Whether you want to hone your skills or enjoy a gentle rally, these hotels provide stunning settings and facilities …
With a growing interest in “racketeering” holidays, companies like Pickleball in Paradise and Lux Private Coaching are interesting networks of gorgeous hotels offering top notch facilities and coaches. Notable destinations include the Marbella Club, the birthplace of padel in Europe, and Necker Island, where Richard Branson hosts the exclusive Necker Cup tennis tournament. I also recommend Club Med holidays, having stayed at their resorts in Mauritius, Majorca and Corfu, where I found the (free) tennis coaching outstanding, complemented by a high standard of cuisine and accommodation.
Ballymaloe House, Co Cork, possibly has the prettiest tennis court in Ireland – surrounded by wild roses, ivy and hydrangeas – offering a serene setting for friendly matches. The sports (and spa) facilities at Carton House, Co Kildare are superb, and include two tennis courts in peaceful surroundings. For padel fans, the Killyhevlin, Co Fermanagh was the first hotel in Northern Ireland to build a padel court which serves up views over Lough Erne.
Here are some of my suggestions further afield:
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, Greece
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll be serving like a pro after a stay at this sophisticated Grecian hideaway on the Athens Riviera with its own private beach. The on-site Tennis Club has partnered with former world number 8 pro Janko Tipsarevic and his Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis Services to offer coaching and clinics in addition to tournaments and boot camps. Post-match if you need to decompress, there are two pools and a superb spa, offering everything from Ancient Greek foot rituals to Biologique Recherche facials. There’s little reason to leave this resort – all 74 acres of it – but a must-do is a dip in the thermal waters of Vouliagmeni Lake. @fsathens
Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, Sani Resort, Greece
Launched in 2019, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre at Sani Resort is as impressive as its namesake. The centre comprises eight clay tennis courts, a club house and an outdoor lounge, and offers personalised tennis programmes for all levels and age groups. The programmes focus on teaching Nadal’s preparation techniques as well as elements of his mental training. For those with a competitive streak, there are tennis tournaments running throughout the season. In August, Rafa’s coach Carlos Moyá will be in residence to share skills and tips as well as playing in a special exhibition match. As a guideline, a five-day course at the RNTC starts from €250 per person. But where to stay? The RNTC is just one of the facilities at the mighty Sani Resort – a group of five hotels including Sani Beach, Sani Club, Porto Sani, Sani Asterias and Sani Dunes. Located on the Kasandra peninsula in Halkidiki, 80km from Thessaloniki airport, Sani is surrounded by pine forests and beaches. Other facilities include a private marina, Chelsea FC Foundation and Bear Grylls’ Survival Academy. @rafanadaltenniscentre
LUXME Costa Botanica, Corfu, Greece
I have fond memories of playing tennis in Corfu – the climate is ideal and the surroundings are lush. While I haven’t stayed at Luxme Costa Botanica, this coastal resort surrounded by canals and olive groves combines natural beauty and indulgent amenities. A highlight is the hotel’s new gym, offering cutting-edge equipment for a complete wellness experience, featuring Pilates, an outdoor gym and private training sessions. There are also three floodlit tennis courts and a padel court. Guests can take part in training programmes and professional coaching is available too. Afterwards, relax in the spa or explore the surroundings on guided walks, or scenic rides on e-bikes and e-scooters. @grecotelcostabotanica
Forte Village Resort, Sardinia
This resort boasts 13 courts (12 clay, one hard) and is home to the Tennis Star Academy by HEAD, led by head coach Rocco Loccisano. The academy includes weekly tournaments and junior camps. This summer, several tennis legends will coach including Ernests Gulbis, former world No 10, known for his aggressive baseline play, and former 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, known for his serve and volley skills. Other champs include clay court experts Emilio Sanchez and Albert Costa. Complementing its tennis programmes, Forte Village aces family offers with half board stays, access to its Acquaforte Spa and use of the Thalasso pools. Vouchers are also available to spend on other activities, bikes and transfers from and to Cagliari Elmas airport. @fortevillage
