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
CD
Art Santos is an EXCELLENT tennis instructor. Highly recommend.
RM
Coach Art did an amazing job putting our family off for through challenging yet on level drills that we all enjoyed. We will definitely go back!! Coach Art also gave us a different perspective at shot selection and doubles play! Thank you coach!
CD
Great tennis pro! Great people playing both tennis and pickleball every morning (peak season). Resort is beautiful old Florida. Highly recommend. Keep in mind only one restaurant and one gift shop on the island. Limited night life. But amenities make up for it.
GA
Art was an outstanding tennis instructor, and I would highly recommend taking lessons from him while vacationing here. Highly recommend him!
AD
Art Santos was personable and helpful during our visit. Coordinating lessons was easy, and once we were on the court, we had a blast! Art kept things going, and even helped a beginner play up to the rest of the group. We booked a private lesson for the kids too and they made incredible progress. We had a great time and plan to return next year!
DS
The quality of tennis instruction provided by Art was exceptional. My game improved dramatically in 3 weeks.
GR
Looking for crazy nightlife? This isn’t it. Looking to spend some time on an island in a tennis loving and friendly environment? This is it! Art Santos is the best instructor I have worked with, and he runs a terrific program. Art makes sure everyone is involved and challenged. The location is heavenly. 7 miles of beautiful and uncrowded beaches covered with sea shells.
BB
I have been playing tennis 8 years, in Texas, all year round, on 3 competitive 3.5 USTA league teams. I have had excellent tennis instruction by 7 different pro coaches, but no one has come close to the incredible wisdom & teaching skill of director Art Santos. Within a single private lesson, he can assess your game and tweak & refine your strokes and make suggestions to improve your game, both strategy & technique, to take it to the next level! The resort is a private island that is incredibly beautiful, and relaxing, where you can unplug, from the rest of the world ( or not ) . The players at the clinics range from beginner to super competitive district, regional, etc. champs and include both men & women. Art has something for everyone. Can you imagine a better vacation than playing tennis, in paradise? I will return to refine my game and stroll the beach every year! I might even try pickle ball .
GV
Palm Island Resort is great for tennis players young and old. There were tons of hard courts which were in great shape. The pro, Art, was a lot of fun to hit with and take lessons from (both for me, an experienced adult, and my beginner-level daughters). There was a lot of activity (locals and visitors) and it was a really friendly group. I was able to play as much as I wanted while I was there. I would highly recommend Palm Island Resort for tennis players.
KL
Art Santos is an exceptional Pro with great teaching skills and a wonderful way with people. It’s very organized and he make it fun for all. Totally accommodating to all levels of play. Could not have enjoyed it more and will return next year for these reasons.
PT
Loved the friendly tennis community at Palm Island Resort! The tennis director, Art, connected me with many comparable players, and I participated in the fun daily round robins. Lots of great social tennis with a good mix of levels. Art’s private lessons are a fantastic workout. The courts are in excellent condition, and you get to play next to the palm trees. I will be coming back!
MS
Best Tennis! The instruction given by tennis pro, Art Santos, is top notch. Art can figure out quickly what is needed to fix your game. He gave me great tips on how to improve my shots according to how I play. Not a one size fits all – but very individualized instruction. The tennis community at this resort immediately welcomed me, and I felt like part of their family. It was easy to join in on clinics and round robin play. Not only is the tennis perfect, but the island itself is beautiful. With only golf carts and bikes to get around, the island resort is quiet and contains its picturesque setting. With excellent tennis all morning and an alluring seashore in the afternoon… what more could you want?
JB
The resort is set in an Idyllic setting right on the Gulf of Mexico. But what made the experience most memorable for me was working with the tennis pro Art Santos. His llove and understanding of the game is unmatched. I have been to other resorts, attended many clinics with a variety of prose and have yet to find anybody better able to break down my technique into simple next steps to advance my game. And he does it with such grace and style to keep it fun. His ability to generate interesting drills and keep points going ensures that everybody on the court is engaged. A true master of the game!
LH
I participated in tennis for the first time at Palm Island Resort. There is a welcoming group that plays at 9:00 AM generally everyday except Sunday. It is an informal round robin with a variety of skill levels. There are formal round robins on Saturdays. Being SW Florida, while there is play year round, the group is definitely larger in the cooler months – expect the participation to be more sparse June-Oct. The instructor, Art Santos, is not only a highly skilled player, but an excellent instructor. He can quickly analyze one’s game, and provide insight for any level of player. He also provides clinics each week. I have participated in both private instruction and the clinics and greatly enjoyed both. There is also a small shop on property (also manned by Art) that offer sales and repairs. If you enjoy tennis, this is a great activity at the resort where one can just enjoy recreational tennis or take some lessons to fine tune the skills, get some exercise, and meet some new and friendly people.
