Located a mere 15 miles from the historic district of Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort is one of the rare vacation properties to afford the diversions of golf, tennis, beach, and marina within easy striking distance of a cultured city. The 1,600-acre property encompasses the northern tip of the Isle of Palms, a long, club-shaped barrier island on South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast. It gets its name from the mounds of sea oats-tufted sand lining its 2½-mile-long beach.
I first visited the resort in the 1980s and immediately fell under its spell. That glorious beach aside, it had a very active tennis program and became the host site for the U.S. Clay Court Championships, both of which helped it garner a ranking among the finest resorts in the country. There was one superb restaurant not far from the tennis courts. Bike lanes and a free on-property shuttle made it easy to get around. And best of all Charleston was close enough that you could stay at the beach and drive into town for dinner, an historic houses tour, and in spring the WTA’s annual Volvo Car Open held on nearby Daniel Island.
Under the current management company, Destination Hotels & Resorts, the pace of development has accelerated. The resort looks spiffier than it has in years. The Village at Wild Dunes, a plaza really, comprises a restaurant, upscale market/deli, a day spa, and a fitness center on the main level and condominiums with hotel amenities like room service, bellman, and daily maid service on the floors above to either side. An amphitheater at one end provides a venue for occasional live concerts and the newest addition is a zero-entry swimming pool adjacent to the Village Plaza for the exclusive use of those who book through Wild Dunes Resort. The property keeps getting better.
As the one-time site of the U.S. Claycourt Championships, Wild Dunes Resort has a long history of devotion to tennis, having located its 12 clay courts—one of them a stadium—and four new pickleball courts at the heart of the resort, just a short walk from the Boardwalk Inn and Village.
Tennis Staff: Tennis director Clayton Langheim, who is originally from South Africa, directs the tennis, having come to Wild Dunes from clubs in North Carolina, Connecticut, and Florida. He played Division I tennis for Troy University in Alabama before moving on to teaching and coaching. “I’m big on energy,” he told me, noting that he’s introduced music during the popular 2-hour morning clinics and weekly summer exhibitions. It’s also a quality he looks for in the pros he hires, saying he looks for “high energy individuals who are personable and focused on really teaching as opposed to just feeding balls.”
Tennis Programs: Wild Dunes kicks off each week in season with a well-attended Monday night exhibition, whose centerpiece is a doubles contest featuring staff. That event also provides a venue to introduce the weekly programs and services. Those include conscientious game matching, often drawing on local members, and a diverse calendar of weekly adult and junior clinics and round robins, among them sessions for beginning, intermediate, and advanced adults and for children as young as 4 years. The pro shop manager also coordinates activities, like the adult and junior round robins that take place each week, and matches guests looking for games. There are morning and afternoon programs for all skill levels and ages year round. The local membership includes over 100 active players, further adding to the overall tennis atmosphere. The tennis complex has a new system of online payment and check ins, allowing guests to reserve their spot and get to the court much faster.
Court Complex: There are 12 Har-Tru courts at Wild Dunes, one of them a stadium court, with permanent seating on one side, and a pro shop on the second story overlooking the complex. Five of the clay courts have lights. New to the complex are four permanent pickleball courts, adding another dimension to the racquet activities. Light meals are as close as the deli in the nearby golf clubhouse.
Court fees (for guests who book through Wild Dunes Resort): $15/hour before noon; one complimentary hour after noon.
Off Court
Beach: The beach at Wild Dunes extends for 2½ miles, much of it bordered by tall dunes tufted with sea oats. Its dunes are higher than others found along this coast because there were no cotton or rice plantations of Isle of Palms and therefore its landscape was left untouched. The Grand Pavilion partway along sits just behind the dunes and provides a seasonal place for light meals, snacks, ice cream, and beverages. It also has two swimming pools overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Golf Courses: Tom Fazio designed the resort’s Links and Harbor Courses, the first in 1980, the second in 1986.
Links Course: Fazio used the natural landscape of dunes, marsh, and oceanfront to carve out a true links course. Its finishing holes border the Atlantic at the very tip of the Isle of Palms. Both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have ranked it among the Top 100 courses in the U.S. Par: 72. Length: 6,772 yards.
Harbor Course: More challenging than appears, given the relatively short yardage, since water or marsh comes into play on 17 of the 18 holes. Par: 70. Length: 6,359 yards.
Spa & Fitness Center. The new Spa at Sweetgrass has 14 treatment rooms and a hair and nail salon as well as a fitness center, to complement the one on the Village plaza. it is accessible by using your room key and contains Cardio equipment, Paramount workout stations, and dumbbells in a partially mirrored room with views on the plaza and resort.
There are two swimming pools at the Grand Pavilion, another at the Boardwalk Inn, another with a splash pool at the Sweetgrass Inn, and a junior Olympic pool at the Swim Center. Bikes can be rented at the tennis center, and fishing and boating excursions leave from the marina.
