One of the nation’s longest-running camps, Total Tennis originally launched in 1978 at the Williston-Northampton School in Massachusetts before moving to a year-round location in Saugerties, New York in 1997. Set on 73 wooded acres, just over 100 miles from New York City, this 25-court facility is at once a tranquil retreat and a magnet for avid tennis players drawn by the five-hour-a-day programs, sumptuous meals prepared by a CIA-trained chef focused on local ingredients, and convivial atmosphere.
A rustic main lodge anchors the property. Check-in formalities take place there just off a large great room with a fireplace, baby grand piano, lots of sofas and chairs, and a bar open late afternoons. There’s also a modest pro shop, a game room and library, a TV room, and an expansive dining room furnished with large picnic tables, the better to encourage making new friends over dinner. Tennis art decorates the public spaces and rooms.
Those rooms, 43 in all, are scattered through the lodge and six cabins, and until recently these accommodations were, let’s call them, “basic.” Renovations in 2018, however, upgraded roughly three-quarters of the rooms, fitting them out with new furnishings, hardwood floors, and redone baths (the remaining quarter, now classified as “retro”, rent for less). About the same time, a new swimming pool and deck was constructed between “The Barn” (more about that later) and the five indoor courts, the latter with a cushioned surface and bright LED lighting. WiFi is now available throughout the rooms and public spaces, one more amenity to go along with the hot tub, day spa, fitness center, game room (in The Barn), and outdoor tennis, pickleball, and paddle tennis courts. And though you might not expect it, the property is beautifully landscaped, with towering trees and beds of flowers and shrubs.
Total Tennis founder Ed Fondiller is using those enhancements as a springboard to launch the 73-acre property as a resort, calling it Kaatsbaan Lodge. “The idea is to lure people up to take a lesson or clinic, or hit on an open court, and then go hiking, biking, or rafting,” he told me. “Although we’re still a committed tennis camp, we’re no longer talking about just tennis. They can stay here, take advantage of the amenities and meals, and then use it as a base to explore the Hudson Valley and historic towns like Saugerties and Woodstock. We are really looking for ways to maximize the potential of this place, particularly in the summer.”
My experience with Total Tennis originally dates to its days at Williston-Northampton School. If the five-hour-a-day program persists from that era, the clientele now sport more arm sleeves and knee and ankle braces. On my last visit to Saugerties, I heard several campers, drawing presumably on past experience, already thinking ahead to how tired and sore they expected to be in a few days and scrambling to book time with the massage therapist. Five hours a day is demanding even on the red clay and artificial clay where much of the teaching takes place. Fondiller still strives to keep a student:pro ratio at 4:1. That assures more personal attention but at the same time ratchets up the number of balls you’ll hit in the course of the day. Such in the nature of his tennis-hungry clientele, however, that I saw four women who no sooner arrived than they donned tennis clothes and headed to the courts—never mind the rigorous schedule that lay ahead of them the next day. And although I wasn’t around to see it, my guess is they also took part in the optional round robin that takes place on Mondays and Saturdays—that’s after having put in five hours on court.
The tennis aside, Total Tennis has also always been about the camaraderie. Group dinners help foster it. So do the swimming pool and hot tub. On weekends, when crowds are larger, there’s often a DJ and dance music in the barn. That said, there’s not much that goes on there at night. Maybe catch some TV in the barn (there are no TVs or radios in the rooms); more likely, catch up and reading and, now that there’s good WiFi, social media.
Tennis Programs. Fondiller adopts a simple approach to his camp: “I try to keep it laid back and relaxed,” he told me. “I want to keep tennis in perspective. If you’re not out there having fun, you shouldn’t be playing.” He himself makes a a point to be on hand at the start of every weekend and midweek camp, introducing the program and helping to sort campers into compatible groups and pairing them with an instructor (campers generally work with the same pro throughout their stay). But the daily instruction—and ½-hour private lessons that are part of every package—he now leaves to his stable of experienced pros, headed by Saif Syed and Devarshi “Bubla” Mitra, who have been with him for 15 and 20 years respectively. All of them take their cue from Fondiller and keep the atmosphere light. Despite its 5-plus-hour-a-day format, this is not a boot camp.
Talk to any of the camp regulars, and the comment you hear over and over again is that they like the people who attend. The recidivism rate is high, so people frequently run into campers they’d met on previous visits. It is not unusual for 75 or more people to show up for a weekend camp.