JH
Great tennis experience on Palm Island. Art Santos is a wonderful tennis pro – he makes learning fun. Each clinic is a nice lesson learned! Art doesn’t try and undo and restart your game but takes what you have an finds a way to make it better. Everyone feels welcome and it has been a pleasure to see tennis really take off on the island. Great mix of players and all nice people!
JB
Spent a week on Palm Island this February (2020) for my 3rd visit there. We got lucky with amazing weather in early February. We were four 4.5 competitive female tennis players and we enjoyed the courts every day of our trip. Each time we’re there, we book a group lesson with Art, the resort pro, who always provides a fun drill session for us. Even though we’ve all played for many years and even taught tennis before, we always pick up something new to work on. We signed up for Art’s pickle ball clinic as well and had a great time learning this new game. The island is beautiful and I love that golf carting is the only transportation. We walked the miles of beach everyday and had champagne at sunset each day. The lodging is beautiful, and while we only went to the restaurant once, it was very good – try the Rum Bay Smashes! Overall, another great visit to Palm Island and one of many more to come!
JH
A hidden gem . . .Pro Art Santos is experienced, excellent with everyone whether you’re a novice or a more advanced player. The year round tennis program at Palm Island Resort is one of the reasons I became an owner last year. There’s also a busy fall, winter and spring fitness program in which my wife participates. The people we’ve met are friendly and welcoming . . . if you love tennis, love being active and love the beach, you’d make time to come to Palm Island Resort and enjoy!
JH
Elite Veteran PBI tennis pro Art Santos provides exceptional coaching to all ages, ranging from young juniors to older players. My 7-year-old really enjoyed his lessons and guidance, which included excellent tennis instruction as well as lessons in sportsmanship and character…arguably the most valuable aspect of the game. I highly recommend him as one of the best tennis pros I’ve experienced in 30 years of playing (10 years at elite junior/D1 collegiate levels). Instruction includes daily open play days, daily clinics, and weekend round robin tournaments. The superb tennis experience complimented by a pristine environment on semi-secluded white sand beaches with tons of nature at your door (sea turtles, dolphins, pelicans, etc.) makes this resort a ‘must experience’ for those interested in a unique relaxing vacation with sensational tennis instruction. Highly recommend for those going solo or bringing the whole family! visited Jan. 2020
DL
I spent five days playing tennis at this resort and everyday was organized by the staff Art Santos. He made it a fantastic experience for all of us that were there during this time period. He secured other players to play with during our stay at our skill level and his input into our games was immeasurable. I look forward to going back in the future to schedule more time with Art.
GK
Art, the tennis pro, is very professional, accommodating and made the experience for our group of 6 very enjoyable. He and another player he contacted played with us so we had two doubles courts for most of our stay. The resort has an isolated, private feel to it. If one is looking for a quiet place with your own beach and great tennis, it’s a great place to be.
MV
My tennis experience was one of the best I’ve had because Art (the pro) was so good at picking up were I had to correct technique wise, he helped my game more quickly then anyone else ever has. Besides that it was very nice to have a tennis community to jump into while I was there.
DN
Wonderful tennis pro, Art Santos. He truly makes the program. The clinics and private lessons provide impactful instruction and the social tennis is well run, enjoyable and also instructive. The clinics each work on particular skill sets and so you have the opportunity to opt in or out, depending on what you feel a need to work on. Every time I play here at home -which is three times a week -I hear Art’s words buzzing in my head. And that’s a good thing! Cannot wait for 2020!
TV
The Palm Island Resort is an old world Florida beach resort with a first class tennis program. What made my experience special and unique was the resort’s tennis pro, Art Santos. Art has a gift for making players feel welcome and comfortable. More importantly, Art’s instruction is spot on! He is not too intense but effectively helps you emerge as a better player. I found the other players to all be friendly and inclusive. All feel strongly about Art’s professional leadership of the Palm Island Tennis Program.
SN
Great group of people! Very welcoming, warm and friendly. The Doubles Round Robin each morning is a great way to practice your tennis skills. Play as much or as little as you like. I recommend staying for the clinics offered after the round robin. The tennis pro, Art, is fabulous — offering great tips to improve your game with a bit of humor and a lot of patience.
CJ
This was our groups second year going to Palm Island and we love it! We arranged a tennis clinic with Art before we came and he was waiting for us when we arrived. i enjoyed the clinic as he touched on several aspects of the game which helped a lot. There were 18 of us and our condos were perfect for our large group and we had a great time boating and walking the beach. Can’t wait to do it again next year!
