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.
Picturesque setting, very informal atmosphere, plenty of space to sit and chate, read, relax, comfy bedrooms if a liitle sparse, fantastic food both in choice and quality. Tennis instruction tailored to your level, fun, perceptive and receptive. Great instructors.
BD
My first time to total tennis ( as a tennis novice) was an extremely positive experience!! I came alone and intimidated since I did not know a soul there. Not only was I greeted in a friendly manner by the staff and the guests but it appeared like I was no longer alone. The tennis pro was fabulous and the lessons were more than I expected. The food was Great I was modestly surprised. When my stay had ended I was a actually sad to leave! the only negative was the outdated rooms which I understand was remodeled. With that said I am looking forward to a return trip to Total Tennis!!
SR
I have been attending Total Tennis regularly from the time I was single decades ago through bringing my wife and kids and still bring friends and family as well. Its focus on tennis (as opposed to being a resort with tennis lessons) provides exactly what I’m looking for, and the food is well above average. the instruction is personal and authoritative.
MD
I’ve been to this facility in the Catskills several times and, bottom line, Total Tennis is for the tennis diehard. The accommodations are no frills (like going to summer camp except you get your own room) but very clean. It’s all about tennis. The weekend packages are perfect for a quick getaway: arrive Friday night, get to know the other players at dinner and then Tennis all day on Saturday, including a private lesson, and more tennis on Sunday. The food is basic but excellent—the Oreo brownies are worth waiting for!
LB
Total Tennis is located in the Catskills of the beautiful Hudson Valley which is close to my home. You get to play a lot of tennis with amazing instruction by tennis pros. The meals are excellent and are prepared by a receptive chef who uses fresh, organic ingredients. Your trip also includes a cocktail reception with cheese/crackers and wine provided by Total Tennis. Total Tennis is open year round where you can play indoors and outdoors. During the summer, the pool is refreshing way to end after playing lots of tennis in the sun. Lastly, a hot tub is available for relaxing those hard worked muscles all year long.
JF
I’ve been to Total Tennis 4 or 5 times in the last ten years or so. The tennis is excellent! You share a court with friends that you come with or get put on a court with people of similar ability. The coaches are great–very knowledgeable, patient, good teachers, but also lots of fun. You get hours of group lessons plus a half hour private lesson where you get to pick what to focus on. The food is outstanding, truly. I was shocked by the quality of the food. I’m a vegetarian and there was a ton of options at every meal. The only down side is that the housing isn’t very nice. Our group always stayed in the barn (I think that’s what it was called) which was pretty run down. Having said that, I’ve heard that they are in the process of remodeling the rooms so that might no longer be an issue. And there really isn’t much else to do other than play tennis, but you also don’t have much time!
CR
I went for 4 days in 2013 with a good friend of mine and we did not regret it. We went earlier in the summer to get back into tennis and the training offered was perfect for our level of play. We were a small group of people which made it very personalized. The coaches were very attentive to our own specific need and in working with us on the same little things that keep popping up when playing! Not only did I enjoyed the full days of tennis, I loved the food and the comfort of the place. It was an easy going experience – stress free and full of good tennis sessions. I am planning to go again in the next couple of years.
SK
Excellent instruction, pros really work with you on skills you would like to improve. Great food selection. Limited offerings on property other than tennis (both a pro and con)
AF
Disneyworld for tennis players. Excellent instructors with great personalities. Perfect schedule for tennis instruction, meals, breaks. I really loved everything about both of my visits there. I can’t wait to return.
JV
Love the tennis, food, accommodations and casual and social atmosphere. No pretenses. Will go back again and again
MJ
My tennis teammates and I make an annual winter trip to Total Tennis. We love it and have never been disappointed. The pros are great, food is fantastic and we’ve been impressed with yearly renovations and improvements. Looking forward to our 2019 trip.
ET
It is a wonderful place to hone your skills for a weekend. The instructor s are knowledgeable and friendly and the environment is relaxing and laid back despite the intense hours of tennis being played. The amenities are a bit rustic but it is not the Four Seasons but rather bungalows in upstate NY.
