Any addition to the tennis landscape is cause for celebration, but when the tennis-playing owners of the elegant Inn at Essex decided to join the tennis family in 2004, they not only laid out six new Har-Tru courts but also brought in the highly respected New England Tennis Holidays to run full-fledged camp programs. It's already turned out to be a happy marriage. New England Tennis Holidays installed two seasoned pros—Rob Barr and Anders Lundberg—to oversee the programs, and campers bed down in spacious rooms—some with gaslog stoves, whirlpool baths, or even kitchenettes—and dine on the cuisine of students of the New England Culinary Institute, which is based at the inn.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 802-878-1100

Located five miles from Burlington between the Green Mountains and the shores of Lake Champlain, the Inn has six Har-Tru courts built specifically to accommodate the NETH program. Here, as in New Hampshire, the camp runs 5 hours a day and includes all meals. Its directors and staff bring experience and a love of the game to the session. Barr coaches members of the Thai Davis Cup team, including the twins Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana (he formerly lived in Bangkok during part of the year). Lundberg coaches in Boston and has ranked as the No. 1 Men's 40 and over and 45 and Over champion in his native Sweden. Their well thought out curriculum can satisfy both those who want and need technical instruction and those who thrill to live-action, competitive drills.
If you stay here without taking the NETH program, your only option will be to play once camp finishes (or during if courts are available) or take private lessons once the camp finishes. A local pro may be available in the spring before NETH starts and in the fall once it finishes.

Courts & Fees. There are six Har-Tru courts. Court fees: None for participants.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about Inn at Essex and New England Tennis Holidays at the Inn at Essex.

• "My husband and I spent a wonderful three days of fantastic tennis and great food. NETH Essex is a perfect combination of a tennis camp and romantic get-a-way. The Pros, Rob and Dave, have complementary styles and gave individualized attention to skill and strategy. I would highly recommend and we are planning on returning with friends this fall."—M.C., Int., June 2008

• "The 3 days I spent at this tennis camp were great! The instructors are patient, fun, and very talented; great for all levels. I improved my game everyday, and so did the other guests. Rob and Dave made the experience one I will never forget, and in fact, everyone in my group said they would return to this camp again! The Inn is a comfortable place to stay, w/wonderful food."—R.T., Int., June 2008

• "My sister and I attend our first tennis camp at the Inn at Essex and it was TREMENDOUS! Our coaches, Rob and Dave were skilled instructors - very knowledgeable! We met some new friends and learned many new skills to practice when we return home. We enjoyed our stay immensely and plan to return in the coming years! Thanks again to Rob and Dave :)"—C.T., Int., May 2008

• "My husband and I just finished five days at the Inn at Essex. It was great instruction (Rob is awesome for all tennis levels; he and Dave made a fun team), unbelieveable meals (the inn is a gourmet cooking school), and every day was informational, a great workout, and lots of fun. I have only GREAT things to say about our tennis vacation."—E.C., Int., May 2008

• "I loved the personal, family feeling at this resort. What a plus having cocktails with the owners at their home."—A.W., Adv., April 2008

• "My friend and I spent an enjoyable weekend at the Essex school. We were a bit intimidated at first, but the pros expertly placed everyone into groups of similar abilities. We had a great time, laughed a lot and learned so much. We stayed off site, but regret that, as the Inn is really a wonderful place. Hope to return again next year."—S.B., Low Int., April 2008

• "My wife and I had a fantastic week at NETH last August. Due to the small size of the class, the pros were flexible and structured the program to suit our individual needs. The pro staff were gifted and caring instructors, making minor adjustments to our games that really made us play better. We left with improved technique and a much better understanding of how to compete. In addition, The Inn is such a wonderful oasis, with great food and a wonderful attentive staff. We will return again, this time with friends."—S.B., Int., April 2008

• "I had a ball at Essex, and the instruction by Rob Barr was excellent. He gave me the tools to improve my game to the next level. I'm coming back! It was a great vacation."—M.B., Adv., April 2008