Weekenders are almost exclusively adults, but midweek during the summer Total Tennis also offers options for juniors ages 6 to 17. When kids and parents come together, the juniors can take part in a summer camp that bundles tennis in the morning with other activities in the afternoon leaving parents free to indulge their passion for tennis without having to worry about their children.
Court Complex: There are 25 courts altogether: 11 red clay, 12 hard (5 of them indoors), and two artificial clay.
Caveat: Any program that puts you with the same pro throughout the week risks the occasional personality conflict. If you’re not happy, my advice is to ask to be switched, even if that means having to join a group of players above or below your level.
Off Court
Golf Courses: Although there is no golf course at the camp, there is one 18-hole course just up the road.
Spa & Fitness Center: A day spa, with six treatment rooms, makes a variety of massages available to campers and other guests. There is also a modest fitness center in a long, narrow room in the building that houses the indoor courts It has several pieces of Cardio equipment as well as multisport stations.
The camp has a recreational swimming pool open during the summer and fall, as well as a year-round hot tub.
Accommodations
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, however the outdoor season runs from mid May to mid October. During the winter most people come for weekends or long weekends.
Travel Instructions: By Air: The nearest major airport is Albany, 47 miles to the north. By Car: Total Tennis is three miles from Exit 20 off the New York State Thruway. That puts it roughly 100 miles north of New York City. By Bus: Several bus lines connect New York City with Saugerties. You can phone from the drop-off point and someone from Total Tennis will pick you up. By Rail: The nearest Amtrak station is Rhinecliff, New York.
We participated in the Platform Tennis program. The Lodge is exactly that, a Lodge. Clean, somewhat renovated, in the woods, beautiful location. It’s rustic which is what we expected. Nice size double rooms. Food is excellent, well prepared, healthy options, delicious. We ran into problems with one of the Paddle tennis pros…extraordinarily negative and demotivating. I’ve never experienced that in 30 years of racquet sports. He was terrible to us. And that’s why we were there as a team. The other pro was great. Anyway, just wanted to provide that feedback because it was a bad experience.
KT
Excellent food. Welcoming and knowledgeable staff. The staff stayed late to welcome us in on our first night and saved dinner for us. The tennis was great. Loved the instructors. The accommodations were a bit rustic. The bed was incredibly uncomfortable. There were bugs in the room. Bathroom was very small.
JD
We just returned to Total Tennis for a third time. We have 2 children and we all love visiting. The grounds are beautiful and serene. The rooms have been completely renovated since our last stay. While they are basic, they are very clean and comfortable. The resort now has free WiFi but I love that there are no TVs in the room because it really fosters socializing as a family and with other guests in the meeting areas. All meals are included and served buffet style. There are healthy options and everything is fresh and delicious. Total Tennis also cares about the environment by composting, organic gardening and solar panels. The tennis instruction is delivered based on your level as in our family we range from very beginner to advanced. The instructors are helpful and staff very accommodating. While we had our lessons separately for four hours per day, we had lots of time together, like in the new hot tub. The pool area is also new, but only open in the summer. Our daughter literally cries each time we have to leave, but we’ll be back again.
JD
We just returned to Total Tennis for a third time. We have 2 children and we all love visiting. The grounds are beautiful and serene. The rooms have been completely renovated since our last stay. While they are basic, they are very clean and comfortable. The resort now has free WiFi but I love that there are no TVs in the room because it really fosters socializing as a family and with other guests in the meeting areas. All meals are included and served buffet style. There are healthy options and everything is fresh and delicious. Total Tennis also cares about the environment by composting, organic gardening and solar panels. The tennis instruction is delivered based on your level as in our family we range from very beginner to advanced. The instructors are helpful and staff very accommodating. While we had our lessons separately for four hours per day, we had lots of time together, like in the new hot tub. The pool area is also new, but only open in the summer. Our daughter literally cries each time we have to leave, but we’ll be back again.
CC
What a perfect ladies weekend getaway at the end of winter or early spring when it is still too cold to play tennis outdoors. Maybe you can be lucky enough(as we were) to pick a warm sunny weekend in April to have our private lesson OUTDOORS! Our pros were entertaining when they weren’t assisting in correcting our strokes.The indoor courts were tops. The meals were again scrumptious. When our bodies were aching, we dashed to the hot tub for relief. Lastly, it was such a pleasure to spend social time with each other- women of all ages who love tennis…and life.
LM
The tennis is fun. The lessons which are included are plenty of tennis. I was exhausted at the end of the day. The food was very good but I am not picky. The lodging is just fine. I spent most of my time out of the room. We played games in the lodge at night. I think that Total Tennis is a great value for a tennis vacation. I have been going for about 6 years.