BC
Art the head pro was a pleasure to work with. We had group clinics arranged before we arrived and they went off without a hitch. We also had 7 courts for a round robin format. The accommodations were perfect for our group, clean and well laid out. The beach was fantastic, I will definitely return.
KN
Palm Island Resort is an amazing island getaway. Art Santos is a wonderful instructor. He gave me some great tips for improving my game. He also helped organize our tournament with 18 players. This is a great setting and wonderful courts and instruction. We all cannot wait to return soon.
KD
We love coming to Palm Island Resort. The tennis pro, Art Santos, is fantastic. There are clinics, round robins and lessons. Regardless of your skill level, Art will give you valuable tips to improve your game. Lots of fun.
CD
Palm Island Resort is the perfect place for tennis. Art Santos is the best tennis pro I have ever had. He even remembers from season to season what instructions I need to remember…such personalized attention! There are clinics nearly everyday and pick up games each morning and a round robin on Saturdays. My husband and o have no complaints! Fun group of players too. Highly recommend.
CB
Over the past 6 months, my family and I have made 2 trips to Palm Island. On each occasion we have had the wonderful opportunity to work on our game with Art. I, along with my wife, have been able to participate in private lessons and clinics led by Art. In all cases, I can happily reply that Art has provide tennis instruction at highest level I have ever received. His attention to all aspects of the game (physical, mental, strategic) was balanced and measured the level of each student. As a member of Club Westside, a large tennis club on the westside of Houston TX, I have had the opportunity to work with many different tennis pros. I can say that without question, my game has advanced more with Art, and in a shorter amount of time, than with any other pro I have worked with. My only complaint with Art is that he doesn’t live in Houston! Cheers to Art for his dedication to his students, he is a truly gifted instructor.
DC
Art Santos at Palm Island Resort in Florida is excellent. He is not only a very good player, he’s a great teacher. He quickly identified one of my (many) weaknesses, and provide excellent instruction to help fix it. He’s a nice guy, a good coach, flexible with his schedule, and a fun pro with whom to play and practice. I highly recommend him.
JC
I did not stay at the resort but was to able to join with a tennis membership on a weekly basis, which was extremely helpful and flexible. I played at the club for almost 6 weeks. The weekly membership was a very good deal, providing me opportunity to join clinics, and play with other guests in a round robin format on a daily basis each morning. Everyone I met and played with was great. Good competitive play but still social and fun. However, the greatest element was Art, the resident pro and coach. I tried to go to almost every clinic each week because I learned something new about my game each time. What made Art so effective was his ability to be direct, with clear and easy instructions for ways to improve my game while always making it fun. I have other good coaches back home, but Art really brought it all together for me in ways I “got it”, but as important ways I can watch my game and adjust when going back to old habits, and skills to practice the good habits.
KS
Art Santos at Palm Island Resort, FL was fantastic. What an excellent instructor, very knowledgeable, skillful techniques for teaching. He organized daily tennis in the mornings with a clinic to follow. But the best part is the information he provided us with. We can use the tools to improve our game as well as excellent reference material to refer back to. I can’t say enough about Art and how effective his teaching techniques are. The island is perfect if you are looking for a secluded beach experience, pools, 10 tennis courts, and wonderful seashells to be found. It was a relaxing experience and I would highly recommend it.
CH
Palm Island Resort is a very beautiful, quiet, and relaxing venue with a great tennis experience. The tennis pro, Art, is excellent. He is very fun and helpful and provides great instruction. A wonderful beach experience on the gulf, pool, hot tub, and restaurant round out the great experience. The resort is accessible only by a very short ferry ride or water taxi and is very quiet and relaxing. It was a great experience for our group of 7 guys.
KS
On a vacation to The Palm Island Resort in Florida, I decided to finally take the time for tennis lessonsI never get around to taking at home. Art Santos was a wonderful instructor, using his tips and tricks to improve my game immediately. The courts were in great condition, and the entire experience was top notch.
BL
It is a beautiful facility with an incredible surroundings in a sunny Florida. The courts are very well maintained and the tennis program and instructions are run by PBI Tennis Pro Art Santos, who has many years of experience working with children and adults of all levels and abilities. Art worked as a tennis professional in many countries around the world and has a right personality for this kind of a job. I recommend this facility to anybody who wants to improve their game and spend a few days having fun in a beautiful and quite exotic area of Florida.
JT
Palm Island Resort is a wonderful family oriented destination. Tennis is a major attraction with opportunities to meet tother players at your own level. The program has an exceptional professional whose drills have been very helpful for myself, wife, and daughter.