Children's programs: Wild Dunes’ children’s programs stand out for two reasons: they have a solid reputation for quality and they are either free or offered at minimal cost to guests who book their lodging directly with Wild Dunes Resort. Teens, meanwhile, can look forward to lounging at the pool and nightly entertainment and activities. Activities are most frequent from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Dining: There are half a dozen restaurants and bars scattered throughout the resort, ranging from Coastal Provisions, the signature restaurant in the lobby of the Boardwalk Inn, the Beachside Burgers & Bar overlooking the ocean at the Grand Pavilion.
Accommodations
The newest lodging at the resort is the 153-room Sweetgrass Inn, which opened in 2021. Its amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center, expansive pool deck with a zero-entry pool and kids’ splash pool, a rooftop terrace and bar with ocean views, new retail, and three new restaurants. It complements the nearby 93-room Boardwalk Inn, set, like the Sweetgrass Inn, slightly inland though an easy stroll from the resort’s sinuous 2½-mile beach. The five-story lodge was modeled, say the architects, on a turn-of-the-century Caribbean plantation house. It stands at one end of a grand boardwalk framed by colorful townhouses.
When it opened in the late 1990s, this small hotel brought a new dimension of lodging to a resort that previously could offer only villas and houses. The rooms on the front face west and have only little wrought iron French balconies, but many of those on the ocean side have full terraces and views of the courtyard pool below and of the rainbow-hued townhouses that line both sides of the boardwalk. The opening of the Village in 2008 further enhanced the lodging options by offering condominiums ranging in size from studios to three bedrooms but notable for also having such hotel-like amenities as room service, daily maid service, bellmen and valet parking while also having full kitchens, Ethernet connections, flatscreen TVs, and shallow balconies.
Otherwise, the lodging consists of a varied collection of condos and cottages, which range in size from one to four bedrooms, and of privately owned houses with as many as seven bedrooms. Some of these villas and houses front the ocean, others the Intracoastal Waterway, while others are inland, including a complex adjacent to the tennis complex.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round but potentially chilly in winter. The greatest concentration of family activities occurs between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Travel Instructions: From the airport: Take I-526 East to the Georgetown exit, Hwy. 17 North. Turn left at the light and follow Hwy. 17 North to Hwy. 517, the Isle of Palms Connector. Turn right only Hwy. 517 and proceed over the Intracoastal Waterway to the Isle of Palms. Once on the island, turn left at the light at the foot of the bridge onto Palm Blvd., Hwy. 703. Follow Palm Blvd. north to 41st Avenue, where you’ll see the Wild Dunes directional sign to turn right onto Palm Blvd. (Extension). The main gate will be on your left.
I have been coming to Wild Dunes for 12 years straight with a group of women and we LOVE their tennis program! Charly, Shawn and Shaw do a fantastic job with their instructional clinics; they are extremely professional and extremely fun. This is why we are coming back again next year! NHA February 2012
SH
seventh straight year of a weekend of tennis at wild dunes. the staff is wonderful to us, the setting is fabulous and we always feel welcome!
RS
This is the 7th year in a row I have gone to WD with my girlfriends for a tennis getaway. We love it. Considering we ran into half of our Charlotte competitors, I would say it is a favorite for a lot of people! The instructors are great — informative and fun. The courts are in good shape. We were able to get our tennis in despite a looming tornado!!! Perhaps the pros had control of the weather! Charlie and Shawn know us and treat us like we are there all the time. This continues to be one of my favorite weekends!
JP
I recently returned from a week long vacation at Wild Dunes where I was fortunate to play tennis for 4 days. The tennis experience at Wild Dunes was exceptional! The setting could not have been better (well maintained clay courts just minutes from the ocean) and the instruction was outstanding. The pros were able to break down high demand (I did the Peak Performance sessions) and offer good tips and pointers while still keeping the drills moving. The drills were outstanding for keeping players physically fit and the pros kept the experience fun. My only complaint is I felt the instruction on the children’s programs a bit lacking but I would still enthusiastically recommend Wild Dunes for a tennis vacation.
LB
Pros matching up skill levels needed some work. There was often too many people on one court.
TD
I would recommend Wild Dunes tennis facility to anyone. Not only is the staff helpful and friendly, but the clinics offered cater to a wide range of players, from beginners to experts, members to first time guests. The premise is beautiful and the clay courts are well maintained, attesting the the facilities prominence as one of the top tennis resorts in the country. As a world traveler and tennis lover, it is my firm and founded belief that Wild Dunes ranks as one of the very best.
JM
Our group of 5 guys went on our annual tennis trip south after several years at the Colony in Longboat Key. Overall accomadations and facilities are good but this is not a tennis resort. It is a condo complex with a local tennis club situated at it. We had difficulty with court bookings as we were constantly told that members had booked all courts. Most courst were open as members rarely showed up for their time. Tennis pro shop was not as helpful or accomadating to “guests” as we had been accustomed to.
