This 13-story, 491-room hotel trails along 1,200 feet of beach on the Atlantic Ocean at roughly the midpoint of the island and a short drive from Crandon Park.
The resort takes its architectural clues from the Colonial West Indies, but the comfort and very attentive service are all Ritz-Carlton in marble baths, feather beds, down comforters, and Frette linens. Among its amenities are a 20,000-square-foot spa, five restaurants and lounges, and an oceanfront Ritz Kids pavilion with a children’s-only pool and oceanfront playground. But the most significant amenity from the point of view of tennis players is the on-site facility designed by former touring pro and noted television commentator Cliff Drysdale.
Tennis Staff: Cliff Drysdale Tennis manages the club’s operation and installed Max Mangones as director. Originally from Haiti, Mangones came to the U.S. at age 15 and went on to play Division II college tennis at Miami’s Barry University. He heads of a staff of as many as 10 international pros in season, catering both to the needs of active local members and to those of guests.
Tennis Programs: The weekly roster includes a 90-minute clinic every day, supplemented by three more on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Two things distinguish these clinics: the large turnout (often 20 or more people) and their lively and challenging organization. Although mine began, as clinics often do, with work on forehands and backhands, it quickly moved to live-ball drills in a variety of formats as we players rotated through half a dozen pros. As a hotel guest these afford an immediate introduction to some of the local players, though if you prefer playing to drilling the staff can draw on that same stable to set up matches. Finally, from early June to late August, the Tennis Center adds a summer day camp for juniors ages 7-17. Clinics aside, there are a number of special events scattered throughout the year, among them luxury ladies’ retreats and social round robins.
Also part of the complex are three lighted padel courts, a racquet sport played on an enclosed court (different from paddle tennis) that has become enormously popular in places like Mexico—where it originated—Argentina, Spain, and Italy and enthusiasm for the sport is spreading world wide.
Court fees: $15/day and includes a can of balls
Off Court
Golf Courses: The resort has no golf course of its own but guests can play at the highly rated public course in nearby Crandon Park.
Spa & Fitness Center: A 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center with 21 treatment rooms overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Its treatments draw on the local history of the Tequesta Indians, explorers, and coconut plantations for ingredients and inspiration, whether that’s a coconut nourishment to soothe the skin or a detoxifying ceremony to purify and restore balance. The Fitness Center has an array of TechnoGym equipment, its cardio elements facing windows with views of the foliage outdoors. It also hosts a selection of classes that include boot camp workouts, Pilates, yoga, cycling, and stretching.
There are two outdoor pools, one for adults only, the other a large amoeba-shaped zero-entry expanse bordered by lounge chairs.
Children's programs: The Ritz Kids program provides supervised activities for those ages 4 to 10+ in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society. Not mere babysitting, it instead seeks to exploit children’s natural curiosity as a way of introducing them to the natural wonders and culture.
Dining: There are several tasty options: contemporary American cuisine at the Fountain Cafe, a selection of tequilas and Mexican fare at the oceanfront Cantina Beach, and gourmet burgers and international appetizers at Dune Burgers on the Beach. In addition, Light Keepers is about to open and will focus on coastal cuisine.
Accommodations
There are 402 rooms altogether, 37 of them suites. All have terraces that overlook the ocean, bay or gardens.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, though hot and steamy in summer.
Travel Instructions: By Air: The Ritz is roughly 17 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA), which is served by all the major airlines.
231 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne - Cliff Drysdale Tennis”
Excellent
4.7
231 reviews
On Court Experience
5.0
Off Court Experience
5.0
Overall Tennis
5.0
Overall Pickleball
4.9
Overall Padel
4.9
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
5.0
Tennis Instruction
5.0
Padel Instruction
5.0
Pickleball Instruction
4.9
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
5.0
Accomodations
4.8
Resort Amenities
5.0
EB
Mark Chellas is an outstanding couch. He is very knowledgable, charismatic and fun person. He gets great results with the players he couches.
PM
My daughters are competitive tournament players and the pro staff have always taken great care of them. The level of instruction and attention to detail is superb. The entire team is very professional under the direction of Mark Chellas.
AF
My wife and kids are avid tennis players and I like to play with them on the weekends and vacation and I must say this place was really above my expectation for tennis. We were excited to get away to the Ritz-Carlton as we know we can expect a great experience here, but truly what made our vacation was the tennis center. They set our kids up with the Academy which was superiour, and my wife and I participate in the clinic each morning and we were set up for mixed doubles.