MS
Total Tennis is that and more and now with the renovations it should be an even better experience. Just a heads up…Be in shape when you go. You will be playing a lot of tennis. Also, and right up there with the tennis is the food. Lots of it and it’s all good. You won’t find a better bang for your buck and the staff and instructors are great. Iv’e been there at l;east 7 times and each time I learn something new. I started as a 2.5 and know I’m a 3.5 maybe a 4.0 and it is due to the instruction at Total Tennis. As a side note I met a lot of really nice people there. Many of which I play tennis with all around New York. And it’s a great buy !!!!
JP
Best tennis camp for the money, the instructions are helpful the staff is top notch and the food is extremely good. They complex is so beautiful with the mountains in the back ground. I have been there four times and hopefully will have the time to visit again.
BD
Had a great time with a great group of people with a great instructor.
LL
Excellent tennis instruction that’s specialized for each player (no matter what level) in a beautiful setting and great food.
RB
This is a great place to play lots of tennis, without expensive frills. The food was excellent and the teachers very good (if a bit uneven).
DK
Unequivocally, the best weekend of my life. Tennis was incredible. Food was amazing. Accommodations were perfect. I felt alive and young again. Best bang for your buck!
RF
I love Total Tennis. It is like Sleep Away camp for adults. The tennis instruction is wonderful. Both times I have stayed there the lodgings were clean, cozy and comfortable. The food is fantastic and there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. The other campers are friendly and the evenings are very social, if desired. I can’t wait to go back!
JN
A great place to make new friends. Beautiful scenery, fabulous fresh food. Not a fussy place, areal adult camp experience and tennis lessons great fun. Only negatives might be that dining room can get noisy and I have to diet on my return home. I’ve been going to Total Tennis from west coast for ten years and have found the pricing much better than Other tennis camps. Staff is polite and accommodating.
CG
Great tennis facility. Staff is excellent, food is superb, setting is lovely (winter and summer -my favorite season is the winter!) Nothing fancy but clean, comfortable, affordable and fun!
MN
I have thoroughly enjoyed both of my visits to Total Tennis. The instruction is very professional, and the accommodations and setting very enjoyable. I look forward to going back again this year.
EZ
I went during the week. Everyone was very friendly, the instructors knowledgeable and patient, the staff very accommodating, and the food was great. The views of the catskills is wonderful and though you are being physically active, it is still a relaxing and scenic vacation as well. I heard that they renovated the rooms which is even more reason to go back.
CT
Pros: 1) Knowledgeable, accommodating, friendly staff and instructors; 2) friendly and fun atmosphere; 3) good drills and instruction; 4) EXCELLENT food; good value. Cons: 1) Late afternoon “organized round robin” is anything BUT organized and is a waste of time; 2) ants on the Gatorade coolers; mid-day speech/demonstration; need more towels by the pool.
JB
I’ve been going to Total Tennis every year for 20 years. As a tennis camp, it’s one of the best values around. But it’s more than that. While the accommodations are basic (although rumor has it they’ve been upgraded this year!), the food is top notch. Having had many different instructors over the years, the pros can be uneven at times, but for the most part they are professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. Total Tennis has gone out of its way to create a welcoming atmosphere, from the wine-and-cheese hour to the Saturday night dance, and they’ve continually upgraded the facilities over the years (from the spa to the hot tub). I think about where it was 20 years ago and amazed at how far it’s come along. No one will mistake the experience for a luxury tennis spa in California or Florida, but if you’re serious about your tennis and want a stress-free weekend getaway, it’s hard to beat Total Tennis.
JM
I have been to Total Tennis many times over the years with my two children and we have all loved it! First and foremost, the tennis instruction is excellent. Aside from that, the food was delicious the other people who are also there are generally tennis fanatics and fun to be with and the location is beautiful. The upgraded rooms were needed and they did a great job with them. I have only been in the colder months so have not been able to use the pool.I have thoroughly enjoyed the hot tub and I always get a massage.