CL
Our group of 5 just returned from another FANTASTIC trip to Wild Dunes. Director Charly Rasheed offers outstanding tennis instruction that brings us back year after year. He goes beyond standard drills and focuses on ways each player can make small changes for big improvements in technique, consistency and strategy. Beyond tennis, the resort has a beautiful beach, oceanfront pools, bike paths, spa, fitness center, and family friendly accommodations that make it a perfect place to get away.
JC
The entire facility was great. The tennis drills and instruction were excellent. Charly Rasheed and Shaun did a great job working with our group of 8. I highly recommend it over the other tennis clinics I have taken.
DB
As a group of 4.0 women from Northern California, we found Wild Dunes to be an excellent place for good tennis instruction. We enjoyed the clay courts and felt we gained from our daily 3 hr. clinic. Our accomodations were very nice and being close to Charleston was wonderful.I highly recommend this resort!
DA
What a great facility. With in walking distance to all condos. Fabulous tennis. Out of this world clinics. The pros make it fun but you really work hard and learn some great stratagies and they have such a positive attitude and really make sure you understand what they aare telling you. Well worth the time.
PO
I have been playing tennis for 10 years and have gone to many clinics and private lessons and Wild Dunes is definitely the best! Our group did 10 hours of clinics over three days and each of the pros was fabulous. I learned so much and had a great time. They moved us from court to court so efficiently that not a minute was wasted. And they learned all our names and remembered them the next day!! Very impressive.
DM
The pros were awesome. They all taught a theme that related to the overal philosphy of the clinics. We took 3 days of clinics/ 10 hrs. and all the play/drills/activities were related. The end result was that everyone felt like their game was made stronger. Interestingly, all 24 women there were from 5 different teams spanding our entire club. The courts were made up of all levels of players and everyone felt like they were playing great. This is awesome that a strong 4.0/4.5 player can be on the court with a 3.0+ and 3.5 players and all get something out of it (a lot out of it). We are already planning next year’s clinics.
DF
Wow! My tennis group had such a wonderful time at Wild Dunes. The tennis could not have been better. Charly and his team were wonderful to work with and the instruction we received will help us as we go back and start our tennis season at home. The only sad thing is that we didn’t want our weekend to end. I guess we will have to hurry back! Sorry Charly! (You have alot to work on with us girls!) The instructors really concentrated on each player in our group to make each of us feel as if we had our own personal instructor. They took our strengths and made them even stronger. We worked on strategies in doubles and singles, giving us the opportunity to understand true match play. They have so many strengths in their instruction it is so hard to list them all. I only wish we could pack them away and take them home with us!!! Thank you for such a great time and we are looking forward to many more.
JS
My family has been vacationing at Wild Dunes since 1991. The tennis program is outstanding. The staff is well trained and very helpful. The facilities are top notch. We will be back again this year for some much needed fun in the sun!!!
BR
We just returned from an amazing long weekend of tennis instruction at Wild Dunes Resort. Over the past 20 years my friends and I have visited many tennis resorts / training facilities and the experience at Wild Dunes Tennis is second to none. Charly Rasheed, the leader of the tennis facility is by far the most knowledgeable tennis professional I have ever had the fortunate experience to work with. Not only is his instruction extreamly informative it has help our team improve more in the last two weeks than we have in 10 years. I would highly suggest purchasing his book; Brain Alignment. It is a great reference to refer back to and supplement his information once you leave the resort. We can not stop talking about our next trip to visit Charly, Shawn, and the rest of the Professionals. We will NOT consider anywhere else as long as they are at Wild Dunes!!!
JE
Great Coaching, friendly staff who know how to improve your game with drills and instruction.
LL
Wild Dunes is on Isle of Palms, South Carolina, and faces the Atlantic Ocean. I spent a few days there in June of this year. I must say, my first impression of the facility was extremely favorable! The staff is very friendly. I was greeted very warmly by everyone I encountered. If you are a fan of tennis, this place is a treat. The evening I arrived I was able to enjoy an exhibition match, which they have every Monday night. I love tennis, so this was a lot of fun. There were a lot of people, raffles and free beer, and it was a nice way to spend a warm summer evening. The next morning I took a two hour clinic taught by the Head Pro, Charles Rasheed. The clinic was perfect for me – I’m not really looking to make huge changes to my game. I just look for two or three “takeaways” that I can use during match play. Mr. Rasheed did exactly that. It was really worthwhile, and I highly recommend his clinics! In summary – great place for tennis lovers!
SJ
I improved a lot when I went to Wild Dunes for tennis lessons. My coaches Josh, Shawn, and Shaw were really really fun and taught me a lot of quick fixes that helped me so much! I loved having them as coaches and I think that they are awesome. Okay bye [:
ET
very fun place to play tennis. weather you are doing clinics or taking a hitting lesson. the folks that work at wild dunes love the game and that comes through in the way they give there all with all the people they come in contact with!
