Amelia Island has roughly the same dimensions as Manhattan Island—13 miles long by 2 miles wide—but any similarity ends there. Situated off the extreme northeast coast of Florida, this southernmost of the large Atlantic barrier islands has fewer inhabitants than a square block of the Big Apple, many of those in the tiny historic town of Fernandina Beach at the northern tip. The Omni Amelia Island Resort cuts a 1,350-acre swath across the center, from the dune-lined Atlantic to the tidal marshlands bordering the Intracoastal Waterway. Forest and shade abound, and so does bird life.
The resort has always paid more than the usual attention to its tennis. For 29 years, the 23 Har-Tru courts at its Racquet Park were home to the annual Bausch & Lomb Tennis Championships, a major stop on the women’s tour (the event has since been dropped from the calendar). Attractively and spaciously laid out among the moss-bearded live oaks, the courts (now including 7 pickleball courts) border a large pro shop and a splendid indoor fitness center—complete with a lap pool in a greenhouse-like enclosure. Wicker chairs await on the outside decks, providing a place to relax and watch the action on the nearby courts. One of these is the Stadium Court, an intimate venue framed by a few rows of terraced seats. It is available for any guest who wants to play on the same court where the pros used to compete each spring.
Otherwise, Amelia stands out for its multiple dimensions. Lodging options include the 402-room Omni Amelia Island Resort, a resort that Omni refurbished and expanded both to provide better lodging for the adjacent conference center and to give vacationers the option of full hotel services as an alternative to a condominium rental. The resort also has three golf courses within its borders. Kids can look forward to their own island, home to a well-run children’s program. There is also an excellent nature program, miles of bike lanes to supplement its free on-property shuttle, Segway tours (those one-person motorized pair of wheels), a gourmet market and a dozen or so shops in the village at the entrance and adjacent to The Spa. That attention to tennis is only one aspect of its appeal.
When Omni hotels took over the resort, they immediately sought to revitalize the tennis and to do so brought in the Cliff Drysdale Tennis group both to run the day-to-day tennis programs for adults and juniors and to stage tennis camps.
Tennis Staff & Programs: The Drysdale group installed Rob Wright as director. Originally from Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, Wright is an LTA-certified teaching pro with more than a decade of coaching experience. Since joining CDT in early 2016, Wright has held key roles at resorts across the country, including The Inn at Perry Cabin in Maryland, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in California, and Sand Valley in Wisconsin. Since arriving, he has increased activity, beefed up the game matching and introduced daily themed instructional clinics followed by a drills session. There are also Cardio sessions and social round robins, both of which run three times a week, as well as Quickstart programs for kids, after-school junior programs, and a summer junior day camp. As a guest you can also take advantage of the staff’s game matching services and participate in round robins. Finally, the resort runs 2- and 3-day tennis packages for individuals, couples, and families and for teams—all with the option to customize—and on selected dates runs special Ladies Only retreats and Doubles Retreats.
Courts: Racquet Park has 23 Har-Tru courts (5 with lights for evening and night play) and 7 pickleball courts laid out through a forest of live oaks. Many of the courts are thus in shade—a significant benefit during the hot, steamy summers. One of these is a sunken stadium court, which has a few tiers of seats
Off Court
Beach: This broad corridor of grass-tufted sand extends along the length of the island, though it is at its most beautiful within the resort, where it borders natural dunes that rise as high as 50 feet in places. All the construction took place behind the primary dune line, with strategically placed boardwalks over the dunes providing access to the beach and Atlantic Ocean.
Golf Courses: Omni Amelia Island Resort has 36 holes of championship golf. Coquina shell cart paths predominate (asphalt has been used only when necessary to prevent erosion), and the fairway edges have been flared to prevent runoff from entering adjacent lagoons and creeks. Only organic chemicals known not to adversely affect bird life are used and colorants are avoided entirely. There is also a 10-hole Little Sandy course, arrayed around Red Maple Lake, with holes ranging from 30-125 yards
Long Point: Tom Fazio’s scenic if tight course winds through marshes, thick oak and pine forests, and oceanfront dunes. Par: 70. Length: 4,863-6,567 yards.
Oak Marsh: The first course and still most demanding course at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, Oak Marsh was designed by Pete Dye—his signature bulkheads outline numerous greens—and is notable for its natural rough and use of existing features. Water hazards riddle 14 of these holes. Par: 72. Length: 4,983-6,607 yards.
Oak Marsh Golf Course is currently closed for renovation, expected to reopen November 1, 2024.
Spa & Fitness Center: The Spa at Omni Amelia Island, a 13,000-square-foot island of tranquility designed by noted spa architect Bob Henley, backs up to Red Maple Lake not far from the reception center. Taking its cue from Lowcountry style, this low-slung building has gray clapboard walls, lighter gray trim, and a tin roof. Inside Douglas fir pillars support rough redwood beams in a simple but handsome entrance foyer and then floors paved with slate from China lead north and south to treatment rooms, some of which open onto balconies on the lake. Treatments include massage, hydrotherapy, facials, herbal wraps and more supplemented by retreats and personal growth programs.
The fitness center, whose location in Racquet Park makes it extremely convenient for tennis players, contains a broad selection of Cardio equipment, Cybex stations, and free weights. There’s also an indoor lap pool and whirlpool in a greenhouse-like building with windows on the courts. Both men’s and women’s lockers have sauna, steam, and whirlpools. Personal trainers are available and so are classes in aerobics, Pilates, and body sculpting.
In addition to everything else Amelia has more than 7 miles of biking and nature trails, guided nature tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Children's programs: The resort runs an award-winning children’s program called “Camp Amelia” for children ages 4-10 and is available to guests of the resort, The Villas of Amelia Island and Amelia Island Club member. It operates year-round. Kids are divided by age group (3-4, 5-7, and 8-10) and entertained with a variety of activities. Sessions are $95/child.
Dining: Among the 10 choices, my top two picks are the Verandah located at Racquet Park for its seafood and a southern table and country market called Marché Burette located at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island. For variety, it’s worth the drive into Fernandina Beach to dine at the Beech Street Grill, at once delicious, informal, and very reasonably priced for the high quality of the food.
Accommodations
At eight stories tall, the 402-room hotel provides convenient access for meeting groups drawn to the adjacent conference center, and also lures vacationers wanting breathtaking ocean views, easy access to room service, a mere elevator ride to a living-room like lobby lounge and two excellent restaurants, and the most central location in the resort.
Parked behind the dunes lining a 3-mile-long beach, the narrow, flowing 402-room hotel provides every guestroom with a full-width balcony and sweeping views of the Atlantic. The entrances to all the rooms are on the back side from open, covered walkways with views westward across the live oak and pine forests.
The alternative to the hotel is any of the extensive array of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas available through The Villas of Amelia Island in various locations around the resort including oceanfront, Racquet Park, and in wooded neighborhoods beyond. That includes a set of Tennis Villas immediately behind the courts. All the condominiums are individually owned.