JL
My tennis group (approx 8-10 ladies) has returned each summer for the past 8 years. For us, it is time away from “reality” getting to do something we love. The facility and staff are very welcoming. The pros are energetic, knowledgable and fun. The food is terrific. And the price is very reasonable. All around a great package!! We hope to return for years to come.
HF
I loved this place! I had a great time. The instructors were great, it was clean and really so much fun. The food was delicious as well. I’m excited to go back and check out all the new outdoor areas.
RN
Program is fantastic! Drill till you drop. Pros are great. Bubla is a Marine drill Sargent! Staff, accommodations and food 1st class! Highly recommend!
DK
Great instruction; really enjoyed he artificial surface. Would like additional opportunities to play on all the surfaces.
AF
Total Tennis is a dream. It’s simple perfection. The instruction is wonderful and there’s lots of it. They keep groups small so there is a lot of individual attention on court. Groups are also broken out by skill level so students are challenged. The accommodations are simple and yet charming. It truly feels like a getaway since the location is so pretty and the property is so large. Food is really good and unpretentious. I am a vegetarian and was really pleased at the options. If you like/love tennis, this place is divine – you’re surrounded by beautiful countryside, other tennis enthusiasts, good food and inspiring instruction. Highly recommend.
MR
Total Tennis was a great experience! The area is beautiful, and although the weather wasn’t amazing when I visited, it was still a great weekend! The indoor accommodations were great and the instruction was amazing. I can only imagine in nicer weather it’s even better.
AJ
I try to make it to Total Tennis at least once a year. In the New York area it’s one of the most fun places to spend some time with tennis enthusiasts, great teachers, and in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The courts are in great shape, the groups are divided by level, and the instructors are fun, and enjoyable. This is not your super fancy tennis club-and may not be to everyone’s taste; but more down to earth relaxed place. I’ve always met people I enjoy spending as much time with off the courts as on. I’ll be back this year.
SB
Went to Total Tennis in the Spring with 7 of my tennis friends and we had an amazing weekend of tennis! The staff was great and the food is also fantastic!
CM
Each time I’ve gone to Total Tennis, I’ve had a great experience. The Tennis Pros are extremely attentive and knowledgeable, and give each “camper” individual attention even within the group setting. There’s always a take-away and improvement in my stroke or game after each weekend! The staff are friendly & helpful and I’ve slways made new friends along the way. Plus, the food is incredible!!
MB
I have been going to Total Tennis annually for 20 years. What keeps me coming back are the first rate instructors, fun camaraderie, excellent locally grown food, and interesting guests. It is like an old Adirondack Lodge – think adult sleep away camp with massage and alcohol to soothe sore middle aged limbs!
AM
They don’t make them like this any more. The staff couldn’t be nicer or more personal. The same people are there, year after year. When you call in to make your reservation they remember you. They do everything to make you happy. I go as often as I can, usually 2 times per year. The cabins/lodging are very old and the place is not modern, but that adds to the charm of the place as far as I am concerned. The tennis instruction is great and fun. The food is out of this world, plentiful, and wherever possible, my understanding is that it is farm to table..
KB
Total Tennis is a wonderful place. The food is amazing!!! That’s a real bonus since you play a lot of tennis so the food comes in handy!! The people that work there are very kind and helpful. It’s good to come in a big group since you can definitely play with folks on your level. There are 4 people in each group. I’ve found sometimes the selection process on skill level can be inconsistent. One person’s 3.5 is another person’s 2.5 so you may have someone in your group who is not on your level and visa versa. This is a detriment when you play games like king of the court. I’m not sure how they can remedy this in all honesty.
SH
Total Tennis was a blast. I loved the food and instruction. I enjoyed the rustic nature of the resort too. I will return!
SO
Fantastic instruction!! Food is fabulous. Lodging is very basic but clean.
SK
It was a fun 2 days. It was very cold (spring) and we had to play outside. We should have been able to play indoors but this was not an option. The instruction was very good and the room and meals were good.
