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.
209 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne - Cliff Drysdale Tennis”
Excellent
4.7
209 reviews
On Court Experience
5.0
Off Court Experience
5.0
Overall Tennis
5.0
Overall Pickleball
4.8
Overall Padel
4.8
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
5.0
Tennis Instruction
5.0
Padel Instruction
5.0
Pickleball Instruction
4.8
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
5.0
Accomodations
4.9
Resort Amenities
5.0
HN
SB
I participated in a custom group tennis camp. This is our third year and it’s always a highlight. The instructors are amazing, the energy is high and the drills are exvellent.
LW
Our 3 day-3 hour per tennis camp was amazing. Matt runs a great program. He and the other pros keep you moving and give excellent feedback and instruction. This was our third year and I guarantee we will be back next year.
DP
AR
JM
I planned a girls trip to the Ritz in Key Biscayne Miami in Feb 2024. It was simply amazing! The hotel was wonderful- beautiful surroundings and accommodations, excellent food and top notch service. Our favorite part by far was the tennis experience. Matt Leskovar, who was our main pro was outstanding! He worked with me prior to our trip to learn about our goals and any preferences we had and then put together a fantastic 2 day program for the 12 of us. He made sure we worked on all the skills we asked for and was incredibly creative with the clinic format. His team of pros were all top notch, highly skilled, great coaches, kind and full of energy! We all had the best time and learned so much! We can’t wait to go back next year!
CT
PS
Top-notch tennis program at a beautiful Oceanside resort. I’ve been coming here to play tennis for the last five years and it never disappoints.
PB
Yes I will recommend this program and location to my friends. I had a wonderful time and learned a lot. The accommodations were nice and the beds were very comfortable. This year I would like to drill with other people than my friends because I drill with them at my country club, I come here to learn different things and play with different people. I want to experience other perspectives of tennis pros (which I did) that differ from our pro and drill with different ladies.
JK
Matt and his staff were amazing!! very engaging and the instruction was very helpful! Always changing it up to service every aspect of the game! This is our group’s 3rd consecutive year and we will be back again next year!!
AK
Tennis trip was amazing. All the pros were super helpful and professional. Clinics were run to perfection.
DP
RL
JH
The Cliff Drysdale team at Key Biscayne is exceptional! Led by Max, Matic, Emil and the rest of the team. They are outstanding for lessons and lead highly energetic programs. The courts are well maintained (despite some drainage issues) and the facilities are remarkable. Padel lovers also have great courts. This location is now a home away from home for us.
TS
I have been visiting Key Biscayne for a long time on an regular basis. One of my personal highlights is the Tennis Clinic. It is so much fun! I love the atmosphere and camaraderie and have made lots of friends with fellow players. The courts are very well prepared in a beautiful setting and the highly professional staff is fully motivated! Cannot wait to return!
SO
CC
EK
This ladies’ retreat was so much fun!! The instructors, clinics, and matches were all great! And the social events were the icing on the top! Everything was so well planned and organized. We’re going back next year!
JT
So much fun!! Great tennis!!
LC
CK
The ladies’ retreat at Key Biscayne was one of the best trips I’ve taken. The tennis clinics/ match days were very well organized, and the coaching was top notch. The retreat organizer, Katie, was amazing when I had an issue with my room. She was able to resolve the issue within hours. I will be returning this October and absolutely cannot wait.
JB
Matt is amazing!!! We love playing with him. He runs an amazing clinic. We have been coming to stay at the Ritz every year for nearly 10 years and he is the best there is. He should get a raise! And make sure he never leaves… it would be very disappointing to come for vacation and not have him there.
TK
My wife and I have been coming to the Ritz Carlton at Key Biscayne for several years in the winter for two reasons, the weather and the tennis clinics at the facility. Max Mangones and the staff at the tennis complex do an amazing job taking care of all the guest that show up on a daily basis. We generally go 4-5 days/ week in the winter and it’s such a good way to start the day. Matt Leskovar and the other guys that run the clinics are all amazing with giving tips throughout the clinic. We highly recommend this tennis facility and the property at the Ritz Carlton. Tim and Mimi, NC.
SC
Awesome tennis clinic, great Professionals. I go every year and I have the best time ever. I recommend it!!
AK
Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne tennis program has been a draw for me for a decade and a half. I’ve had the joy of folding my family into some clinics and getting family focused lessons too. I really enjoyed a higher level clinics both day and night. The instructors are enthusiastic and personable, thoughtful, and hard-working. Max runs the program and is outstanding and his staff follow suit. I bring friends down from Vermont for these clinics, as they’re so well run and so much attention is paid to getting people in the right level to make play exciting for every group. It’s impressive. How they do it a mixture of talent and effort.