MD
After visiting several tennis resorts, Palm Island is my all time favorite. Art Santos is a very seasoned coach that helps you bring your game to the next level. Each day he has a drop in clinic and I loved his style of coaching. Very positive while helping you make minor adjustments. I play USTA and captain several teams plus I am a tennis youth instructor. I have had many coaches over the past several years but none of them were as knowledgeable as Art. Palm Island is a tranquil resort where you can only get around by golf carts and bikes, making it a stress free vacationing destination.
GJ
My family has been coming to Palm Island Resort for more than 30 years . My wife and I play tennis year round in our hometown of Sewickley ,Pa and are VERY HAPPY that the resort has now brought Art to the island to manage the tennis complex . I am not one who is inclined to participate in clinics and/or take lessons but after observing Art in action I have changed my tune . Our family truly loves the resort and would highly recommend visiting for a wonderful beach and tennis vacation !!!
SE
Palm Island is an incredible place. Beautiful, unspoiled beaches/natural environment. 8 well maintained tennis courts and a versatile tennis programme that can cater to any level/fitness. There are scheduled drills for adults and children during the week, organised social tennis on Saturday and private lessons with the excellent pro Art Santos. Art is a very relaxed/low stress coach who is extremely effective at suggesting a small teak here or there that results in significant improvement. The only weakness I would note is that before the Burwash company was appointed last year, the resort had a few years of lackadaisical tennis support so there may not be huge numbers of tennis players around at any given point. Balance that, however, against an excellent pro and courts that are always available….
PP
Director of Tennis Art Santos does a great job of welcoming and bringing visitors into the tennis group. He is a good, patient, calm and very helpful instructor who gets to know his clients’ strengths and weaknesses quickly. He runs good and fun group clinics, each one focused on drills designed to practice a particular element of the game. Art happily comes on court to fill out a doubles group.
BM
Wonderful new courts and site plus excellent pro. The tennis pro is one of the best teachers I’ve used. Come at 9 o’clock every day and you are sure to have a game. All levels, everyone plays together and sometimes the pro will join in for fun.
AA
This is a wonderful resort in SW Florida. Rental Units are extremely nice and inviting. Sunsets are as nice as anywhere in the world. Seven miles of wonderful beach to walk. Fishing is generally excellent. Shelling is great. Six tennis courts have just be re-done. New surface on three that are easier on knees and hips. Art Santos is wonderful pro with experience from teaching all over the world. Everyone likes him. Encourages you to play more tennis.
PL
I just completed my seventeenth winter season at beautiful and unique Palm Island Resort and truly enjoyed the tennis program with our new pro, Art Santos. He is special and I’m really pleased that he will be back here in the fall.
PK
Palm Island is a beautiful resort, it is right on the Gulf coast, and the water is warm and clean and the beaches are never crowded. Recommend going November through April, the tennis is great. There are 11 courts on Island, but the 6 that are next to the pro shop are where all the activity happens. Art Santos, the pro has clinics almost every day, lessons and he frequently fills in during the unofficial morning social, every Mon-Fri., Sat is official social. Quite, nice family place, great tennis
ST
I learned to play tennis as a child and played through high school. After high school, I didn’t play for 20 or so years, but I took the game back up again about 10-15 years ago. I am constantly looking for good instruction on strategy and technique to continue improve my play. Art Santos made several suggestions on my technique and on strategy over the past few weeks which I feel have improved my game dramatically in a brief period! The tennis on Palm Island has always been fun, but this year the level of play seemed to increase due to Art’s attention and instruction. I look forward to my return next year for more fun and improvement!
RS
Excellent program with a great teaching pro Art Santos. He has improved the quality of play tremendously. We hope that he returns next season.
JM
Brand new courts at the tennis center and an active and engaged tennis pro has enhanced our tennis playing experience.
CN
Art Santos, Tennis Pro, on Palm Island has a great program! There are adult activities, as well as junior clinic opportunities. My 14-year old daughter participated in the clinics and took several private lessons while we were there. The courts are top-notch and many have recently been resurfaced. Art’s instruction has helped my daughter immensely. The accommodations on Palm Island are beautiful condominiums on the Gulf. The beach is picturesque. Palm Island is a wonderful resort for tennis, swimming, fishing, boating, beach walking, bike riding, kayaking, children’s programming, adult fitness classes and relaxing!
AR
Palm Island Resort was great. A beautiful spot with a short walk to the beach, a wonderful swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant with excellent service. The tennis courts are in great shape. The pro there, Art Santos, is a member of PBI — Peter Burwash International. He is an excellent teacher. Tennis lessons are available. For anyone who loves tennis, Palm Island Resort is a great place to go on vacation.
