Tucked directly among the vines at Le Logis, two private pickleball courts sit within the private luxury estate in the heart of France’s Cognac region.
There is a certain breed of tennis player who cannot be stopped by the weather, and the debate over winter tennis in Florida vs. summer tennis in New England resorts is one they live rather than argue.
Tucked directly among the vines at Le Logis, two private pickleball courts sit within the private luxury estate in the heart of France’s Cognac region.
There is a certain breed of tennis player who cannot be stopped by the weather, and the debate over winter tennis in Florida vs. summer tennis in New England resorts is one they live rather than argue.
From the prominent Coachella Valley to the breezy coastlines of San Diego and Santa Barbara, this guide covers seven standout properties that have made California one of the most celebrated tennis destinations in the world.
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.
258 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne - Cliff Drysdale Tennis”
Excellent
4.7
258 reviews
On Court Experience
5.0
Off Court Experience
4.9
Overall Tennis
5.0
Overall Pickleball
4.9
Overall Padel
5.0
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
5.0
Tennis Instruction
5.0
Padel Instruction
5.0
Pickleball Instruction
5.0
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
5.0
Accomodations
4.9
Resort Amenities
4.9
SS
I booked an AirBnB on Key Biscayne just so I could try out the Ritz-Carlton’s tennis program. It did not disappoint. They had such a friendly staff of pros (shout out to Antwon, Daniela, and Adam), who helped give suggestions after watching live ball points during clinic. The courts are in great shape, and I especially loved the added touch of them playing music during clinic and the pizza and beer social to make it a relaxed, fun environment. There are a lot of locals who take the clinics there, and they were friendly. I will definitely be back.
JL
Excellent facility and friendly ambience. The tennis clinics and lessons are great too.
MR
Had a really great session with tennis pro Matic. I highly recommend getting lessons from him.
SA
I absolutely love this tennis club. I’ve been a member for many years, and every time I come here I truly enjoy my time—it really feels like being part of a family.
The coaches are fantastic: very professional, knowledgeable, and always friendly and supportive. They make every visit a great experience.
The atmosphere is welcoming, and everyone who works here is amazing. In my opinion, it’s the best place on the island to play tennis.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves tennis! 🎾
GC
This is not just a place where you play tennis, where you can find great coaches and facilities. This is home for many of us. They know who you are, they call you by your name, by your nickname and remember your jokes. Even many of us we have tennis courts in our condos we come every day to have fun. Highly recommended if you want to become part of a family.
JS
We had a great experience at the Cliff Drysdale academy. The facilities and coaches are top notch; everyone is very friendly and the pros are knowledgeable and patient. One of the best places (if not THE BEST) to play tennis in Key Bizcayne and Miami. It’s hard to play somewhere else after discovering this gem hidden in plain sight.
PR
I travel for work and get to play at some of the best tennis resorts in the country. Max, Ximena, and their team at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne put out an amazing product. In my opinion, all the others resorts are second to this amazing facility. They do a great job of grouping players at similar playing levels for their morning/evening clinics which makes for a competitive high paced workout.
AN
An outstanding tennis center! Beautiful clay courts. The daily tennis clinics are so fun and Max and his pros are top notch. Unlike at other tennis centers, here you are actually getting instruction in the clinics. I come to the Cliff Drysdale tennis center year after year and it does not disappoint!
GG
Amazing place.
TK
As always the tennis professionals and programs at the Ritz on Key Biscayne are amazing. I would recommend it to anyone not matter what you level is. You will have fun. We go every year and enjoy it every time we go.
If you haven’t experienced it then you should!
VF
The adult daily tennis clinics are really good. They keep it fun, and they keep you moving. We have been visiting this tennis club for 18 years and really look forward to it every time!
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258 Reviews on “The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne - Cliff Drysdale Tennis”
I booked an AirBnB on Key Biscayne just so I could try out the Ritz-Carlton’s tennis program. It did not disappoint. They had such a friendly staff of pros (shout out to Antwon, Daniela, and Adam), who helped give suggestions after watching live ball points during clinic. The courts are in great shape, and I especially loved the added touch of them playing music during clinic and the pizza and beer social to make it a relaxed, fun environment. There are a lot of locals who take the clinics there, and they were friendly. I will definitely be back.
Excellent facility and friendly ambience. The tennis clinics and lessons are great too.
Had a really great session with tennis pro Matic. I highly recommend getting lessons from him.
I absolutely love this tennis club. I’ve been a member for many years, and every time I come here I truly enjoy my time—it really feels like being part of a family.
The coaches are fantastic: very professional, knowledgeable, and always friendly and supportive. They make every visit a great experience.
The atmosphere is welcoming, and everyone who works here is amazing. In my opinion, it’s the best place on the island to play tennis.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves tennis! 🎾
This is not just a place where you play tennis, where you can find great coaches and facilities. This is home for many of us. They know who you are, they call you by your name, by your nickname and remember your jokes. Even many of us we have tennis courts in our condos we come every day to have fun. Highly recommended if you want to become part of a family.
We had a great experience at the Cliff Drysdale academy. The facilities and coaches are top notch; everyone is very friendly and the pros are knowledgeable and patient. One of the best places (if not THE BEST) to play tennis in Key Bizcayne and Miami. It’s hard to play somewhere else after discovering this gem hidden in plain sight.
I travel for work and get to play at some of the best tennis resorts in the country. Max, Ximena, and their team at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne put out an amazing product. In my opinion, all the others resorts are second to this amazing facility. They do a great job of grouping players at similar playing levels for their morning/evening clinics which makes for a competitive high paced workout.
An outstanding tennis center! Beautiful clay courts. The daily tennis clinics are so fun and Max and his pros are top notch. Unlike at other tennis centers, here you are actually getting instruction in the clinics. I come to the Cliff Drysdale tennis center year after year and it does not disappoint!
Amazing place.
As always the tennis professionals and programs at the Ritz on Key Biscayne are amazing. I would recommend it to anyone not matter what you level is. You will have fun. We go every year and enjoy it every time we go.
If you haven’t experienced it then you should!
The adult daily tennis clinics are really good. They keep it fun, and they keep you moving. We have been visiting this tennis club for 18 years and really look forward to it every time!