Getting there
Seasons: The resort is open year-round. Though the winter months do not invite a dip in the Atlantic, the two pools at the resort are heated and the tiered pool deck also has two hot tubs. The lower rates in the winter months make them good bargains if you’re interested in golf or tennis, however.
Travel Instructions: Amelia Island is 29 miles from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is served by all of the major airlines.
Best tennis week ever! Cannot wait to come back! Pros are awesome! Learned so many new strategies for doubles and amazing individual instruction!
TH
I recently took my first tennis vacation with several friends to the Amelia Island Tennis facility. I must say, it won’t be my last. The facility was gorgeous, the clinics were organized and the pros were fantastic!!! Sal, Michael, and Scott were not only very knowledgeable but were so much fun! We worked hard and laughed even harder! It truly was one of the best trips I have ever taken. If you are considering this facility, I encourage you to go pack now!! I can not wait until our next trip!!!
RW
I had a wonderful time during our three day camp at the Amelia Island Plantation resort. All of the tennis pros were excellent teachers and beyond fun to have on court. I really enjoyed the variety of drills put together for us each day. Thank you to Scott, Sal and Michael for pushing us a little harder. Not only did we get great group instruction, but each of the pros took time to talk to us individually. I’m looking forward to our trip next year!
JZ
A spectacular tennis week with 10 ladies from Kansas! I was not sure what to expect from a ladies tennis camp and looked forward to some time away from home while enjoying some tennis. I was truly blown away. The tennis pros were outstanding!!! I have done a lot of drills but never any of these. They taught us a great deal of tennis strategies and personal improvement of our game while still keeping it truly entertaining. I am one who likes to change up travel but this trip I will not be changing…I am coming back!!!
TJ
I’ve been on several tennis trips to some of the most prestigious resorts and this was my favorite thus far. I went with a group of 10 friends and all of us thought this was the best tennis trip we’ve ever had. We all learned something new and the tennis pros went above and beyond to make our trip and tennis experience the best. We are so thankful to Scott and Sal for organizing such a great program for our group and we thoroughly enjoyed the fun and excitement all the pros brought each day. I look forward to my next trip there!
AM
Our group of ten ladies had a phenomenal time vacationing and playing tennis at Amelia. The tennis pros absolutely made our stay fabulous. They taught us so much, yet made it so fun. Without a doubt, we would come back to the Omni Plantation for more tennis trips.
MB
Amelia Island Plantation Inn and the Cliff Drysdale Tennis facility is the perfect venue for combining a relaxing vacation with amazing tennis instruction and play. I planned a tennis retreat in 2013 for 10 women – we had instruction each morning with Scott and his staff all of whom were highly professional as well as fun. They let us tell them what we needed to work on – and they tailored our clinics accordingly. The Omni Amelia Island Resort is a beautiful property – we thoroughly enjoyed the pool area and pristine beach as well as the on-site shopping and restaurants. We particularly liked that the resort is only 30 minutes from JAX by car and non-stop flights from MSP made it even more attractive. We stayed in the Beachwalker Villas which were spacious, comfortably furnished and well-equipped. Highly recommend – it is a tennis players paradise!
BD
Traveled to Amelia Island Omni Plantation for a girls’ tennis weekend. The facility, pros and instruction were top notch. Pros provided up to date drills and explained the purpose of the drill with precision. Sal, Palva and Michael set up a great round robin afternoon with some of the “local” tennis women. A great time was had by all and I contribute that to the incredible staff that we encountered during the weekend. A must do for a tennis weekend. I will absolutely return. Thank you Sal for sending copies of the drills to our pro in Franklin for us to work on….above and beyond the call of duty.
MM
This camp exceeded my Orlando teams expectations! Extremely well organized, efficient use of time, exceptional pros in knowledge and personality!! I would HIGHLY recommend this facility to any and every tennis enthusiast who wants to learn and loves to laugh! Scott & Sal and the other pros (Mike, Mandeet, Bryce, Rado, Pavla) are fantastic!!!
KS
I had so much fun at the Cliff Drysdale Ladies Tennis Retreat this past Oct. The pros had us do lots of excellent drills and the days ended with match play where they also coached. In addition to the tennis, the retreat included evening events that were great. The pros were friendly and provided plenty of laughs in the retreat video. Having Cliff Drysdale offer some excellent tips was icing on the cake!I would love to go back and recommend it to anyone who enjoys tennis.
LG
I’m almost hesitant to write this review because I selfishly want to keep this retreat all to myself! Not only was the instruction phenomenal, but the companionship by the other ladies and the accomidations were outstanding. The retreat begins with a drill in the afternoon, to review everyone’s skills, followed by a wonderful “meet and greet” dinner to form the teams. The remainder of the retreat continues with drills every morning, followed by team competition in the afternoons. I loved how the instructors were just as excited about the team playing as if they were playing themselves. Extra added bonuses of the retreat consisted of a pro-exhibition match and a “rock star” themed, night out on the town. My only complaints about the retreat would be waiting for the shuttle to take you back and forth to the courts, and the bad cell phone coverage in my room. I am planning in attending this retreat in May 2014 and highly recommend it for any tennis enthusiast!
BM
My wife and I just spent 4 wonderful days at the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Camp at the Onmi Amelia Island Plantation Resort. We had a great time! We were impressed with the level of instruction during both the adult clinics and the individual private lessons. We worked on all of the things we had on our agenda plus the pros helped us with those areas that were obvious to them. The instructors (Sal, Steve, Zoe, & Top) worked very well together and complimented each others instructional style. The accomodations at the Plantation were ourtstanding as well. We will definately be going back!
CH
My tennis team recently spent a weekend at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort and we had an absolute blast! We stayed in the tennis villas which were a little dated but spacious. And there is a 24 hour tram that will take you wherever you need to go on the resort. Saturday and Sunday morning we had tennis clinic from 9-12. Scott and Sal were our instructors and they were amazing: knowledgeable, energetic, funny, and patient! We learned so much and had a great time. In the afternoon we shopped downtown or spent time by the pool. It was everything you could ask for in a vacation! I can’t wait to go back!
BL
I organized a trip for my ALTA/USTA team, and this was our first try at it. Scott, Sal, and Mike were fantastic! They keep the drills moving fast, and kept them fun, and a three hour camp (which could have seemed really long in the August heat) went by in a flash. We were all sad to leave, and we will definitely come back in the future.
GG
Robert Menzies demonstrated why he should be the Head Pro. He is very skilled, a very good teacher, has a great personality & is fun to be around. So was the other 3 pros (Sal Barbaro, Luke Barker & Chester Espie). They are also very talented and fun to be with. I really enjoyed the lessons and the cardio sessions. It was the best tennis experience I every had. They also kept the clay courts in excellent condition. They were as smooth as a hard court. Everything about the Tennis Resort was exceptional. I will be recommending the resort to my contacts. All 4 pros worked hard to plaese the customer. They all deserve a thank you and a bonus or a raise. They are a real asset and truly make the resort great.
