Top 12 World Destinations for Tennis Lovers

Golfers and skiers travel around the world to enjoy their sport at the golf courses and ski resort. Tennis fans can do the same thing. For example, tennis player Amir Landsman takes on the challenges of classic tennis resorts and courts around the world. While he maintains his status as a talented amateur, he has enjoyed the chance to play on the same courts once dominated by the greats in the sport. In no particular order, here are his 12 favorite tennis destinations in the United States and overseas.

Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, California

Rancho Valencia has been named the top tennis resort in the United States by Tennis Magazine and has the facilities and expert staff to back up this reputation. The resort even features 18 championship courts with Plexipave acrylic surfaces for optimal traction and cushioning. This innovative system ensures uniformity of bounce during play. Luxury packages are available for guests, and the fully stocked Pro Shop ensures that players have access to the best equipment during their stay.

Carmel Forest Spa Resort, Haifa, Israel

Designed for adults only, the Carmel Forest Spa Resort offers a restful retreat at an admittedly steep price. While tennis is just one of the activities offered by this exclusive resort, the exceptional beauty of its seaside location and the full range of spa treatments make it the perfect getaway for couples looking to rekindle romance or to relax in an idyllic setting in Israel.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach, California

The Beach & Tennis Club’s Tennis Center has hosted numerous tournaments at all levels of play and features 12 exclusive championship courts. Instructors certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association are on hand to help guests improve their game and take on even greater challenges in this exciting sport. The Pebble Beach Golf Links are located nearby and have been honored as the top public golf course in the United States.

Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt, Tirol, Austria

Located at the base of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, the Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt hosts the PBI Tennis Camp. This elite facility features six indoor and eight outdoor courts along with professional staff well versed in multi-lingual tennis instruction. A well stocked pro shop and highly skilled tennis instructors attract large crowds of European and American guests each year. Children are welcome at this family-owned resort hotel complex.

Lew Hoad Tennis and Paddle Club, Mijas, Spain

For year-round tennis excitement, it’s difficult to do better than the Lew Hoad Tennis Club. Located in Mijas, Spain, this exclusive tennis resort offers a number of other exceptional attractions. Tropical gardens, sunny skies and palm trees await lucky travelers to this exquisite destination nestled in the foothills of Mijas in Costa del Sol. Holiday tournaments and year-round training programs provide plenty of excitement for tennis fans of all ages.

Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel, Florida

Home to the renowned Tampa Tennis Camp, Saddlebrook Resort is actually located 25 miles to the north of Tampa and combines the appeal of a rustic village with some of the most intense training programs available anywhere. Guests who take on the challenge of these high-octane programs enjoy access to 45 courts encompassing a full range of surfaces. Grass, Rebound Ace, hard and clay courts are available for use by students at every level of play.

Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico

Court time is in high demand even during the hottest part of the day at the Palmas del Mar tennis center. Both hard-surface and clay courts are represented in this exclusive complex. Ten of the 20 available courts are lighted for evening play. Although the pro shop may be smaller in size than those available in other resorts, the view of the exhibition court from this equipment center compensates guests at the Palmas del Mar for any minor shortcomings.

Stoke Park Country Club & Resort, Buckinghamshire, England

Tennis fans with a taste for adventure will enjoy the true James Bond experience at the Stoke Park Country Club & Resort. “Goldfinger” and “Tomorrow Never Dies” were filmed on and around this impressive facility. Stoke Park also hosts the annual Boodles Challenge, a popular event among major stars in the local and national tennis scene.

Fairmont Le Château Montebello, Quebec, Canada

The Fairmont Le Château Montebello offers tennis enthusiasts a rare opportunity to enjoy fast-paced play on two exclusive indoor courts and a stay in a picturesque log cabin with 210 rooms. Located on 65,000 acres of unspoiled recreational area, this private retreat offers an exceptional range of family-friendly activities that include horseback riding, canoeing and swimming in the temperature-controlled indoor Olympic pool.

Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados, West Indies

The tropical setting and clear blue sea provide the perfect backdrop for intensive training with Sandy Lane’s experienced team of tennis instructors. While most instructional offerings are designed for adults, the facility does provide classes and tournaments for younger players at selected times throughout the year. During off hours, guests can enjoy lounging on the beach or relaxing at the luxury spa located in the Sandy Lane resort.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Despite its name, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort has much to offer dedicated tennis players. The resort has earned a Mobil Five-Star award and features a protected nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead turtle as well as an extensive Audubon-certified bird sanctuary. Professional tennis player and local legend Roy Barth oversees the two tennis clubs and provides guidance to guests of the Kiawah Island facility.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Located on the Big Island, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel boasts some of the whitest sand and most tranquil surroundings in all of the Pacific. It is also home to the Seaside Tennis Club and 11 tennis courts with stunning views of the beach and ocean. Under the leadership of Craig Pautler, the Seaside Tennis Club team offers basic and advanced lessons in tennis technique for guests at the Mauna Kea.

For dedicated tennis players and avid travelers like Amir Landsman, these resort destinations offer the chance to explore the finer points of the sport in serene and scenic surroundings far from the distractions of everyday life.