FG
This is the place to go for tennis. They cater to all, the adult clinics are always popular, and I saw some junior players there that were out of this world. The instruction from my private lesson with Mel was fantastic, and I was set up with a match later that afternoon and had a great experience.
VM
The facilities here are top notch, but the stand out for sure are the teaching staff. The level of instruction is second to none, and the option of doing a clinic at your covenience is really nice. There is always a pro available to play at most any time. My kids participated in the programs they have available here and came off the court happy every time.
OR
As a member of a S. Florida Women’s Doubles Tennis Team at the Ritz Carlton, I have attended weekly clinics for several years and they are fabulous! The head pro, Mark Chellas, is always prepared, organized, knowledgeable and extremely enthusiastic. He appears to really love his job and he puts his all into it and sets a great tone for his staff.
MB
Great location and resort. Tennis instruction was tailored to our small group and was excellent. Good food, nice spa, and lots of fun!
AK
The pros are great. The courts are great. The hotel is beyond.
KK
Excellent! I found the pros to be knowledgable, personable and flexible. A very nice setting and close proximity to the hotel. Only additional suggestion would be to have there be more consistency with the pros for the weekend so they know each of our ability level.
PM
I have attended this retreat every year for several years, and I love everything about it!! The tennis pros are very helpful and professional. They make everyone feel good about their game but also make suggestions about how to improve. The evening events are awesome – planned to every detail and so much fun! Cliff Drysdale participates in giving tennis critiques during the clinics and matches. It is definitely the BEST WEEK in tennis!!!
MV
Wonderful rooms, Great food, fun clinics, GREAT COACHES
RD
Best tennis destination for our family. When we recommend it to our visiting family and friends From out of state and overseas we get raving comments!
CW
I might never have gone to this resort had our group not planned a trip with Cliff Drysdale Tennis. I found the resort itself to be wonderful and to the high standards of other Ritz properties. There were a few gliches with our group spa appointments but the staff went above and beyond to make it right for us. Would come back here again for sure.
SO
Great tennis program and facilities. Tennis pros are really nice . Head pro Mark Chellas goes out of his way to make sure everybody is super happy .
DS
The tennis staff was extremely helpful in both their instruction and lesson scheduling. The Pro Am was fun and really a great opportunity to hit with the pros and with others visiting the area. The tennis courts were in great shape. My group has been coming to the Ritz Tennis for at least the last five years and highly recommend the program to others.
ST
Excellent pros, friendly staff, good facilities, convenient location. Outstanding Pro Am around the Miami Open.
CB
The Cliff Drysdale tennis centre at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is the reason we stay there! There are cooler hotels in Miami but non have the tennis facilities we love here. My son, a serious junior player has been training here annually for the past 10 years now, he takes daily lessons for a fortnight and always comes home a better player. He is also offered matches against other top junior players during our stays and has joined in their performance squad at Crandon Park some evenings. My husband is just a social player so he joins in the busy morning clinics and always makes new friends. Courts can be booked to set up your own matches or come down and bring your coaching team to train. During the Miami Open event many of the pros can be spotted training on the courts here. The only downside is the price of the individual sessions compared to what we pay at home but its only for a few weeks and the coaches are excellent and you are playing in paradise!
KD
Loved this hotel and the Cliff Drysdale tennis facility. We chose this resort because of the Cliff Drsdale facility there. We had recently visited over the Christmas break and liked it so much that we chose to visit again only 3 months later. The courts are wonderful and the staff is amazing. We also attended a wonderful charity event there during the Miami Open. One of our favorite vacations!!!!
GM
The tennis staff and coaching program is great.. The place to take a vacation.
LD
– Tennis Courts are in perfect condition – Resort is extraordinary with exceptional service. 10 out of 10. – Tennis Instructors are world-class
SH
Excellent courts and tennis instructors. I am a visiting hotel guest who has returned multiple times, and the staff always does its best to find me a game at the right level.
CD
Having travelled extensively with my family in the diplomatic corps and lived overseas, I can honestly say this Resort is the one we always recommend and love to come back to, over and over again. The combination of Fabulous Tennis amidst the beautiful palm tree fronds, the exciting events that take place there, and the kind of players that it attracts makes this facility in wonderful Key Biscayne one we like to think of as our home away from home and recommend and choose to place family members and friends visiting this area.