AB
I’ve been vacationing at Wild Dunes for many years and tennis is always one of the highlights. Wild Dunes has lots of great features but the tennis area is the real jewel in their crown. They have an excellent office staff and pros. The courts are always in great shape and Wild Dunes makes sure to provide everything you could want on a vacation. I’ve never had a bad experience at Wild Dunes. I look forward to the tennis and fun that the resort has to offer. Two thumbs up for the tennis at Wild Dunes!!!
DD
I was very dissappointed in my tennis experience this last weekend. I spent a vacation weekend at wild dunes and my hope was to play tennis and some clinic time. There were alot or clinics available and I picked the peak performance one. Unfortunately, no one else signed up and so it was a private lesson. The “pro” was a college student that doesn’t even play college tennis. At best she would be rated 4.5. I am a 4.0 4.5 player myself. She offered no direction on the lesson, she was as inconsistent as I am and I spent $48/hr. she had to leave the court b/c of the heat and someone else had to finish the last 15min. I could have had the same experience with a friend. I was incredible disappointed and I never write reviews. Overall, wild dunes is a very lovely place to vacation, but if it is a tennis vacation you are looking for, look elsewhere. I am very surprised that it is rate #2 overall based on my recent experience.
DC
We have been on many girls’s tennis trips, and this resort was the best in a long time. The accomodations were first rate, tennis was fun.We stayed in the Dunes village. The setting is beautiful, right on the ocean. The 1 hour clinics were a little below our level, but the longer one which I think would have fit our abilities better were too long in light of some of our injuries when we went on the trip. The proximity to downtown Charleston is good, 25 minutes or so. Loved the staff. They went out of their way to make our trip just perfect. Would love to go there again.
TH
We had fun with the instructors and learned a few new tips.
GF
I had a great time playing tennis at Wild Dunes. The tennis pro, Charlie Rasheed, was very helpful. Also, the courts are great and there are so many you never have to wait. The pool and beach were fun too. I can’t wait to come back.
BF
Overall the Wild Dunes tennis program is one that every tennis club should strive to model after. The tennis pros are phenomenal and the courts are always very well kept. You will be very pleased if you choose Wild Dunes as a Tennis destination.
ML
Wild Dunes is a wounderful resort with excellent tennis facilities and the best instructors in the business in my view. The resort staff went go out of their way to assist with all my requests and made me feel like I owned the place. The beauty of the ocean and beach homes are very relaxing and the food is excellent. I have vacationed here several times and I keep coming back. There is just no comparison to this resort and I have stayed at many!!
JB
Wild Dunes tennis facility is in great shape and the only aspect that shines brighter is the staff!!! Charly Rasheed is absolutely the best! His instuction style allows transferring information into action with results immediately…He can change an “automatic athletic response” into a “planned purposeful result” with the best “Ah-Ha moments. I’ve also had my racquets restrung and the staff was very fast and accurate. The atmosphere at the tennis center is so relaxed yet professional and positive… I keep coming back!!!! It is also nice to be able to play with other visitors and meet new people at Wild Dunes. The tennis staff is great at helping facilitate meeting new people. The Monday evening summer Exhibitions are so fun I hate to miss them and I LOVE the energy and fun of the college student tennis staff!!!
BF
I have attended 2 rounds of tennis clinics taught by Charly with my tennis team. When we began, it was apparent that we were unorganized and chaotic on the court. With Charly’s help and instruction, he successfully transformed us into a cohesive team that plays on the same game plan and can win matches. Charly isn’t ever going to get rid of us, we are going to keep clinicing and advancing in this game we all love.
HR
Having moved to SC about a year and a half ago I absolutely love getting the chance to play tennis at Wild Dunes. I have participated in some clinics and find the instructors to be very intuitive to your needs. I feel they are a great part of the reason I have been moved up to a 4.0 level.The courts are always well groomed and when it’s hot out, they are always cooler due to the island breeze.
LS
I spent an entire weekend playing tennis at Wild Dunes while on a girls trip. We had a wonderful time. They were holding a full day of clinics that were taught by the pros. All the instructors were excellent and I learned so much. The event was so well organzied and well run. We also scheduled additional lessons for just our group. The teaching is truly excellent. Thanks Wild Dunes–we had a wonderful time.
DR
The tennis istruction was presented and demonstrated in a way that we all grasped quickly.These pros have spent much time and energy studying the game.We all felt after our weekend we could go on tour. They kept making us think to change and break old habits. We didn’t want to leave!!!
JD
We took a group of 10 Men to Wild Dunes November 13-15. We had an outstanding time playing Tennis and at the Resort. The entire staff was extremely friendly and accomadating. We thoroughly enjoyed the Tennis as well as the accomadations. Charly and and his staff do a great job.
CM
Just came back from a three day TEnnis camp at Wild Dunes. There were 22 of us and Charlie Rasheed and Sean Harris did an outstanding job of orchestrating 9 hours of instruction on 6 courts for us. This was our 5th year at Wild Dunes and we can’t wait until next year.
