Tennis Resorts Online: Carmel Valley Ranch

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Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel, California

The Ranch is a 1,700-acre refuge six Center Court miles up the valley from the storybook town Carmel. Its 144 suites, all with fireplaces and outside decks, trail along the live oak-clad hillside made all the more appealing by bed after bed of petunias, zinnias, roses, poppies, iris, and snapdragons. This elevated perch overlooks the valley nine of a Pete Dye golf course. The tennis complex on the other hand, snared an 1890 farmhouse as a courtside cafe and fitness center, and it has a swimming pool and hot tub to go with its 12 hard and clay courts, bordered like the hotel by a Monetscape of flowers.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 831-626-2550

The history of the resort is written in the design of its tennis complex. At the core of this 12-court tennis complex is a sunken stadium bordered by beds of flowers. If it seems reminiscent of the sunken clubhouse court at La Quinta, it is because both resorts were originally developed by the now defunct Landmark Hotels & Resorts, which helped to inspire a renewed interest in the physical beauty of courts themselves. It didn't hurt to have an 1890s adobe farmhouse next door to use as a cafe, or another historic building for the fitness center.
Most of the courts are hard—this is California after all—however, two of the 12 are clay, both with subsurface watering, and one is Plexicushion, a type of carpet court.

Tennis Staff. Peter Burwash International pro Clark Corey has returned to Carmel Valley after a stint in Hawaii. He brings 35 years of experience worldwide to the programs. He is assisted by Rick Manning, whom many of you will remember from his days at the helm at the John Gardiner Tennis Ranches in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Carmel Valley.
Tennis Programs. Much of what takes place here is geared to the needs of the resort's 240 local members and to corporate groups, which are a staple of the hotel's business. However, having that stable to draw on means the staff can usually find you a worthy opponent if you need one—and if they fail, they'll provide a pro for you to hit with. Otherwise, there is a well-attended men's doubles round robin once a week, weekly group clinics, junior programs, and a variety of social and competitive events.
Courts Fees. $25/hour for resort guests, but included in tennis packages.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about Carmel Valley Ranch.

"My husband and I had a fantastic time at Carmel Valley Ranch. The tennis pros Rick Manning and Clark made sure our stay was filled with all the tennis our poor bodies could stand. With lessons in the morning,and a match in the afternoon. Both our games have improved! The landscape was immaculate and gorgeous! The shuttle service was prompt and friendly. We will come back next year!"—C.C., Adv. Int., September 2008

"Lovely resort with a wonderful tennis club and beautiful facilities. The tennis staff headed up by Rick Manning is beyond excellent. Daily clinics and games for all levels. Carmel Valley Resort makes for a wonderful family vacation and has both tennis and golf so everyone can be happy."—T.D., Int., August 2008

"Rick Manning was one of the best instructors we've ever had for our (juniors) sons!"—J.P., Int., August 2008

"Wonderful setting. Outstanding accomodation. Superb tennis instruction. Food - Main restaurant, so,so. The Ranch House Cafe was excellent. Good choice for the tennis enthusiast. A great experience. We will be back again."—S.Y., Int., August 2008

"Rick was a great, patient teacher. I've taken a lot of lessons and learned something new each of the three days I took a lesson. Once the resort refurbishes the rooms, the resort will be fantastic. Right now the golf, tennis, restaurant and decor in the lobby/restaurant is phenomenal; but the rooms are too old (70's) for the amount of money they are charging."—N.A., Low Int., June 2008

"Best lesson I ever had was with Rick. I got exactly what I hoped for from a lesson. The resort grounds are beautiful with wild turkey and deer. The rooms themselves are more in line with a mountain cabin experience than a fine hotel, if you go in expecting that it's very nice. The food we had was very good. overall very laid back and enjoyable. We did use the Nanny (Teri) she was great!"—C.K., Int., April 2008

"We have just returned from a week at Carmel Valley Ranch on the Tennis & Spa Package. The tennis was so outstanding, Clark & Rick are wonderful instructors that we never got a moment to sample the Spa! These 2 men are fun, informative and inspirational! I wish I could take a lesson with one of them every day."—H.B., Low Int., March 2008