FH
Top notch clay court facility facility in beautiful Key Biscayne. The tennis staff, led by the extremely talented Marc Chellas, is exceptional.
GS
We have been to Key Biscayne many times as we have our second home on the island next door to the Ritz Carltin. Our children have all attended the tennis academy and we have been more than happy with the program. Mark, the director, is one of the most genuine people you ever want to meet and he sincerely cares about each child and adult in his program. He has a way of bringing out the best player in all of us! We travel around the country for tennis, but we always check in with Mark at the Ritz to adjust and get back on track when needed. For the novice or serious player, the Ritz has the right coach. I just started playing and they put me with the perfect group and coach. I felt comfortable and learned a lot. I look forward to many more trips with my family at the Ritz in Key Biscayne.
LA
If you are looking for a first class tennis experience you will find it at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne facility. I recently attended the Miami Open and found my time at the Cliff Drysdale facility at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne to be just as exciting. The staff and facility exceeded my expectations in everyway. The group drills were fun and well organized. I even took a personal lesson to work on a few things that were pointed out to me during that drill. The clay courts were amazing and the layout of the facility with open courts and middle arbors for spectators reflects why Cliff Drysdale knows tennis! I can’t wait to go back! Definitely one of my favorite tennis getaways!
KC
There are so many tennis courts in Key Biscayne, however, the best pros are at the Ritz. They run a very organized club with clinics for all levels. My kids have done lessons with fun instructors, never more than four kids to a court. The adult clinics are always challenging and are a good mix between strategy, consistency and are a good workout. Every instructor is good, nice and helpful.
LD
Exceptional clinic. It was very inspirational while welcoming. The professionals were top notch and it felt great to raise money for a charitable cause while receiving world class instruction.
JS
I play frequently at the Ritz in Key Biscayne. Mark Chellas and his team are the best around. They have great programming and the facilities are incredible.
FG
Every day they have a clinic from 9am-10:30am. Usually there is 1 pro for every 4 players. They do drills for 45 minutes and then play points for 45 minutes The clinic is very well organized and fun with good young pros.
DS
I participated in several clinics and took private lessons at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne and Crandon park facilities. Fantastic experiences. The clinics were very engaging and the coaching was great. Very importantly, the courts and facilities are top-notch. Finally, all my activities were scheduled by Kathryn Bates, a tennis travel coordinator at Cliff Drysdale tennis. SHe was fantastic in coordinating my tennis vacation. Great communicator. I would highly recommend scheduling a tennis vacation through Kathryn at Ritz Carlton or/and Crandon Park. My only unmet need was matching with other tennis players. It would be great if Cliff Drysdale tennis (or the Key Biscaayne facilites) would coordinate match play, in addition to clinics and private lessons.
VS
Jan. 2014: Tennis facilities are great! Surprised it wasn’t busier in January but courts are in terrific condition and the clinic on Saturday morning was at a great time (10:30am) and very popular so had all levels including 4.0-4.5s+. David Terol was terrific tennis pro — worked with my current strokes and made huge improvements in 3 days. Kathryn Bates in the tennis club was great at setting up my trip before I got to Miami and welcomed me when I got there. Mike did a great job at stringing my racquet and the price was excellent. The tennis pro shop needs more women’s clothing with signature apparel (either Ritz or Cliff Drysdale logo) and the Ritz needs more menu options at Dune and Cantina restaurants.
DM
My girls are two of the top Juniors in the country and we travel 2 to 3 times each year all the way from Maryland to work with Mark Chellas………He is insightfull, energetic and has full knowledge of the game……my girls love working with him….regrdless of how busy he his he always makes time for us and truly cares about my girls progress as players and people…….anyone would benefit from getting a chance to work with him and the hotel is amazing…..
TL
Love the weekend clinics; randomly crowded during the season, but this staff is consistently well-organized. It’s good fun, which is what you want from a tennis site. I enjoy bringing friends to these clinics, and I never mind going alone, either. Drills are a great workout,and the staff drills make each session worthwhile.
