Despite its legacy as one of the most storied properties in the U.S., The Breakers Palm Beach has never been known to rest on its laurels.
In March 2025, the resort unveiled its latest makeover, a 104,000-square-foot complex with world-class racquet sports courts on its sprawling 140-acre campus.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Breakers is renowned for its elegant accommodations, exceptional dining, bespoke service, and magnificent oceanfront location in Palm Beach, Florida.
It also stands out because it is one of just over 1,000 family-owned businesses in America that is more than 100 years old and still under its original ownership.
The devoted heirs of founder Henry M. Flagler ensure that this timeless resort continually evolves, investing an average of $30 million each year in renovations and improvements.
The Renaissance of Racquet Sports
The opening of the new $12 million racquet sports complex is perfectly timed. It coincides with a growing interest in these games with players seeking out top-notch facilities.
An increased emphasis on health and fitness across all age groups has led to steady growth in the numbers of tennis and pickleball players in recent years. Racquet sports offer a full-body workout, a chance to spend time outdoors, and enduring social connections akin to those provided by golf.
The number of Americans playing tennis increased by 8 percent to 25.7 million from 2023 to 2024, explained in part by the growing participation of players under the age of 35, wrote Bruce Y Lee, M.D., MBA (Forbes, 2025).
Pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., now engaging some 13.6 million players of all ages (Statistica 2024). Pickleball courts are cropping up in communities nationwide, and everyone seems to know someone enjoying the game.
Padel, described as a mix of squash and tennis, is played on smaller, enclosed courts. Although the sport first gained popularity in Spain and Argentina, the game is steadily attracting players worldwide because it requires fewer technical skills and is easier to learn than tennis.
“The Breakers’ new tennis and racquet center was thoughtfully designed to elevate the guest experience, while redefining world-class recreation for today’s active travelers,” said Paul N. Leone, CEO of The Breakers in an email interview with Forbes.
State-of-the-Art Racquet Sports At The Breakers
The new complex includes 16 state-of-the-art open-air racquetball courts that will attract guests who want to continue playing sports on business or vacation trips and improve their game away from home. These meticulously kept courts will also entice first-timers of all ages who wish to learn new sports or techniques.
Guests can play tennis on 12 courts across three different surfaces: four grass courts, six clay hydro courts, and two cushioned hardtop courts with a more durable, softer surface.
Pickleball and padel can be played on four dedicated courts, two of each.
The most notable grass tennis courts, such as those at Wimbledon, London, and Newport, Rhode Island, are costly and challenging to maintain. However, consistent with The Breakers’ commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices throughout the resort, the grass courts at the new complex incorporate underground irrigation and oxygen control to create optimal growing and playing conditions.
CapillaryFlow, the patented, innovative court technology used at The Breakers for tennis for the first time anywhere in the world, consumes 85 percent less water while promoting deeper roots and lush, healthy grass. The hydroponic grass courts also offer the benefit of a safer, firmer playing surface.
The clay courts’ subsurface hydration system was designed to save 50 percent water and create a consistent playing service. LED lighting allows for evening play at one-half the typical energy consumption.
Clinics and private lessons with professional instructors, overseen by Ken Thompson, the resort’s 38-year veteran Director of Tennis, are available for adults and children.
The Veranda, an observation and lounge area, offers a retreat for players and spectators to relax, socialize and watch the games. The complex also offers a fully equipped stretching deck and exclusive comfort stations adjacent to each court. An elegant Pro Shop is a shopper’s paradise offering high-quality equipment, apparel, and accessories.
Strong Community Ties Score A Win-Win
Social commitment to both its 2400 employees and the local community has always been integral to The Breakers’ longstanding success. The resort and its staff members have a proud tradition of giving back and supporting local charities and community programs. This ethos wasn’t forgotten when developing the new racquet sports complex.
For the launch, the resort invited tennis luminaries Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters to headline an Exhibition Match and “Tennis Ball” benefit. Proceeds from both events benefited First Serve USA, an organization that has worked with South Florida youth for three decades.
“The events will allow us to further our mission of empowering youth facing adversity by providing mentors, life skills, academic support, and tennis training to help them become leaders in their communities,” said Cynthia Kanai, president of the nonprofit.
“It was an honor to welcome such iconic tennis champions while supporting First Serve’s meaningful mission to inspire and uplift local youth,” said Breakers CEO Leone.
Something For Everyone At The Breakers Palm Beach
Guests of every age and activity level will find appealing options at The Breakers. The resort has two exceptional golf courses designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, which are suitable for players of all ages.
For an energizing fitness experience, the 6,000-square-foot Ocean Fitness center offers modern equipment, including high-tech treadmills, strength training and indoor cycling equipment, rowing machines, and functional workout and training systems. Views from the facility’s 10-foot-tall arched windows look over the Atlantic Ocean. The center offers weekly classes, professional instructors, and personal trainers.
Swimmers can enjoy the four oceanfront pools (one of them adult-only), and others can jog, run and cycle on the picturesque grounds.
Those who enjoy pampering will certainly find their sweet spot, too. The spacious Spa at The Breakers has 17 treatment rooms, including a Spa Suite, for indulgent massages, facials, and bodywork, three relaxation areas (indoor and outdoor), and a hair and nail salon.
“True luxury lies in offering meaningful choices that reflect the evolving preferences and lifestyles of our guests, club members and clientele,” explained Breakers CEO Leone. “This latest transformation not only enriches our recreational offerings, but it also honors the enduring vision of our family ownership.”