Five tennis-themed holidays across Europe in time for Wimbledon from UK countryside clubs to Greek coastal resorts
You can even brush up on your skills alongside former world number eight Marcos Baghdatis
NEW HOLS PLEASE Five tennis-themed holidays across Europe in time for Wimbledon from UK countryside clubs to Greek coastal resorts
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TENNIS season is upon us and Wimbledon begins in less than two weeks' time.
But why leave all the fun to the pros?
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The Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal features programmes designed by former British No 1 Annabel Croft
Credit: Supplied
These tennis-themed holidays will get you volleying like Alcaraz and serving like Raducanu in no time.
Sophie Swietochowski shares her five top picks for keen tennis players.
1. Puente Romano
MARBELLA, SPAIN
YOU won't need to worry about tiring yourself out on the tennis courts at Puente Romano Marbella, as this resort's excellent selection of restaurants will keep you very well fuelled.
Set on the city's Golden Mile, the plush hotel houses famous Japanese spot Nobu and a sophisticated Peruvian joint as well as a whopping 18 other restaurants.
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Puente Romano Marbella is great for foodies as well as tennis fans
Credit: Supplied
Its well-known tennis club, which opened in 1979, has welcomed a whole host of sporting heroes through its doors, including Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker.
And that's no surprise when you consider the range of facilities here.
There are ten tennis courts (eight clay and two plexipave) plus four padel courts, as well as massage rooms, a sauna and Turkish bath to soothe any aching muscles. All of this does come with a pretty hefty price tag, though.
GO: Private tennis coaching costs from €80 per hour. Four nights' B&B costs from £1,167pp including flights from Gatwick on October 31. See onthebeach.co.uk.
Emma Raducanu reveals she keeps being BANNED from Italian Open grounds and was exposed by officials.mp4
2. Foxhills
CHERTSEY, SURREY
ANYONE wanting to stay a little closer to home should look no further than Foxhills Hotel & Country Club which is tucked away in 400 rolling acres of Surrey countryside.
However, it is still close enough to the capital if you want to get in on the Wimbledon action for real.
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Foxhills Hotel & Country Club is tucked away in 400 rolling acres of Surrey countryside
Credit: Supplied
The resort features nine tennis courts in total (four acrylic, four artificial clay and one all-weather), plus you can try your hand at the increasingly popular racket sport of padel on one of three courts, or even pickleball – another fun racket pastime.
Little ones aspiring to make it into the big leagues should head down to the hotel on June 28 to see the juniors competing in the Road To Wimbledon tournament.
Tired of all the tennis?
Stretch your limbs in the on-site yoga cabin, kick back in the luxurious spa or grab a tipple on the terrace, overlooking the golfing green.
GO: A double room costs from £355, based on two sharing on June 29. See foxhills.co.uk or call 01932 872 050.
3. Pine Cliffs Resort
ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
WHETHER you're a total beginner or a seriously experienced player, Pine Cliffs has a training programme to suit all skill levels.
Set on the coast in Portugal's Algarve region, the 5* resort isn't just a fly-and-flop spot – although there are plenty of sunloungers and ample balcony space for those who do want some chill time.
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Pine Cliffs has a training programme to suit all skill levels
Credit: Supplied
It's also home to an excellent Tennis Academy, with programmes that have been designed by former British No 1 Annabel Croft.
There are eight floodlit courts: two clay and two hard tennis courts as well as four for padel.
Guests can book on to group sessions or weekend tennis camps, while those taking their favourite sport a little more seriously can sign up for some private coaching to improve their game.
GO : Adult Tennis or padel weekly coaching courses start from £300 per adult and £265 per child in off-peak season (Nov to March) and £326 per adult and £291 per child in peak season (April to Oct).
: Adult Tennis or padel weekly coaching courses start from £300 per adult and £265 per child in off-peak season (Nov to March) and £326 per adult and £291 per child in peak season (April to Oct). Seven nights' B&B is from £1183.20pp including flights from Luton and transfers on September 30. See tui.co.uk.
4. Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel
CORFU, GREECE
UP for a bit of friendly competition?
If you're travelling solo, you'll love this tennis-themed package at the 4* Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel on Corfu's eastern coast.
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The 4* Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel is great for solo travellers
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Week-long packages booked through travel agent Solos Holidays come with five days of tennis camp and no single supplement, meaning each guest gets a room to themselves.
Anyone keen to put their new skills to the test can get stuck into the weekly mixed-doubles finale with prizes.
Just try not to get distracted by the jaw-dropping views from the quartz-sand hard courts – the Ionian Sea looks dazzling from up there.
When you're not unleashing a mean serve, there are watersports galore, or mountain biking in the surrounding hills.
GO : A seven-night, all-inclusive Corfu Tennis trip costs £1,995pp including flights and transfers from the UK on October 6, as well as a welcome drink, a five-day tennis programme and an experienced Solos Tour Leader.
: A seven-night, all-inclusive Corfu Tennis trip costs £1,995pp including flights and transfers from the UK on October 6, as well as a welcome drink, a five-day tennis programme and an experienced Solos Tour Leader. Call 020 8951 2900 or see solosholidays.com.
5. City Of Dreams Mediterranean
LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
WITH a Serve & Stay package at the City of Dreams Mediterranean, you'll be able to hone your skills and improve on your weaknesses under the eagle eye of skilled coaches.
Each stay includes several days of training at the Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy, all of which is overseen by the former world number eight himself.
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The Serve & Stay package at the City of Dreams Mediterranean is great for honing your skills
Credit: Melco Resorts
Participants will receive personalised consultations and tailor-made programmes.
Outside of training, you're free to unwind in five-star luxury in the city of Limassol.
Music fans are in luck as the hotel puts on live performances in the evenings, while the days can be spent learning to surf on the resort's Waverider simulator.
Or guests can just take a cooling dip in one of three outdoor swimming pools.
GO : A four-night Serve & Stay getaway costs €1,565pp (£1,330) on selected days in September and October and on a half-board basis.
: A four-night Serve & Stay getaway costs €1,565pp (£1,330) on selected days in September and October and on a half-board basis. The package includes three days of tennis training, unlimited soft drinks, water and coffee during dinner.
See cityofdreamsmed.com.cy.
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