AS
It’s a wonderful place for tennis. The coaching is so great the food is fantastic and now I heard that the accommodations have been renovated so that’s a plus
JB
Total Tennis is my favorite spot! I have been about 6 times now and I am already looking forward to the next time I can return. The Tennis instructors are fantastic and diverse and fun. The food is INCREDIBLE. The massages are amazing and the rooms are basic but charming and comfortable. The pool is not glorious but it’s a nice spot to cool off during the hot months. Bring your own bath products! Make sure to enjoy the wine & cheese by the fireplace!
SM
Total Tennis is so much fun! I went twice with friends and we had a blast. We loved our instructor so much so that we requested him the next year. The food was delicious and it’s fun to meet all of the other tennis lovers there. I haven’t been back in a couple years because of an injury, but i will no doubt be back!
MM
Amazing place to get away for weekend for loads of tennis, good times with friends, great instruction and fantastic food!
HI
I stayed at Total Tennis for 2 nights in the fall of 2016, so before the rooms were redone. I was with a friend who had been there before. We had a great time. The instruction was excellent, the food was great, and the environment was very friendly. I moved out-of-state, otherwise I think I’d try to get there a few times a year!
BJ
Total Tennis is an outstanding camp/resort with high quality tennis instruction and world class cuisine. They offer a great blend of tennis instruction, competition and social events all wrapped up in each program they offer. There are a range of program options to fit everyone’s schedule.
DK
Great value for the money. Good instruction. Truly outstanding food. Love the sweet potato fries and the soups are always delicious. Lots of nice people (staff and other campers). Fun experience. Highly recommend it.
RO
Though I have not been in about 2 years, Total Tennis is a favorite summertime destination. Even though it is only a short drive outside of NYC, going to Total Tennis is a true getaway for the mind and body … I always leave feeling physically tested and mentally rejuvenated. The tennis is typically intense and level-appropriate, but it is so enjoyable, helpful and well structured … not to mention FUN. The grounds and surrounding area are picturesque and the food is amazing, though you have to be careful not to each too much or your tennis might suffer. At the end of a long weekend at Total Tennis, I am always sad to leave.
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366 Reviews on “Total Tennis - Kaatsbaan Lodge”
Great tennis camp. Food was excellent!!!!
Picturesque setting, very informal atmosphere, plenty of space to sit and chate, read, relax, comfy bedrooms if a liitle sparse, fantastic food both in choice and quality. Tennis instruction tailored to your level, fun, perceptive and receptive. Great instructors.
My first time to total tennis ( as a tennis novice) was an extremely positive experience!! I came alone and intimidated since I did not know a soul there. Not only was I greeted in a friendly manner by the staff and the guests but it appeared like I was no longer alone. The tennis pro was fabulous and the lessons were more than I expected. The food was Great I was modestly surprised. When my stay had ended I was a actually sad to leave! the only negative was the outdated rooms which I understand was remodeled. With that said I am looking forward to a return trip to Total Tennis!!
I have been attending Total Tennis regularly from the time I was single decades ago through bringing my wife and kids and still bring friends and family as well. Its focus on tennis (as opposed to being a resort with tennis lessons) provides exactly what I’m looking for, and the food is well above average. the instruction is personal and authoritative.
I’ve been to this facility in the Catskills several times and, bottom line, Total Tennis is for the tennis diehard. The accommodations are no frills (like going to summer camp except you get your own room) but very clean. It’s all about tennis. The weekend packages are perfect for a quick getaway: arrive Friday night, get to know the other players at dinner and then Tennis all day on Saturday, including a private lesson, and more tennis on Sunday. The food is basic but excellent—the Oreo brownies are worth waiting for!
Total Tennis is located in the Catskills of the beautiful Hudson Valley which is close to my home. You get to play a lot of tennis with amazing instruction by tennis pros. The meals are excellent and are prepared by a receptive chef who uses fresh, organic ingredients. Your trip also includes a cocktail reception with cheese/crackers and wine provided by Total Tennis. Total Tennis is open year round where you can play indoors and outdoors. During the summer, the pool is refreshing way to end after playing lots of tennis in the sun. Lastly, a hot tub is available for relaxing those hard worked muscles all year long.