• "i I took a chance and changed my tennis vacation to the New England Tennis Holidays camp in Essex Vermont as I had some business in Burlington. It turned out to be a terrific experience. Great food (understatement), picture perfect weather, "postcard views and accommendations", and did I mention my tennis kicked up awhole level."—R.D., Int., March 2008

• "Delightful 2, 3 or 5 days of tennis. Group lessons with good ratio and instructors that are skilled and friendly. This is non-judgmental atmosphere which enhances learning."—M.P., Int., March 2008

• "Everything was actually perfect! We were there a week with friends. We played tennis 5-6 hours a day. There was a coach for every 4-5 players. We were video taped everyday on all aspects of our game, these were reviewed and corrections were made. The Inn at Essex is much more than you would expect connected to a tennis camp.We had a room with a fireplce and all the meals were execellent. We'll all be back in August!"—T.S., Adv. Int., February 2008

• "We attended tennis camp with six of our team members. We were impressed with our accomodations and had a large well appointed room. Meals were outstanding. We received a full five hours per day of tennis instruction which was done in small groups according to skill level. The instructors were highly skilled, individualized instruction where appropriate, and supportive. Everyone in our group was pleased. We have already booked for this year and have added 7 more team members who heard about our experince at the camp."—C.K., Int., February 2008

Other Recreation

Golf Courses. The Inn recently added the Links at Lang Farm, a 4,100-yard, par-60 course with a full practice facility and a clubhouse. Each of its 18 holes has multiple tees to accommodate golfers of differing abilities. Play there is limited to six tee times per hour, two of which are reserved for inn guests. In addition, the Inn can make arrangements for guests to play at local courses, including the Vermont National Country Club, the only New England course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Fitness Center. There is a tiny exercise room at the inn and guests also have access to the Racquet's Edge Health Club in nearby Essex Junction.

And ... During the summer, there is a heated outdoor swimming pool and volleyball court.

Lodging

The inn has 120 rooms and suites. Nearly half have Vermont hearthstone stoves or fireplaces. Each is individually decorated. All have been recently renovated with the help of Vermont artist Susan Sargent.

Restaurants

The staff of the New England Culinary Institute and their students prepare classic dishes for the menu at Butler's Restaurant at the Inn. There's also a Tavern where guests gather before and after dining.

See Also

If you're looking for an all-day tennis camp with lots of social atmosphere, also check out New England Tennis Holiday's other venue in New Hampshire or any of the following:

• Nike Amherst Tennis Camp, Massachusetts Summer only
• John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, Texas
• Total Tennis, New York Liveliest summer and early fall

Travel Essentials

Seasons. The Inn is open year round; however, the tennis season runs from late May to mid September

Rates.

Reservations:

Inn at Essex
70 Essex Way
Essex, VT 05452
802-878-1100
Toll-free: 800-727-4295
Fax: 802-878-0063
Web Link: The Inn at Essex

NEW!

Book Online: The Inn at Essex

New England Tennis Holidays at the Inn at Essex
70 Essex Way
Essex, VT 05452
603-356-9696
Toll-free: 800-869-0949
Web Link: New England Tennis Holidays at the Inn at Essex

Travel Instructions. The newly renovated and expanded Burlington International Airport has direct jet service from Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Newark, New York and Boston. Major carriers include American, Business Express, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, United, and US Airways. Major car rental agencies are located in the terminal itself. Upon request, The Inn at Essex provides complimentary shuttle service.
To reach the Inn from the airport, take a left out of the terminal onto Airport Drive. Travel ½ mile to Williston Road, turn left and continue for 1.7 miles to Industrial Avenue (first set of lights). Turn left for 1.5 miles to the next light. Turn left again onto Route 2A North for 4.5 miles to a 5-way intersection in Essex Junction. Bear right onto Route 15 East For 1.5 miles to VT 289 East. Immediately take Exit IO. Essex Way. Turn Right. The Inn is ¼ mile on the left.

General Tourist Information. for general information about travel in Vermont, visit the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing web site or contact them at 6 Baldwin Street, Drawer 33, Montpelier, VT 05633-1301; Phone 800-VERMONT (800-837-6668).

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