From the California desert to Florida's beautiful coastlines, Cliff Drysdale Tennis introduces four exciting resort destinations where exceptional tennis programming meets unforgettable vacation experiences.
Since 1999, TRO has been the go-to directory for tennis travel, and thousands of guest reviews have helped fellow players plan their perfect tennis vacation. Here are the resorts our reviewers are talking about this month.
Picture a morning round robin with Pikes Peak on the horizon, or an afternoon game followed by a soak in natural hot springs. That's the appeal of pickleball resorts in Colorado, where well-kept courts and experienced pros come with mountain scenery, cool summer temperatures, and resort amenities to enjoy between games.
Since 1999, TRO has been the go-to directory for tennis travel, and thousands of guest reviews have helped fellow players plan their perfect tennis vacation. Here are the resorts our reviewers are talking about this month.
Picture a morning round robin with Pikes Peak on the horizon, or an afternoon game followed by a soak in natural hot springs. That's the appeal of pickleball resorts in Colorado, where well-kept courts and experienced pros come with mountain scenery, cool summer temperatures, and resort amenities to enjoy between games.
Virginia packs a surprising range of tennis settings into one state. You can rally on clay near the Blue Ridge mountains, play indoors beside a university stadium, hit on courts steps from a colonial capital, or squeeze in a match between rounds of golf along the Potomac.
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.
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This was hands down my absolute favorite team building activity. Nick, Jas, and Jorge were excellent instructors. They were high energy, knowledgeable, and patient. They kept everyone motivated and having fun regardless of their skill level.
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202 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara”
This was hands down my absolute favorite team building activity.
Nick, Jas, and Jorge were excellent instructors. They were high energy, knowledgeable, and patient. They kept everyone motivated and having fun regardless of their skill level.