NC
It is a very fun atmosphere for Tennis. Very Professional coaches with a good sense of humor. Can’t wait to visit again with my tennis circle and family.
WH
The retreat was a blast. Whether you come alone or with a big group, everyone is included and feels part of the fun and excitement. The coaches are dedicated to coaching, winning, and having a great time.
CT
We spent 5 days at the resort and did 3 hours of clinic each day, the instruction was outstanding. There was ten of us and we had 3 Pro’s working with us each day. We stayed in the Tennis Villas,they are right next to the courts and very nice. In addition to the clinic Scott set us up with 2 different matches that were very fun. The level of play matched ours which made it that much better. I must say Sal and his crew really seemed to enjoy what they were doing and made everything really fun, they also were very good about giving us both instruction and strategy related to our game. I really found no weakness to either the Resort or the Tennis. I Would highly recommend the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort to all my tennis buddies with no hesitation.
LM
10 Things I Loved about Amelia Island Tennis Having never attended a tennis camp before, I left for Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort with no expectations. I was traveling with a group of seasoned camp attendees and depending entirely on their recommendation. Although they had never been to this particular camp, they knew one of the pros from a previous trip to the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch and they assured me I would love the experience. They were right! It was such a great time that I feel compelled to share my ten favorite reasons it was the right camp for me. Numbers 1-4, in no particular order: Our instructors – Scott, Sal, Rob, and Rob The instructors were fantastic. I’ve had lessons in the past but I’ve never had so much fun on the court during practice. Scott, the director, participated in teaching the clinics as well as walking around to get to know the guests and ensure everyone was having a great time. He was particularly patient with us as we had to reschedule our attendance times to accommodate our other activities after a morning of rain delays. Sal (a.k.a. the Ironman) was our primary instructor and the life of the party. His lessons and advice were peppered with bad jokes and good fun. If you’re going to take lessons for three straight hours, it’s imperative to have a lot of laughs. Rob and Rob were from Australia and New Zealand, respectively. I can say respectively only because they have the same name. I never did figure out the subtle differences in their accents. But, regardless of country of origin, I think both these guys must have been born with racquets in their hands. They gave me tips I’ve never heard before and improved my game immensely. Number 5 – My new drop shot We attended group clinics with other resort guests and we also added a couple of hours of private instruction for our small group of six. Both experiences were fun, challenging, and chock full of advice that I could immediately implement. We received critiques on our technique and many, many drills that cemented our understanding of court coverage and strategies. I was particularly pleased with my new drop shot during my first match after returning home. Number 6 – The tennis facilities The facilities were fabulous and the courts were numerous and well-kept. The surrounding landscape provided an abundance of shade for rest periods and a great deep-South ambiance that made me feel right at home. I will recommend bug spray if you attend later in the spring or summer as the no-see-ums were already making an appearance in early April. Number 7 – The resort hotel There’s nothing bad to be said about a beautiful, newly-renovated resort with a room overlooking both the beach and the 6th hole of an ocean-front golf course. The pools were laid out to accommodate both families and adult-only guests. The restaurants were excellent and not overly expensive. And, most importantly, the room-service coffee was hot and on time. Number 8 – The trails Surrounding the resort was miles of nature trails to entertain bikers, runners, and those folks who just wanted to stroll at sunset. We took advantage of the trails to walk the one-mile trip to and from the tennis facilities even though complimentary trams were available at all times. I highly recommend the walk if you have the time. It was an ideal warm-up and cool-down for tennis. Number 9 – Downtown Fernandina Beach We happened to be on the island during the last weekend of March Madness and felt compelled to find a local bar to watch the final game. Based on the recommendations of Sal, Rob, and Rob, we spent our last night downtown and had a ball. The locals were friendly and the atmosphere was exactly as I would expect in a beach town. I’m only disappointed I couldn’t find the surfside hotel where my parents honeymooned in 1957. However, my father feels fairly certain it washed away before I was born so I was probably on a fool’s errand. Number 10 – Did I mention the fantastic staff? I have to give the entire staff one more spot on the list. Everyone was helpful and friendly, from the instructors to the pro shop staff to the hotel staff. They, more than anything, made this a resort I would go to year after year.
JM
Tennis vacations should be fun- and Scott, Sal, and the Rob’s delivered! They have so much energy and such a positive attitude it is infectious. Drills kept us moving, but they were still willing to help individuals. The Thursday round robin was a great way to meet talented and fun players, it made me want to move to Amelia Island- that and the beaches, food, and beautiful natural settings. Definitely recommended for an active vacation.
AE
Our group was delighted with our experience at Amelia Island. We have had nothing but wonderful things to share with friends and we all hope to visit again in the near future!
BC
a one of a kind fantastic tennis environment. for sure a winner of a tennis destination as part of Cliff Drysdale Tennis group with Scott Colebourne, a true professional, at the helm at Amelia. Tennis facilities with its well maintained 22 courts are totally world class. For me what made it so unique as a facility was the most fascinating beautiful unusual trees of Amelia..the tall unique trees made tennis complex feel like a Cathedral of Tennis. as mentioned at the outset, “one of a kind” is the best way to describe Omni Amelia Island with CDT.
VH
We loved Amelia Island and are looking forward to returning.
WC
The Cliff Drysdale tennis program at the Omni/Amelia Island Plantation is superb. I have been vacationing at Ai for more than 6 years and this new program is one of the very best I have participated in. The daily clinics are run by very personable and knowledgeable teaching pros that make the clinics fun and informative. They work well together and are very supportive and encouraging in their instruction. Additionally, the staff work dilligently to hook players up so they can schedule match play at their convenience and go out of their way to ensure that tennis opportunities abound. I was just there for 10 days and will be returning in June for another 10 daya stay and am already looking forward to my tennis there. I have not played in a more idealic spot and can’t wait to get back for more.
DM
Excellent tennis instruction in an excellent tennis facility. Our family was there on vacation, and we enjoyed the tennis clinics and private lessons tremendously. You will as well when you are there.
SK
Staff Facility Energy All strengths!!
SG
It was a an incredible tennis experience because of the talented and personable pros, Elliott Pegg and Sal Barbaro. Our group of eight women are already planning our next trip there, would not go anywhere but to Amelia Island if those two pros are running the show.
RN
I participated in clinics and private lessons at this resort for 3 days in November. These sessions were led by Sal, who I found to be very helpful at improving my tennis skills. He had a definite plan for each session and matched drills to accomplish the goal for the day. There were also times when a second pro appeared (Scott and Elliott) to assist with the clinics, which reduced the pro to student ratio and allowed for more individual attention. Also, during my individual lessons with Sal, I found that he had lots of simple tips that I have used to improve my tennis. This is a very nice place and I hope to return soon.
