Here's what others have had to say about Hawk's Cay Resort.
"The tennis staff, headed by Sam K, is experienced and well-versed in tennis and amenities. Check out the spa, within walking distance of the hotel. Spent an afternoon down the road at the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key to do the swim, and parasailed at the resort, before the sunset sail trip. The bar/restaurant on the docks, is also within strolling distance of the hotel, and Key West is only sixty miles south, if you want to get cocktails at the Southernmost Pier. Great time was had by all. I would go back each season, and bring the tennis group with me."—T.L., Adv. Int., January 2012
"Went for a hit there with Sam. Nice courts, good guy. Not a lot of instruction, just trying to get timing back after not playing for three months."—G.M., Adv., December 2011
"Beautiful resort with a great family atmosphere. Tennis facility could use some work but, the pro Richard did a nice job with lessons, clinics, and match making. More that most resorts in such warm weather places."—J.A., Int., February 2009
"I was looking for a warm weather resort without leaving the states. Decided on the Florida Keys and took a chance on tennis. The resorts was excellent in all aspects. The tennis was great due to the efforts of their pro Richard Lorenzo who gave not only private instruction but, conducted wonderful clincs and arranged matches. I'd do it again."—D.H., Adv. Int., February 2009
Rate Hawk's Cay Resort
The bottle-nose dolphin seemed quite happy to tow me around a lagoon in exchange for a few fish doled out from the hands of the trainer at the Dolphin Connection. 
It took very little effort on his part, though I'd never moved through the water so fast without the aid of wind or motor, and I was astonished to feel just how powerfully these mammals swim. I came out of the water with an even deeper respect for these lovable animals.
Set on Duck Key, Hawk's Cay Resort takes up all of a roughly boot-shaped 60-acre private island just off the Overseas Highway to Key West, 97 miles south southeast of Miami. It reopened in February 2008 following an infusion of some $35 million to renovate rooms and amenities. Its focal point is a 177-room hotel, which rises behind a perfect circle of a lagoon fringed with sand, but for a small resort it harbors an extensive array of distractions, including a spa, several restaurants, five swimming pools, an 85-slip marina, a watersports center, fishing and scuba diving charters, a dedicated children's center, bike rentals, an eight-court tennis complex, some 100 two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas, and, of course, that dolphin encounter.
Cliff Drysdale on Hawk's Cay Resort
Pro Shop: (305) 743-7000, x1891
Early in 2010, Cliff Drysdale Tennis took over the management of the tennis club and has significantly upgraded the entire facility, which now has two Hydrocourts, two lighted Har-Tru courts, four resurfaced hard courts, and new windscreens and fencing. They brought in a personable New Zealander, Sam Keenan, to manage the project and infuse life into the tennis programs. He brings a diverse background, having played junior and college tennis in his home country and run a junior academy there before going on to coaching and teaching positions in Germany and London. Later, he joined the Drysdale touring team and then moved on the the directorship here.
Tennis Staff. Born in New Zealand, Keenan played his junior and college tennis there before going on to coaching and teaching positions in Germany and London, joined the Drysdale touring team, and eventually ended up here.
Sam Keenan, Hawk's Cay Director of Tennis
Beach. You won't find a beach washed by the ocean but rather one that encircles a man-made lagoon at the hotel. The lagoon has a floating platform at the center, lounge chairs and umbrellas at its perimeter.
Spa & Fitness Center. The resort's Calm Waters Spa mixes traditional with locally inspired spa treatments, among the latter Flowing Currents (a combination of touch therapies with aromatic oils) and Key Lime Mojito (an exfoliation with mojito sugar followed by a Key Lime infused shampoo and conditioning). Spa goers can relax in an outdoor garden with a quiet pool or in the Jacuzzi and eucalyptus steam rooms inside. The fitness center in another part of the same building has Life Fitness cardio equipment (with windows on the kids' splash pool) and exercise stations as well as yoga, beach body boot camps, and personal trainers.
And ... The most unusual of the other activities is the Dolphin Connection, which takes small numbers of people into the water to interact with the dolphins while anyone in the resort is free to watch from the side of the dolphin pond. Otherwise there is a fully equipped marina offering sportfishing charters, dive boat and snorkeling excursions, sea kayak rentals, jet ski rentals, parasailing and kiteboarding trips, sunset cruises, and Segway tours. Other watersports equipment, including standup paddleboards and kayaks, are available in the lagoon. And bicycles can be rented at the
With its own building and a fenced playground with everything from miniature golf to a pirates' ship, the Indies Club schedules a full day of activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those ages 5 to 12 as well as a variety of social and recreational activities for teens.
The main block of accommodations are the 177 rooms and suites in the main hotel. These have a West Indies decor, upscale amenities, and, with the exception of a few standard room, broad terraces with views of the island or water. Alternatively, the resort offers villas ranging in size up to four bedrooms and situated somewhat removed from the main hotel in four villages.
There are half a dozen dining outlets, including Alma's, the signature restaurant for fresh seafood and steaks; the low-key Tom's Harbor House for burgers, catch of the day specials; and then a mix of places for breakfast, lunch, or snacks, including an Emack & Bolio ice cream stand.
If you're contemplating a beach and tennis vacation, with options for kids, you also ought to look at:
Rates on request.
Seasons. Year-round, though busiest from a tennis perspective from mid December into April.
Travel Instructions. By Air: The nearest major airport is Miami International Airport (MIA), 104 miles to the north.
General Tourist Information. For information about travel to the region, visit Florida Keys & Key West.
