Just about every “sunbelt” resort in the world has tennis courts, and every avid tennis player can find a place to play tennis on vacation. Where we attempt to assist you is in naming, and describing, the locations for “total tennis,” “tennis immersion,” “single-minded tennis,” the places where the vacationer lives, eats, and breathes tennis. And these fall into three categories: (a) the tennis “camps” and “clinics” whose sole, exclusive purpose is to provide instruction in tennis; (b) the “tennis resorts” supplying serious, tennis instruction by multiple tennis professionals, but on the grounds of a larger establishment with broader forms of recreation; and (c) the “tennis tours” that take you to attend famous professional matches in tennis, but also provide an opportunity for you to play on the courts of those world-renowned venues.
These specialist camps, resorts and tours don’t come cheap. Tennis hasn’t yet become a mass-market sport (though some half-heartedly claim it is approaching that state) and most tennis players need to be of upper-middle-class status before they have means to practice the sport intensively.
Tennis "camps" and "clinics"
The Vic Braden Tennis College
1871 West Canyon View Drive
St. George, UT 84770
(435) 628-8060
(435) 673-4084 (fax)
(800) 237-1068
www.greenvalleyspa.comwww.vicbraden.com
Although the Vic Braden Tennis College is on the grounds of the Green Valley Spa, and guests can participate in the various exercise routines of that Spa, the primary purpose of a vacation here is tennis, tennis, tennis. Operating for over 15 years, the Vic Braden Tennis College combines — in its words — the science of “stroke production” with a philosophy that stresses the fun of the game in a relaxed learning environment. Its motto is “50% of all tennis players lose. Here you learn to win.” The College is nestled in the canyon lands of southern Utah, at the Spa we’ve mentioned, and the tennis/spa “package” includes hiking in the surrounding state and national parks from one to four hours in the morning, followed by tennis instruction throughout the afternoon. You’ll eat a low fat, low sugar diet, and receive a full range of massage, body and skin treatments; but tennis predominates. A five-day Tennis/Spa stay is $2,025 per person during the low season (July and December), $2,430 the rest of the year, inclusive of lodgings, meals, tuition, daily spa treatments and all else. For those who wish to forego the spa, a tennis only package is available for $105 per day, for three to five days. This package is what it says, “tennis only” and includes no meals or lodging. Teacher/student ratio is one to five.
Ramey Tennis School
|5931 Highway 56
Owensboro, KY 42301
270/771-5590
812/649-2668
www.mindspring.com/~jramey
If time on the court is your barometer for a good tennis vacation, Ramey Tennis School is the clear winner. Participants spend a full eight-hours per day in clinics, doing drills, working with the ball machine or in competitive match play. Priding itself on being among the least glamorous of the tennis clinics, the school promises: “bone-grinding drills and lots of blood sweat and tears. Ramey Tennis School is no vacation.” A small program, the center can accept no more than 14 guests at a time, ensuring a guest to instructor ratio of 4:1. Participants stay either at a B&B on property or down the road (a five-minute drive) at the Holiday Inn Express. Rates for a two-day, three-night program including housing, breakfasts and lunches and all instruction are $340 per person double occupancy, $400 single. Longer programs are slightly less expensive.
Evert Tennis Academy
10334 Diego Drive South
Boca Raton, FL 33428
(561) 488-2001
(561) 488-2055 (fax)
(800) 417-3783
A serious training facility that offers instruction to players of all levels, year round; Chris Evert is the founder. Essentially, the Center runs a full-time year-round boarding academy for young tennis hopefuls, as well as a variety of packages, non-boarding, for adults. In summer, as one example, there’s a camp from June 10 to August 24 for children. Pros who teach all have IPG experience, and the student/teacher ratio is 4:1.. A five-day package for a single adult low season (summer) is $350 for the camp, accommodations are extra.