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60 Reviews on “Palm Island Resort - Peter Burwash International”
Art Santos is an EXCELLENT tennis instructor. Highly recommend.
Coach Art did an amazing job putting our family off for through challenging yet on level drills that we all enjoyed. We will definitely go back!! Coach Art also gave us a different perspective at shot selection and doubles play! Thank you coach!
Great tennis pro! Great people playing both tennis and pickleball every morning (peak season). Resort is beautiful old Florida. Highly recommend. Keep in mind only one restaurant and one gift shop on the island. Limited night life. But amenities make up for it.
Art was an outstanding tennis instructor, and I would highly recommend taking lessons from him while vacationing here. Highly recommend him!
Art Santos was personable and helpful during our visit. Coordinating lessons was easy, and once we were on the court, we had a blast! Art kept things going, and even helped a beginner play up to the rest of the group. We booked a private lesson for the kids too and they made incredible progress. We had a great time and plan to return next year!
The quality of tennis instruction provided by Art was exceptional. My game improved dramatically in 3 weeks.
Looking for crazy nightlife? This isn’t it. Looking to spend some time on an island in a tennis loving and friendly environment? This is it! Art Santos is the best instructor I have worked with, and he runs a terrific program. Art makes sure everyone is involved and challenged. The location is heavenly. 7 miles of beautiful and uncrowded beaches covered with sea shells.
I have been playing tennis 8 years, in Texas, all year round, on 3 competitive 3.5 USTA league teams. I have had excellent tennis instruction by 7 different pro coaches, but no one has come close to the incredible wisdom & teaching skill of director Art Santos. Within a single private lesson, he can assess your game and tweak & refine your strokes and make suggestions to improve your game, both strategy & technique, to take it to the next level! The resort is a private island that is incredibly beautiful, and relaxing, where you can unplug, from the rest of the world ( or not ) . The players at the clinics range from beginner to super competitive district, regional, etc. champs and include both men & women. Art has something for everyone. Can you imagine a better vacation than playing tennis, in paradise? I will return to refine my game and stroll the beach every year! I might even try pickle ball .
Palm Island Resort is great for tennis players young and old. There were tons of hard courts which were in great shape. The pro, Art, was a lot of fun to hit with and take lessons from (both for me, an experienced adult, and my beginner-level daughters). There was a lot of activity (locals and visitors) and it was a really friendly group. I was able to play as much as I wanted while I was there. I would highly recommend Palm Island Resort for tennis players.
Art Santos is an exceptional Pro with great teaching skills and a wonderful way with people. It’s very organized and he make it fun for all. Totally accommodating to all levels of play. Could not have enjoyed it more and will return next year for these reasons.
Loved the friendly tennis community at Palm Island Resort! The tennis director, Art, connected me with many comparable players, and I participated in the fun daily round robins. Lots of great social tennis with a good mix of levels. Art’s private lessons are a fantastic workout. The courts are in excellent condition, and you get to play next to the palm trees. I will be coming back!
Best Tennis! The instruction given by tennis pro, Art Santos, is top notch. Art can figure out quickly what is needed to fix your game. He gave me great tips on how to improve my shots according to how I play. Not a one size fits all – but very individualized instruction. The tennis community at this resort immediately welcomed me, and I felt like part of their family. It was easy to join in on clinics and round robin play. Not only is the tennis perfect, but the island itself is beautiful. With only golf carts and bikes to get around, the island resort is quiet and contains its picturesque setting. With excellent tennis all morning and an alluring seashore in the afternoon… what more could you want?
The resort is set in an Idyllic setting right on the Gulf of Mexico. But what made the experience most memorable for me was working with the tennis pro Art Santos. His llove and understanding of the game is unmatched. I have been to other resorts, attended many clinics with a variety of prose and have yet to find anybody better able to break down my technique into simple next steps to advance my game. And he does it with such grace and style to keep it fun. His ability to generate interesting drills and keep points going ensures that everybody on the court is engaged. A true master of the game!
I participated in tennis for the first time at Palm Island Resort. There is a welcoming group that plays at 9:00 AM generally everyday except Sunday. It is an informal round robin with a variety of skill levels. There are formal round robins on Saturdays. Being SW Florida, while there is play year round, the group is definitely larger in the cooler months – expect the participation to be more sparse June-Oct. The instructor, Art Santos, is not only a highly skilled player, but an excellent instructor. He can quickly analyze one’s game, and provide insight for any level of player. He also provides clinics each week. I have participated in both private instruction and the clinics and greatly enjoyed both. There is also a small shop on property (also manned by Art) that offer sales and repairs. If you enjoy tennis, this is a great activity at the resort where one can just enjoy recreational tennis or take some lessons to fine tune the skills, get some exercise, and meet some new and friendly people.