GS
The tennis pros are amazing especially Matt Leskovar. My son could not believe how much my tennis strokes had improved after working with Matt. The pros working with the kids were also amazing. My grandkids love coming here and cry when they have to go home – kudos to Luke, Fisher and Emile. I play every day here and have for the past 15 years. It is paradise. The tennis director Max Mangones does a fabulous job. In fact I moved to Key Biscayne in large part due to the club
HK
My week at Cliff Drysdale Tennis in Key Biscayne was nothing short of amazing. The facility itself is fantastic, with pristine courts and great amenities. However, what truly makes this place extraordinary is the incredible staff. Their blend of fun, education, and motivation is a game-changer. Under the guidance of Emile Le Terrier, the Director of Adult Tennis, I not only learned a lot but also saw a noticeable improvement in my game in just a week. Emile’s coaching style is both effective and enjoyable, making each session a highlight. The positive and encouraging atmosphere created by the staff sets Cliff Drysdale apart. If you’re seeking an exceptional tennis experience, Cliff Drysdale Tennis in Key Biscayne is the place to be.
HN
The private tennis lesson coach, Matt, was great and brought my forehand to the next level. I keep his encouragement in mind that I can improve further and will continue to make an effort. Thank you so much.
JS
The tennis at the Drysdale center was excellent. Plenty of courts lots of quality instruction. Some very high energy and friendly coaches were great. This is my first trip like this and I will be doing it at least once a year. The true surprise was Padel. This was so much fun. Better than pickle or platform padel. The coaching was outstanding. Lorena helped with a clinic and then with a private lesson. The coaching was perfect. I am was super pleased with the experience. Both tennis and Padel.
LJ
I love the tennis clinic, it’s the best program and I attend several in many places. The tennis supervisor runs the most professional and accommodating clinic.
UP
Great tennis program, really enjoyed tennis facilities and instructions I received while attending my lessons as well as group clinics.
SM
Highly recommend, lovely tennis facility and friendly pros. Clinics I recommend informative and fun.
GS
It be is the best. Great atmosphere, tennis pros and players. Just the best – especially the pro who teaches both my wife and me – Matic. He has helped us both dramatically improve our tennis game and make us want to play every day
AT
Enjoyed the coaching and the staff. Beautiful setting. Will be definitely coming back!
AB
Amazing staff, beautiful setting. Great weekend of tennis!!!
LT
Had an amazing experience with the tennis center. They are kind, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. Will definitely be back!
DW
Beautiful resort, great getaway with an outstanting tennis program. My partner and I really enjoyed our time there.
SS
My favorite place to go on vacation and play tennis. Clinics are amazing with a mix of local players and guests directed by a great staff with Max, Nate and Matt.
AT
Enjoyed the coaching and the staff. Beautiful setting. Will be definitely coming back!
SB
Great place for tennis camp with a group of friends. Excellent instruction and fun pros!
MS
The tennis program is top-notch. I’ve been playing here for two years and love it as do my visitors. The staff is experienced and friendly. My tennis has improved greatly. And I’ve organized two custom group trips here and they were exceptional. My tennis friends can’t wait to come back next year.
CD
Max and his team are the most welcoming people at the tennis club! They are professional and they keep the clinics so much fun and entertaining and I always look forward to them! They match the teams well and I never have a dull moment! They point out weaknesses and how to improve them . Thank you so much for making me love and enjoy the tennis game!
NB
The resort was beautiful, and tennis experience was outstanding! I attended several clinics for adults and they were run to perfection. All the pros were super energized and took my game to another level! Definitely coming back for more tennis.
AK
Resort itself looks amazing. We decided to go on a trip to the ritz @ key Biscayne mostly because we heard that resort offers exceptional tennis program run by Cliff Drysdale management, and the overall tennis experience was amazing. Clinics were run to perfection, all the staff was super knowledgeable with super high energy!! We are definitely coming back! Overall *****
LR
The tennis pros are wonderful. The give lots of helpful tips and are very friendly. The supporting staff is also excellent.
NM
The Tennis Center at The Ritz is among the best run facilities I’ve experienced. Max does a phenomenal job with his staff. Well organized and very well run. Instructors are all excellent – very polite, highly skilled and they always remember your name. Highly recommend this place to all.
CD
Best tennis experience to be had thanks to extremely professional and talented tennis pros combined with avid, enthusiastic, skillful and friendly tennis crowd! Great atmosphere and beautiful landscape! Flowers, palms, balmy breezes, the sound of tennis and joyful laughter, the restaurants and bars around the pools and infinite views of the ocean and blue skies are all a part of what makes the Ritz Carlton truly special!
SD
I had travel all around but Ritz Key Biscayne it’s a must come back. Totally recommended.