LP
I recently participated in the tennis instruction at Omni Amelia Island Plantation with seven other ladies. Having not grown up playing tennis I have frequently invested in drills and lessons to learn the game, strokes and strategies. Based on my experiences with multiple instructors and various programs I can honestly say that this resort is my favorite. Sal and Elliott were our instructors. They communicated with our group prior to our trip to ask if there was anything specific we wanted to work on. When we arrived we found them organized and ready to go. As highly accomplished players/instructors in a world class program Sal and Elliott could easily have dimissed us as a bunch of gals goofing around on a chick weekend but we never felt that way. They gave us individual feedback (they notice everything) and team tactics specific to our level and style of play. I’ve been in programs where the instructor tries to correct or reinvent too many things at once. This is not successful for me. Sal or Elliott , however, could tweak one or two things at a time that would make the biggest positive difference to my swing or game! They kept the drills lively and very fun. I especially enjoyed and learned from almost point by point feedback during teaching matches that we played with our group. We laughed a lot. The tennis facility is lovely. Well kept courts, clean and convenient locker rooms, well stocked pro shop and friendly unpretentious staff. I never felt nickel and dimed every time I needed something. Complimentary sports ( low cal-nice touch) drinks and water were always on ice and available,towels and tennis balls for our use when we just wanted to hit around, etc. We participated in the Cliff Drysdale tennis program for three days. It was great fun and we came home playing better tennis.
LM
This program provided a great balance between challenging drills and coached competitive play but it was the staff that truly made this a fantastic clinic.
GW
When I was vacationing with my family at Amelia island a couple of weeks ago I took a few lessons with Robert. I was heading out to the USTA 4.5 senior nationals in Indian wells the following weekend. I wanted ro brush up on my game. He helped me by running some fun drills and gave me some pointers. My team proceeded to win the usta 4.5 senior nationals. Those hitting sessions definitely helped me get ready for the tournament. Thanks Robert for all your words of wisdom.
SM
Tennis ladies if you are looking for a place that has everything – then look no further. I just finished the most spectacular tennis camp at the Cliff Drysdale Camp at Amelia Island. Great tennis instruction from Scott (Director of Tennis) Sal, Rob Elliott and Ron. We were privileged to have meet Cliff Drysdale and get some great tips from him. We worked work on drills in the morning and had match play in the afternoon. The pros made it fun but worked us hard. The evening were exciting with great food and entertainment. OH, I forgot to mention the beach!! What an exciting week of tennis and I look forward to next year. We meet such nice ladies form Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida. Now we have to practice all that we have learned!!
AV
If you are in the market for an all inclusive, tennis filled vacation with some girlfriends, the Cliff Drysdale Women’s Retreat at Amelia is definitely the place for you! Several girlfriends and I just spent the week down there with Rob Menzies, Elliott Pegg, Scott Colebourne, Sal Barbaro, and Don (all fantastic young pros from all over the world) and had the time of our lifes, both on and off the court. During the day, we were pushed to our max on the court. We learned lots of new skills, and practiced old ones. Match play was fantastic. At night we were wined and dined by the pros. We absolutely never stopped laughing. Not only did I have a blast with the girls I went with, but met many new friends. There was absolutely not ONE detail that was missed by the staff. An absolutely phenomenal experience. We will be back for many years to come!! Thanks to all.
LT
I have been to two other tennis resorts for week long clinics and neither compare in quality or genuine enthusiasm to the experience I shared with friends at Cliff Drysdale at Amelia Island. The pros were top notch, great instructors and wonderful people. We worked very hard, learned a lot and really had an amazingly fun time doing it. We were wined and dined as part of the package and the social interaction off the courts allowed us to get to know the others we spent the day with on the court so much better. The resort itself is located on spectacularly beautiful Amelia Island in the Plantation resort. This is a complete experience on and off the court. Our group of friends will be back. There is no doubt about that. If you choose a place to make memories, this is one of those places.
CB
Ladies, get a group of your favorite tennis friends together and head to The Cliff Drysdale Ladies Tennis Retreat at Amelia Island Plantation! You will be entertained by day on the most beautiful tennis courts by the most talented, funny and passionate young tennis pros! High quality coaching along with fun and challenging drills in the morning with fierce team competition in the afternoon. We were lucky enough to enjoy a visit from Cliff Drysdale himself! The excitement doesn’t stop when the tennis time ends! The pros continue the pampering by hosting delicious dinners and live entertainment in the evenings with plenty of free time to explore the beautiful island! Beautiful accommodations, gorgeous beaches, top notch coaches, delicious meals (best breakfast buffet ANYWHERE) and enjoyed with some of your best friends… you won’t be disappointed! CKB-MVP-HHS-Oct. 2012
CK
The ladies retreat at Amelia Island Plantatiom was outstanding. The coaches were very well prepared, full of fun and different drills every day.The weather was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. I really recommend to come to Amelia to find out yourself how wonderful the experience was and how superb the instruction and quality of tennis was taughted by all of the pros.
CB
Extremely organized by very professional tennis staff. Not only did I learn a great deal, but it was also a ton of fun! Met some great new friends as well. Amelia Island is a fabulous location! Beautiful beaches. Great restaurants & shopping. The resort has everything you need plus some! Bring some extra bandaids because this is not a “lala” retreat! You will work hard and earn a few blisters along the way!
WG
On a recent vacation to Amelia Island with my family, my wife and I decided to participate in some tennis clinics and a couple tennis lessons. We had been wanting to get back into Tennis for a while and this was a great opportunity. We worked with several instructors at the Amelia Island Plantation Resort over the week, including Sal Barbaro, Rob and Elliot and they were all extremely professional and greatly improved our game. They all provided excellent feedback on our game and helped improved every aspect on the court, from perfecting our serves to getting the proper spin on our shots. Since our trip we have been back on the court at least twice a week. We will definitely be going back for more clinics and lessons on our next trip to Amelia Island!
AB
I would absolutely recommend OAIP and our instructor, Scott Colebourne. Scott was very quick to pick up on our individual needs although we were a group of 8-9. He managed to keep things moving, challenging, instructinal and a lot of fun for all!
CB
Scott learned the names of the 10 people in our group within the first two minutes, and didn’t forget them when we came back the next day! During the session he kept the drills fast paced and fun. We had a great time and learned a lot along the way.
HA
It’s a good idea to head over to the pro shop on your first day or arrange match play/lessons before arrival. The courts are well maintained and the staff is friendly. The ball machine is also a great option for practice too. Playing tennis is the best way to enjoy a vacation!
MB
4 of us stayed at the Plantation resort for a long girls weekend tennis trip. Frida, Scott and Andrew from the tennis center made our trip truly exceptional. We are already planning our trip for next year! Everyone we came in contact with was so kind and helpful.