PW
The Ritz-Key Biscayne has superb service, but this particular location is not the MOST beautiful (Miami is not Hawaii), and the rooms are very nicely appointed but not large (e.g., double beds, not queens). We didn’t dine in the hotel, but lots of great South American restaurants nearby (walkable), especially El Gran Inka (Peruvian), and pastries (La Boulangerie) for breakfast. My teenager (lower level tournament player) had a great lesson with head pro Marc, and also greatly enjoyed participating in the local “tennis academy” at Crandon Park, run by the Ritz pros, and featuring many strong local kids. I also had a very good lesson with Grant, who helped me convert from an Eastern FH grip to semi-Western. It was a very busy week for the resort (Presidents Week), so somewhat hard to get court time, except 8 a.m., mid-afternoon (hot) and late at night. I joined in 4 or 5 of the morning clinics – they were moderate intensity, with more instruction from some pros than others. Pretty much the same clinic each day: hit a bunch of FH, then a bunch of BH, then some groundie/approach/volley sequences, then some doubles or singles king-of-the-court type action. The pros do keep it fun and light-hearted, but better for exercise or repetition than instruction. Courts were getting rehabbed, 2 or 3 at a time, while I was there. Apparently this is the first thorough rehab in several years, and they were looking good. Very nice staff in the Pro Shop (Wilson rackets only), and they give you Powerades, towels, and a can of balls when you reserve a court. Court time is $15/person/day, but if you take a lesson or clinic, there is no charge for additional court time. This was my first tennis vacation anywhere, and overall I had a great time.
CK
The morning tennis drills are very good. The Pros do a good job putting levels together in a short time. I have gone back to the resort five or six times and have always been satisfied. Bryce is a great tennis Pro — great semi-private lessons, too. The resort is wonderful relaxing place to stay. I plan on going back very soon.
SN
I attend many clinics at the Ritz Carlton tennis center at Key Biscayne. I enjoy the great atmosphere, quality courts, outstanding instruction and have a fun time too. The pros are the best ever. Not only skill wise, but making sure we are hitting the ball correctly. The pros know just how to keep the drill going, pace, without burning us out. My friends and I always enjoy the clinics. The workout is a great value for the money.
MF
Great weather year round and great courts with excellent staff. Very easy to feel comfortable here.
JR
This is one of the best tennis facilities that I have seen in a long time. Friendly service, great courts and a good selection of tennis wear. Â
IS
The tennis pros are really the best part of the program starting at the top with Mark Chellas. They make it fun no matter the skill level – upbeat, complimentary, and energetic. I have visited with girlfriends and with my husband at different times and both kinds of trips were great!!
JS
great atmosphere, good coaching. Friendly to visitors. well kept courts. The coaches are mostly Australian so it’s kind of refreshing. New approaches to teaching, different from Chicago which I consider a real plus.
SH
Fabulous facility. Great staff, instructors and hotel.
JH
I go to the Ritz 2x per year for tennis clinics. The facilities are top notch and the instruction is fantastic as well. Employees are gracious and accommodating. Would recommend to anyone seeking to play tennis in beautiful surroundings. Only negative: an interior resort road and parking are adjacent to some of the courts which creates some noise. Love everything else about it though.
LM
The worst was parking. The staff was the more enjoyable people I had taking a lesson from. From the tennis courts to the beach could not be better.
KS
Terrific tennis with superb staff. Mark Chelas, the tennis director, makes tennis so much fun! Very experienced teaching skills.
GP
The setting is lovely. Each court has a pagoda for shade and a water cooler. The staff is super friendly. The courts are kept in great shape. The only weakness was that sometimes the water cooler was not cooling the water.
CD
Strengths: Exceptionally well run and well attended, outstanding tennis professionals and programs, great setting.
KD
It is a marvelous location with a very good staff but I only visited for the tennis camp and did not stay overnight. I most likely will stay overnight next time.
DC
I have attended many “tennis weekends” here, and Mark and his staff always make it great fun!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to come back!
RS
All positive experience. Wonderful facility, great tennis staff and most accommodating Tennis Director (Mark Chellas). I bring groups of 28-32 players to work out with the Pros, have lunch and play tennis. Everyone is most accommodating and every one of the Pros are terrific.
LA
it’s the “Non plus ultra” of the Tennis resorts. Tennis Clinics 365 days of the year, great coaches, beautiful and excellent facilities, great weather year round, friendly people in and around the courts. Better impossible!
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231 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne - Cliff Drysdale Tennis”
Mark Chellas is an outstanding couch. He is very knowledgable, charismatic and fun person. He gets great results with the players he couches.
