The Guide To Taking Your Tennis Racquet On the Road
Since 1999, Tennis Resorts Online has been helping vacationers decide where to go on their next tennis holiday. I've made a career of giving such advice, initially as Tennis magazine's travel and resorts editor and since 1999 as the founder of this website. What you see here are not paid listings but the descriptions—provided without cost to resorts and camps—of those properties I feel are worthy of your attention. Over the course of several decades, I've visited more than 350 resorts on five continents and participated in some 50 different tennis camps, many more than once. It is that personal experience—supplemented now by reviews submitted by vacationers like you—that underpins this website.
What you'll find on these and the following pages is a suite of tools to help you make an informed choice on where to go. Start by checking out the rankings of the Top 100 Tennnis Resorts and Camps, which we base solely on the reviews submitted by people like you. For more personal advice, use the "Tailored Search" form that lets you specifiy precisely the features you're looking for in a resort or camp. Those results link to my personal descriptions, which are supplemented by the reviews—good or bad—of others who themselves have been there. There are also maps of what can be found in six different regions of the U.S. and one for Europe. Every property we list appears in a master index, listing both alphabetically and by state, region, or country. There is also a section devoted to junior camps, though since I'm a little old to participate in any of those I've had to settle for writing a description and let those juniors who've attended or their parents write personal reviews. To supplement all of this I've included a calendar of events taking place at tennis properties across the globe. We also ask resorts or camps to put together packages that offer special discounts or perks to Tennis Resorts Online readers.
Still, the site needs your input. We want to hear from you about your experience with any resort or camp you know first hand. As an incentive to take the trouble, Tennis Resorts Online gives away several tennis vacations in an annual drawing (2017 prizes to be announced soon). Every review you submit gives you another opportunity to win. To file one for a resort or camp, visit "Write a Review" or "Review a Junior Camp". Finally, let me know of ways you feel the site can be improved (and since we've just gone through a major redesign, please also let me know if there are any technical issues with any of the pages). You can contact me at . See you on the courts. —Roger Cox, Editor
Your Recent Reviews
Every time you review a resort or camp you know first hand, you're automatically entered in a drawing for one of several tennis vacations we give away each year. If you review a resort or camp between now and Apr. 30, 2016, you' be eligible to win a holiday at Saddlebrook International Tennis and Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, both in Florida, and New England Tennis Holidays at Sugarbush, in Vermont. If you rated a junior camp, you're in the pool for a week-long junior camp at Saddlebrook Junior Tennis.
Here's a sample of recent critiques of resorts and camps by other vacationers, followed by a link where you can post your own.
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Wintergreen Tennis Academy, Virginia
"I have attended 25 tennis academies over the last 10 years and in comparison with others, Wintergreen excels them all. The resort is fabulous in itself, nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains and always cool in summer. The best part is the instruction in the group setting and in private lessons. If you want to improve any part of your game, Wintergreen is the bra place to go!!!"—B.H., Adv., August 2016
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Dave Marshall Tennis, Delaware
"Very nice tennis camp. Worked on not only my strokes, but where to be on the court and what to cover."—K.M., August 2016
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La Manga Club, Spain
"I have had the pleasure of attending the La Manga Adult Academy on several occasions and each time I do, I leave at the end of the week wanting more. I cannot speak highly enough about the professionalism of the staff who provide such a wonderful experience for players of all levels. The quality of coaching is exceptional and is always delivered with infectious enthusiasm. The facilities, both in the tennis academy and in the rest of the resort, are second to none in the region and I would highly recommend anyone who has the chance to visit La Manga Club, to take that opportunity. You won't regret it. In simple terms, I would just say - Great facilities, Great coaching, Great fun."—R.M., Int., July 2016
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Sugarbush Resort, Vermont
"My experience at Sugarbush Tennis camp was excellent from the onset. Starting with my initial contact on the phone to set up my reservation, which was an extremely pleasant experience. Next the accommodations and dining were above my expectations. Finally the instruction was top notch. Ted was the main pro with Dave pulling up the rear. Both gentlemen were two of the best tennis pros I've had the pleasure to take lessons from. I was lucky to have a really low student to pro ratio on all 3 days. Getting lots of one on one attention. This was my first time to do a destination tennis camp and was worth every cent spent."—L.E., Int., September 2016
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Topnotch Resort, Vermont
"I don't see how you can do much better than Topnotch. The teaching staff is excellent, the courts are beautiful, and the morning tennis program is fun and rigorous. Director of Tennis (Milan) and staff pro (Sean) deserve special mention as outstanding teachers. The Stowe, Vermont setting is exceptionally beautiful, and a great vacation spot."—S.W., Adv. Int., August 2016
Exclusive Packages and Specials
Discounts, room upgrades, and special packages only available on Tennis Resorts Online.