Bollettieri Tennis Academy at IMG Academies
5500 34th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34210
(941) 755-1000
(800) USA-NICK
Perhaps the most “hard-core” tennis facility of them all, a place for people who are very serious indeed about their tennis. For 40 years Nick Bollettieri has been helping people play better tennis. His facility here has 79 championship courts, a high-tech 30,000 square foot artificial turf dome, a Sports Therapy and Performance Institute, and even additional sports facilities supporting adult programs year round on a weekly and mini-week basis. There are on-site Jacuzzis, pools, Nautilus machines and aerobic training. The programs range from basic sports instruction (three days for $447); to whirlwind tennis immersions which combine video analysis, daily private lessons, therapeutic massages, healthy meals, daily strength, speed and agility sessions and five and a half hour drills with performance analyses by the sports psych department, (five days for $1,590). Participants find their own accommodations in the Bradenton area. Alumni of Nick Bollettieri include Monica Seles, Andre Agassi and Anna Kournikova.
The John Newcombe Tennis Ranch
325 Mission Valley Road
New Braunfels, Texas 78132
800/444-6204
830/625-9105
830/625-2004 (fax)
www.newktennis.com
With an international faculty, skewing strongly towards Australia, the Tennis Ranch is a highly convivial, fun place to learn. Instructors not only join guests on the courts but at the dining hall and for karaoke and drinks at the bar in the evenings. Offering both weeklong and weekend programs (at approximately $275 per day), students spend about five hours on the courts under the tutelage of John Newcomb himself (winner of 26 Grand Slam titles) or his able staff. The Ranch was built in the 1940’s as a dude ranch, and it’s a comfortable, luxuriously homespun place with a swimming pool, whirlpool, soccer courts and volleyball pit. Occasionally the school has special holiday and companion discounts, so be sure to inquire when you book.
Van der Meer Tennis University
Box 5902
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
(843) 785-8388
(800) 845-6138
www.vandermeertennis.com
An instruction facility only, offering no accommodations ) the “University” has 28 courts: 25 Tru-flex, three clay, four covered/lighted, eight lighted; and a full-service pro shop. The staff stress that instruction is for players of all levels, from beginners to touring professionals, presented in “week-long” (five day) and weekend (three day) packages. The five-day camp includes 18 hours of instruction, video analysis and match play for $309; the weekend package is $229. Again, accommodations and meals are not included in rates. Dennis Van der Meer was chosen by the US Olympic committee as 1997’s “Developmental Coach of the Year” and Tennis Magazine anointed him “Teaching Pro of the Decade.”
Van der Meer Tennis University
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, VA
(800) 845-6138
In addition to Hilton Head, Dennis Van der Meer offers even more economical summer sessions (early June to early August) at Sweet Briar College in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. The three-day camp costs just $329. Each session has roughly 20 to 30 students, and this time includes campus lodging and cafeteria meals, as well as four hours of practice a day. While senior staff directs most sessions, each summer Dennis Van der Meer conducts one himself at Sweet Briar. Call ahead, or visit the Web site, to find out which one. By the by Sweet Briar College has quite a pleasant campus with 14 hard courts, a large gym, two lakes for swimming, boating and fishing, an Olympic-size indoor pool, an 18-station Parcours trail, two athletic fields, nature sanctuaries, and trails for walking, hiking, and jogging. Dorms are air-conditioned and the cafeteria has been recognized, believe it or not, as one of the best in the nation. A variety of main entrees and side dishes are offered with freshly baked pastries in the morning, and a large salad and sandwich bar for lunch and dinner.
Mr. Van der Meer also conducts a few sessions in West Town and Mercersburg, PA as well as Boars Head, VA. Go to the Web site for more details.
