For two and a half weeks every year New York City comes alive with the tennis elite at the U.S. Open and even diehard Yankees fans suddenly find themselves tuning in to watch the action at Flushing Stadium. With Rafael Nadal turning up the heat on his opponents this year and claiming his third U.S win, avid tennis buffs went right home after with one thought – how can I play like him? How about a few weeks at a tennis spa to practice up your game, learn new skills and gain an advantage? Here are five of the Squire’s favorites in far flung locations around the world.
Game, set, match!
Thailand: Thanyapura Tennis
Serve it and smash it with the guidance of professional mentors at Thanyapura, sheltered beneath the peaceful mountains of Phuket. Train among tennis all-stars and international teams on 6 competition-class courts. Complement tennis with a selection of fitness classes including spinning, Kinesis and Pilates. Reap the benefits of a rejuvenating sports massage at the resort’s spa or indulge in holistic treatments for an enhanced sense of well-being. Reconnect with all your senses at this dedicated fitness retreat and return home with a sharper game that will have your opponents running in circles. www.thanyapura.com
Turkey: D-Maris Hotel Tennis
Gain the advantage on a coastal tennis holiday at D-Hotel Maris in Turkey, overlooking the spot where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. Learn how to sharpen your technique during private lessons with the D-Hotel Tennis School, headed up by Wimbledon champion and Olympic medalist, Goran Ivanisevic. Off-court, unwind with reviving spa treatments or take advantage of complimentary group classes, from spinning to yoga. With five private beaches to choose from, keep your winning streak going by soaking up the sunshine during a game of beach volleyball. www.dmarishotel.com
St Lucia: BodyHoliday Tennis
Practice acing your serve on an active tennis holiday at BodyHoliday in St Lucia, set beside the secluded bay of Cariblue. Hit the courts for private coaching and group lessons, before testing what you’ve learned in a mixed doubles set with fellow guests. Round out this all-inclusive tennis holiday with a wide range of group fitness classes, land and water sports, yoga, Box Fit, mountain biking and kayaking. After an active day, relax at the spa with a range of treatments, including massages, body scrubs and facials. www.thebodyholiday.com
Spain: Royal Tennis Club Marbella
Located just the toss of a ball away from the luxurious Mediterranean hideaway that is Marbella Club, follow in the footsteps of tennis greats like Serena Williams and Boris Becker at Royal Tennis Club. With ten well-equipped courts and a talented team of professional coaches waiting to ‘serve’ you, there really is no better place to perfect your technique. Unleash your competitive side with twice-weekly group tennis tournaments and channel your inner-champion putting new-found skills to the test. After a day of serving and volleying, wind down with a personalized massage and relax in the beachfront Thalasso Spa with breathtaking views across the Med. www.royaltennisclub.com
UK: Grayshott Spa Tennis Break
Book an intensive two night tennis break at Grayshott Spa, set on 47 acres of peaceful woodland in the countryside of Surrey. Improve your game with two hour-long private coaching sessions with Grayshott’s on-site pro, before practicing on the complimentary indoor and outdoor courts. Get your Zen on with daily walks around the grounds as well as the adjacent National Trust land, or join a variety of group classes, including yoga, Pilates, circuit training and Tai Chi. Finish off your short break with a reviving massage to return home fully rejuvenated and ready for your next match. www.grayshottspa.com
For more information and advice on booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com