I’ve been to Total Tennis 4 or 5 times in the last ten years or so. The tennis is excellent! You share a court with friends that you come with or get put on a court with people of similar ability. The coaches are great–very knowledgeable, patient, good teachers, but also lots of fun. You get hours of group lessons plus a half hour private lesson where you get to pick what to focus on. The food is outstanding, truly. I was shocked by the quality of the food. I’m a vegetarian and there was a ton of options at every meal. The only down side is that the housing isn’t very nice. Our group always stayed in the barn (I think that’s what it was called) which was pretty run down. Having said that, I’ve heard that they are in the process of remodeling the rooms so that might no longer be an issue. And there really isn’t much else to do other than play tennis, but you also don’t have much time!
I went for 4 days in 2013 with a good friend of mine and we did not regret it. We went earlier in the summer to get back into tennis and the training offered was perfect for our level of play. We were a small group of people which made it very personalized. The coaches were very attentive to our own specific need and in working with us on the same little things that keep popping up when playing! Not only did I enjoyed the full days of tennis, I loved the food and the comfort of the place. It was an easy going experience – stress free and full of good tennis sessions. I am planning to go again in the next couple of years.
Excellent instruction, pros really work with you on skills you would like to improve. Great food selection. Limited offerings on property other than tennis (both a pro and con)
Disneyworld for tennis players. Excellent instructors with great personalities. Perfect schedule for tennis instruction, meals, breaks. I really loved everything about both of my visits there. I can’t wait to return.
Love the tennis, food, accommodations and casual and social atmosphere. No pretenses. Will go back again and again
My tennis teammates and I make an annual winter trip to Total Tennis. We love it and have never been disappointed. The pros are great, food is fantastic and we’ve been impressed with yearly renovations and improvements. Looking forward to our 2019 trip.
It is a wonderful place to hone your skills for a weekend. The instructor s are knowledgeable and friendly and the environment is relaxing and laid back despite the intense hours of tennis being played. The amenities are a bit rustic but it is not the Four Seasons but rather bungalows in upstate NY.
Total Tennis is that and more and now with the renovations it should be an even better experience. Just a heads up…Be in shape when you go. You will be playing a lot of tennis. Also, and right up there with the tennis is the food. Lots of it and it’s all good. You won’t find a better bang for your buck and the staff and instructors are great. Iv’e been there at l;east 7 times and each time I learn something new. I started as a 2.5 and know I’m a 3.5 maybe a 4.0 and it is due to the instruction at Total Tennis. As a side note I met a lot of really nice people there. Many of which I play tennis with all around New York. And it’s a great buy !!!!
Best tennis camp for the money, the instructions are helpful the staff is top notch and the food is extremely good. They complex is so beautiful with the mountains in the back ground. I have been there four times and hopefully will have the time to visit again.
Had a great time with a great group of people with a great instructor.
Excellent tennis instruction that’s specialized for each player (no matter what level) in a beautiful setting and great food.
This is a great place to play lots of tennis, without expensive frills. The food was excellent and the teachers very good (if a bit uneven).
Unequivocally, the best weekend of my life. Tennis was incredible. Food was amazing. Accommodations were perfect. I felt alive and young again. Best bang for your buck!
I love Total Tennis. It is like Sleep Away camp for adults. The tennis instruction is wonderful. Both times I have stayed there the lodgings were clean, cozy and comfortable. The food is fantastic and there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. The other campers are friendly and the evenings are very social, if desired. I can’t wait to go back!
A great place to make new friends. Beautiful scenery, fabulous fresh food. Not a fussy place, areal adult camp experience and tennis lessons great fun. Only negatives might be that dining room can get noisy and I have to diet on my return home. I’ve been going to Total Tennis from west coast for ten years and have found the pricing much better than Other tennis camps. Staff is polite and accommodating.
