Center is our favorite tennis resort globally. Jonathan Barth and the legendary Roy Barth are always on-site along with very capable tennis professionals such as David and Langdon. This is a very well maintained Tennis center with a great shop and recently added state of the art pickleball courts. Just a great resort with world class amenities!
One of our all-time favorite family vacations! Traveled to Kiawah Island with our 3 younger children, and they had the best time playing tennis, swimming in the pools, biking around the island, beach-combing, and so much more. Would love to come back to visit very soon! Can’t say enough about the Roy Barth Tennis Center and their exceptional staff!
I have found no better place to go on recurring vacations with my family. Kiawah is absolutely the best! Love the staff, accommodations, cuisine, and both Tennis and Pickleball facilities.
We have been to several tennis resorts over the years and Kiawah is at the top of the list for overall experience!
Kiawah Island’s Tennis Center has always been one of my favorites to visit. The facilities are outstanding and set in such a natural environment, it is truly unique. They have added Pickelball as well and my kids have enjoyed trying that in addition to Tennis. The Staff is outstanding, and the Head Pro Jonathan Barth runs great adult and Junior programs. In short, Kiawah’s is just a great place for tennis!
Kiawah Island is a place unto itself! Beautiful, fun, good people there for one reason – to make your stay there memorable and fun! The reception there is totally different than other places I have visited. This place lives up to all its “hype!” It is one of the few places that never changes, and my personal experience(s) are always so good, I look forward to coming back for more! To Kiawah – please do not change anything!
Highly enjoyable clinics and great teaching staff. Great that Roy Barth spends some time on the court and offers tips – very useful!