Hitting the courts in high style
It’s sunrise at the base of Arizona's Camelback Mountain, and a ballet is unfolding. Teams of landscapers and gardeners work with almost choreographed precision, cutting the grass to less than 5/16 of an inch, tending every flowerbed and trimming every bush. This isn't the start of another day at a luxury golf resort. The staff at The Phoenician in Scottsdale is preparing the Wimbledon grass court for the day's tennis players.
Tennis may have been an afterthought at luxury resorts in the past, but the service, amenities and facilities for tennis enthusiasts at these elite destinations prove that times are changing. More luxury resorts are pairing top-notch tennis facilities with spa services, lavish accommodations and fine dining in order to attract enthusiasts who want more than just time on the court.
See our slideshow of Luxury Tennis Resorts.
In 1975, former tennis pro Peter Burwash founded Peter Burwash International. His company is now the gold standard of tennis management companies, with professional instructors and staff in more than 30 countries worldwide. According to Jeff Henkelman, PBI's Caribbean regional director, service is paramount to making a memorable impression. “If a PBI professional is late for a lesson, even by a couple of minutes, then the lesson is always given for free. If a guest is not 100 percent satisfied then the lesson is free."
Henkelman oversees the tennis program at The Four Seasons Nevis, where players of all skill levels are welcome. "It does not matter whether they are advanced players, someone just starting the game, young or old—they will have a great tennis experience in Nevis." PBI is responsible for staff at approximately 48 resorts worldwide, including several that made our list of the world's best.
At Las Ventanas in Los Cabos, Mexico, pampering is taken to new levels, both on and off the court. Evian spray mists, cold towels and light refreshments are part of the complimentary courtside service. There is no need to worry about errant shots or foggy lenses either, because attendants are ready to chase down balls and clean sunglasses, saving you valuable time and energy. After the game, guests enjoy excursions aboard the resort’s 52- or 60-foot yachts for half- or full-day trips filled with sightseeing, snorkeling, diving and fishing.
For those players who dream of a baseline rally with Grand Slam winners of the past, John Newcombe’s Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas, turns hard court dreams into reality with its one-week Fantasy Tennis Camp. When they're done playing against these legends of yesteryear, guests can mingle with them in the Main Lodge. Maybe you want to ask Brian Gottfried about his 1977 French Open Championship match. Or ask his opponent, Gullermon Vilas, how he overcame the crowd to beat Jimmy Connors at the U.S. Open in 1977. Keeping up with these guys on the court isn’t easy, so personal trainers are available around the clock to keep you playing your best game.
The Phoenician in Scottsdale is renowned for its golf courses, but it knows how to attract tennis players as well. “It’s the full package,” says Denise Seomin, director of public relations. “It has the location at the base of Camelback Mountain with the service and staff of the AAA 5-Diamond resort.” In fact, it's the only resort facility in the American Southwest to offer four playing surfaces: a Wimbledon championship grass court; eight courts with a Plexipave hard surface; two with the revolutionary Rebound Ace surface from Australia; and a Prestige Plexicushion surface on the Center Court. The attentive staff visits the courts every half-hour to bring fresh towels, water and Gatorade.
See our slideshow of Luxury Tennis Resorts.
For couples who don't share the same passion for the game, several savvy resorts offer luxury services for the other person. The Peter Burwash-trained tennis staff makes the One&Only Reethi Rah one of the world's finest tennis resort destinations—even if you don't play tennis. The spa at ultra-luxe Maldives resort is known for its Signature Spa Treatments designed with a variety of influences from around the world. Their dosha-specific hot stone massages and body wraps, for example, are based on the ayurvedic principle that good health is only possible when the body's three primary energies, or doshas, are in balance.
For players and spa enthusiasts who want even more, The Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai is known for its large, elaborate suites and variety of fine-dining options. After a few tiring sets, guests can exhaust the spa menu or dine at one of the resort’s 23 restaurants then retire to luxurious suites, which can be as large as 2,500 square feet. If for some reason you want to bring the kids along, several programs are created with younger players in mind.
So whether you had dreams of playing Wimbledon yourself, or simply enjoy following the sport, the new breed of luxury tennis resorts offer vacations that combine the full-service game of Andy Roddick with the skill of Roger Federer. And you won't even have to fetch your own balls.