Great tennis facility. Staff is excellent, food is superb, setting is lovely (winter and summer -my favorite season is the winter!) Nothing fancy but clean, comfortable, affordable and fun!
I have thoroughly enjoyed both of my visits to Total Tennis. The instruction is very professional, and the accommodations and setting very enjoyable. I look forward to going back again this year.
I went during the week. Everyone was very friendly, the instructors knowledgeable and patient, the staff very accommodating, and the food was great. The views of the catskills is wonderful and though you are being physically active, it is still a relaxing and scenic vacation as well. I heard that they renovated the rooms which is even more reason to go back.
Pros: 1) Knowledgeable, accommodating, friendly staff and instructors; 2) friendly and fun atmosphere; 3) good drills and instruction; 4) EXCELLENT food; good value. Cons: 1) Late afternoon “organized round robin” is anything BUT organized and is a waste of time; 2) ants on the Gatorade coolers; mid-day speech/demonstration; need more towels by the pool.
I’ve been going to Total Tennis every year for 20 years. As a tennis camp, it’s one of the best values around. But it’s more than that. While the accommodations are basic (although rumor has it they’ve been upgraded this year!), the food is top notch. Having had many different instructors over the years, the pros can be uneven at times, but for the most part they are professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. Total Tennis has gone out of its way to create a welcoming atmosphere, from the wine-and-cheese hour to the Saturday night dance, and they’ve continually upgraded the facilities over the years (from the spa to the hot tub). I think about where it was 20 years ago and amazed at how far it’s come along. No one will mistake the experience for a luxury tennis spa in California or Florida, but if you’re serious about your tennis and want a stress-free weekend getaway, it’s hard to beat Total Tennis.
I have been to Total Tennis many times over the years with my two children and we have all loved it! First and foremost, the tennis instruction is excellent. Aside from that, the food was delicious the other people who are also there are generally tennis fanatics and fun to be with and the location is beautiful. The upgraded rooms were needed and they did a great job with them. I have only been in the colder months so have not been able to use the pool.I have thoroughly enjoyed the hot tub and I always get a massage.
My tennis group (approx 8-10 ladies) has returned each summer for the past 8 years. For us, it is time away from “reality” getting to do something we love. The facility and staff are very welcoming. The pros are energetic, knowledgable and fun. The food is terrific. And the price is very reasonable. All around a great package!! We hope to return for years to come.
I loved this place! I had a great time. The instructors were great, it was clean and really so much fun. The food was delicious as well. I’m excited to go back and check out all the new outdoor areas.
Program is fantastic! Drill till you drop. Pros are great. Bubla is a Marine drill Sargent! Staff, accommodations and food 1st class! Highly recommend!
Great instruction; really enjoyed he artificial surface. Would like additional opportunities to play on all the surfaces.
Total Tennis is a dream. It’s simple perfection. The instruction is wonderful and there’s lots of it. They keep groups small so there is a lot of individual attention on court. Groups are also broken out by skill level so students are challenged. The accommodations are simple and yet charming. It truly feels like a getaway since the location is so pretty and the property is so large. Food is really good and unpretentious. I am a vegetarian and was really pleased at the options. If you like/love tennis, this place is divine – you’re surrounded by beautiful countryside, other tennis enthusiasts, good food and inspiring instruction. Highly recommend.
Total Tennis was a great experience! The area is beautiful, and although the weather wasn’t amazing when I visited, it was still a great weekend! The indoor accommodations were great and the instruction was amazing. I can only imagine in nicer weather it’s even better.
I try to make it to Total Tennis at least once a year. In the New York area it’s one of the most fun places to spend some time with tennis enthusiasts, great teachers, and in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The courts are in great shape, the groups are divided by level, and the instructors are fun, and enjoyable. This is not your super fancy tennis club-and may not be to everyone’s taste; but more down to earth relaxed place. I’ve always met people I enjoy spending as much time with off the courts as on. I’ll be back this year.