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TRO Exclusive: Save $100!  Tennis Resorts Online users can claim a special $100/person discount on any adult all-inclusive week-long camp program. To get it, telephone reservations toll-free at 800-444-6204 or email the Ranch. You must mention Tennis Resorts Online to get the discount. Request a brochure. |
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All here. All yours. All pro.  Escape to the Four-Diamond Resort at Longboat Key Club and enjoy complimentary play on our USTA award-winning, 20-court Tennis Gardens. Experience golf, spa, dining, and Sarasota’s culture and nightlife. Click here now for our "Tennis Tune Up Package" Package.
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Special Discount on Team Packages  Book our 3-day/3-night Ambassador Package for teams and get a discounted rate of $395/person. The special package includes six hours of personalized clinics, unlimited court time, accommodations in a deluxe 2-bedroom villa (discount based on four people sharing a two-bedroom), one lunch at Robber's Row Grill, logo souvenirs, and pro shop discounts. For information and help in planning your personalized holiday, call Tanda at 843-686-8803 or 843-298-0027 and say you want the Tennis Resorts Online special rate.
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Free Upgrade to One-bedroom Suite + Amenity Basket  Book the Saddlebrook Tennis School (which offers five hours a day of instruction) and a regular deluxe guest room at Saddlebrook Resort and they'll upgrade you to a one-bedroom suite* at no extra cost (two-night minimum) and include a complimentary Saddlebrook Amenity basket. To get it, phone toll-free 800-729-8383, x4200 and ask for the Tennis Resorts Online Upgrade. *Subject to availability at the time of booking |
On the Road
Dispatches from my latest travels
Revisiting the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas
Resort Hopping In Southwest Florida
Emilio Sánchez on "the Spanish Method"
Tennis on the "Garden Isle" of Kauai
Sea Island, Georgia, and the Jensen Brothers
Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Hawk's Cay Resort, Florida
Soaring Above Phoenix, Arizona
Newport, Rhode Island, For Tennis Players
©2016 Roger Cox
Sponsors
Upcoming Events
indicates a tournament
32nd Annual Banana Open Challenge (closed), Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, South Carolina, Phone: 843-785-1152
Men's and Women's singles, doubles, and mixed Open, and 55+ doubles and combo mixed doubles, all open only to those who have played in another local Banana tournament.
Singles Weekend, Total Tennis, New York
USTA National Husband-Wife Championship, Boar's Head, Virginia, Phone: 434-972-2251
Open to husband-wife mixed pairs with combined ages of 100, 120, or 140, this national championship takes place on the club's hard indoor courts. For information, contact tournament director Jacek Wolicki, Tennis Director, 434-972-2251 or by email at mailto:Jacek_Wolicki@BoarsHeadInn.com. To register, visit TennisLink.
2016 Tennis Congress, El Conquistador Resort & Country Club, Puerto Rico
Signups should begin shortly and this event typically sells out quickly. It brings together a stellar team of pros—among them Gigi Fernandez, Tim Mayotte, Emilio Sanchez, and Jeff Salzenstein—for highly personalized on- and off-court focus on improving your tennis. Registration opens in the spring. You can sign up on the website to be notified when it does.
Backhands, Vines, and Volleys Tennis Camp, Silverado Resort and Spa, California, Phone: 505-257-0200
Silverado Resort and Spa hosts a special 2½-day camp that pairs tennis instruction with wine education and tastings in the Napa Valley. It begins with a Friday round robin and dinner followed by a half day of tennis clinics—taught by Peter Burwash International pros Jacob Hansen and Katie Dellich—on Saturday and Sunday. The weekend package also includes a wine tasting class taught by Silverado's sommelier, two-for-one winery tasting passes, Peter Buswash's book "Tennis For Life," and two night's lodging. For more information visit silveradoresort.com or phone 505-257-0200.