Great tennis experience on Palm Island. Art Santos is a wonderful tennis pro – he makes learning fun. Each clinic is a nice lesson learned! Art doesn’t try and undo and restart your game but takes what you have an finds a way to make it better. Everyone feels welcome and it has been a pleasure to see tennis really take off on the island. Great mix of players and all nice people!
Spent a week on Palm Island this February (2020) for my 3rd visit there. We got lucky with amazing weather in early February. We were four 4.5 competitive female tennis players and we enjoyed the courts every day of our trip. Each time we’re there, we book a group lesson with Art, the resort pro, who always provides a fun drill session for us. Even though we’ve all played for many years and even taught tennis before, we always pick up something new to work on. We signed up for Art’s pickle ball clinic as well and had a great time learning this new game. The island is beautiful and I love that golf carting is the only transportation. We walked the miles of beach everyday and had champagne at sunset each day. The lodging is beautiful, and while we only went to the restaurant once, it was very good – try the Rum Bay Smashes! Overall, another great visit to Palm Island and one of many more to come!
A hidden gem . . .Pro Art Santos is experienced, excellent with everyone whether you’re a novice or a more advanced player. The year round tennis program at Palm Island Resort is one of the reasons I became an owner last year. There’s also a busy fall, winter and spring fitness program in which my wife participates. The people we’ve met are friendly and welcoming . . . if you love tennis, love being active and love the beach, you’d make time to come to Palm Island Resort and enjoy!
Elite Veteran PBI tennis pro Art Santos provides exceptional coaching to all ages, ranging from young juniors to older players. My 7-year-old really enjoyed his lessons and guidance, which included excellent tennis instruction as well as lessons in sportsmanship and character…arguably the most valuable aspect of the game. I highly recommend him as one of the best tennis pros I’ve experienced in 30 years of playing (10 years at elite junior/D1 collegiate levels). Instruction includes daily open play days, daily clinics, and weekend round robin tournaments. The superb tennis experience complimented by a pristine environment on semi-secluded white sand beaches with tons of nature at your door (sea turtles, dolphins, pelicans, etc.) makes this resort a ‘must experience’ for those interested in a unique relaxing vacation with sensational tennis instruction. Highly recommend for those going solo or bringing the whole family! visited Jan. 2020
I spent five days playing tennis at this resort and everyday was organized by the staff Art Santos. He made it a fantastic experience for all of us that were there during this time period. He secured other players to play with during our stay at our skill level and his input into our games was immeasurable. I look forward to going back in the future to schedule more time with Art.
Art, the tennis pro, is very professional, accommodating and made the experience for our group of 6 very enjoyable. He and another player he contacted played with us so we had two doubles courts for most of our stay. The resort has an isolated, private feel to it. If one is looking for a quiet place with your own beach and great tennis, it’s a great place to be.
My tennis experience was one of the best I’ve had because Art (the pro) was so good at picking up were I had to correct technique wise, he helped my game more quickly then anyone else ever has. Besides that it was very nice to have a tennis community to jump into while I was there.
Wonderful tennis pro, Art Santos. He truly makes the program. The clinics and private lessons provide impactful instruction and the social tennis is well run, enjoyable and also instructive. The clinics each work on particular skill sets and so you have the opportunity to opt in or out, depending on what you feel a need to work on. Every time I play here at home -which is three times a week -I hear Art’s words buzzing in my head. And that’s a good thing! Cannot wait for 2020!
The Palm Island Resort is an old world Florida beach resort with a first class tennis program. What made my experience special and unique was the resort’s tennis pro, Art Santos. Art has a gift for making players feel welcome and comfortable. More importantly, Art’s instruction is spot on! He is not too intense but effectively helps you emerge as a better player. I found the other players to all be friendly and inclusive. All feel strongly about Art’s professional leadership of the Palm Island Tennis Program.
Great group of people! Very welcoming, warm and friendly. The Doubles Round Robin each morning is a great way to practice your tennis skills. Play as much or as little as you like. I recommend staying for the clinics offered after the round robin. The tennis pro, Art, is fabulous — offering great tips to improve your game with a bit of humor and a lot of patience.
This was our groups second year going to Palm Island and we love it! We arranged a tennis clinic with Art before we came and he was waiting for us when we arrived. i enjoyed the clinic as he touched on several aspects of the game which helped a lot. There were 18 of us and our condos were perfect for our large group and we had a great time boating and walking the beach. Can’t wait to do it again next year!