DH
It is a GREAT place to come together with old friends to play a lot of great tennis. Instructors are fun and energetic. They concentrate on your weaknesses or allow you to just practice depending on what you want. The food is to die for!! Fresh Farm to table, amazing choices and we all rave about the selection of wines and desserts as well. Ed is the owner and he is a bit quirky but lovable non the less. I highly recommend grabbing a few friends and hitting the courts. The rooms have all been redone and they are amazing. The new pool is now centrally located and feels great after a long hot day in the sun.
PM
If you like an affordable, intensive tennis weekend experience close to Albany and not far from NYC-Metro area, this is a sure bet. The pro staff are excellent, and there is high retention, so the same pros are instructing us year after year, and get to know what we need to work on. The lodgings have all been recently renovated, the food is abundant and great, and overall the experience is so much fun for groups! What it is NOT – not great for solo campers, not great for anyone looking for any kind of night life, not great for a romantic getaway, not great for someone looking for uber-luxe accommodations.
CR
Love this place, great tennis, food and players. Recently renovated new pool area – terrific
FS
Excellent all around! Will be back this year
LV
Overall great tennis camp….food is excellent, accommodations are adequate, tennis instructors are very good. You stay with the same instructor for the duration of your stay which could be a problem if you get one you don’t care for. Quiet, peaceful area in upstate NY
TF
I love total tennis – great instruction, great food, all of the rooms have been renovated in the past two or three years, and best of all it is a warm and welcoming place.
DP
Great place! Great instruction! Great food! Great bang for your buck. Great view!
SW
I have been returning to this tennis resort at least annually for over fifteen years and even though I have always been enchanted by the high level of instruction, the sense of unity, camaraderie,and friendliness among the campers, (most of whom, like me, are return customers), and the great food, the biggest problems used to be the lack of anything to do beside tennis and the threadbare hotel rooms. While the former has been somewhat relieved by a new swimming pool, there really isn’t much to do in Saigerties. This is especially true since such a large number of guests are from NYC, making the contrast worse. However, the remodeling of the rooms has gone a long way towards improving the overall experience. Also, while the instruction is a little better for intermediate and advanced than for beginners, I believe that this too is changing.
BW
Spent last weekend on the recently renovated courts at Total Tennis, just a two hour drive north of New York City. As a repeat camper, I knew what to expect and was not disappointed by terrific tennis and superb instruction complemented by three delicious meals. Luckily the weather cooperated and kudos to them for the new pool and surrounding courtyard. Very often I go solo but this time was accompanied by my wife. We play at different levels and a good time was had by all…Recommended to tennis players everywhere.
LO
I love the all inclusive adult packages including 5 hours of instruction per day with small groups. There are 20 + outdoor courts (mostly clay) and 5 indoor courts in case of inclement weather. The included meals once again did not disappoint. This year, thee updates include a new in ground pool, updated rooms, and Wifi available throughout the properties. If you are looking for lots of tennis at a very reasonable price this is the place to go.
366 Reviews on “Total Tennis - Kaatsbaan Lodge”
We participated in the Platform Tennis program. The Lodge is exactly that, a Lodge. Clean, somewhat renovated, in the woods, beautiful location. It’s rustic which is what we expected. Nice size double rooms. Food is excellent, well prepared, healthy options, delicious. We ran into problems with one of the Paddle tennis pros…extraordinarily negative and demotivating. I’ve never experienced that in 30 years of racquet sports. He was terrible to us. And that’s why we were there as a team. The other pro was great. Anyway, just wanted to provide that feedback because it was a bad experience.
Excellent food. Welcoming and knowledgeable staff. The staff stayed late to welcome us in on our first night and saved dinner for us. The tennis was great. Loved the instructors. The accommodations were a bit rustic. The bed was incredibly uncomfortable. There were bugs in the room. Bathroom was very small.
We just returned to Total Tennis for a third time. We have 2 children and we all love visiting. The grounds are beautiful and serene. The rooms have been completely renovated since our last stay. While they are basic, they are very clean and comfortable. The resort now has free WiFi but I love that there are no TVs in the room because it really fosters socializing as a family and with other guests in the meeting areas. All meals are included and served buffet style. There are healthy options and everything is fresh and delicious. Total Tennis also cares about the environment by composting, organic gardening and solar panels. The tennis instruction is delivered based on your level as in our family we range from very beginner to advanced. The instructors are helpful and staff very accommodating. While we had our lessons separately for four hours per day, we had lots of time together, like in the new hot tub. The pool area is also new, but only open in the summer. Our daughter literally cries each time we have to leave, but we’ll be back again.