3.0 and 8.5 Combo Ladies Team Challenge, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Florida, Phone: 850-267-7114
These two separate events feature a minimum of six doubles teams, each playing in a round robin against the other similarly rated teams over the course of a long weekend. One flight pits NTRP 3.0 teams against each other; the second flight consists teams comprised of a 4.0 and a 4.5.
Ladies' 3.0 Team Challenge and 8.5 Ladies Combo, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Florida, Phone: 850-267-7114
These two separate events feature a minimum of six doubles teams, each playing in a round robin against the other similarly rated teams over the course of a long weekend. One flight pits NTRP 3.0 teams against each other; the second flight consists teams comprised of a 4.0 and a 4.5.
Peter Burwash International Tennis For Life Camp, Carmel Valley Ranch, California, Phone: 831-626-2554
This 3-day camp kicks off with a round-robin mixer and welcome party. Day 2 consists of 5 1/2 hours of on-court drills followed by optional tennis lessons, spa services, or other resort activities. It concludes with another 2 hours of on-court work and a round robin. Participants also receive a Tennis For Life book by Peter Burwash and a player packet. For information and reservations, contact Clark Corey, PBI Director of Tennis, at 831-626-2554 or email mailto:cccorey@carmelvalleyranch.com.
Ladies 4.0 Interstate Team Challenge, TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort by Wyndham, Florida
For teams of women with an average NTRP rating of no more than 4.0.
La Manga Club Tennis Academy with Leon Smith, La Manga Club, Spain
For a full week this fall, British Davis Cup Captain Leon Smith will be offering advice, tuition and tips to help players improve their techniques at Spain's La Manga Club, a 28-court facility near Cartagena that serves ahd the Lawn Tennis Association's official overseas training base. Package bundles two hours of daily on-court instruction and drills with lodging, breakfast, and access to the spa, fitness center, golf courses, and the resort of La Manga's extensive facilities. the week is capped off by a gala dinner, hosted by Smith, In addition to the two-hour daily instruction and drill sessions, Smith will host a gala dinner and give his personal insights into the British team's success in going from also-rans to Davis Cup champions.
29th Tennis Fantasies Week, John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, Texas, Phone: 800-874-7788
John Newcombe himself heads a cast of Legends that includes Roy Emerson, Mark Woodforde, Marty Riessen, Fred Stolle, Owen Davidson, Charlie Passarell, Dick Stockton, Rich Leach, Luke and Murphy Jensen, Dick Stockton, Ross Case, and, back for a second year, Rod Laver. Together they put on a four-day camp of clinics, team matches (with pros as team coaches), exhibitions, and competition against the amateurs. The pros are constant fixtures, on court, at meals, and for cocktail parties and entertainment nightly. Curious to know more? Read E.J. Kahn III's blog about his experiences in 2014.
Singles Sessions, Total Tennis, New York
PBI Silverado World Tennis Camp, Silverado Resort and Spa, California
This 4-day camp comprises a total of 13 hours on court. It begins with a selcome dinner and round robin. Subsequent days combine instruction and drills with a pro-am tournament and optional player game matching. There is also a wine-tasting session Friday night and an awards and gift presentation at the end. For more information and to register, included discounted rom rates, visit PBI World Tennis Camp.
22nd Annual Wild Wing Cafe "Nutty Buddy" Classic, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, South Carolina, Phone: 843-785-1152
Sponsored by Wild Wing Cafe, this is a fun men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles event.
Fantasy Adult Clinic with Tom Shimada, Van Der Meer Tennis, Shipyard, South Carolina, Phone: 800-645-6138
Former ATP Tour pro Tom Shimada, who had a Top 50 doubles ranking, joins Dr. Louie Cap and the Van der Meer staff for an advanced adult weekend emphasizing doubles. It begins Friday evening with welcome party and pro exhibition and continues with 9 hours of group clinics, live-ball drills, and match play on Saturday and Sunday. Packages include a free pair of Head tennis shoes and discounted room rates are available at the Sonesta Oceanfront Hotel adjacent to the tennis center. Limited to 24 participants. Phone 800-645-6138 for information and reservations.
©2016 Roger Cox