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Here's what others have had to say about Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa and New England Tennis Holidays at Essex Resort & Spa.
"Tres bonne école de tennis. Les pros étaient tres attentifs et ont offert de tres bons conseils. Les classes sont toutefois tres axées sur le jeu en double. La nourriture était très bonne. Nous y retournons depuis trois ans et apprécions toujours autant le sejour"—J.G., Int., June 2009
"This camp is recommended primarily for the quality of the tennis instruction rather than the complete vacation package. For those serious tennis players who are keen on taking their game up a notch to the next level, they will not be disappointed. The pros were very perceptive in
knowing how to zero in on each player's individual quirks and problems affecting their mechanics. They were extremely patient until a player would get a technique right and were good listeners.
The resort itself was nothing exceptional and
its main drawback is the remote location, within
walking distance of just about nothing of interest. There really wasn't all that much available to do by way of activity once the tennis was done.
The dining room surprised us with supplementary costs for several items on the breakfast as well as dinner menus.
The meals were described by the tennis program
as fully included in the vacation package rate and no mention was made of exclusions (except for drinks) and extra charges, so the facts were
somewhat mis-represented on the web-site description as well as the e-mailed confirmation.
For the considerable price of the package one would expect a free choice from the menu without
further surprises.
Fortunately the professionalism of the pros more than made up for these shortcomings and I would definitely try this camp again."—J.R., Int., April 2009
"Had a great time. Staff was attentive, accomodations were clean and comfortable and I certainly recommend the food and outstanding wine selection."—T.B., Int., April 2009
"Instruction is comfortable, though more attention is needed for advanced players. Meals are quite good and the resort is clean and well maintained. They need to give tee shirts (high quality) to attendees. I would say that overall it worth the trip; hopefully, however, they will attend to my recommendations!"—M.G., Adv. Int., April 2009
"Great program! Had all the essentials and drills that a tennis player needs.Would like to participate in a similar program closer to the New york City area."—F.S., Adv. Int., April 2009
"Great pro staff! Worked with everyone and made us feel good about our tennis (even if our tennis was not wonderful).
Beautiful surroundings. Excellent accommodations including (!) the food.
Negative: weather - rainy, and the indoor courts for alternative play were pretty bad - noisy, bad surface, etc. We were there in mid-June which could be a rainy time???"—P.S., Adv. Int., April 2009
"It's the single best tennis camp I've attended. Lots of fun and just a few things to work on, over five days. I enjoy tennis more back home because of it. I can't think of any weaknesses."—E.C., Int., April 2009
"Loved this camp! Learned so much and the facilities are top notch."—D.R., Low Int., April 2009
"New England Tennis Holidays at Essex Resort & Spa is really an outstanding resort with excellent tennis pros who are very kind and sympathetics. The pros over there put you on the group of similar levels and there is a different topic every days and the nice things is that some of the lessons are filmed and reviewed with comments from the pros.
I will recommed for all the players (from the beginners to advanced players) who want to learn something and enjoying playing tennis."—H.C., Adv., April 2009
"I love this tennis camp so much that my friends and I will be returning for the 6th time this summer. The outdoor setting is A+. The pros are all A+ ... lots of feedback, lots of personal attention. Very nice pros. Video review of your technique each day. Whatever levels of players have come to our sessions, the pros have done a great job working out the groups. Very fun time.
And then there are the meals to look forward to ... 2 restaurants in the Inn by the New England Culinary Institute. Nice menus. Good wine lists. This is not a buffet-line kind of camp.
After tennis you have more activities to choose from if you still have energy. We usually mull over our choices while we sit with homemade cookies and lemonade in the Inn's lobby... you can always play more tennis, but you can also take a cooking class (very nice test kitchen), head to the pool, take an excursion into Burlington, go outlet shopping, and now you can go to the spa. Last year there was fly fishing and I'm sure lots more that we just haven't had time for. Or more tennis.
Nice colorful decor (not what you would expect in northern New England). I really can't think of a weakness. Airport 10 min away. Bring your flip flops, this is New England and it is lovely. We look forward to using the new spa this summer!"—A.C., Int., April 2009
"I had a great time at the Tennis camp at Essex. The pros were friendly and positive and the instruction was great."—M.J., Adv. Int., April 2009
"I think the New England Tennis Holidays wa sa great experience becuase you had 5 hours of intense tennis, taping, and analysis of mouvement."—K.T., Low Int., April 2009
Any addition to the tennis 
landscape is cause for celebration, but when the tennis-playing owners of the elegant Essex Resort & Spa 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 gas-log 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.
The Inn itself has continued to add features. A 21,000-square-foot spa will open in May 2009, so tennis players who overdo it will now have just be steps away from relief, whether that means a massage, facial, or body treatment or simply relaxing in the sauna or steam rooms. The complex also includes a 25-yard indoor heated swimming pool with a heated Jacuzzi on its outdoor terrace and a complete fitness center with weight and cardio equipment and a selection of classes. Overseeing this and the rest of the recreation is John Morris, whom many of you will know from his stints with All American Sports (OK, you need a long memory for that), Amelia Island Plantation, and most recently WaterColor Inn & Resort.
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 breakfast and lunch (with an option to add on dinners). 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.
Courts & Fees. There are six Har-Tru courts. Court fees: None for participants.
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.
Spa & Fitness Center. A two-story, 21,000-square-foot spa opens in May 2009. Plans call for treatment rooms, lockers with sauna and steam, men's and women's relaxation rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, and outdoor Jacuzzi as well as a full-featured fitness center containing strength-training equipment, treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, and a selection of free weights.
And ... During the summer, there is a heated outdoor swimming pool and volleyball court.
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.
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. With the opening of the spa, the culinary team will be adding spa options to the menus as well.
Aug. 27-30, 2009: Fantasy Weekend with Mats Wilander
Phone: 800-869-0949
Seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander and French Open finalist and two-time Intercollegiate champion Mikael Pernfors join the New England Tennis Holidays staff for a long weekend of clinics, exhibitions, and socializing.
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:
Packages with 5 hours/day of tennis, breakfast and lunch daiy, unlimited court time, taxes, and dining gratuities. The rates quoted below are per person, double occupancy and include taxes and dining gratuities. Packages with dinner are also available. See their website for details about other packages and specials as well as single-occupancy rates.
May 21-June 24, 2009
Double occupancy (per person): 2-day, $569. 3-day: $839. 5-day, $1,249.
June 25-Sept. 27, 2009
Double occupancy (per person): 2-day, $589. 3-day: $859. 5-day, $1,269.
Tennis Only
2 days, $299. 3 days, $439. 5 days, $679.
Reservations:
Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & SpaSeasons. The Inn is open year round; however, the tennis season runs from late May to mid September
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 Essex Resort & Spa 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).