There aren’t many properties like The Breakers. A resort that’s rich in history yet equally as elevated – The Breakers is a Palm Beach staple; and one that’s carrying on a legacy developed almost 130 years ago. Known for its luxurious amenities and iconic location just steps from The Atlantic, The Breakers has been on my radar as long as I can remember. I’ve driven past, I’ve walked the grounds, I’ve dined on Royal Poinciana Way; but when I had the opportunity to experience the recent enhancements at The Racquet Club, as well as play padel for the first time, I knew I had to clear my schedule immediately.
What It’s Like to Visit The Breakers as a Tennis Player & Racquet Sports Enthusiast
As TRO’s Travel Editor, I’ve been able to visit many resorts that offer unbelievable racquet sports programming and amenities, but The Breakers experience may have just earned a slot towards the top of my list. Upon arriving to Palm Beach, FL and driving through the gates of the property, I was immediately greeted with nothing short of exquisite service – and that same level of accommodation continued throughout my stay. Whether it was inquiring about dining, requesting transportation service, or deliberating between menu items, the staff and employees were incredibly warm and hospitable.
While I could hardly wait to see the property from every angle as a guest, I was eager to experience the new enhancements in and around The Racquet Club, located just across South County Road – about a two-minute shuttle drive from the front of the resort. Upon arriving at The Club, I was immediately greeted by four perfectly-manicured grass courts set just beyond the impeccably-stocked Pro Shop that serves both racquet sports and golf members and guests.
Surrounded by palm trees and pristine white fencing, these courts are actually some of the world’s first CapillaryFlow hydroponic grass courts, which incorporate underground irrigation and oxygen control. Ideal not only for playing conditions but also for saving water usage up to 85%, these courts are leveling up the experience of playing on the notable Wimbledon surface.
Just steps beyond the grass courts are four open-air covered MOR Sports Group clay hydro tennis courts and two covered pickleball courts. As a Floridian, having any type of coverage, especially in the heat of the summer, is absolutely crucial and almost unheard of as well. For players intrigued by the open air, there are also two MAPEI cushioned hardtop courts with blended lines for tennis / pickleball play as well as two other clay courts. Two dedicated padel courts are also available, offering access to one of the fastest-growing games that originated in Mexico.
Each court at The Racquet Club is equipped with a Comfort Station, stocked with refreshments, towels, seating and snacks to ensure that changeovers are just that – comfortable. A stretching deck and veranda are also available for before and after sessions, offering the perfect setting to stretch, socialize, or a blend of both.
For guests traveling alone or with non-tennis players, The Breakers offers daily clinics, including Advanced Cardio, Sunrise Sweat, and more, depending on your level. There are also junior programming options as well as private lessons across every racquet sport. For guests eager to compete, the staff, including Director of Tennis Ken Thompson, will assist with match arranging as well – something that I was actually able to take part in during my visit with a guest who was seeking to hit before her stay concluded.
Playing Padel For The First Time at The Breakers as a Former Division 1 Tennis Player
With an affinity for racquet sports and a background as a Division 1 tennis player, I had only heard incredible feedback about the sport of padel. When the opportunity to partake in a private lesson with one of the 14 racquet sports instructors at The Breakers arose, I eagerly accepted. From learning the basics to rallying off of the walls, the lesson was everything I had hoped it to be. I left feeling like I had a proper grasp for the sport – and wanting to play another game.
A Local Getaway That Felt Like Pure Luxury
While I was able to drive across the state to Palm Beach, guests arriving from out of town have the ease of flying into several local airports, including Palm Beach International (PBI), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), and even Miami International (MIA) if needed. Once through the property’s gates and immersed in the pristine atmosphere, guests will feel like they’ve just entered a completely secluded oasis. Everything you need, from shopping to dining to water sports and more, are just a few moments away. The staff is eager to guide your plans, regardless of how you envision your stay. The property feels incredibly walkable and welcoming, however the offerings are expansive.
From exploring the property’s exquisitely-maintained grounds to relaxing at the private Beach Club to enjoying fresh seafood and curated cuisines at several of the resort’s acclaimed restaurants, an itinerary at The Breakers can be tailored to any lifestyle. From rejuvenation within the Spa to activities for families, and everything in between, there’s an array of options to choose from – none of which require you to leave the resort. However, if you do choose to depart, there are local favorites like Worth Avenue and Flamingo Park that I absolutely suggest exploring should time permit.
The Best Time to Visit The Breakers as a Tennis Player
Regardless of the time of year that you intend to visit, you’ll be able to enjoy one of America’s most iconic resort. Factoring in the Florida weather, as well as the busier season, which typically runs from about November through April, could guide your decision. My August visit was nothing short of exquisite, however the summer heat became a slight factor when deciding how to plan my day. The shaded structures at The Racquet Club certainly offer a capability that most other resorts do not have. Tennis and pickleball players may prefer to spend the morning enjoying the resort’s wonderful breakfast buffet at The Circle or sipping coffee outside of News & Gourmet before heading to the courts. Other players may prefer to hit the courts early and then have the afternoon to enjoy a day at the pool or beach before enjoying a freshly-prepared dinner at one of the 10 available restaurants. The property also has four pools, water sports, and a Family Entertainment Center, as well as Golf, The Shops at The Breakers, and a Spa, which is highly rated by Forbes Travel Guide. Florida’s climate allows guests to enjoy every amenity year-round, so there’s no ‘wrong’ time to plan a vacation.
And, even if you have visited the property in previous years, The Breakers actually reinvests an average of $30 million into capital improvements and ongoing revitalization annually, making each trip just as special as the last. If you’re inquiring about what a visit to The Breakers could look like, check out a brief overview of our recent visit here.
Read more about the property on Tennis Resorts Online by viewing their listing.
