A very narrow channel separates Palm Island from the mainland; nonetheless, that six-minute ferry ride is all it takes to shed whatever cares you may have brought on board. Once there, you bed down in a privately owned villa built in Old Florida style. Abandoning your car, you instead get around on crushed-shell roads by golf cart, shuttle, by bike, or on foot. If you idea of a great vacation is relaxing on the porch or walking the two miles of pristine beach, Palm Island will undoubtedly suit you, though if you need activity, you can choose from kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, nature walks, yoga and fitness classes, and, not incidentally, tennis and pickleball.
There are nine hard tennis courts and two permanent pickleball courts at the resort. Four of those tennis courts have been scattered among the accommodations free for guests to use near where they’re staying. The organized tennis and pickleball activities take place at the Tennis Center, which has five tennis courts—three of them cushioned—and two pickleball courts.
Veteran Peter Burwash International (PBI) professional Art Santos directs the programing. A former Hawaii State of Collegiate Champion in singles and doubles, Santos joined PBI in 1979 right out of college and went on to manage programs in Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the U.S., including a 28-year stint at Kohler’s Sports Core and the American Club Resort in Wisconsin. He also traveled internationally as part of the PBI Tennis Show—an entertaining tennis version of the Harlem Globetrotters. He is certified by the USPTA and the IPTPA to instruct each of the sports.
Racquet Sports Programs: The weekly calendar includes adult and junior clinics, complimentary social round robins, and lessons for adults and children. Those are complemented by a player-matching service for those looking for games. Tennis is offered for everyone. Santos can also custom-design a PBI Tennis for Life Package for groups and individuals.
Court Complex: There are 9 hard tennis courts and 2 permanent pickleball courts.
Off Court
Beach:Â Two miles of pristine beach like the Gulf of Mexico side of the island
Golf Courses:Â Tough without golf courses of its own, the resort can arrange tee times at some dozen courses within a 30-minute drive from the island.
Fitness Center:Â There is a modest fitness center with cardio and strength equipment and free weights, supplemented by weekly fitness classes and personal trainers.
There are five swimming pools scattered through the resort.
Dining: The main restaurant on the island is Rum Bay, which is open for lunch and dinner. There is also a cafe at the recreation center called Coconuts.
Accommodations
Lodging consists of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas and cottages (the lowest priced 1-bedroom villas are on the mainland), as well as private homes. All have fully equipped kitchens
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, though most comfortable from November through May.
Travel Instructions: The closest air gateways are Charlotte County Airport/Punta Gorda (PGD), 35 miles to the south, and Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), 50 miles to the north.
60 Reviews on “Palm Island Resort - Peter Burwash International”
Excellent
4.8
60 reviews
SF
We just purchased our second unit at Palm Island resort. We love our new condo and look forward to all time spent there. We bought our original condominium in part because of the exceptional tennis pro ART. He immediately dialed us in with tennis and pickle ball. What fun we have. His clinics and lessons are fantastic. He works hard but never hesitates to play if we are sort players. Of course we love the beach as well. The bluest water and great shelling. Palm Island is very special and we consider everyone there family. I just hope the restaurant improves.
DN
Returning every year to Art Santos and his tennis clinics is a highlight. Exceptionally patient and always present and available, he is a major draw to the resort. I look forward to 2025 and to his always friendly and welcoming demeanor. He pays special attention to make sure courts are clean and ready for play.
CP
1. Art expanded tennis memberships to include those of us who live outside of the Palm Island Resort. 2. Art is highly skilled at designing and communicating his instruction to reach beginners to advanced level players through private lessons and small group clinics. His gentle humor allows all players to feel comfortable and confident. 3. Art organizes tournaments for those who enjoy competition. 4. Saturday morning round-robin doubles, organized by Art, are enjoyed by many. It is especially fun when he steps in when a player is needed. 5. Because of Art’s inclusive tennis program, we have made new friends from all over the island. 6. Art is one-of-a-kind and the Palm Island Resort is extremely fortunate to have him as their tennis pro! Jim and Cori
JM
Art Santos is a master tennis teacher-coach. Over the last ten years, I have taken ten four-person clinics and six solo sessions with him, while also studying his teaching. In my life, I have written hundreds of recommendations for teachers. He is exceptional. When I first encountered Art, I was in my seventies. I have never been a-great-shakes tennis player, but Art has managed to coach me into becoming better at the sport I love. This last month, at age 86, due to an Achilles injury and the development of a balance problem, I feared my tennis days were over. Reluctantly, but because I trusted Art, I signed up for two hour long private sessions with him. Of course, I should have known, I walked away from those two experiences with renewed confidence; I don’t have to give up tennis—yet. Art figured out how to coach me to move in ways which made me feel more stable on the court. His discerning eye caught quirks in my strokes, serve and movements that explained some of my balance problems. His uncanny ability to sense what each person he works with requires is the key to your success as well as his. No matter what level of tennis you play, if you sign up with him, you can expect to walk away with more trust in yourself on the court. Art understands how we learn. He starts a clinic by asking us what we want to work on. He does that because he trusts we are wise enough to know what we need. Also, he wants us to realize this is a collaborative effort. His gentle, non-judgmental manner, his optimistic view of our abilities, his mastery of the appropriate language to explain and present a rationale for his suggestions make it easy to watch— listen— experiment—adapt, and finally, apply what we learned. Ask him about the three myths of teaching tennis having to do with your strokes, watching the ball, and the direction of your body to the net. You’ll be surprised. Judy Miller 4/30/24
MV
Really enjoyed Art’s simple teaching concepts that were very effective, understandable and made perfect sense for my game.