Situated on the beautiful Costa Smeralda, 7Pines Resort Sardinia offers tennis and padel courts with coaching through Sunball Tennis Academies. Book ahead for the Dustin Brown Tennis Academy in September: known for his dynamic style and famous wins over Nadal, Brown will lead fun and fast-paced training sessions for all levels. @7pinessardinia
Very few resorts can claim the same quality and beauty as the Tennis Centre at Curtain Bluff, an elegant, all-inclusive, barefoot luxury resort where guests can spend time rallying on one of four picturesque courts, an easy lob shot from the Caribbean sea. During its Tennis Challenge Week in November, the resort hosts former touring world pros who help sharpen guests’ game and play alongside them. Fear not if you’re a beginner, private lessons are offered from the in-house coach. Pickelball and squash are also on the extensive menu of activities – snorkelling trips to the colourful Canes Reef are recommended – if you can peel yourself away from the sun lounger! In the evenings dinner is a dressy affair, with plenty of dancing too, especially at the Sea Grape Restaurant which hosts an island barbecue to the soundtrack of a steel band. @curtain_bluff
The posh, pristine Parklane, on a long stretch of Blue Flag sandy beach, is home to olive groves, citrus and palm trees, and phenomenal leisure facilities. For those travelling with children, the hotel has one of the largest children’s clubs and play areas in Europe. Wellness travellers will appreciate the interesting thalassotherapy treatments in its stylish Kalloni Spa, while racketeers can warm up in the ParkFit health club with Technogym equipment before using the padel and clay tennis courts. There’s also a mini football pitch with FIFA-spec grass and four swimming pools for dips afterwards. Epicures will enjoy indulging its five distinctive restaurants, including the fun La Petite Maison. If staying, visit Lefkara village to admire the local embroidery and lace-making skills, or sample some fragrance at the oldest perfume factory in the world. @parklanecyprus
The Campus, Quinta do Lago Resort, Portugal
Beginners, intermediate and advanced players can book adult or child packages at the multi-sports hub, The Campus, which is one of Europe’s leading destinations for training, recovery and rehabilitation. The Campus offers an array of sporting facilities and activities, most notably four acrylic tournament tennis courts, two synthetic clay tennis courts and four padel courts equipped with the latest carpet technology and special shock-pad features. Coaches are available with weekly activities from group classes to tournaments. The Junior Tennis Academy caters for ages four to 18. Stay nearby at The Magnolia Hotel. @thecampusqdl
Positioned on a small peninsula between two secluded bays, Hostal de la Gavina has been a byword for Costa Brava luxury since the 1930s. Owned and operated by the Ensesa family, this grand palace hotel has an illustrious history, welcoming royalty, heads of state and A-listers. The hotel has magnificent clay tennis courts in addition to two Padel courts accessed through gardens that overlook the Bay of Sant Pol. Refuel at Garbi restaurant near the courts. @lagavinasagaro
I’ve stayed at this gorgeous hotel in the Maremma countryside and can recommend it for quintessential Tuscan rooms with a view (overlooking cypress trees) and its relaxed vibe. This summer, the hotel is launching its first tennis academy with coach Mara Santangelo. The former Italian pro is leading a week-long clinic, one of several interesting programmes scheduled. There’s also a golf clinic with Tom Foster in September in addition to cycling, swimming, football and even hip hop dancing! @andana_resort
Originally the former mansion of media baron and politician Lord Beaverbrook, this countryside bolthole is a haven for holidayers seeking 19th-century wedding cake architecture and grand yet homely Susie Atkinson interiors. Inside, Japanese cuisine is served in The Dining Room while the separate Garden House, designed by Nicola Harding, has an Anglo-Italian restaurant. For racketeers, there are state-of-the-art padel and badminton courts, as well as meadow-side tennis courts. Guests can bring their A-game for friendly matches or private lessons with one of the hotel’s dedicated experts. After an afternoon match, there’s no better way to refresh than on The House terrace, soaking in the rolling hills of Surrey. @beaverbrook
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, UK
The hotel provides an idyllic setting on 500 acres of English countryside, offering private and semi-private tennis lessons for all ages and abilities with expert coaches. This year, the hotel partnered with Giorgio Armani for The Road to The Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic across Four Seasons properties globally. Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic was on-site to coach guests, with finals at the historic Hurlingham Club. @fshampshire
