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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara perches atop a bluff overlooking two miles of beach, a little north of Santa Barbara. Architecturally it resembles a Spanish Colonial village, as winding pathways connect low-slung buildings with open balconies and courtyards with fountains. Within its 78 acres are 358 rooms and suites, a 42,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center, 3 rimless swimming pools, and 4 Har-Tru tennis courts. Its connection to a 1,000-acre lemon and avocado ranch adds more dimensions, like horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. Golfers, meanwhile, have privileges at local courses.
Four courts is a modest number for a hotel this size, but they stand out for their soft surface—a relative rarity in southern California—their location near the ocean, and the expertise of Cliff Drysdale Tennis (CDT), which manages the complex. Nick Loudermilk directs the programming. Originally from California, Nick Loudermilk is an RSPA Elite Professional with more than 25 years of experience in the racquets industry. Known for his energy, passion and ability to connect with players of all levels, Nick specializes in doubles strategy, stroke development, USTA team practices, junior programming and social events.
Nick joins The Ritz-Carlton Bacara from The Club at Old Hawthorne in Missouri, where he spent seven years as Director of Racquets, building one of the Midwest’s premier programs. A former #1 singles and doubles player at Bakersfield College, Nick also competed professionally in pickleball, earning more than 20 gold medals at the open level. Nick holds certifications from the RSPA, PPR, IPTPA, CRSE and DCA.
At Bacara, she stages a weekly roster of tennis activities, including Cardio tennis, live ball and strategy drill sessions, social round robins, as more, as well as group and private lessons. And several times a year, she joins the Drysdale tennis team to host Tennis and Wine Weekends, supplementing three days of on-court activities with private wine tours and tasting at an award-winning local winery.
Tennis aside, Ritz-Carlton Bacara guests can swim in three pools, surf or sail at the beach, play a round at the adjacent championship golf course, or walk the on-property nature trail. Santa Barbara is also home to a thriving arts community, festival circuit, and wineries, inviting guests to explore beyond the resort to discover more of what the area has to offer.
Four courts is a modest number for a hotel this size, but they stand out for their soft surface—a relative rarity in southern California—their location near the ocean, and the expertise of Cliff Drysdale Tennis (CDT), which manages the complex. Nick Loudermilk directs the programing. Originally from California, Nick Loudermilk is an RSPA Elite Professional with more than 25 years of experience in the racquets industry. Known for his energy, passion and ability to connect with players of all levels, Nick specializes in doubles strategy, stroke development, USTA team practices, junior programming and social events.
Nick joins The Ritz-Carlton Bacara from The Club at Old Hawthorne in Missouri, where he spent seven years as Director of Racquets, building one of the Midwest’s premier programs. A former #1 singles and doubles player at Bakersfield College, Nick also competed professionally in pickleball, earning more than 20 gold medals at the open level. Nick holds certifications from the RSPA, PPR, IPTPA, CRSE and DCA.
There's a weekly roster of tennis activities, including Cardio tennis, live ball and strategy drill sessions, social round robins, as more, as well as group and private lessons. There are also year-round customized camps. And, several times a year, the Drysdale tennis team hosts Tennis and Wine Weekends, supplementing three days of on-court activities with private wine tours and tasting at an award-winning local winery.
Off Court
Set on 78 acres, the resort offers two-mile natural beach, three zero-edged saline, heated pools with private cabana rentals and watersports including surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding, while the surrounding area adds opportunities for horseback riding, biking, hiking, and more.
Tennis aside, Ritz-Carlton Bacara guests can swim in three pools, enjoy an award-winning Spa, surf or sail at the beach, play a round at the adjacent championship golf course, or walk the on-property nature trail. Santa Barbara is also home to a thriving arts community, festival circuit, and wineries, inviting guests to explore beyond the resort to discover more of what the area has to offer.
Accommodations
358 rooms and suites
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round
Travel Instructions: The nearest major air gateway is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), 6 miles to the east.
General Tourist Information: For information about the Santa Barbara, visit the Visit Santa Barbara website.
Had a morning hitting session with Daniel while staying at the resort. Nice clay-like courts, very welcoming and professional staff. Daniel is a top notch coach who gave me good feedback throughout the session and really pushed me to my limit. Will definitely be back. Thank you again for a great start to a weekend!
ST
My wife and I a great time at Cliff Drysdale Tennis at the Ritz Carlton Bacara! Nick, the tennis pro, is awesome and quickly assessed our strengths and areas of improvement. We took a two dual lessons with him and did two group lessons and wished we could have played for longer it was so fun. Nick strikes the right balance between positivity and pushing us. We will definitely be returning!
ER
Had a great time at Cliff Drysdale Tennis at the Ritz Carlton Bacara! Nick, the tennis pro, was super helpful with pointers and was positive and encouraging, and was overall fun to hit balls with. The facility was nice, convenient to get to, had all the equipment we needed, and easy and efficient to make bookings with.
RJ
Great experience playing at Bacara! Loved the Har-Tru courts, which played well and were protected from the wind despite being close to the beach. Nick the pro was friendly, helpful, and fun to hit with. This nice tennis facility with courteous staff is another good reason to return to Bacara.
JR
Just had a great lesson on a beautiful day with, Nick. I really enjoyed his instruction and had a great time on the clay. Look forward to coming back here soon!
SA
Book a private lesson online right after check in was so convenient. Coach Nick met me the next morning for a 1 hour private lesson . I am 4.5 player with an elbow injury so he was able to customize the lesson to my needs and found an opportunity to improve my backhand stroke. Thanks, Coach Nick! Hope to do it again sometime.
JS
Great facility, awesome coaches, great vibe overall!
SD
I really enjoyed Nick’s coaching. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had. I took a two hour lesson with him and in those two hours I learned so much. He pays attention to details and really helped me with my technique.
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158 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara”
Had a morning hitting session with Daniel while staying at the resort. Nice clay-like courts, very welcoming and professional staff. Daniel is a top notch coach who gave me good feedback throughout the session and really pushed me to my limit. Will definitely be back. Thank you again for a great start to a weekend!
My wife and I a great time at Cliff Drysdale Tennis at the Ritz Carlton Bacara! Nick, the tennis pro, is awesome and quickly assessed our strengths and areas of improvement. We took a two dual lessons with him and did two group lessons and wished we could have played for longer it was so fun. Nick strikes the right balance between positivity and pushing us. We will definitely be returning!
Had a great time at Cliff Drysdale Tennis at the Ritz Carlton Bacara! Nick, the tennis pro, was super helpful with pointers and was positive and encouraging, and was overall fun to hit balls with. The facility was nice, convenient to get to, had all the equipment we needed, and easy and efficient to make bookings with.
Great experience playing at Bacara! Loved the Har-Tru courts, which played well and were protected from the wind despite being close to the beach. Nick the pro was friendly, helpful, and fun to hit with. This nice tennis facility with courteous staff is another good reason to return to Bacara.
Just had a great lesson on a beautiful day with, Nick. I really enjoyed his instruction and had a great time on the clay. Look forward to coming back here soon!
Book a private lesson online right after check in was so convenient. Coach Nick met me the next morning for a 1 hour private lesson . I am 4.5 player with an elbow injury so he was able to customize the lesson to my needs and found an opportunity to improve my backhand stroke. Thanks, Coach Nick! Hope to do it again sometime.
Great facility, awesome coaches, great vibe overall!
I really enjoyed Nick’s coaching. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had. I took a two hour lesson with him and in those two hours I learned so much. He pays attention to details and really helped me with my technique.