"Carmel Valley Ranch's tennis facilities couldn't be more welcoming and beautiful. The staff are delightful and dedicated to make your stay enjoyable. My USTA team partner and I took individual lessons and combined lessons with Clark Corey and he arranged for us to play another team to assess our match play. We thoroughly enjoyed our two days but most importantly came away with stronger strokes and better doubles strategy. We will certainly be coming back for more."—A.N., Adv. Int., March 2008

"There are no weaknesses at this resort for the avid player and tennis nut. the facility is well layed out. courts play very true. the vista is one of kind as the property is nestled surrounded by the carmel valley foothills. truly unbelieveable. Rick Manning is the director and he is one of a kind. Very personable and an excellent instructor and motivator. Rick is exceptional at getting his clients to raise there game. You feel 10 feet tall when you come off the court after a hit with Rick Manning"—M.D., Adv., March 2008

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Other Recreation

Golf Course. Pete Dye designed the resort's 18-hole course in 1981. The front nine meanders along the Carmel River, but the back nine climbs into the forested upland, where holes 10-14 cling precariously to the hillsides and induce vertigo with drops as much as 350 feet from tee to green. To makes matters worse, heavy underbrush guard the margins of these back fairways. Length: 6,055-6,515 yards.

Fitness Center. The old farmhouse at the tennis courts contains a few pieces of workout equipment. Staff conducts daily power walks. Massages, facials, pedicures, and manicures (optionally in your room) are also available.

And ... Hiking trail lead into the Santa Lucia Mountains and horseback rides start nearby.

Children's Programs

What little there is in the way of children's programs are seasonal and geared more to locals than guests. There is a junior camp afternoons during July and August, but that too is mostly geared to locals, and another on-going program during the school year. The children of guests are welcome to participate.

Lodging

There are 144 suites in all, draped along the top of a ridge. Spacious and well appointed—sizes range from 800 to 1,200 square feet—they all have living areas with wood-burning fireplaces, wet bars, and a private library plus a separate bedroom whose bath has deep soaking tubs. The color scheme runs to sage green, wild rose, lavender, and soft grays. Both rooms open out onto an expansive outside decks (some of which have Jacuzzis). The older (ca. late 1970s), larger, and somewhat more private units trail along winding paths through stands of oak trees, which may somewhat obstruct their views of the valley, while the most recent (1998), while somewhat smaller, occupy terraces on an open hillside that gives them more expansive views. Whether old or new, these are some of the most supremely comfortable rooms anywhere.

Restaurants

The Oaks dining room at the hotel has a well-established reputation for serving superb California cuisine inspired by the produce of Carmel Valley itself, the fresh fish caught off the coast, and herbs from the resort's own gardens. I wasn't able to dine there on my last trip, however, so I hope some of you can provide recent reviews. Otherwise, the other options are the Golf Club Grill or light fare and sandwiches at the tennis clubhouse.

Travel Essentials

Seasons.Year-round though the best time to visit is from March through November.

Rates. See their web site for current rates.

Reservations:

Carmel Valley Ranch
One Old Ranch Rd.
Carmel, CA 93923
831-625-9500
Toll-free: 866-282-4745
Fax: 831-624-2858
Web Link: Carmel Valley Ranch

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Book Online: Carmel Valley Ranch

Travel Instructions. By Air: The nearest major airports are San Jose, 80 miles to the north and San Francisco, 117 miles north. However, there is also a small regional gateway in Monterey Peninsula Airport, 13 miles from the resort. By Car: From San Francisco or San Jose, take Hwy. 101 South to the Monterey Peninsula Exit and Hwy. 156 West. Follow Hwy. 156 or Hwy. 1 South to Carmel Valley Road. Turn left and continue for 6½ miles to Robinson Canyon Road. Turn right and that leads to the resort entrance.

General Tourist Information. Visit the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau web site or contact them at P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942. Phone: 877-MONTEREY.