JC
Palm Island has an excellent tennis community and a very friendly environment. Art Santos, the tennis pro is a excellent instructor. Palm Island is a great place to getaway and enjoy a day at the beach and a good game at tennis.
DJ
EM
Palm Island Resort is a lovely hidden gem on the gulf coast of Florida. If you enjoy the combination of incredible wildlife, with a personalized tennis experience, this is your place. The pro, Art Santos is a skilled and amiable tennis pro who can help ascend your game to a higher level. It’s not about fancy clothes and gear, it’s about great clinics and meeting you at your level. I am not a pickleball player, however there is quite a robust crew who meet daily for good games and tournaments. There are very nice condos on the beach and it can be an excellent and wholesome family experience. We believe there are no cars, only golf carts and bikes to scoot around in on the resort. We always return more fit and relaxed.
JM
Art Santo is our tennis pro. He is well organized, gives his clients excellent service in the way of instruction and clinics. Effective in organizing tournaments and games, round robins and tennis/ pickleball events.
KD
Love the tennis program. Art is the best. Great lessons and clinics. So knowledgeable and helpful.
60 Reviews on “Palm Island Resort - Peter Burwash International”
We just purchased our second unit at Palm Island resort. We love our new condo and look forward to all time spent there. We bought our original condominium in part because of the exceptional tennis pro ART. He immediately dialed us in with tennis and pickle ball. What fun we have. His clinics and lessons are fantastic. He works hard but never hesitates to play if we are sort players. Of course we love the beach as well. The bluest water and great shelling. Palm Island is very special and we consider everyone there family. I just hope the restaurant improves.
Returning every year to Art Santos and his tennis clinics is a highlight. Exceptionally patient and always present and available, he is a major draw to the resort. I look forward to 2025 and to his always friendly and welcoming demeanor. He pays special attention to make sure courts are clean and ready for play.
1. Art expanded tennis memberships to include those of us who live outside of the Palm Island Resort. 2. Art is highly skilled at designing and communicating his instruction to reach beginners to advanced level players through private lessons and small group clinics. His gentle humor allows all players to feel comfortable and confident. 3. Art organizes tournaments for those who enjoy competition. 4. Saturday morning round-robin doubles, organized by Art, are enjoyed by many. It is especially fun when he steps in when a player is needed. 5. Because of Art’s inclusive tennis program, we have made new friends from all over the island. 6. Art is one-of-a-kind and the Palm Island Resort is extremely fortunate to have him as their tennis pro! Jim and Cori
Art Santos is a master tennis teacher-coach. Over the last ten years, I have taken ten four-person clinics and six solo sessions with him, while also studying his teaching. In my life, I have written hundreds of recommendations for teachers. He is exceptional. When I first encountered Art, I was in my seventies. I have never been a-great-shakes tennis player, but Art has managed to coach me into becoming better at the sport I love. This last month, at age 86, due to an Achilles injury and the development of a balance problem, I feared my tennis days were over. Reluctantly, but because I trusted Art, I signed up for two hour long private sessions with him. Of course, I should have known, I walked away from those two experiences with renewed confidence; I don’t have to give up tennis—yet. Art figured out how to coach me to move in ways which made me feel more stable on the court. His discerning eye caught quirks in my strokes, serve and movements that explained some of my balance problems. His uncanny ability to sense what each person he works with requires is the key to your success as well as his. No matter what level of tennis you play, if you sign up with him, you can expect to walk away with more trust in yourself on the court. Art understands how we learn. He starts a clinic by asking us what we want to work on. He does that because he trusts we are wise enough to know what we need. Also, he wants us to realize this is a collaborative effort. His gentle, non-judgmental manner, his optimistic view of our abilities, his mastery of the appropriate language to explain and present a rationale for his suggestions make it easy to watch— listen— experiment—adapt, and finally, apply what we learned. Ask him about the three myths of teaching tennis having to do with your strokes, watching the ball, and the direction of your body to the net. You’ll be surprised. Judy Miller 4/30/24
Really enjoyed Art’s simple teaching concepts that were very effective, understandable and made perfect sense for my game.
Palm Island has an excellent tennis community and a very friendly environment. Art Santos, the tennis pro is a excellent instructor. Palm Island is a great place to getaway and enjoy a day at the beach and a good game at tennis.
Palm Island Resort is a lovely hidden gem on the gulf coast of Florida. If you enjoy the combination of incredible wildlife, with a personalized tennis experience, this is your place. The pro, Art Santos is a skilled and amiable tennis pro who can help ascend your game to a higher level. It’s not about fancy clothes and gear, it’s about great clinics and meeting you at your level. I am not a pickleball player, however there is quite a robust crew who meet daily for good games and tournaments. There are very nice condos on the beach and it can be an excellent and wholesome family experience. We believe there are no cars, only golf carts and bikes to scoot around in on the resort. We always return more fit and relaxed.
Art Santo is our tennis pro. He is well organized, gives his clients excellent service in the way of instruction and clinics. Effective in organizing tournaments and games, round robins and tennis/ pickleball events.
Love the tennis program. Art is the best. Great lessons and clinics. So knowledgeable and helpful.