New England Tennis Holidays
P.O. Box 1648
North Conway, NH 03860
603/356-9696
800/869-0949
www.netennisholidays.com
Operated by former touring pro Clare Grabhe (she ranked as high as No.125 in the world at one time) and her husband Kurt, New England Tennis holidays employs a number of tennis’ most distinguished players including Mikael Pernfors, the only player to achieve back to back NCAA titles, and Bob Kaufman, who played Davis Cup for Switzerland. About half of its campers come alone, and, in fact, the camp is becoming as well known for its hopping nightlife as for the tennis. Evening entertainment includes karaoke, disco, visits to the local summer stock theater, movies and concerts in the park. Package rates are per person and include lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner (excluding first night), tennis school five hours a day, taxes and dining gratuities. There are three lodging options: condos just up the hill from the tennis complex, a mountain lodge or inn, and a hotel. A stay in a condo or mountain lodge/inn for two days costs $389, and five days runs at $885, singles add approximately $50. Rates are slightly higher from mid June till September.
Swarthmore Tennis Camps
C/o Tennis Camps Ltd.
444 E. 82nd St., Suite 31-D
New York, NY 10028-5919
212/879-0225
800/ACE- 2442
Set on 325 acres of rolling woodland at Swarthmore College, this highly regarded camp has been in operation since 1979. Unlike many campus programs, which only offer only dormitory lodging, this one gives guests the option of staying at the lovely Ashton House, an 1880s Victorian guest house, or in modern hotel-type rooms with outdoor pool. Sessions run from the middle of June till mid-August, and prices range from $480 for a three-day mini-session to $850 for a full week. Included is lodging, meals at the cafeteria on campus, five hours of instruction, a 4:1 student/teacher ratio, video taping, and one to three private lessons. Swarthmore is just 12 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
Tennis resorts
Harry Hopman’s at Saddlebrook Resort
Saddlebrook Resort
5700 Saddlebrook Way
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
(813) 973-1111x4200
(800) 729-8383
(813) 973-2936 (fax)
www.saddlebrookresort.com
Founded by Harry Hopman, legendary Davis Cup coach, the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy at Saddlebrook Resort has been called “arguably the best tennis resort in the nation.” Players receive a minimum of five hours of daily tennis instruction, with never more than a 4:1 player/teacher ratio. A series of drills challenge the player to react instinctively to the ball, “without changing each individual’s basic method or style of play.” Location is on the grounds of a fine, four diamond resort, with four star restaurant, where guests also have access to two 18-hole golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, The Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, a 500,000 gallon “Superpool,” and a unique “Walking Village.” A five-day Tennis Academy package including use of a one or two bedroom suite, five hours of daily instruction, video workout, fitness and agility exercises, fresh fruit and juice breaks, and video analysis, breakfast, and admission into the spa begins at $1,027 per person based on double occupancy.
Rancho Valencia Resort
P.O. Box 9126
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067-4126
(858) 756-1123
(800) 548-3664
858/756-0165
www.ranchovalencia.com
Costly and upscale, Rancho Valencia is meant for the traveler who enjoys tennis, but wants to explore other sporting and recreational activities as well. It has operated since 1989, a facility of 18 tennis courts, a friendly staff, personalized instruction, healthy but gourmet meals, and spacious rooms. As explained to me by its management, the tennis division here prides itself on having no rigid “philosophy” of tennis. Instead, they stress “working with the skills you arrive with to enhance your own game.” At the same time, staff will give you better options (another stroke, better service, groundwork) to take your game to the next level. A “Love Package” of two nights and three days, per person double occupancy, is priced at $1,805, which includes accommodations, all breakfasts and one dinner, Swedish massage, and instruction. A four-night stay is $3,390 for the same elements.
Topnotch Resort and Spa
4000 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT 05672
802/253-8585
800/451-8686
802/253-9263 (fax)
www.topnotch-resort.comIn the shadow of Mount Mansfield, less than ten minutes from the ski lifts, this racket mecca features eight hard courts and a staff of skilled pros from around the world. In addition to drills, game matching and personal lessons, Topnotch’s Tennis Academy offers sports psychology seminars, aerobic tennis classes (for those looking to lose weight) and video tape analysis. There are occasionally professional exhibitions as well. When off the court, guests have access to Topnotch’s extensive spa facilities and of course, Stowe itself, one of the most charming resort towns in Vermont, with dozens of fine restaurants and shops as well as extensive nature and ski trails. A three-night tennis clinic starts at $684 per person, based on double occupancy. For longer stays, add $254 per person, per night.