FC
My wife and I just spent 5 days at the Omni. Our main reason was to take tennis lessons. In short, the program headed by Scott Coleborne is nascent but superb. First the setting is within the Amelia plantation resort with abundance of nature walks, bird watching, beautiful beaches, great golf, etc. The courts are well kept and mostly shaded by huge mossy oaks which brings much needed relief from the sun. The accommodations are excellent and there are very good to exceptional dining options on site and in the nearby town of Fernandina. But we went there primarily for the tennis and were not disappointed. In fact, the instructors are exceptional. Scott and Andrew are simply superb. The program is flexible with opportunities for private lessons, clinics and match making. No doubt this is a program that will become ever more popular as word spreads about the quality of the staff and the beauty of the setting
EM
We traveled from New York to Amelia Island for Spring Break this year. It was our third visit there and our best trip so far. We enjoyed 7 straight days of sun, tennis, swimming, and golf. The new Head Tennis Pro, Scott, is exceptionaly talented! I am a low intermediate player and I cannot believe the difference Scott made in my game in 1 short week of private lessons and Cardio Tennis clinics! Scott and his staff are professional and friendly. I gained confidence and improved my serve tremendously. I’m now ready to join a competitive league without fear. We stayed in a lovely penthouse condominium on the beach with ocean views and a heated pool for a reasonable rate. My children played in the junior clinic in the afternoon and Scott and Paola made it fun and instructive. I recommend Amelia Island to all families with active children who enjoy tennis, swimming, golf, nature. Such a refreshing vacation for a New Yorker with a short, direct flight to Jacksonville. The gold course is outstanding as well.
JE
I have visited many of the destination tennis resorts and Amelia is the most beautiful and one of the best. The addition of the Cliff Drysdale tennis program upgraded the tennis experience. The run well attended clinics, provide great private instructions and gladly arrange match play. The improvement in the tennis program has moved Amelia up to my favorite tennis resort.
SC
Director of Tennis, Scott Colebourne, is an excellent teacher. What makes him stand out from other pros is his unique blend of high quality teaching/instruction, sense of humor, and well constructed clinics that have just the right balance of personalized instruction and motivating drills. On the first day, I signed up for a one hour clinic and before I knew it, two full hours had flown by (they offer two morning clinics back to back). I also had a great private lesson where after a short span of 30 minutes, I walked away with a new topspin backhand. The courts are well-mantained and shady, and the cooler morning temps (65 degrees) make for ideal playing conditions. Most days, an additional pro joined our clinic, making the ratio 1 to 3 or 4. Finally, the pro shop staff is wonderful. They are extremely helpful and friendly. All in all, a terrific experience, and I look forward to returning again next spring.
EA
My wife and I (both 4.0 players) arrived just in time for new head pro Scott Colebourne’s first tennis clinics. We did four days of tennis clinics, two per day, plus some singles. Scott is a very good teacher of the game. He breaks things down into simple components and then puts them back together. He’s good at spotting little flaws in your game that can make a difference and suggesting corrections. He’s personable and engaging; my wife says “very cute.” The clinics ranged from 3 to 8 players plus Scott, but he was bringing in another pro the following week to get the ratio down to 4 and a pro. Over the four days, we did not repeat a single drill as each day emphasized a different aspect of the game. The setting for the courts is beautiful, with lots of shady live oak trees. They’ve added a new pro shop (very friendly staff) and a fitness area with attractive locker rooms. We stayed at the Ritz this time but the B&Bs in nearby Fernandino Beach are also worth a try. Ditto kayaking at Kayak Amelia just down the road.
ER
Great teaching pros! Friendly, helpful pro shop staff. Tennis villas were well appointed and comfortable. On site plantation shuttle was super convenient!Gotta have a Falcon burger!
SC
This is a beautiful facility and a lovely place for a family vacation. The courts are well-maintained and, rare in Florida, shaded! The pros are friendly and knowledgeable. We were there over Christmas and I was surprised at how few people were taking advantage of the mild weather. I guess people want to go further south for more heat. But, a lovely, lovely place. Good clinics, plenty of courts, bikes to rent. We all had a great time.
OT
Strengths – Very Friendly employees Weakness – Sometimes Noisy at night (I guess bad luck with other people)
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423 Reviews on “Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa”
Best tennis week ever! Cannot wait to come back! Pros are awesome! Learned so many new strategies for doubles and amazing individual instruction!
I recently took my first tennis vacation with several friends to the Amelia Island Tennis facility. I must say, it won’t be my last. The facility was gorgeous, the clinics were organized and the pros were fantastic!!! Sal, Michael, and Scott were not only very knowledgeable but were so much fun! We worked hard and laughed even harder! It truly was one of the best trips I have ever taken. If you are considering this facility, I encourage you to go pack now!! I can not wait until our next trip!!!
I had a wonderful time during our three day camp at the Amelia Island Plantation resort. All of the tennis pros were excellent teachers and beyond fun to have on court. I really enjoyed the variety of drills put together for us each day. Thank you to Scott, Sal and Michael for pushing us a little harder. Not only did we get great group instruction, but each of the pros took time to talk to us individually. I’m looking forward to our trip next year!
A spectacular tennis week with 10 ladies from Kansas! I was not sure what to expect from a ladies tennis camp and looked forward to some time away from home while enjoying some tennis. I was truly blown away. The tennis pros were outstanding!!! I have done a lot of drills but never any of these. They taught us a great deal of tennis strategies and personal improvement of our game while still keeping it truly entertaining. I am one who likes to change up travel but this trip I will not be changing…I am coming back!!!
I’ve been on several tennis trips to some of the most prestigious resorts and this was my favorite thus far. I went with a group of 10 friends and all of us thought this was the best tennis trip we’ve ever had. We all learned something new and the tennis pros went above and beyond to make our trip and tennis experience the best. We are so thankful to Scott and Sal for organizing such a great program for our group and we thoroughly enjoyed the fun and excitement all the pros brought each day. I look forward to my next trip there!
Our group of ten ladies had a phenomenal time vacationing and playing tennis at Amelia. The tennis pros absolutely made our stay fabulous. They taught us so much, yet made it so fun. Without a doubt, we would come back to the Omni Plantation for more tennis trips.
Amelia Island Plantation Inn and the Cliff Drysdale Tennis facility is the perfect venue for combining a relaxing vacation with amazing tennis instruction and play. I planned a tennis retreat in 2013 for 10 women – we had instruction each morning with Scott and his staff all of whom were highly professional as well as fun. They let us tell them what we needed to work on – and they tailored our clinics accordingly.
The Omni Amelia Island Resort is a beautiful property – we thoroughly enjoyed the pool area and pristine beach as well as the on-site shopping and restaurants. We particularly liked that the resort is only 30 minutes from JAX by car and non-stop flights from MSP made it even more attractive. We stayed in the Beachwalker Villas which were spacious, comfortably furnished and well-equipped. Highly recommend – it is a tennis players paradise!
Traveled to Amelia Island Omni Plantation for a girls’ tennis weekend. The facility, pros and instruction were top notch. Pros provided up to date drills and explained the purpose of the drill with precision. Sal, Palva and Michael set up a great round robin afternoon with some of the “local” tennis women. A great time was had by all and I contribute that to the incredible staff that we encountered during the weekend. A must do for a tennis weekend. I will absolutely return. Thank you Sal for sending copies of the drills to our pro in Franklin for us to work on….above and beyond the call of duty.
