With the Wimbledon grand slam ready to take place in London, tennis fans in the UK will be dusting off their racquets and heading to the courts. But if the dodgy British summer weather is stopping you from playing a few sets, then maybe a tennis holiday is the perfect alternative? In this guide we look at some of Europe’s best tennis resorts and hotels for tennis holidays.
Main image: Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, Murcia, Spain
Located within the prestigious La Manga Club Resort in Murcia, southeast Spain, the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa is one of Europe’s top sports resorts. La Manga Club is also home to The Racquets Club, which features 28 tennis courts in three surfaces, several floodlit padel courts and a pickleball court. The centre provides world-class training and coaching for players of all skill levels and ages. Equipment can be rented or purchased in the pro shop. See hyatt.com and lmctennis.com
The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino, Greece
Tennis enthusiasts seeking a Greek escape are invited to enjoy the stunning facilities at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino. Chosen by legendary tennis coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, as the site for his first academy in Greece, the Mouratoglou Tennis Center offers the opportunity to play on brand new, state-of-the-art courts with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Those joining a tennis camp at the resort will receive personalised lessons designed by the coach that supported Serena Williams to 10 of her Grand Slams and scouted emerging stars including Stefanos Tsitsipas and Coco Gauff. Designed to blend seamlessly into the classic Messinian landscape of olive trees and local vegetation at Navarino Dunes, the centre offers 12 tennis courts, three padel courts and two pickleball courts. See marriott.com and costanavarino.com
Forte Village, Sardinia, Italy
Forte Village is a landmark of the international tennis and padel scene with 13 tennis courts and three padel courts hidden among 50 hectares of beautiful gardens and lush pine forest. It has always been a favourite of professional tennis players including current men’s world No.1 Jannik Sinner, who played at Forte Village in March 2019, at only 18 years old on the ITF Men’s World Tennis Tour. Forte Village’s courts are suitable for players of all ages and abilities, with specialist lessons available on request to help players perfect their style and competition techniques. See fortevillageresort.com
Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Sicily, Italy
Verdura Resort’s world-class tennis and paddle club welcomes beginners and advanced players to join its courses and learn tips from professionals. Combined with its 2km of private beach and Kyle Phillips-designed golf courses, the Rocco Forte hotel is the perfect place for players of all ages and levels to improve their tennis game. Verdura Resort offers tennis coaching programmes with resident Sunball coaches and also hosts guest tournaments, special camps, and events with famous ex-professionals. See roccofortehotels.com
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Perfectly situated amid the lush alpine terrain and overlooking Lake St. Moritz, the Badrutt’s Palace’s mountainside tennis courts are available to use throughout the season, with certified instructors on hand to support guests in mastering their technique or practising their serve for the very first time. Making for an unparalleled tennis experience, the crisp, fresh air elevates game with every swing, while the 155 elegant rooms provide a comfy spot to rest post-match. Tennis equipment is available to rent on site. See badruttspalace.com
Hotel Castello di Reschio, Umbria, Italy
A spectacular 1,000-year-old castle sitting on the 3,700-acre Reschio Estate in the heart of the Umbrian hills, Hotel Castello di Reschio is an exquisitely restored and stylishly reimagined 36-room hotel. The estate offers a haven for tennis enthusiasts, boasting pristine courts for guests to hone their skills. Whether engaging in friendly matches with friends or seeking private lessons from seasoned coaches, the tennis experience at Reschio is unparalleled in its grandeur setting. The nearby tennis pavilion is stocked with refreshments, providing the perfect respite between games or a spot for supporters to cheer on during matches. See reschio.com