Court Fees: What's Fair?
I have long been a champion of not having to pay court fees on a resort vacation because I don't think avid players like the idea of a meter running whenever they step on court. I'm not necessarily saying that court fees have to be free—though that's the ideal—but guests should have the option of booking a tennis package that includes court fees so that anyone planning to play more than an hour a day can do so without running up their bill.
Still tennis centers are expected to be profit centers, and court fees are certainly one source of profit. But how much is reasonable? I've recently seen fees as high as $50/hour—on a hard court, no less—which seem exorbitant to me. But what do you think? Let me know by posting your opinion on the Tennis Resorts Online blog page, and then take the following poll on what you're willing to pay. It will automatically update to show the percentage of people voting for each category.
How much are you willing to pay for court time at a tennis resort? |
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Win a Saddlebrook Junior Camp
Saddlebrook International Tennis in Wesley Chapel, FL wants to encourage more reviews not only of its own ongoing junior camp but of junior camps all across the country. As an incentive to file a report, it is offering a Saddlebrook junior camp as a prize. The 6-day/5-night award comprises 5+ hours of daily tennis instruction, shared lodging in a junior suite, and three meals daily. To be eligible either rate yours or your child's experience of a Saddlebrook junior camp at Rate Saddlebrook's Junior Camp or if you're rating a different junior camp visit the Saddlebrook junior page on this site for instructions. The camp will be awarded on May 1, 2015. Also, check out Saddlebrook's special offers on both adult and junior camps.
How To Sweep a Clay Court
On a recent visit to the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland for a Roy Emerson Tennis Week, I came across this sign showing how to sweep a tennis court and brush the lines. Does anyone have a more efficient method? If so, post them on Tennis Resorts Online's blog.
©Roger Cox
©Roger Cox
Exclusive Packages and Specials
Discounts, room upgrades, and special packages only available on Tennis Resorts Online.
Dave Marshall Tennis, Delaware
Exclusive Weekend Specials
From now through December, Dave Marshall has two special weekend (Friday-Sunday) packages exclusively for Tennis Resorts Online readers. 
"Singles Spectacular": a weekend clinic for one with 8 hours of instruction, match play, a tournament, and lodging in a 1-bedroom condo. Cost: $600. "Double the Fun": a weekend clinic for two with 8 hours of instruction, match play, a tournament, and lodging in a 2-bedroom condo. Cost: $850. To book, phone Dave Marshall at 302-645-0713 and tell him you want the "Tennis Resorts Online special."
Resort at Longboat Key Club, Florida
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.
John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, Texas
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.
Julian Krinsky School of Tennis, Pennsylvania (Juniors)
JKCP Special: Save on Jr. Packages
Tennis Resorts Online has secured a discount of $250* off residential and $100 off day* bookings on any tennis camp you book at the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis. To get it, email imagine@jkcp.com or apply online at http://www.jkcp.com and use one of these codes: for Residential camps, TRORES2015, and for day camps, TRODAY2015.
Not sure what you want? Send an online brochure request.
*Note: May not be combined with other discounts.
Saddlebrook Tennis (Hopman), Florida
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
Saddlebrook Junior Tennis (Hopman), Florida (Juniors)
Saddlebrook Summer Junior Camp Bonus Menu
Book any full-week junior summer camp at Florida's Saddlebook Resort and your son or daughter can choose from a menu of free add-ons to supplement their program 5-day/6-night their program. In addition to up to 5 hours a day of intensive training and competition, your child can opt for any one of the following:
- Half-hour private tennis lesson
- On-half hour off-court fitness assessment
- Free restringing of one racquet upon arrival
Please call Saddlebrook resort for details at 800.729.8383 x4200 and tell reservations you want the "Tennis Resorts Online Summer Junior Camp Special."
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 the two tennis vacations we're giving away: Saddlebrook International Tennis and TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort by Wyndham, both in Florida, and New England Tennis Holidays at Sugarbush, in Vermont.
Here's a sample of recent critiques of the top resorts and camps by other vacationers, followed by a link where you can post your own.
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Rancho Valencia, California
"It's a beautiful resort! Small and intimate feeling. They set my husband and I up with mixed doubles games and they had clinic instruction also. They would have fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh fruit for us. You feel so pampered! The downside is that the rooms are very expensive...we've been there a couple of times for special occasions...we wish we could go more often."—A.M., Adv., February 2015
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Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands
"My fiancee and I spent an amazing week at Little Dix Bay. The water, beach and cuisine is our favorite of all caribbean destinations we've visited - the tennis courts, and instruction with Leon Patchett, far exceeded my expectations."—E.G., Adv. Int., November 2014
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IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis Program, Florida
"I am 26 and I've been playing for a little over 4 years now I just attended the 5-day adult program in February and I was throughly impressed with the entire experience. It was the perfect 5-day getaway to just hit balls and escape the winter in Canada. The instructors Jimmy, Roger and Enrique really helped my game. They were spot on with feedback and were really encouraging over the 5 days. The 6+ hours of hitting a day gives you enough time to work on a goal over and over again - I decided on the first day I needed to stay on the ground and I think I achieved that. I even had a group lesson with Mr. Bollettieri himself, and it was probably the best group lesson of my life - and it came with a video. Yes, it's expensive, but definitely an experience to remember. Would recommend staying in the clubhouse on the grounds and getting a breakfast and dinner meal plan (lunch is included with the 5-day program). I also had a driver from and to the airport so that was more convenient as well."—D.K., Int., March 2015
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Wintergreen Tennis Academy, Virginia
"This is a great program in a beautiful location. Coming up the mountain on a brutal summer day, you rapidly feel the temperature drop and the day turn to perfect tennis weather. There are plenty of har-tru courts surrounded by large pines. The setting makes this first class, but the instruction is excellent, too. The staff teaches strokes and strategy equally well."—S.W., Adv. Int., February 2015
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Hawk's Cay Resort, Florida
"We had 5 kids do a lesson with tennis pro Michael stedronsky. All the kids had such a great experience. The lesson was at the end of the day and Michael was full of enthusiasm and energy. The only regret we have is not signing up the first day so they could have more lessons. Highly recommend."—P.W., Adv. Int., February 2015
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
A Northern California Tennis Odyssey
Big Island's Kohala Coast: Where Hawaiian Royalty Vacationed
Soaring Above Phoenix, Arizona
Update on Florida's Alluring Panhandle
indicates a tournament