This camp exceeded my Orlando teams expectations! Extremely well organized, efficient use of time, exceptional pros in knowledge and personality!! I would HIGHLY recommend this facility to any and every tennis enthusiast who wants to learn and loves to laugh! Scott & Sal and the other pros (Mike, Mandeet, Bryce, Rado, Pavla) are fantastic!!!
I had so much fun at the Cliff Drysdale Ladies Tennis Retreat this past Oct. The pros had us do lots of excellent drills and the days ended with match play where they also coached. In addition to the tennis, the retreat included evening events that were great. The pros were friendly and provided plenty of laughs in the retreat video. Having Cliff Drysdale offer some excellent tips was icing on the cake!I would love to go back and recommend it to anyone who enjoys tennis.
I’m almost hesitant to write this review because I selfishly want to keep this retreat all to myself! Not only was the instruction phenomenal, but the companionship by the other ladies and the accomidations were outstanding. The retreat begins with a drill in the afternoon, to review everyone’s skills, followed by a wonderful “meet and greet” dinner to form the teams. The remainder of the retreat continues with drills every morning, followed by team competition in the afternoons. I loved how the instructors were just as excited about the team playing as if they were playing themselves. Extra added bonuses of the retreat consisted of a pro-exhibition match and a “rock star” themed, night out on the town. My only complaints about the retreat would be waiting for the shuttle to take you back and forth to the courts, and the bad cell phone coverage in my room. I am planning in attending this retreat in May 2014 and highly recommend it for any tennis enthusiast!
My wife and I just spent 4 wonderful days at the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Camp at the Onmi Amelia Island Plantation Resort. We had a great time! We were impressed with the level of instruction during both the adult clinics and the individual private lessons. We worked on all of the things we had on our agenda plus the pros helped us with those areas that were obvious to them. The instructors (Sal, Steve, Zoe, & Top) worked very well together and complimented each others instructional style. The accomodations at the Plantation were ourtstanding as well. We will definately be going back!
My tennis team recently spent a weekend at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort and we had an absolute blast! We stayed in the tennis villas which were a little dated but spacious. And there is a 24 hour tram that will take you wherever you need to go on the resort. Saturday and Sunday morning we had tennis clinic from 9-12.
Scott and Sal were our instructors and they were amazing: knowledgeable, energetic, funny, and patient! We learned so much and had a great time. In the afternoon we shopped downtown or spent time by the pool. It was everything you could ask for in a vacation! I can’t wait to go back!
I organized a trip for my ALTA/USTA team, and this was our first try at it. Scott, Sal, and Mike were fantastic! They keep the drills moving fast, and kept them fun, and a three hour camp (which could have seemed really long in the August heat) went by in a flash. We were all sad to leave, and we will definitely come back in the future.
Robert Menzies demonstrated why he should be the Head Pro. He is very skilled, a very good teacher, has a great personality & is fun to be around. So was the other 3 pros (Sal Barbaro, Luke Barker & Chester Espie). They are also very talented and fun to be with. I really enjoyed the lessons and the cardio sessions. It was the best tennis experience I every had. They also kept the clay courts in excellent condition. They were as smooth as a hard court. Everything about the Tennis Resort was exceptional. I will be recommending the resort to my contacts. All 4 pros worked hard to plaese the customer. They all deserve a thank you and a bonus or a raise. They are a real asset and truly make the resort great.
It is a very fun atmosphere for Tennis. Very Professional coaches with a good sense of humor. Can’t wait to visit again with my tennis circle and family.
The retreat was a blast. Whether you come alone or with a big group, everyone is included and feels part of the fun and excitement. The coaches are dedicated to coaching, winning, and having a great time.
We spent 5 days at the resort and did 3 hours of clinic each day, the instruction was outstanding. There was ten of us and we had 3 Pro’s working with us each day. We stayed in the Tennis Villas,they are right next to the courts and very nice. In addition to the clinic Scott set us up with 2 different matches that were very fun. The level of play matched ours which made it that much better. I must say Sal and his crew really seemed to enjoy what they were doing and made everything really fun, they also were very good about giving us both instruction and strategy related to our game. I really found no weakness to either the Resort or the Tennis. I Would highly recommend the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort to all my tennis buddies with no hesitation.
10 Things I Loved about Amelia Island Tennis Having never attended a tennis camp before, I left for Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort with no expectations. I was traveling with a group of seasoned camp attendees and depending entirely on their recommendation. Although they had never been to this particular camp, they knew one of the pros from a previous trip to the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch and they assured me I would love the experience. They were right! It was such a great time that I feel compelled to share my ten favorite reasons it was the right camp for me.
Numbers 1-4, in no particular order: Our instructors – Scott, Sal, Rob, and Rob The instructors were fantastic. I’ve had lessons in the past but I’ve never had so much fun on the court during practice. Scott, the director, participated in teaching the clinics as well as walking around to get to know the guests and ensure everyone was having a great time. He was particularly patient with us as we had to reschedule our attendance times to accommodate our other activities after a morning of rain delays. Sal (a.k.a. the Ironman) was our primary instructor and the life of the party. His lessons and advice were peppered with bad jokes and good fun. If you’re going to take lessons for three straight hours, it’s imperative to have a lot of laughs. Rob and Rob were from Australia and New Zealand, respectively. I can say respectively only because they have the same name. I never did figure out the subtle differences in their accents. But, regardless of country of origin, I think both these guys must have been born with racquets in their hands. They gave me tips I’ve never heard before and improved my game immensely.
Number 5 – My new drop shot We attended group clinics with other resort guests and we also added a couple of hours of private instruction for our small group of six. Both experiences were fun, challenging, and chock full of advice that I could immediately implement. We received critiques on our technique and many, many drills that cemented our understanding of court coverage and strategies. I was particularly pleased with my new drop shot during my first match after returning home.
Number 6 – The tennis facilities The facilities were fabulous and the courts were numerous and well-kept. The surrounding landscape provided an abundance of shade for rest periods and a great deep-South ambiance that made me feel right at home. I will recommend bug spray if you attend later in the spring or summer as the no-see-ums were already making an appearance in early April.
Number 7 – The resort hotel There’s nothing bad to be said about a beautiful, newly-renovated resort with a room overlooking both the beach and the 6th hole of an ocean-front golf course. The pools were laid out to accommodate both families and adult-only guests. The restaurants were excellent and not overly expensive. And, most importantly, the room-service coffee was hot and on time.
Number 8 – The trails Surrounding the resort was miles of nature trails to entertain bikers, runners, and those folks who just wanted to stroll at sunset. We took advantage of the trails to walk the one-mile trip to and from the tennis facilities even though complimentary trams were available at all times. I highly recommend the walk if you have the time. It was an ideal warm-up and cool-down for tennis.