Tennis tours
Lee Delfausse
ASTI Tours, Inc.
224 Little Pond Road
Concord, NH 03301
(800) 294-2784
[email protected]www.members.aol.com/delf22/astitennis
In 1992, Lee Delfausse wondered why there wasn’t a way to see “Grand Slam” events and at the same time play in the host countries. So she founded ASTI Tours, whose motto is “Grand Slam Tours that put you on the court.” With several National Senior Champions as staff, ASTI books ten-day tours to world tennis events. Days are divided between tennis clinics, social play (often against local players in the host country,) and sightseeing, and of course prime seats to the tournaments, accompanied by an extremely knowledgeable ASTI staff. (ASTI does its best to arrange play on the very surface the tournament is held on.) Provisions are made for non-playing spouses, as well as singles. Most tours range from $2,000 to $3,500, but the Australian Open can soar to $4,400, including airfare.
Grand Slam Tennis Tours
222 Milwaukee Street
Suite 407
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 321-1760
(303) 321-1771 (fax)
(800) 289-3333
www.tennistrips.com
Founded in 1990, Grand Slam Tours has helped over 6,000 tennis enthusiasts get seats and arrange accommodations and air to the major tournaments (Grand Slam and non). The company caters to all ages, families, as well as seniors and singles, and takes pride in its “hands-on approach,” supplying a customized newsletter each morning to guests listing the play order, and giving suggestions for restaurants and sight-seeing. Trips are hosted by knowledgeable local guides, and seating locations for the matches is “unbeatable.”
Steve Furgal International Tennis Tours
11808 Rancho Bernardo Road
Suite 123418
San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 675-3555
(800) 258-3664
(858) 487-0518 (fax)
tours4tennis.com
tours4tennis.com
Anne and Steve Furgal founded International Tennis Tours in 1986 when Steve, a tennis pro, decided to encourage more travelers to enjoy the sport he was so passionate about. The company splits its efforts between high end custom tours under the name “International Tennis Tours,” and an economy business under the name “Top Spin Tennis Tours;” both provide hotel accommodations and tickets to major tennis events. The firm’s “Best of the Best,” a Wimbledon tour, includes cabins on the QE2 to London, the best seats to Wimbledon, limousine service to and from the match, London theatre tickets, entrance to Madame Tussaud’s, and deluxe accommodations. International Tennis Tours is now the official travel partner of the US Tennis Association.
Championship Tennis Tours, Inc.
6900 East Camelback Rd #500
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 429-7700
(800) 468-3664
(480) 429-8800 (fax)
www.tennistours.com
Now in its 16th year, Championship Tennis Tours offers packages and individual tickets to all the Grand Slam and Masters series events, 12 worldwide yearly, A truly international company which maintains offices in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom, Championship tennis has excellent onsite staffing and is able to customize its tours to satisfy its varied clientele. Unlike most operators, they do not include airfare, thus enabling the traveler to stay on for an additional time after the match is over.
WorldWide Tennis Tours
2337 Oak Glenn Circle
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 497-9494
(770) 476-1719 (fax)
(800) 760-9009
www.geocities.com/worldwidetennistours
Founded in 1988 by Kenny and Marina Hirsch, WorldWide Tennis Tours specializes in packages for both junior and senior enthusiasts. They organize trips to all the major tennis events, and include, as passengers, a wide range of ages, from 16 to 80. They pride themselves, they say, in personalized attention and do their best to accommodate everyone, to provide good seats to events, and to seek out pleasant but affordable lodging. In addition to trips to the major tennis championships, a specialty of the agency is the “Junior Tennis Tour,” on which young American enthusiasts visit seven different European cities and engage in matches with local players. Days on tour are divided between tennis in the morning and early afternoon, and sightseeing in late afternoon. Often travelers get to stay with the families of their opponents, an authentic experience of the country. The cost for junior tours is a reasonable $1,600, which includes all travel expenses.