Went to Total Tennis in the Spring with 7 of my tennis friends and we had an amazing weekend of tennis! The staff was great and the food is also fantastic!
Each time I’ve gone to Total Tennis, I’ve had a great experience. The Tennis Pros are extremely attentive and knowledgeable, and give each “camper” individual attention even within the group setting. There’s always a take-away and improvement in my stroke or game after each weekend! The staff are friendly & helpful and I’ve slways made new friends along the way. Plus, the food is incredible!!
I have been going to Total Tennis annually for 20 years. What keeps me coming back are the first rate instructors, fun camaraderie, excellent locally grown food, and interesting guests. It is like an old Adirondack Lodge – think adult sleep away camp with massage and alcohol to soothe sore middle aged limbs!
They don’t make them like this any more. The staff couldn’t be nicer or more personal. The same people are there, year after year. When you call in to make your reservation they remember you. They do everything to make you happy. I go as often as I can, usually 2 times per year. The cabins/lodging are very old and the place is not modern, but that adds to the charm of the place as far as I am concerned. The tennis instruction is great and fun. The food is out of this world, plentiful, and wherever possible, my understanding is that it is farm to table..
Total Tennis is a wonderful place. The food is amazing!!! That’s a real bonus since you play a lot of tennis so the food comes in handy!! The people that work there are very kind and helpful. It’s good to come in a big group since you can definitely play with folks on your level. There are 4 people in each group. I’ve found sometimes the selection process on skill level can be inconsistent. One person’s 3.5 is another person’s 2.5 so you may have someone in your group who is not on your level and visa versa. This is a detriment when you play games like king of the court. I’m not sure how they can remedy this in all honesty.
Total Tennis was a blast. I loved the food and instruction. I enjoyed the rustic nature of the resort too. I will return!
Fantastic instruction!! Food is fabulous. Lodging is very basic but clean.
It was a fun 2 days. It was very cold (spring) and we had to play outside. We should have been able to play indoors but this was not an option. The instruction was very good and the room and meals were good.
It’s a wonderful place for tennis. The coaching is so great the food is fantastic and now I heard that the accommodations have been renovated so that’s a plus
Total Tennis is my favorite spot! I have been about 6 times now and I am already looking forward to the next time I can return. The Tennis instructors are fantastic and diverse and fun. The food is INCREDIBLE. The massages are amazing and the rooms are basic but charming and comfortable. The pool is not glorious but it’s a nice spot to cool off during the hot months. Bring your own bath products! Make sure to enjoy the wine & cheese by the fireplace!
Total Tennis is so much fun! I went twice with friends and we had a blast. We loved our instructor so much so that we requested him the next year. The food was delicious and it’s fun to meet all of the other tennis lovers there. I haven’t been back in a couple years because of an injury, but i will no doubt be back!
Amazing place to get away for weekend for loads of tennis, good times with friends, great instruction and fantastic food!
I stayed at Total Tennis for 2 nights in the fall of 2016, so before the rooms were redone. I was with a friend who had been there before. We had a great time. The instruction was excellent, the food was great, and the environment was very friendly. I moved out-of-state, otherwise I think I’d try to get there a few times a year!
Total Tennis is an outstanding camp/resort with high quality tennis instruction and world class cuisine. They offer a great blend of tennis instruction, competition and social events all wrapped up in each program they offer. There are a range of program options to fit everyone’s schedule.
Great value for the money. Good instruction. Truly outstanding food. Love the sweet potato fries and the soups are always delicious. Lots of nice people (staff and other campers). Fun experience. Highly recommend it.
Though I have not been in about 2 years, Total Tennis is a favorite summertime destination. Even though it is only a short drive outside of NYC, going to Total Tennis is a true getaway for the mind and body … I always leave feeling physically tested and mentally rejuvenated. The tennis is typically intense and level-appropriate, but it is so enjoyable, helpful and well structured … not to mention FUN. The grounds and surrounding area are picturesque and the food is amazing, though you have to be careful not to each too much or your tennis might suffer. At the end of a long weekend at Total Tennis, I am always sad to leave.