KS
Wild Dunes has a tennis program that is second to none. Charly Rasheed and the rest of his team are experts, and make every single session so much fun! I highly recommend this resort to anyone who is looking for stunning scenery, top notch service and an outstanding tennis program.
LJ
Wild Dunes, outside of Charleston is a great resort with great tennis. The resort itself is beautiful and with the addition of new spa facilities and restaurants there is really no need to leave if you don’t want to. The tennis is excellent – both my daughters have played several summers there – coaching is fun, skilled and truly interested in helping you to get the most out of your game. I have never been disappointed in Wild Dunes! Beautiful beaches, top notch staff, very relaxing. Add the city of Charleston in and you have a winner!
CB
I recently came down on a group trip and stayed at the resort. My coworkers and I took clinics from Caroline and Shawn. Both are GREAT at engaging and educating players no matter what their skill level. I would recommend either pro to anyone no matter what their age or playing ability.
ME
Charly Rasheed runs a wonderful tennis facility. My husband (4.0 player) really enjoyed the peak clinics and said he picked up great strategy tips for his doubles game. I loved taking stroke of the day and drill with Shaw and my son improved his play level with several private lessons and then some match play that the pros set up for him with a local junior. This was by far the best tennis vacation we have ever taken.
KC
One of best resorts we have ever been too. What a great spot.
KH
Beautiful property! The staff was always smiling and ready to help. Can’t wait to go back again this summer.
KE
Extremely excellent service. Has everything you need and for every member of the family. Great destination in Charleston.
DW
Great Teaching pros and programs
ML
Location, location, location. If you want to play tennis in paradise then Wild Dunes is your place. They have beautifully maintained courts that are right across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. It is a wonderful facility with staff that will show you more southern hospitality than you know what to do with. The only problem I see is being able to tear yourself away to go back home!
JM
The program and facilities are excellent. The daily performance sessions (2 hrs)were organized and fast paced with instruction mixed in. There are a number of daily clinics and drills available. Charly and Shawn are personable and keep things moving. I question if some of the participants were really at the 3.5+ level, although the pros do their best to segregate groups. My son was not getting what he needed in one session and the pro (Shawn) immediately moved him to another without question. My son took a lesson from Shawn and learned some good strategy regarding singles competition. We also enjoyed the one hour daily free court time. The overall resort is very attractive and self contained. It has four pools and a nice pavilion an the ocean along with two challenging golf courses. The resort is 15 minutes from Charleston which provides nice sightseeing and endless restaurants at every level.
NV
awesome facility and teaching instructors. had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book my next trip!
BJ
The tennis pros were great! They taught at a skill level where everyone in the group of 9 was pushed to learn something new.
JB
i learned so much from my 3 days at wild dunes. the pros taught us strategy concepts and then we practiced them with live balls. i had several “light bulb” moments with my game. they made it very easy to understand and apply. i’ve been to a couple other tennis resorts and my wild dunes experience was by far my favorite. can’t wait to come back again.
LR
This is the second year in a row that we went as a group to Wild Dunes and it was hard to believe but this year was even better than last year. Something I didn’t think was possible! Charly and Sean are amazing teachers and they were able to do a phenomenal job in spite of all of our on court antics (we are a crazy group). We do like to have fun but we did want to learn from them and we certainly did. I have been to other tennis resorts and this one is by far the best.
TL
Strengths: Charly has a wonderful way of teaching that anyone at any level can incorporate into his or her game. The pros have a mutual philosophy but also have individual tips and pointers. The pros are quickly able to analyze what type of player you which ultimately gives them insight on what to help you with to give you more for your game. The only weakness is that the pros are unable to do a rain dance to keep wet weather away.
CK
Charly Rasheed was the best group instructor I ever had. WE had a group of 10 with varied levels and all of us learned something. Charly and Shawn were superb we had fun and learned tennis. Could nor ask for a better weekend.
We want to see your racquet sports vacations! When you’re documenting your trip, tag @TennisResortsOnline on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and use #TROAdventures for a chance to be featured on our page.
294 Reviews on “Wild Dunes Resort”
I have been coming to Wild Dunes for 12 years straight with a group of women and we LOVE their tennis program! Charly, Shawn and Shaw do a fantastic job with their instructional clinics; they are extremely professional and extremely fun. This is why we are coming back again next year! NHA February 2012
seventh straight year of a weekend of tennis at wild dunes. the staff is wonderful to us, the setting is fabulous and we always feel welcome!
This is the 7th year in a row I have gone to WD with my girlfriends for a tennis getaway. We love it. Considering we ran into half of our Charlotte competitors, I would say it is a favorite for a lot of people! The instructors are great — informative and fun. The courts are in good shape. We were able to get our tennis in despite a looming tornado!!! Perhaps the pros had control of the weather! Charlie and Shawn know us and treat us like we are there all the time. This continues to be one of my favorite weekends!