My daughters are competitive tournament players and the pro staff have always taken great care of them. The level of instruction and attention to detail is superb. The entire team is very professional under the direction of Mark Chellas.
My wife and kids are avid tennis players and I like to play with them on the weekends and vacation and I must say this place was really above my expectation for tennis. We were excited to get away to the Ritz-Carlton as we know we can expect a great experience here, but truly what made our vacation was the tennis center. They set our kids up with the Academy which was superiour, and my wife and I participate in the clinic each morning and we were set up for mixed doubles.
This is the place to go for tennis. They cater to all, the adult clinics are always popular, and I saw some junior players there that were out of this world. The instruction from my private lesson with Mel was fantastic, and I was set up with a match later that afternoon and had a great experience.
The facilities here are top notch, but the stand out for sure are the teaching staff. The level of instruction is second to none, and the option of doing a clinic at your covenience is really nice. There is always a pro available to play at most any time. My kids participated in the programs they have available here and came off the court happy every time.
As a member of a S. Florida Women’s Doubles Tennis Team at the Ritz Carlton, I have attended weekly clinics for several years and they are fabulous! The head pro, Mark Chellas, is always prepared, organized, knowledgeable and extremely enthusiastic. He appears to really love his job and he puts his all into it and sets a great tone for his staff.
Great location and resort. Tennis instruction was tailored to our small group and was excellent. Good food, nice spa, and lots of fun!
The pros are great. The courts are great. The hotel is beyond.
Excellent! I found the pros to be knowledgable, personable and flexible. A very nice setting and close proximity to the hotel. Only additional suggestion would be to have there be more consistency with the pros for the weekend so they know each of our ability level.
I have attended this retreat every year for several years, and I love everything about it!! The tennis pros are very helpful and professional. They make everyone feel good about their game but also make suggestions about how to improve. The evening events are awesome – planned to every detail and so much fun! Cliff Drysdale participates in giving tennis critiques during the clinics and matches. It is definitely the BEST WEEK in tennis!!!
Wonderful rooms, Great food, fun clinics, GREAT COACHES
Best tennis destination for our family. When we recommend it to our visiting family and friends From out of state and overseas we get raving comments!
I might never have gone to this resort had our group not planned a trip with Cliff Drysdale Tennis. I found the resort itself to be wonderful and to the high standards of other Ritz properties. There were a few gliches with our group spa appointments but the staff went above and beyond to make it right for us. Would come back here again for sure.
Great tennis program and facilities. Tennis pros are really nice . Head pro Mark Chellas goes out of his way to make sure everybody is super happy .
The tennis staff was extremely helpful in both their instruction and lesson scheduling. The Pro Am was fun and really a great opportunity to hit with the pros and with others visiting the area. The tennis courts were in great shape. My group has been coming to the Ritz Tennis for at least the last five years and highly recommend the program to others.
Excellent pros, friendly staff, good facilities, convenient location. Outstanding Pro Am around the Miami Open.
The Cliff Drysdale tennis centre at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is the reason we stay there! There are cooler hotels in Miami but non have the tennis facilities we love here. My son, a serious junior player has been training here annually for the past 10 years now, he takes daily lessons for a fortnight and always comes home a better player. He is also offered matches against other top junior players during our stays and has joined in their performance squad at Crandon Park some evenings. My husband is just a social player so he joins in the busy morning clinics and always makes new friends. Courts can be booked to set up your own matches or come down and bring your coaching team to train. During the Miami Open event many of the pros can be spotted training on the courts here. The only downside is the price of the individual sessions compared to what we pay at home but its only for a few weeks and the coaches are excellent and you are playing in paradise!
Loved this hotel and the Cliff Drysdale tennis facility. We chose this resort because of the Cliff Drsdale facility there. We had recently visited over the Christmas break and liked it so much that we chose to visit again only 3 months later. The courts are wonderful and the staff is amazing. We also attended a wonderful charity event there during the Miami Open. One of our favorite vacations!!!!
The tennis staff and coaching program is great.. The place to take a vacation.
– Tennis Courts are in perfect condition – Resort is extraordinary with exceptional service. 10 out of 10. – Tennis Instructors are world-class
Excellent courts and tennis instructors. I am a visiting hotel guest who has returned multiple times, and the staff always does its best to find me a game at the right level.