Number 9 – Downtown Fernandina Beach We happened to be on the island during the last weekend of March Madness and felt compelled to find a local bar to watch the final game. Based on the recommendations of Sal, Rob, and Rob, we spent our last night downtown and had a ball. The locals were friendly and the atmosphere was exactly as I would expect in a beach town. I’m only disappointed I couldn’t find the surfside hotel where my parents honeymooned in 1957. However, my father feels fairly certain it washed away before I was born so I was probably on a fool’s errand.
Number 10 – Did I mention the fantastic staff? I have to give the entire staff one more spot on the list. Everyone was helpful and friendly, from the instructors to the pro shop staff to the hotel staff. They, more than anything, made this a resort I would go to year after year.
Tennis vacations should be fun- and Scott, Sal, and the Rob’s delivered! They have so much energy and such a positive attitude it is infectious. Drills kept us moving, but they were still willing to help individuals.
The Thursday round robin was a great way to meet talented and fun players, it made me want to move to Amelia Island- that and the beaches, food, and beautiful natural settings.
Definitely recommended for an active vacation.
Our group was delighted with our experience at Amelia Island. We have had nothing but wonderful things to share with friends and we all hope to visit again in the near future!
a one of a kind fantastic tennis environment. for sure a winner of a tennis destination as part of Cliff Drysdale Tennis group with Scott Colebourne, a true professional, at the helm at Amelia. Tennis facilities with its well maintained 22 courts are totally world class. For me what made it so unique as a facility was the most fascinating beautiful unusual trees of Amelia..the tall unique trees made tennis complex feel like a Cathedral of Tennis. as mentioned at the outset, “one of a kind” is the best way to describe Omni Amelia Island with CDT.
We loved Amelia Island and are looking forward to returning.
The Cliff Drysdale tennis program at the Omni/Amelia Island Plantation is superb. I have been vacationing at Ai for more than 6 years and this new program is one of the very best I have participated in. The daily clinics are run by very personable and knowledgeable teaching pros that make the clinics fun and informative. They work well together and are very supportive and encouraging in their instruction. Additionally, the staff work dilligently to hook players up so they can schedule match play at their convenience and go out of their way to ensure that tennis opportunities abound. I was just there for 10 days and will be returning in June for another 10 daya stay and am already looking forward to my tennis there. I have not played in a more idealic spot and can’t wait to get back for more.
Excellent tennis instruction in an excellent tennis facility. Our family was there on vacation, and we enjoyed the tennis clinics and private lessons tremendously. You will as well when you are there.
Staff Facility Energy All strengths!!
It was a an incredible tennis experience because of the talented and personable pros, Elliott Pegg and Sal Barbaro. Our group of eight women are already planning our next trip there, would not go anywhere but to Amelia Island if those two pros are running the show.
I participated in clinics and private lessons at this resort for 3 days in November. These sessions were led by Sal, who I found to be very helpful at improving my tennis skills. He had a definite plan for each session and matched drills to accomplish the goal for the day. There were also times when a second pro appeared (Scott and Elliott) to assist with the clinics, which reduced the pro to student ratio and allowed for more individual attention. Also, during my individual lessons with Sal, I found that he had lots of simple tips that I have used to improve my tennis. This is a very nice place and I hope to return soon.
I recently participated in the tennis instruction at Omni Amelia Island Plantation with seven other ladies. Having not grown up playing tennis I have frequently invested in drills and lessons to learn the game, strokes and strategies. Based on my experiences with multiple instructors and various programs I can honestly say that this resort is my favorite.
Sal and Elliott were our instructors. They communicated with our group prior to our trip to ask if there was anything specific we wanted to work on. When we arrived we found them organized and ready to go. As highly accomplished players/instructors in a world class program Sal and Elliott could easily have dimissed us as a bunch of gals goofing around on a chick weekend but we never felt that way. They gave us individual feedback (they notice everything) and team tactics specific to our level and style of play.
I’ve been in programs where the instructor tries to correct or reinvent too many things at once. This is not successful for me. Sal or Elliott , however, could tweak one or two things at a time that would make the biggest positive difference to my swing or game! They kept the drills lively and very fun. I especially enjoyed and learned from almost point by point feedback during teaching matches that we played with our group. We laughed a lot.
The tennis facility is lovely. Well kept courts, clean and convenient locker rooms, well stocked pro shop and friendly unpretentious staff. I never felt nickel and dimed every time I needed something. Complimentary sports ( low cal-nice touch) drinks and water were always on ice and available,towels and tennis balls for our use when we just wanted to hit around, etc.
We participated in the Cliff Drysdale tennis program for three days. It was great fun and we came home playing better tennis.
This program provided a great balance between challenging drills and coached competitive play but it was the staff that truly made this a fantastic clinic.
When I was vacationing with my family at Amelia island a couple of weeks ago I took a few lessons with Robert. I was heading out to the USTA 4.5 senior nationals in Indian wells the following weekend. I wanted ro brush up on my game. He helped me by running some fun drills and gave me some pointers. My team proceeded to win the usta 4.5 senior nationals. Those hitting sessions definitely helped me get ready for the tournament. Thanks Robert for all your words of wisdom.
Tennis ladies if you are looking for a place that has everything – then look no further. I just finished the most spectacular tennis camp at the Cliff Drysdale Camp at Amelia Island. Great tennis instruction from Scott (Director of Tennis) Sal, Rob Elliott and Ron. We were privileged to have meet Cliff Drysdale and get some great tips from him. We worked work on drills in the morning and had match play in the afternoon. The pros made it fun but worked us hard. The evening were exciting with great food and entertainment. OH, I forgot to mention the beach!! What an exciting week of tennis and I look forward to next year. We meet such nice ladies form Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida. Now we have to practice all that we have learned!!
If you are in the market for an all inclusive, tennis filled vacation with some girlfriends, the Cliff Drysdale Women’s Retreat at Amelia is definitely the place for you! Several girlfriends and I just spent the week down there with Rob Menzies, Elliott Pegg, Scott Colebourne, Sal Barbaro, and Don (all fantastic young pros from all over the world) and had the time of our lifes, both on and off the court.
During the day, we were pushed to our max on the court. We learned lots of new skills, and practiced old ones. Match play was fantastic.
At night we were wined and dined by the pros. We absolutely never stopped laughing. Not only did I have a blast with the girls I went with, but met many new friends.
There was absolutely not ONE detail that was missed by the staff. An absolutely phenomenal experience. We will be back for many years to come!! Thanks to all.
I have been to two other tennis resorts for week long clinics and neither compare in quality or genuine enthusiasm to the experience I shared with friends at Cliff Drysdale at Amelia Island. The pros were top notch, great instructors and wonderful people. We worked very hard, learned a lot and really had an amazingly fun time doing it. We were wined and dined as part of the package and the social interaction off the courts allowed us to get to know the others we spent the day with on the court so much better.
The resort itself is located on spectacularly beautiful Amelia Island in the Plantation resort. This is a complete experience on and off the court. Our group of friends will be back. There is no doubt about that. If you choose a place to make memories, this is one of those places.
