Top tennis retreats
As Wimbledon approaches, Sam Lewis suggests a handful of luxury tennis breaks for fans who want a slice of the action
As Wimbledon approaches, Sam Lewis suggests a handful of luxury tennis breaks for fans who want a slice of the action
1. Hotel Ferrero, Spain
Get to know former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero on and off court on this two-day break, staying near his hometown of Valencia. Pick up tips during private lessons and then dine with the tennis star or his head coach to find out what life is like on the circuit. Unwind afterwards in the 15-room Hotel Ferrero, taking guided tours of local vineyards and the picturesque town of Bocairent to taste traditional Valencian cuisine, then head into Valencia for a walking tour of the historical centre, Valencia Harbour, and Albufera lagoon. At the end of their stay, guests receive a signed racquet as a memento.
How to do it:
From £5,322 pp, including accommodation, coaching, dinner with Juan Carlos Ferrero, tours in and around Valencia, return flights and transfers.
blacktomato.com
2. Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Brush up your backhand and get tips from tennis legends, including Tracy Austin, Johan Kriek and Fred Stolle, at this laid-back, luxurious Caribbean resort perched on an idyllic beach. The week-long tennis academy runs several times a year but, for the ultimate in match play, go for the Annual Curtain Bluff Tennis Challenge (5-7 November), where world-famous tennis pros team up with Curtain Bluff's own pro team to provide a week of clinics, doubles matches with guests and entertainment.
How to do it:
Deluxe rooms from US$820 (£563), plus 22.5% taxes per night, based on two adults sharing on an all-inclusive basis (includes house wine, Champagne and cocktails, plus watersports such as waterskiing and scuba diving). Packages available.
curtainbluff.com
3. Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
New this year is a four-day tennis course (20-24 October) led by former world top-10 doubles player Peter Rennart. The aim is to improve guests' game and reduce — or eliminate — physical restrictions and pain, using the TELOS tennis technique, a system of relaxation and self-awareness, alongside warm-up sessions using Rekinetics, a form of neuromuscular therapy designed to improve strength, coordination and flexibility. Relax post-game by the beach or infinity pool, enjoy a pampering treatment in the spa, or stretch and tone in the resort’s yoga pavilion or Pilates studio.
How to do it:
Four nights costs US$7,610 (£5,197)pp, including all meals, either with the group or privately (excluding beverages), lectures and live demos, six TELOS group tennis sessions and group Rekinetics sessions and one 90-minute spa treatment.
aman.com
4. Thanyapura Tennis, Thailand
Get fit and have fun year-round at this specialist sports retreat in Phuket, which has hosted the likes of Maria Sharapova and Bojana Jovanovski. Brush up your technique on one of the six Plexicushion courts (as used in the Australian Open) and banish any niggles with treatments from a resident tennis chiropractor. What's more, the resort has a range of complimentary fitness classes, including yoga and spinning, plus a 50-metre Olympic pool for fitness buffs.
How to do it:
Seven nights from £1,820pp or £1,975 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, tennis programme, return flights and transfers.
healthandfitnesstravel.com
5. Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
Soak up the sun and take in expert advice from resident pro Lukas Koncilia on the resort’s two floodlit tennis courts, built to Australian Open standards and situated on a nearby deserted island, accessible by boat. After a clinic with the former ATP player, ease aching muscles with a massage at the spa, refuel on gourmet food, chill out with moonlit yoga or see the sights on a sunset cruise. The luxury 45-villa resort is just a 40-minute journey north of Malé international airport.
How to do it:
Seven nights from £5,645pp based on a couple sharing a one-bedroom water villa on a B&B basis, including return flights from London and seaplane transfers.
scottdunn.com
6. Forte Village, Sardinia
Improving signaling and communication and learning how to ‘cover the middle’ are part of the doubles tennis tuition from legends such as Paul Haarhuis (12-23 July) and Ilie Nastase (12-17 August). Add the on-site Annabel Croft Tennis Academy and range of sports academies (including tennis) for kids into the mix and the result: the ultimate sporting getaway. Guests can take their pick from seven four- and five-star hotels, eat in any of 21 restaurants and relax in an enormous spa and thalassotherapy centre with six outdoor heated pools.
How to do it:
Tuition from €110pp (one hour) while seven nights at Hotel Bouganville, Forte Village, Sardinia, during the Ilie Nastase week is priced at £2,669pp based on two adults sharing a deluxe bungalow on a half-board basis, including return flights from London Gatwick to Cagliari and private transfers.
classic-collection.co.uk
7. Sánchez-Casal Academy, Florida
This intensive week-long programme (also available in Barcelona and China) combines tactical strategy and competitive play with physical training. Founded by Emilio Sánchez Vicario and Sergio Casal in 1998, it's developed an impressive number of elite players such as Andy Murray, Daniela Hantuchova and Ana Ivanovic. More than just a tennis break, guests can also take part in daily language classes in Spanish and other recreational activities.
How to do it:
From $1,600/£1,095 (Florida) for one week (May 30 -September 4) including board, 18 hours of tennis, 10 hours of physical training, six hours of language classes, daily activities on campus, and three recreational activities off campus.
asc-florida.com/
Images:
Forte Village, Sardinia
Sánchez-Casal Academy, Florida
Thanyapura Tennis, Thailand