Having travelled extensively with my family in the diplomatic corps and lived overseas, I can honestly say this Resort is the one we always recommend and love to come back to, over and over again. The combination of Fabulous Tennis amidst the beautiful palm tree fronds, the exciting events that take place there, and the kind of players that it attracts makes this facility in wonderful Key Biscayne one we like to think of as our home away from home and recommend and choose to place family members and friends visiting this area.
Top notch clay court facility facility in beautiful Key Biscayne. The tennis staff, led by the extremely talented Marc Chellas, is exceptional.
We have been to Key Biscayne many times as we have our second home on the island next door to the Ritz Carltin. Our children have all attended the tennis academy and we have been more than happy with the program. Mark, the director, is one of the most genuine people you ever want to meet and he sincerely cares about each child and adult in his program. He has a way of bringing out the best player in all of us! We travel around the country for tennis, but we always check in with Mark at the Ritz to adjust and get back on track when needed. For the novice or serious player, the Ritz has the right coach. I just started playing and they put me with the perfect group and coach. I felt comfortable and learned a lot. I look forward to many more trips with my family at the Ritz in Key Biscayne.
If you are looking for a first class tennis experience you will find it at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne facility. I recently attended the Miami Open and found my time at the Cliff Drysdale facility at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne to be just as exciting. The staff and facility exceeded my expectations in everyway. The group drills were fun and well organized. I even took a personal lesson to work on a few things that were pointed out to me during that drill. The clay courts were amazing and the layout of the facility with open courts and middle arbors for spectators reflects why Cliff Drysdale knows tennis! I can’t wait to go back! Definitely one of my favorite tennis getaways!
There are so many tennis courts in Key Biscayne, however, the best pros are at the Ritz. They run a very organized club with clinics for all levels. My kids have done lessons with fun instructors, never more than four kids to a court. The adult clinics are always challenging and are a good mix between strategy, consistency and are a good workout. Every instructor is good, nice and helpful.
Exceptional clinic. It was very inspirational while welcoming. The professionals were top notch and it felt great to raise money for a charitable cause while receiving world class instruction.
I play frequently at the Ritz in Key Biscayne. Mark Chellas and his team are the best around. They have great programming and the facilities are incredible.
Every day they have a clinic from 9am-10:30am. Usually there is 1 pro for every 4 players. They do drills for 45 minutes and then play points for 45 minutes The clinic is very well organized and fun with good young pros.
I participated in several clinics and took private lessons at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne and Crandon park facilities. Fantastic experiences. The clinics were very engaging and the coaching was great. Very importantly, the courts and facilities are top-notch. Finally, all my activities were scheduled by Kathryn Bates, a tennis travel coordinator at Cliff Drysdale tennis. SHe was fantastic in coordinating my tennis vacation. Great communicator. I would highly recommend scheduling a tennis vacation through Kathryn at Ritz Carlton or/and Crandon Park.
My only unmet need was matching with other tennis players. It would be great if Cliff Drysdale tennis (or the Key Biscaayne facilites) would coordinate match play, in addition to clinics and private lessons.
Jan. 2014: Tennis facilities are great! Surprised it wasn’t busier in January but courts are in terrific condition and the clinic on Saturday morning was at a great time (10:30am) and very popular so had all levels including 4.0-4.5s+. David Terol was terrific tennis pro — worked with my current strokes and made huge improvements in 3 days. Kathryn Bates in the tennis club was great at setting up my trip before I got to Miami and welcomed me when I got there. Mike did a great job at stringing my racquet and the price was excellent. The tennis pro shop needs more women’s clothing with signature apparel (either Ritz or Cliff Drysdale logo) and the Ritz needs more menu options at Dune and Cantina restaurants.
My girls are two of the top Juniors in the country and we travel 2 to 3 times each year all the way from Maryland to work with Mark Chellas………He is insightfull, energetic and has full knowledge of the game……my girls love working with him….regrdless of how busy he his he always makes time for us and truly cares about my girls progress as players and people…….anyone would benefit from getting a chance to work with him and the hotel is amazing…..
Love the weekend clinics; randomly crowded during the season, but this staff is consistently well-organized. It’s good fun, which is what you want from a tennis site. I enjoy bringing friends to these clinics, and I never mind going alone, either. Drills are a great workout,and the staff drills make each session worthwhile.