I recently returned from a week long vacation at Wild Dunes where I was fortunate to play tennis for 4 days. The tennis experience at Wild Dunes was exceptional! The setting could not have been better (well maintained clay courts just minutes from the ocean) and the instruction was outstanding.
The pros were able to break down high demand (I did the Peak Performance sessions) and offer good tips and pointers while still keeping the drills moving. The drills were outstanding for keeping players physically fit and the pros kept the experience fun. My only complaint is I felt the instruction on the children’s programs a bit lacking but I would still enthusiastically recommend Wild Dunes for a tennis vacation.
Pros matching up skill levels needed some work. There was often too many people on one court.
I would recommend Wild Dunes tennis facility to anyone. Not only is the staff helpful and friendly, but the clinics offered cater to a wide range of players, from beginners to experts, members to first time guests. The premise is beautiful and the clay courts are well maintained, attesting the the facilities prominence as one of the top tennis resorts in the country. As a world traveler and tennis lover, it is my firm and founded belief that Wild Dunes ranks as one of the very best.
Our group of 5 guys went on our annual tennis trip south after several years at the Colony in Longboat Key. Overall accomadations and facilities are good but this is not a tennis resort. It is a condo complex with a local tennis club situated at it. We had difficulty with court bookings as we were constantly told that members had booked all courts. Most courst were open as members rarely showed up for their time. Tennis pro shop was not as helpful or accomadating to “guests” as we had been accustomed to.
Our group of 5 just returned from another FANTASTIC trip to Wild Dunes. Director Charly Rasheed offers outstanding tennis instruction that brings us back year after year. He goes beyond standard drills and focuses on ways each player can make small changes for big improvements in technique, consistency and strategy. Beyond tennis, the resort has a beautiful beach, oceanfront pools, bike paths, spa, fitness center, and family friendly accommodations that make it a perfect place to get away.
The entire facility was great. The tennis drills and instruction were excellent. Charly Rasheed and Shaun did a great job working with our group of 8. I highly recommend it over the other tennis clinics I have taken.
As a group of 4.0 women from Northern California, we found Wild Dunes to be an excellent place for good tennis instruction. We enjoyed the clay courts and felt we gained from our daily 3 hr. clinic. Our accomodations were very nice and being close to Charleston was wonderful.I highly recommend this resort!
What a great facility. With in walking distance to all condos. Fabulous tennis. Out of this world clinics. The pros make it fun but you really work hard and learn some great stratagies and they have such a positive attitude and really make sure you understand what they aare telling you. Well worth the time.
I have been playing tennis for 10 years and have gone to many clinics and private lessons and Wild Dunes is definitely the best! Our group did 10 hours of clinics over three days and each of the pros was fabulous. I learned so much and had a great time. They moved us from court to court so efficiently that not a minute was wasted. And they learned all our names and remembered them the next day!! Very impressive.
The pros were awesome. They all taught a theme that related to the overal philosphy of the clinics. We took 3 days of clinics/ 10 hrs. and all the play/drills/activities were related. The end result was that everyone felt like their game was made stronger.
Interestingly, all 24 women there were from 5 different teams spanding our entire club. The courts were made up of all levels of players and everyone felt like they were playing great. This is awesome that a strong 4.0/4.5 player can be on the court with a 3.0+ and 3.5 players and all get something out of it (a lot out of it). We are already planning next year’s clinics.
Wow! My tennis group had such a wonderful time at Wild Dunes. The tennis could not have been better. Charly and his team were wonderful to work with and the instruction we received will help us as we go back and start our tennis season at home. The only sad thing is that we didn’t want our weekend to end. I guess we will have to hurry back! Sorry Charly! (You have alot to work on with us girls!)
The instructors really concentrated on each player in our group to make each of us feel as if we had our own personal instructor. They took our strengths and made them even stronger. We worked on strategies in doubles and singles, giving us the opportunity to understand true match play. They have so many strengths in their instruction it is so hard to list them all. I only wish we could pack them away and take them home with us!!! Thank you for such a great time and we are looking forward to many more.
My family has been vacationing at Wild Dunes since 1991. The tennis program is outstanding. The staff is well trained and very helpful. The facilities are top notch. We will be back again this year for some much needed fun in the sun!!!
We just returned from an amazing long weekend of tennis instruction at Wild Dunes Resort. Over the past 20 years my friends and I have visited many tennis resorts / training facilities and the experience at Wild Dunes Tennis is second to none. Charly Rasheed, the leader of the tennis facility is by far the most knowledgeable tennis professional I have ever had the fortunate experience to work with. Not only is his instruction extreamly informative it has help our team improve more in the last two weeks than we have in 10 years. I would highly suggest purchasing his book; Brain Alignment. It is a great reference to refer back to and supplement his information once you leave the resort. We can not stop talking about our next trip to visit Charly, Shawn, and the rest of the Professionals. We will NOT consider anywhere else as long as they are at Wild Dunes!!!
Great Coaching, friendly staff who know how to improve your game with drills and instruction.