Art the head pro was a pleasure to work with. We had group clinics arranged before we arrived and they went off without a hitch. We also had 7 courts for a round robin format. The accommodations were perfect for our group, clean and well laid out. The beach was fantastic, I will definitely return.
Palm Island Resort is an amazing island getaway. Art Santos is a wonderful instructor. He gave me some great tips for improving my game. He also helped organize our tournament with 18 players. This is a great setting and wonderful courts and instruction. We all cannot wait to return soon.
We love coming to Palm Island Resort. The tennis pro, Art Santos, is fantastic. There are clinics, round robins and lessons. Regardless of your skill level, Art will give you valuable tips to improve your game. Lots of fun.
Palm Island Resort is the perfect place for tennis. Art Santos is the best tennis pro I have ever had. He even remembers from season to season what instructions I need to remember…such personalized attention! There are clinics nearly everyday and pick up games each morning and a round robin on Saturdays. My husband and o have no complaints! Fun group of players too. Highly recommend.
Over the past 6 months, my family and I have made 2 trips to Palm Island. On each occasion we have had the wonderful opportunity to work on our game with Art. I, along with my wife, have been able to participate in private lessons and clinics led by Art. In all cases, I can happily reply that Art has provide tennis instruction at highest level I have ever received. His attention to all aspects of the game (physical, mental, strategic) was balanced and measured the level of each student. As a member of Club Westside, a large tennis club on the westside of Houston TX, I have had the opportunity to work with many different tennis pros. I can say that without question, my game has advanced more with Art, and in a shorter amount of time, than with any other pro I have worked with. My only complaint with Art is that he doesn’t live in Houston! Cheers to Art for his dedication to his students, he is a truly gifted instructor.
Art Santos at Palm Island Resort in Florida is excellent. He is not only a very good player, he’s a great teacher. He quickly identified one of my (many) weaknesses, and provide excellent instruction to help fix it. He’s a nice guy, a good coach, flexible with his schedule, and a fun pro with whom to play and practice. I highly recommend him.
I did not stay at the resort but was to able to join with a tennis membership on a weekly basis, which was extremely helpful and flexible. I played at the club for almost 6 weeks. The weekly membership was a very good deal, providing me opportunity to join clinics, and play with other guests in a round robin format on a daily basis each morning. Everyone I met and played with was great. Good competitive play but still social and fun. However, the greatest element was Art, the resident pro and coach. I tried to go to almost every clinic each week because I learned something new about my game each time. What made Art so effective was his ability to be direct, with clear and easy instructions for ways to improve my game while always making it fun. I have other good coaches back home, but Art really brought it all together for me in ways I “got it”, but as important ways I can watch my game and adjust when going back to old habits, and skills to practice the good habits.
Art Santos at Palm Island Resort, FL was fantastic. What an excellent instructor, very knowledgeable, skillful techniques for teaching. He organized daily tennis in the mornings with a clinic to follow. But the best part is the information he provided us with. We can use the tools to improve our game as well as excellent reference material to refer back to. I can’t say enough about Art and how effective his teaching techniques are. The island is perfect if you are looking for a secluded beach experience, pools, 10 tennis courts, and wonderful seashells to be found. It was a relaxing experience and I would highly recommend it.
Palm Island Resort is a very beautiful, quiet, and relaxing venue with a great tennis experience. The tennis pro, Art, is excellent. He is very fun and helpful and provides great instruction. A wonderful beach experience on the gulf, pool, hot tub, and restaurant round out the great experience. The resort is accessible only by a very short ferry ride or water taxi and is very quiet and relaxing. It was a great experience for our group of 7 guys.
On a vacation to The Palm Island Resort in Florida, I decided to finally take the time for tennis lessonsI never get around to taking at home. Art Santos was a wonderful instructor, using his tips and tricks to improve my game immediately. The courts were in great condition, and the entire experience was top notch.
It is a beautiful facility with an incredible surroundings in a sunny Florida. The courts are very well maintained and the tennis program and instructions are run by PBI Tennis Pro Art Santos, who has many years of experience working with children and adults of all levels and abilities. Art worked as a tennis professional in many countries around the world and has a right personality for this kind of a job. I recommend this facility to anybody who wants to improve their game and spend a few days having fun in a beautiful and quite exotic area of Florida.
Palm Island Resort is a wonderful family oriented destination. Tennis is a major attraction with opportunities to meet tother players at your own level. The program has an exceptional professional whose drills have been very helpful for myself, wife, and daughter.