The Ritz-Key Biscayne has superb service, but this particular location is not the MOST beautiful (Miami is not Hawaii), and the rooms are very nicely appointed but not large (e.g., double beds, not queens). We didn’t dine in the hotel, but lots of great South American restaurants nearby (walkable), especially El Gran Inka (Peruvian), and pastries (La Boulangerie) for breakfast.
My teenager (lower level tournament player) had a great lesson with head pro Marc, and also greatly enjoyed participating in the local “tennis academy” at Crandon Park, run by the Ritz pros, and featuring many strong local kids. I also had a very good lesson with Grant, who helped me convert from an Eastern FH grip to semi-Western.
It was a very busy week for the resort (Presidents Week), so somewhat hard to get court time, except 8 a.m., mid-afternoon (hot) and late at night. I joined in 4 or 5 of the morning clinics – they were moderate intensity, with more instruction from some pros than others. Pretty much the same clinic each day: hit a bunch of FH, then a bunch of BH, then some groundie/approach/volley sequences, then some doubles or singles king-of-the-court type action. The pros do keep it fun and light-hearted, but better for exercise or repetition than instruction.
Courts were getting rehabbed, 2 or 3 at a time, while I was there. Apparently this is the first thorough rehab in several years, and they were looking good. Very nice staff in the Pro Shop (Wilson rackets only), and they give you Powerades, towels, and a can of balls when you reserve a court. Court time is $15/person/day, but if you take a lesson or clinic, there is no charge for additional court time.
This was my first tennis vacation anywhere, and overall I had a great time.
The morning tennis drills are very good. The Pros do a good job putting levels together in a short time. I have gone back to the resort five or six times and have always been satisfied. Bryce is a great tennis Pro — great semi-private lessons, too. The resort is wonderful relaxing place to stay. I plan on going back very soon.
I attend many clinics at the Ritz Carlton tennis center at Key Biscayne. I enjoy the great atmosphere, quality courts, outstanding instruction and have a fun time too. The pros are the best ever. Not only skill wise, but making sure we are hitting the ball correctly. The pros know just how to keep the drill going, pace, without burning us out. My friends and I always enjoy the clinics. The workout is a great value for the money.
Great weather year round and great courts with excellent staff. Very easy to feel comfortable here.
This is one of the best tennis facilities that I have seen in a long time. Friendly service, great courts and a good selection of tennis wear. Â
The tennis pros are really the best part of the program starting at the top with Mark Chellas. They make it fun no matter the skill level – upbeat, complimentary, and energetic. I have visited with girlfriends and with my husband at different times and both kinds of trips were great!!
great atmosphere, good coaching. Friendly to visitors. well kept courts. The coaches are mostly Australian so it’s kind of refreshing. New approaches to teaching, different from Chicago which I consider a real plus.
Fabulous facility. Great staff, instructors and hotel.
I go to the Ritz 2x per year for tennis clinics. The facilities are top notch and the instruction is fantastic as well. Employees are gracious and accommodating. Would recommend to anyone seeking to play tennis in beautiful surroundings. Only negative: an interior resort road and parking are adjacent to some of the courts which creates some noise. Love everything else about it though.
The worst was parking. The staff was the more enjoyable people I had taking a lesson from. From the tennis courts to the beach could not be better.
Terrific tennis with superb staff. Mark Chelas, the tennis director, makes tennis so much fun! Very experienced teaching skills.
The setting is lovely. Each court has a pagoda for shade and a water cooler. The staff is super friendly. The courts are kept in great shape. The only weakness was that sometimes the water cooler was not cooling the water.
Strengths: Exceptionally well run and well attended, outstanding tennis professionals and programs, great setting.
It is a marvelous location with a very good staff but I only visited for the tennis camp and did not stay overnight. I most likely will stay overnight next time.
I have attended many “tennis weekends” here, and Mark and his staff always make it great fun!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to come back!
All positive experience. Wonderful facility, great tennis staff and most accommodating Tennis Director (Mark Chellas). I bring groups of 28-32 players to work out with the Pros, have lunch and play tennis. Everyone is most accommodating and every one of the Pros are terrific.
it’s the “Non plus ultra” of the Tennis resorts. Tennis Clinics 365 days of the year, great coaches, beautiful and excellent facilities, great weather year round, friendly people in and around the courts. Better impossible!