Wild Dunes is on Isle of Palms, South Carolina, and faces the Atlantic Ocean. I spent a few days there in June of this year. I must say, my first impression of the facility was extremely favorable! The staff is very friendly. I was greeted very warmly by everyone I encountered. If you are a fan of tennis, this place is a treat.
The evening I arrived I was able to enjoy an exhibition match, which they have every Monday night. I love tennis, so this was a lot of fun. There were a lot of people, raffles and free beer, and it was a nice way to spend a warm summer evening. The next morning I took a two hour clinic taught by the Head Pro, Charles Rasheed. The clinic was perfect for me – I’m not really looking to make huge changes to my game. I just look for two or three “takeaways” that I can use during match play. Mr. Rasheed did exactly that. It was really worthwhile, and I highly recommend his clinics! In summary – great place for tennis lovers!
I improved a lot when I went to Wild Dunes for tennis lessons. My coaches Josh, Shawn, and Shaw were really really fun and taught me a lot of quick fixes that helped me so much! I loved having them as coaches and I think that they are awesome. Okay bye [:
very fun place to play tennis. weather you are doing clinics or taking a hitting lesson. the folks that work at wild dunes love the game and that comes through in the way they give there all with all the people they come in contact with!
I’ve been vacationing at Wild Dunes for many years and tennis is always one of the highlights. Wild Dunes has lots of great features but the tennis area is the real jewel in their crown. They have an excellent office staff and pros. The courts are always in great shape and Wild Dunes makes sure to provide everything you could want on a vacation. I’ve never had a bad experience at Wild Dunes. I look forward to the tennis and fun that the resort has to offer. Two thumbs up for the tennis at Wild Dunes!!!
I was very dissappointed in my tennis experience this last weekend. I spent a vacation weekend at wild dunes and my hope was to play tennis and some clinic time. There were alot or clinics available and I picked the peak performance one. Unfortunately, no one else signed up and so it was a private lesson.
The “pro” was a college student that doesn’t even play college tennis. At best she would be rated 4.5. I am a 4.0 4.5 player myself. She offered no direction on the lesson, she was as inconsistent as I am and I spent $48/hr. she had to leave the court b/c of the heat and someone else had to finish the last 15min. I could have had the same experience with a friend. I was incredible disappointed and I never write reviews.
Overall, wild dunes is a very lovely place to vacation, but if it is a tennis vacation you are looking for, look elsewhere. I am very surprised that it is rate #2 overall based on my recent experience.
We have been on many girls’s tennis trips, and this resort was the best in a long time. The accomodations were first rate, tennis was fun.We stayed in the Dunes village. The setting is beautiful, right on the ocean. The 1 hour clinics were a little below our level, but the longer one which I think would have fit our abilities better were too long in light of some of our injuries when we went on the trip. The proximity to downtown Charleston is good, 25 minutes or so. Loved the staff. They went out of their way to make our trip just perfect. Would love to go there again.
We had fun with the instructors and learned a few new tips.
I had a great time playing tennis at Wild Dunes. The tennis pro, Charlie Rasheed, was very helpful. Also, the courts are great and there are so many you never have to wait. The pool and beach were fun too. I can’t wait to come back.
Overall the Wild Dunes tennis program is one that every tennis club should strive to model after. The tennis pros are phenomenal and the courts are always very well kept. You will be very pleased if you choose Wild Dunes as a Tennis destination.
Wild Dunes is a wounderful resort with excellent tennis facilities and the best instructors in the business in my view. The resort staff went go out of their way to assist with all my requests and made me feel like I owned the place. The beauty of the ocean and beach homes are very relaxing and the food is excellent. I have vacationed here several times and I keep coming back. There is just no comparison to this resort and I have stayed at many!!
Wild Dunes tennis facility is in great shape and the only aspect that shines brighter is the staff!!! Charly Rasheed is absolutely the best! His instuction style allows transferring information into action with results immediately…He can change an “automatic athletic response” into a “planned purposeful result” with the best “Ah-Ha moments. I’ve also had my racquets restrung and the staff was very fast and accurate. The atmosphere at the tennis center is so relaxed yet professional and positive…
I keep coming back!!!! It is also nice to be able to play with other visitors and meet new people at Wild Dunes. The tennis staff is great at helping facilitate meeting new people. The Monday evening summer Exhibitions are so fun I hate to miss them and I LOVE the energy and fun of the college student tennis staff!!!
I have attended 2 rounds of tennis clinics taught by Charly with my tennis team. When we began, it was apparent that we were unorganized and chaotic on the court. With Charly’s help and instruction, he successfully transformed us into a cohesive team that plays on the same game plan and can win matches. Charly isn’t ever going to get rid of us, we are going to keep clinicing and advancing in this game we all love.
Having moved to SC about a year and a half ago I absolutely love getting the chance to play tennis at Wild Dunes. I have participated in some clinics and find the instructors to be very intuitive to your needs. I feel they are a great part of the reason I have been moved up to a 4.0 level.The courts are always well groomed and when it’s hot out, they are always cooler due to the island breeze.