Ladies, get a group of your favorite tennis friends together and head to The Cliff Drysdale Ladies Tennis Retreat at Amelia Island Plantation! You will be entertained by day on the most beautiful tennis courts by the most talented, funny and passionate young tennis pros! High quality coaching along with fun and challenging drills in the morning with fierce team competition in the afternoon. We were lucky enough to enjoy a visit from Cliff Drysdale himself!
The excitement doesn’t stop when the tennis time ends! The pros continue the pampering by hosting delicious dinners and live entertainment in the evenings with plenty of free time to explore the beautiful island! Beautiful accommodations, gorgeous beaches, top notch coaches, delicious meals (best breakfast buffet ANYWHERE) and enjoyed with some of your best friends… you won’t be disappointed! CKB-MVP-HHS-Oct. 2012
The ladies retreat at Amelia Island Plantatiom was outstanding. The coaches were very well prepared, full of fun and different drills every day.The weather was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. I really recommend to come to Amelia to find out yourself how wonderful the experience was and how superb the instruction and quality of tennis was taughted by all of the pros.
Extremely organized by very professional tennis staff. Not only did I learn a great deal, but it was also a ton of fun! Met some great new friends as well. Amelia Island is a fabulous location! Beautiful beaches. Great restaurants & shopping. The resort has everything you need plus some! Bring some extra bandaids because this is not a “lala” retreat! You will work hard and earn a few blisters along the way!
On a recent vacation to Amelia Island with my family, my wife and I decided to participate in some tennis clinics and a couple tennis lessons. We had been wanting to get back into Tennis for a while and this was a great opportunity. We worked with several instructors at the Amelia Island Plantation Resort over the week, including Sal Barbaro, Rob and Elliot and they were all extremely professional and greatly improved our game. They all provided excellent feedback on our game and helped improved every aspect on the court, from perfecting our serves to getting the proper spin on our shots. Since our trip we have been back on the court at least twice a week. We will definitely be going back for more clinics and lessons on our next trip to Amelia Island!
I would absolutely recommend OAIP and our instructor, Scott Colebourne. Scott was very quick to pick up on our individual needs although we were a group of 8-9. He managed to keep things moving, challenging, instructinal and a lot of fun for all!
Scott learned the names of the 10 people in our group within the first two minutes, and didn’t forget them when we came back the next day! During the session he kept the drills fast paced and fun. We had a great time and learned a lot along the way.
It’s a good idea to head over to the pro shop on your first day or arrange match play/lessons before arrival. The courts are well maintained and the staff is friendly. The ball machine is also a great option for practice too. Playing tennis is the best way to enjoy a vacation!
4 of us stayed at the Plantation resort for a long girls weekend tennis trip. Frida, Scott and Andrew from the tennis center made our trip truly exceptional. We are already planning our trip for next year! Everyone we came in contact with was so kind and helpful.
My wife and I just spent 5 days at the Omni. Our main reason was to take tennis lessons. In short, the program headed by Scott Coleborne is nascent but superb. First the setting is within the Amelia plantation resort with abundance of nature walks, bird watching, beautiful beaches, great golf, etc. The courts are well kept and mostly shaded by huge mossy oaks which brings much needed relief from the sun. The accommodations are excellent and there are very good to exceptional dining options on site and in the nearby town of Fernandina.
But we went there primarily for the tennis and were not disappointed. In fact, the instructors are exceptional. Scott and Andrew are simply superb. The program is flexible with opportunities for private lessons, clinics and match making. No doubt this is a program that will become ever more popular as word spreads about the quality of the staff and the beauty of the setting
We traveled from New York to Amelia Island for Spring Break this year. It was our third visit there and our best trip so far. We enjoyed 7 straight days of sun, tennis, swimming, and golf. The new Head Tennis Pro, Scott, is exceptionaly talented! I am a low intermediate player and I cannot believe the difference Scott made in my game in 1 short week of private lessons and Cardio Tennis clinics! Scott and his staff are professional and friendly. I gained confidence and improved my serve tremendously. I’m now ready to join a competitive league without fear.
We stayed in a lovely penthouse condominium on the beach with ocean views and a heated pool for a reasonable rate. My children played in the junior clinic in the afternoon and Scott and Paola made it fun and instructive. I recommend Amelia Island to all families with active children who enjoy tennis, swimming, golf, nature. Such a refreshing vacation for a New Yorker with a short, direct flight to Jacksonville. The gold course is outstanding as well.
I have visited many of the destination tennis resorts and Amelia is the most beautiful and one of the best. The addition of the Cliff Drysdale tennis program upgraded the tennis experience. The run well attended clinics, provide great private instructions and gladly arrange match play. The improvement in the tennis program has moved Amelia up to my favorite tennis resort.
Director of Tennis, Scott Colebourne, is an excellent teacher. What makes him stand out from other pros is his unique blend of high quality teaching/instruction, sense of humor, and well constructed clinics that have just the right balance of personalized instruction and motivating drills.
On the first day, I signed up for a one hour clinic and before I knew it, two full hours had flown by (they offer two morning clinics back to back). I also had a great private lesson where after a short span of 30 minutes, I walked away with a new topspin backhand. The courts are well-mantained and shady, and the cooler morning temps (65 degrees) make for ideal playing conditions. Most days, an additional pro joined our clinic, making the ratio 1 to 3 or 4. Finally, the pro shop staff is wonderful. They are extremely helpful and friendly. All in all, a terrific experience, and I look forward to returning again next spring.
My wife and I (both 4.0 players) arrived just in time for new head pro Scott Colebourne’s first tennis clinics. We did four days of tennis clinics, two per day, plus some singles. Scott is a very good teacher of the game. He breaks things down into simple components and then puts them back together. He’s good at spotting little flaws in your game that can make a difference and suggesting corrections. He’s personable and engaging; my wife says “very cute.”
The clinics ranged from 3 to 8 players plus Scott, but he was bringing in another pro the following week to get the ratio down to 4 and a pro. Over the four days, we did not repeat a single drill as each day emphasized a different aspect of the game. The setting for the courts is beautiful, with lots of shady live oak trees. They’ve added a new pro shop (very friendly staff) and a fitness area with attractive locker rooms. We stayed at the Ritz this time but the B&Bs in nearby Fernandino Beach are also worth a try. Ditto kayaking at Kayak Amelia just down the road.
Great teaching pros! Friendly, helpful pro shop staff. Tennis villas were well appointed and comfortable. On site plantation shuttle was super convenient!Gotta have a Falcon burger!
This is a beautiful facility and a lovely place for a family vacation. The courts are well-maintained and, rare in Florida, shaded! The pros are friendly and knowledgeable. We were there over Christmas and I was surprised at how few people were taking advantage of the mild weather. I guess people want to go further south for more heat. But, a lovely, lovely place. Good clinics, plenty of courts, bikes to rent. We all had a great time.
Strengths – Very Friendly employees Weakness – Sometimes Noisy at night (I guess bad luck with other people)