After visiting several tennis resorts, Palm Island is my all time favorite. Art Santos is a very seasoned coach that helps you bring your game to the next level. Each day he has a drop in clinic and I loved his style of coaching. Very positive while helping you make minor adjustments. I play USTA and captain several teams plus I am a tennis youth instructor. I have had many coaches over the past several years but none of them were as knowledgeable as Art. Palm Island is a tranquil resort where you can only get around by golf carts and bikes, making it a stress free vacationing destination.
My family has been coming to Palm Island Resort for more than 30 years . My wife and I play tennis year round in our hometown of Sewickley ,Pa and are VERY HAPPY that the resort has now brought Art to the island to manage the tennis complex . I am not one who is inclined to participate in clinics and/or take lessons but after observing Art in action I have changed my tune . Our family truly loves the resort and would highly recommend visiting for a wonderful beach and tennis vacation !!!
Palm Island is an incredible place. Beautiful, unspoiled beaches/natural environment. 8 well maintained tennis courts and a versatile tennis programme that can cater to any level/fitness. There are scheduled drills for adults and children during the week, organised social tennis on Saturday and private lessons with the excellent pro Art Santos. Art is a very relaxed/low stress coach who is extremely effective at suggesting a small teak here or there that results in significant improvement. The only weakness I would note is that before the Burwash company was appointed last year, the resort had a few years of lackadaisical tennis support so there may not be huge numbers of tennis players around at any given point. Balance that, however, against an excellent pro and courts that are always available….
Director of Tennis Art Santos does a great job of welcoming and bringing visitors into the tennis group. He is a good, patient, calm and very helpful instructor who gets to know his clients’ strengths and weaknesses quickly. He runs good and fun group clinics, each one focused on drills designed to practice a particular element of the game. Art happily comes on court to fill out a doubles group.
Wonderful new courts and site plus excellent pro. The tennis pro is one of the best teachers I’ve used. Come at 9 o’clock every day and you are sure to have a game. All levels, everyone plays together and sometimes the pro will join in for fun.
This is a wonderful resort in SW Florida. Rental Units are extremely nice and inviting. Sunsets are as nice as anywhere in the world. Seven miles of wonderful beach to walk. Fishing is generally excellent. Shelling is great. Six tennis courts have just be re-done. New surface on three that are easier on knees and hips. Art Santos is wonderful pro with experience from teaching all over the world. Everyone likes him. Encourages you to play more tennis.
I just completed my seventeenth winter season at beautiful and unique Palm Island Resort and truly enjoyed the tennis program with our new pro, Art Santos. He is special and I’m really pleased that he will be back here in the fall.
Palm Island is a beautiful resort, it is right on the Gulf coast, and the water is warm and clean and the beaches are never crowded. Recommend going November through April, the tennis is great. There are 11 courts on Island, but the 6 that are next to the pro shop are where all the activity happens. Art Santos, the pro has clinics almost every day, lessons and he frequently fills in during the unofficial morning social, every Mon-Fri., Sat is official social. Quite, nice family place, great tennis
I learned to play tennis as a child and played through high school. After high school, I didn’t play for 20 or so years, but I took the game back up again about 10-15 years ago. I am constantly looking for good instruction on strategy and technique to continue improve my play. Art Santos made several suggestions on my technique and on strategy over the past few weeks which I feel have improved my game dramatically in a brief period! The tennis on Palm Island has always been fun, but this year the level of play seemed to increase due to Art’s attention and instruction. I look forward to my return next year for more fun and improvement!
Excellent program with a great teaching pro Art Santos. He has improved the quality of play tremendously. We hope that he returns next season.
Brand new courts at the tennis center and an active and engaged tennis pro has enhanced our tennis playing experience.
Art Santos, Tennis Pro, on Palm Island has a great program! There are adult activities, as well as junior clinic opportunities. My 14-year old daughter participated in the clinics and took several private lessons while we were there. The courts are top-notch and many have recently been resurfaced. Art’s instruction has helped my daughter immensely. The accommodations on Palm Island are beautiful condominiums on the Gulf. The beach is picturesque. Palm Island is a wonderful resort for tennis, swimming, fishing, boating, beach walking, bike riding, kayaking, children’s programming, adult fitness classes and relaxing!
Palm Island Resort was great. A beautiful spot with a short walk to the beach, a wonderful swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant with excellent service. The tennis courts are in great shape. The pro there, Art Santos, is a member of PBI — Peter Burwash International. He is an excellent teacher. Tennis lessons are available. For anyone who loves tennis, Palm Island Resort is a great place to go on vacation.