AB
We have participated in custom clinics for our team for over the past 12 years, consecutively (with the exception of 2021 (due to Covid). Max is our head Tennis Pro and his staff have always excelled in their skills and training. They’ve made our entire stay so enjoyable for the entire group. At the end of our time you’re always looking to rebook for the following year. This year is no exception!
CA
I think that the hotel itself and the location are outstanding, the staff is what makes this place what it’s . A fantastic beautiful place to come and spend some good time with the family.
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209 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne - Cliff Drysdale Tennis”
I participated in a custom group tennis camp. This is our third year and it’s always a highlight. The instructors are amazing, the energy is high and the drills are exvellent.
Our 3 day-3 hour per tennis camp was amazing. Matt runs a great program. He and the other pros keep you moving and give excellent feedback and instruction. This was our third year and I guarantee we will be back next year.
I planned a girls trip to the Ritz in Key Biscayne Miami in Feb 2024. It was simply amazing! The hotel was wonderful- beautiful surroundings and accommodations, excellent food and top notch service. Our favorite part by far was the tennis experience. Matt Leskovar, who was our main pro was outstanding! He worked with me prior to our trip to learn about our goals and any preferences we had and then put together a fantastic 2 day program for the 12 of us. He made sure we worked on all the skills we asked for and was incredibly creative with the clinic format. His team of pros were all top notch, highly skilled, great coaches, kind and full of energy! We all had the best time and learned so much! We can’t wait to go back next year!
Top-notch tennis program at a beautiful Oceanside resort. I’ve been coming here to play tennis for the last five years and it never disappoints.
Yes I will recommend this program and location to my friends. I had a wonderful time and learned a lot. The accommodations were nice and the beds were very comfortable. This year I would like to drill with other people than my friends because I drill with them at my country club, I come here to learn different things and play with different people. I want to experience other perspectives of tennis pros (which I did) that differ from our pro and drill with different ladies.
Matt and his staff were amazing!! very engaging and the instruction was very helpful! Always changing it up to service every aspect of the game! This is our group’s 3rd consecutive year and we will be back again next year!!
Tennis trip was amazing. All the pros were super helpful and professional. Clinics were run to perfection.
The Cliff Drysdale team at Key Biscayne is exceptional! Led by Max, Matic, Emil and the rest of the team. They are outstanding for lessons and lead highly energetic programs. The courts are well maintained (despite some drainage issues) and the facilities are remarkable. Padel lovers also have great courts. This location is now a home away from home for us.
I have been visiting Key Biscayne for a long time on an regular basis. One of my personal highlights is the Tennis Clinic. It is so much fun! I love the atmosphere and camaraderie and have made lots of friends with fellow players. The courts are very well prepared in a beautiful setting and the highly professional staff is fully motivated! Cannot wait to return!
This ladies’ retreat was so much fun!! The instructors, clinics, and matches were all great! And the social events were the icing on the top! Everything was so well planned and organized. We’re going back next year!
So much fun!! Great tennis!!
The ladies’ retreat at Key Biscayne was one of the best trips I’ve taken. The tennis clinics/ match days were very well organized, and the coaching was top notch. The retreat organizer, Katie, was amazing when I had an issue with my room. She was able to resolve the issue within hours. I will be returning this October and absolutely cannot wait.
Matt is amazing!!! We love playing with him. He runs an amazing clinic. We have been coming to stay at the Ritz every year for nearly 10 years and he is the best there is. He should get a raise! And make sure he never leaves… it would be very disappointing to come for vacation and not have him there.
My wife and I have been coming to the Ritz Carlton at Key Biscayne for several years in the winter for two reasons, the weather and the tennis clinics at the facility. Max Mangones and the staff at the tennis complex do an amazing job taking care of all the guest that show up on a daily basis. We generally go 4-5 days/ week in the winter and it’s such a good way to start the day. Matt Leskovar and the other guys that run the clinics are all amazing with giving tips throughout the clinic. We highly recommend this tennis facility and the property at the Ritz Carlton. Tim and Mimi, NC.
Awesome tennis clinic, great Professionals. I go every year and I have the best time ever. I recommend it!!
Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne tennis program has been a draw for me for a decade and a half. I’ve had the joy of folding my family into some clinics and getting family focused lessons too. I really enjoyed a higher level clinics both day and night. The instructors are enthusiastic and personable, thoughtful, and hard-working. Max runs the program and is outstanding and his staff follow suit. I bring friends down from Vermont for these clinics, as they’re so well run and so much attention is paid to getting people in the right level to make play exciting for every group. It’s impressive. How they do it a mixture of talent and effort.
