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Off the top of my head, I can't think of
another tennis resort that offers an "Early Bird" drill session at 6 a.m. during the week. But in an era when people frequently head for their health club before going to work, it makes perfect sense to provide the alternative of a tennis workout instead. So tennis director John Mullman added one because he not only has members who want to be able to get their tennis in that early but also hotel conference guests, whose only opportunity comes before the day's meetings begin.
Granted, if you've come to the Four Seasons Resort and Club on vacation, you're probably not about to get up at 6 a.m. for anything. But the mere fact that something is available at that odd hour suggests how responsive Mullman and his staff are to the needs of members and hotel guests. And at that early hour, Mullman himself is often one of the pros awake and on court helping jumpstart the players' days.
Although the Four Seasons Resort and Club is better known for its golf, thanks to having an 18-hole Tournament Players Club golf course and hosting the annual Byron Nelson Classic, it also has the largest tennis complex of any of the Four Seasons resorts. That includes eight outdoor hard courts, one of them a sunken stadium, and four newly resurfaced (August 2006) indoor courts. Those indoor courts are part of a Walmart-sized 176,000-square-foot Sports Club.
Enclosed in dimpled, peach-hued blond brick, this vast space embraces not only those four indoor courts but also an expansive fitness center, a saltwater lap pool, a running track, squash and racquetball courts, the golf and tennis pro shops, and a members-only restaurant and lounge. Tennis players get their own cafe, Racquets, which overlooks the indoor courts, serves lighter fare and smoothies, and whenever possible tunes its televisions to tennis events. Blond wood paneling, broad carpeted hallways and decorative oriental vases give the club a Dallas-inspired panache throughout. Just outside there is a children's play area adjacent to the family swimming pool, and between the Sports Club and the hotel runs the subterranean spa, with its own swimming pool on the roof.
Pro Shop: 972-717-0700
Having both indoor and outdoor courts to work with gives this Four Seasons options when it comes to tennis programming. At the same time it has to balance the needs of members with those of social and conference guests. For tennis director John Mullman the key has been to integrate resort guests into the ongoing programs for members.
Tennis Staff. With more than two decades of teaching experience—half of it here at the Four Seasons—Mullman has carpentered together a varied program. In addition to those "Early Birds" workouts, there are evening drill sessions, weekly clinics, Saturday morning group play, studious game matching, and the option to substitute in leagues. His staff specializes in tailor-making long weekend events for tennis groups and teams.
Mullman is part of a strong team that includes U.S. Open doubles quarter finalist Brent Haygarth, four-time Scottish No. 1 Robin Scott, and former India Davis Cup player Fazaluddin Syed. And WTA Tour professional Tara Snyder also occasionally drops by, sometimes helping with clinics or giving exhibitions. In an annual survey of members, the tennis staff ranks higher than any other Sports Club department, for the quality of instruction, level of service, and value for dollar.
Courts & Fees. 12 hard courts (all individually lighted), 4 of them indoors. Four the outdoor courts have now been resurfaced in U.S. Open blue.
Golf Courses. There are two 18-hole championships golf courses at the Four Seasons Resort and Club and a Byron Nelson Golf School
The Tournament Player's Course Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas: Designed by Jay Moorish in consultation with Byron Nelson and Ben Crenshaw, this 7,009-yard course is home to the annual PGA Tour EDS Byron Nelson Championship. The legendary Donald Ross designed this first of the Broadmoor's courses in 1918 and it was later redesigned by Robert Trent Jones. It remains the most forgiving
Cottonwood Valley Course: Designed by Robert Trent Jones and Jay Moorish this Par 71, 6,862-yard course is available exclusively to Sports Club members. Its No. 1 green is shaped like the state of Texas, with a sand bunker in the shape of Oklahoma.
Spa & Fitness Center. Thoroughly remodeled in 2004, the spa retains its Zen-like atmosphere but has been completely modernized. There is a salon adjacent to the larger women's spa area, while both locker rooms have electronic key lockers, dray saunas, steam rooms, heated whirlpools, and cold plunges. Spa dining is available in the relaxation area of both the men's and women's areas. The Fitness Center encompasses some 6,000-square-feet of the Sports Club, where it has a full array of Nautilus and Body Master equipment; a forest of Stairmasters, exercycles and other cardio equipment; free weights, indoor and outdoor jogging tracks, indoor and outdoor lap pools, and a full schedule of free exercise classes (aerobics, yoga, Pilates, water aerobics). Personal training and nutritional counseling are also offered.
And ... There are two squash and four racquetball courts, half a basketball court, several sports studios (for Tae Kwon Do and gymnastics among other activities), a child-care center,
During the summer, this Four Seasons runs a "Kids For All Seasons" program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for children ages 5 to 13. In addition, the Sports Club schedules a wide-ranging array of recreation and classes for kids as young as 2 years old as part of its "Summerfest" series. That includes junior tennis camps and classes on selected dates as well as swimming, golf, racquetball and squash, and fitness classes. During the rest of the year the Sports Club offers weekend and after-school tennis programs for everyone from "Mini Marvels" (3-5 year olds) to "Elite" (advanced/tournament players). Children of hotel guests can easily be integrated into these sessions.
The main nine-story hotel has 307 rooms, in blue, gold and red color schemes and slightly formal dark woods. Most have views of the serpentine swimming pool or golf course. In addition there are ninety villas to the north and south of the hotel along the golf fairways.
The main dining option in the hotel is Cafe on the Green, a handsome semi-circular room with an elegant Asian feel and New American cuisine with an Asian flair.
Among the other top tennis resorts with this Four Seasons' style are:
There are several categories of rooms. The following rates are for lodging only exclusive of taxes and service charges.
Jan. 1, 2008--Dec. 31, 2009
Rooms, from $340. Weekends/Holidays: from $230
Travel Instructions. The resort is 7 miles from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
General Tourist Information. Visit the Texas web site or contact them at 800-888-8TEX.