We just returned to Total Tennis for a third time. We have 2 children and we all love visiting. The grounds are beautiful and serene. The rooms have been completely renovated since our last stay. While they are basic, they are very clean and comfortable. The resort now has free WiFi but I love that there are no TVs in the room because it really fosters socializing as a family and with other guests in the meeting areas. All meals are included and served buffet style. There are healthy options and everything is fresh and delicious. Total Tennis also cares about the environment by composting, organic gardening and solar panels. The tennis instruction is delivered based on your level as in our family we range from very beginner to advanced. The instructors are helpful and staff very accommodating. While we had our lessons separately for four hours per day, we had lots of time together, like in the new hot tub. The pool area is also new, but only open in the summer. Our daughter literally cries each time we have to leave, but we’ll be back again.
What a perfect ladies weekend getaway at the end of winter or early spring when it is still too cold to play tennis outdoors. Maybe you can be lucky enough(as we were) to pick a warm sunny weekend in April to have our private lesson OUTDOORS! Our pros were entertaining when they weren’t assisting in correcting our strokes.The indoor courts were tops. The meals were again scrumptious. When our bodies were aching, we dashed to the hot tub for relief. Lastly, it was such a pleasure to spend social time with each other- women of all ages who love tennis…and life.
The tennis is fun. The lessons which are included are plenty of tennis. I was exhausted at the end of the day. The food was very good but I am not picky. The lodging is just fine. I spent most of my time out of the room. We played games in the lodge at night. I think that Total Tennis is a great value for a tennis vacation. I have been going for about 6 years.
It is a GREAT place to come together with old friends to play a lot of great tennis. Instructors are fun and energetic. They concentrate on your weaknesses or allow you to just practice depending on what you want. The food is to die for!! Fresh Farm to table, amazing choices and we all rave about the selection of wines and desserts as well. Ed is the owner and he is a bit quirky but lovable non the less. I highly recommend grabbing a few friends and hitting the courts. The rooms have all been redone and they are amazing. The new pool is now centrally located and feels great after a long hot day in the sun.
If you like an affordable, intensive tennis weekend experience close to Albany and not far from NYC-Metro area, this is a sure bet. The pro staff are excellent, and there is high retention, so the same pros are instructing us year after year, and get to know what we need to work on. The lodgings have all been recently renovated, the food is abundant and great, and overall the experience is so much fun for groups! What it is NOT – not great for solo campers, not great for anyone looking for any kind of night life, not great for a romantic getaway, not great for someone looking for uber-luxe accommodations.
Love this place, great tennis, food and players. Recently renovated new pool area – terrific
Excellent all around! Will be back this year
Overall great tennis camp….food is excellent, accommodations are adequate, tennis instructors are very good. You stay with the same instructor for the duration of your stay which could be a problem if you get one you don’t care for. Quiet, peaceful area in upstate NY
I love total tennis – great instruction, great food, all of the rooms have been renovated in the past two or three years, and best of all it is a warm and welcoming place.
Great place! Great instruction! Great food! Great bang for your buck. Great view!
I have been returning to this tennis resort at least annually for over fifteen years and even though I have always been enchanted by the high level of instruction, the sense of unity, camaraderie,and friendliness among the campers, (most of whom, like me, are return customers), and the great food, the biggest problems used to be the lack of anything to do beside tennis and the threadbare hotel rooms. While the former has been somewhat relieved by a new swimming pool, there really isn’t much to do in Saigerties. This is especially true since such a large number of guests are from NYC, making the contrast worse. However, the remodeling of the rooms has gone a long way towards improving the overall experience. Also, while the instruction is a little better for intermediate and advanced than for beginners, I believe that this too is changing.
Spent last weekend on the recently renovated courts at Total Tennis, just a two hour drive north of New York City. As a repeat camper, I knew what to expect and was not disappointed by terrific tennis and superb instruction complemented by three delicious meals. Luckily the weather cooperated and kudos to them for the new pool and surrounding courtyard. Very often I go solo but this time was accompanied by my wife. We play at different levels and a good time was had by all…Recommended to tennis players everywhere.
I love the all inclusive adult packages including 5 hours of instruction per day with small groups. There are 20 + outdoor courts (mostly clay) and 5 indoor courts in case of inclement weather. The included meals once again did not disappoint. This year, thee updates include a new in ground pool, updated rooms, and Wifi available throughout the properties. If you are looking for lots of tennis at a very reasonable price this is the place to go.