The tennis pros are amazing especially Matt Leskovar. My son could not believe how much my tennis strokes had improved after working with Matt. The pros working with the kids were also amazing. My grandkids love coming here and cry when they have to go home – kudos to Luke, Fisher and Emile. I play every day here and have for the past 15 years. It is paradise. The tennis director Max Mangones does a fabulous job. In fact I moved to Key Biscayne in large part due to the club
My week at Cliff Drysdale Tennis in Key Biscayne was nothing short of amazing. The facility itself is fantastic, with pristine courts and great amenities. However, what truly makes this place extraordinary is the incredible staff. Their blend of fun, education, and motivation is a game-changer. Under the guidance of Emile Le Terrier, the Director of Adult Tennis, I not only learned a lot but also saw a noticeable improvement in my game in just a week. Emile’s coaching style is both effective and enjoyable, making each session a highlight. The positive and encouraging atmosphere created by the staff sets Cliff Drysdale apart. If you’re seeking an exceptional tennis experience, Cliff Drysdale Tennis in Key Biscayne is the place to be.
The private tennis lesson coach, Matt, was great and brought my forehand to the next level. I keep his encouragement in mind that I can improve further and will continue to make an effort. Thank you so much.
The tennis at the Drysdale center was excellent. Plenty of courts lots of quality instruction. Some very high energy and friendly coaches were great. This is my first trip like this and I will be doing it at least once a year. The true surprise was Padel. This was so much fun. Better than pickle or platform padel. The coaching was outstanding. Lorena helped with a clinic and then with a private lesson. The coaching was perfect. I am was super pleased with the experience. Both tennis and Padel.
I love the tennis clinic, it’s the best program and I attend several in many places. The tennis supervisor runs the most professional and accommodating clinic.
Great tennis program, really enjoyed tennis facilities and instructions I received while attending my lessons as well as group clinics.
Highly recommend, lovely tennis facility and friendly pros. Clinics I recommend informative and fun.
It be is the best. Great atmosphere, tennis pros and players. Just the best – especially the pro who teaches both my wife and me – Matic. He has helped us both dramatically improve our tennis game and make us want to play every day
Enjoyed the coaching and the staff. Beautiful setting. Will be definitely coming back!
Amazing staff, beautiful setting. Great weekend of tennis!!!
Had an amazing experience with the tennis center. They are kind, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. Will definitely be back!
Beautiful resort, great getaway with an outstanting tennis program. My partner and I really enjoyed our time there.
My favorite place to go on vacation and play tennis. Clinics are amazing with a mix of local players and guests directed by a great staff with Max, Nate and Matt.
Enjoyed the coaching and the staff. Beautiful setting. Will be definitely coming back!
Great place for tennis camp with a group of friends. Excellent instruction and fun pros!
The tennis program is top-notch. I’ve been playing here for two years and love it as do my visitors. The staff is experienced and friendly. My tennis has improved greatly. And I’ve organized two custom group trips here and they were exceptional. My tennis friends can’t wait to come back next year.
Max and his team are the most welcoming people at the tennis club! They are professional and they keep the clinics so much fun and entertaining and I always look forward to them! They match the teams well and I never have a dull moment! They point out weaknesses and how to improve them . Thank you so much for making me love and enjoy the tennis game!
The resort was beautiful, and tennis experience was outstanding! I attended several clinics for adults and they were run to perfection. All the pros were super energized and took my game to another level! Definitely coming back for more tennis.
Resort itself looks amazing. We decided to go on a trip to the ritz @ key Biscayne mostly because we heard that resort offers exceptional tennis program run by Cliff Drysdale management, and the overall tennis experience was amazing. Clinics were run to perfection, all the staff was super knowledgeable with super high energy!! We are definitely coming back! Overall *****
The tennis pros are wonderful. The give lots of helpful tips and are very friendly. The supporting staff is also excellent.
The Tennis Center at The Ritz is among the best run facilities I’ve experienced. Max does a phenomenal job with his staff. Well organized and very well run. Instructors are all excellent – very polite, highly skilled and they always remember your name. Highly recommend this place to all.
Best tennis experience to be had thanks to extremely professional and talented tennis pros combined with avid, enthusiastic, skillful and friendly tennis crowd! Great atmosphere and beautiful landscape! Flowers, palms, balmy breezes, the sound of tennis and joyful laughter, the restaurants and bars around the pools and infinite views of the ocean and blue skies are all a part of what makes the Ritz Carlton truly special!
I had travel all around but Ritz Key Biscayne it’s a must come back. Totally recommended.
We have participated in custom clinics for our team for over the past 12 years, consecutively (with the exception of 2021 (due to Covid). Max is our head Tennis Pro and his staff have always excelled in their skills and training. They’ve made our entire stay so enjoyable for the entire group. At the end of our time you’re always looking to rebook for the following year. This year is no exception!
I think that the hotel itself and the location are outstanding, the staff is what makes this place what it’s . A fantastic beautiful place to come and spend some good time with the family.