I spent an entire weekend playing tennis at Wild Dunes while on a girls trip. We had a wonderful time. They were holding a full day of clinics that were taught by the pros. All the instructors were excellent and I learned so much. The event was so well organzied and well run. We also scheduled additional lessons for just our group. The teaching is truly excellent. Thanks Wild Dunes–we had a wonderful time.
The tennis istruction was presented and demonstrated in a way that we all grasped quickly.These pros have spent much time and energy studying the game.We all felt after our weekend we could go on tour. They kept making us think to change and break old habits. We didn’t want to leave!!!
We took a group of 10 Men to Wild Dunes November 13-15. We had an outstanding time playing Tennis and at the Resort. The entire staff was extremely friendly and accomadating. We thoroughly enjoyed the Tennis as well as the accomadations. Charly and and his staff do a great job.
Just came back from a three day TEnnis camp at Wild Dunes. There were 22 of us and Charlie Rasheed and Sean Harris did an outstanding job of orchestrating 9 hours of instruction on 6 courts for us. This was our 5th year at Wild Dunes and we can’t wait until next year.
Wild Dunes has a tennis program that is second to none. Charly Rasheed and the rest of his team are experts, and make every single session so much fun! I highly recommend this resort to anyone who is looking for stunning scenery, top notch service and an outstanding tennis program.
Wild Dunes, outside of Charleston is a great resort with great tennis. The resort itself is beautiful and with the addition of new spa facilities and restaurants there is really no need to leave if you don’t want to. The tennis is excellent – both my daughters have played several summers there – coaching is fun, skilled and truly interested in helping you to get the most out of your game. I have never been disappointed in Wild Dunes! Beautiful beaches, top notch staff, very relaxing. Add the city of Charleston in and you have a winner!
I recently came down on a group trip and stayed at the resort. My coworkers and I took clinics from Caroline and Shawn. Both are GREAT at engaging and educating players no matter what their skill level. I would recommend either pro to anyone no matter what their age or playing ability.
Charly Rasheed runs a wonderful tennis facility. My husband (4.0 player) really enjoyed the peak clinics and said he picked up great strategy tips for his doubles game. I loved taking stroke of the day and drill with Shaw and my son improved his play level with several private lessons and then some match play that the pros set up for him with a local junior. This was by far the best tennis vacation we have ever taken.
One of best resorts we have ever been too. What a great spot.
Beautiful property! The staff was always smiling and ready to help. Can’t wait to go back again this summer.
Extremely excellent service. Has everything you need and for every member of the family. Great destination in Charleston.
Great Teaching pros and programs
Location, location, location. If you want to play tennis in paradise then Wild Dunes is your place. They have beautifully maintained courts that are right across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. It is a wonderful facility with staff that will show you more southern hospitality than you know what to do with. The only problem I see is being able to tear yourself away to go back home!
The program and facilities are excellent. The daily performance sessions (2 hrs)were organized and fast paced with instruction mixed in. There are a number of daily clinics and drills available. Charly and Shawn are personable and keep things moving. I question if some of the participants were really at the 3.5+ level, although the pros do their best to segregate groups. My son was not getting what he needed in one session and the pro (Shawn) immediately moved him to another without question. My son took a lesson from Shawn and learned some good strategy regarding singles competition. We also enjoyed the one hour daily free court time.
The overall resort is very attractive and self contained. It has four pools and a nice pavilion an the ocean along with two challenging golf courses. The resort is 15 minutes from Charleston which provides nice sightseeing and endless restaurants at every level.
awesome facility and teaching instructors. had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book my next trip!
The tennis pros were great! They taught at a skill level where everyone in the group of 9 was pushed to learn something new.
i learned so much from my 3 days at wild dunes. the pros taught us strategy concepts and then we practiced them with live balls. i had several “light bulb” moments with my game. they made it very easy to understand and apply. i’ve been to a couple other tennis resorts and my wild dunes experience was by far my favorite. can’t wait to come back again.
This is the second year in a row that we went as a group to Wild Dunes and it was hard to believe but this year was even better than last year. Something I didn’t think was possible! Charly and Sean are amazing teachers and they were able to do a phenomenal job in spite of all of our on court antics (we are a crazy group). We do like to have fun but we did want to learn from them and we certainly did. I have been to other tennis resorts and this one is by far the best.
Strengths: Charly has a wonderful way of teaching that anyone at any level can incorporate into his or her game. The pros have a mutual philosophy but also have individual tips and pointers. The pros are quickly able to analyze what type of player you which ultimately gives them insight on what to help you with to give you more for your game. The only weakness is that the pros are unable to do a rain dance to keep wet weather away.
Charly Rasheed was the best group instructor I ever had. WE had a group of 10 with varied levels and all of us learned something. Charly and Shawn were superb we had fun and learned tennis. Could nor ask for a better weekend.