The Best Wimbledon Inspired Tennis Holidays of 2018
With Wimbledon 2018 well and truly under way, the ever-growing fever is tangible, and nobody is immune. Luckily, we are here to treat you with the tried and tested cure, sharing our top tennis holidays and tips from experts that are guaranteed to inspire you. Whether you’re as serious as Andy Murray or simply enjoy working up a sweat before the spa, gain the advantage this summer with an epic sporting holiday. After a morning on the court with expert coaches, ward off tennis elbow through the expertise of professional chiropractors and rejuvenating spa treatments, leaving your body ready to hit the courts again tomorrow. Game, set, match.
With Wimbledon 2018 well and truly under way, the ever-growing fever is tangible, and nobody is immune. Luckily, we are here to treat you with the tried and tested cure, sharing our top tennis holidays and tips from experts that are guaranteed to inspire you. Whether you’re as serious as Andy Murray or simply enjoy working up a sweat before the spa, gain the advantage this summer with an epic sporting holiday. After a morning on the court with expert coaches, ward off tennis elbow through the expertise of professional chiropractors and rejuvenating spa treatments, leaving your body ready to hit the courts again tomorrow. Game, set, match.
Top Tennis Holidays
Portugal: Annabel Croft Tennis at Pine Cliffs Resort
Annabel Croft at Pine Cliffs
With a philosophy of ‘movement and repetition’, take your tennis to new heights on this one-week tennis coaching retreat developed by former British No.1, Annabel Croft. Whether you are a skilled tennis player or just starting to consider the sport, enjoy a secluded break from our Ultimate Collection, while experiencing the pleasures of learning and improving yourself at the Annabel Croft tennis academy. Facilities boast six high quality tennis courts and qualified trainers who run training and coaching sessions. The tennis programme includes highly paced drills and exercises to enjoy the training while growing in skill yourself.
More information: View Pine Cliffs Resort
Cyprus: Tennis at Aphrodite Hills
Tennis at Aphrodite Hills
Do you fancy yourself as the next Serena Williams or Roger Federer? The Tennis Academy at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus is the perfect place for tennis enthusiasts of every age to achieve all their sporting goals, on a sports holiday to remember. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate, the dedicated tennis coaches will help you improve your game and serving skills, that you can later show off in an invigorating match with other dedicated guests. After powering yourself out on the high-quality courts, unwind and soothe your muscles by paying the retreat spa a visit to enjoy a hot stone, Swedish or therapeutic massage to make you feel relaxed and restored.
More information: View Aphrodite Hills
Spain: Marbella Club Tennis
Tennis Court at Marbella Club
Located just a ball toss away from the luxurious Mediterranean hideaway that is Marbella Club, follow in the footsteps of tennis greats like Serena Williams and Boris Becker at Puente Romano Tennis Club. With ten well-equipped courts and a talented team of professional coaches waiting to ‘serve’ you, there’s no better place to perfect your tennis technique on an activity holiday. Unleash your competitive side with twice-weekly group tennis tournaments and channel your inner-champion as you put your new-found skills to the test. After a day of serve-and-volley, wind down with a personalised massage and relax in the beachfront Thalasso Spa with breath-taking views across the Med.
More information: View Marbella Club
Thailand: Thanyapura Tennis
Indoor Tennis Courts at Thanyapura
Serve it and smash it with the guidance of professional mentors on this tennis holiday at Thanyapura, sheltered beneath the peaceful mountains of Phuket. Train amongst tennis stars and international teams on 6 competition-class courts, making this the perfect destination for a fitness holiday. Compliment your tennis with a selection of fitness classes including spinning, Kinesis and Pilates. Reap the benefits of a rejuvenating sports massage at the resort spa or indulge in the experience with holistic treatments for an enhanced sense of well-being. Reconnect with your mind, body and soul at this dedicated fitness retreat and return home with a sharper game that will have your opponent’s running in circles.
More information: View Thanyapura
St Lucia: BodyHoliday Tennis
Tennis Court at BodyHoliday
Gain the advantage over your tennis game and your fitness levels on this active tennis holiday at BodyHoliday in St Lucia. Set upon the secluded bay of Cariblue, hit the courts for private coaching and group tennis lessons, before testing what you’ve learnt with a tennis competition between fellow guests. Round out one of our favourite all-inclusive holidays with a wide range of group fitness classes, land and water sports, including, yoga, Box Fit, mountain biking and kayaking, for the perfect spa and sports holiday. After an active day, relax at the luxury spa with a choice of daily treatments, including massages, body scrubs and facials.
More information: View BodyHoliday
Antigua: Carlisle Bay Tennis
Tennis with a View at Carlisle Bay
Add some Vitamin-D to your game as you soak up the sun training on a tropical Caribbean getaway at Carlisle Bay. Beneath tropical palm trees, nine courts are a stone’s throw away from the turquoise waters edge, including four floodlit courts for cooler evening games. With six private tennis lessons included and optional complimentary clinics, you will have plenty of opportunity to improve your technique under the tuition of professional instructors. In-between games explore on a rainforest hike or take to the tropical waters paddle boarding, before rejuvenating with a deep tissue massage at the award-winning Blue Spa.
More information: View Carlisle Bay
Top Tennis Tips from the Pros
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Learn a backhanded backspin
“The backhanded backspin is an indispensable move found in the repertoire of all good tennis players. This shot allows you to defend yourself against powerful punches, attack at the right moment and change the inertia of the game to keep your opponent off balance.
For this, you have to be able to hit the ball well and generate a good swing that does not make it lob too much, nor lose the force necessary to keep your opponent from counter-attacking during the game.”
Ramon Campuzano Rojas, Director of Puente Romano Tennis & Fitness Club, Marbella
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Fancy footwork
Footwork is a key aspect to success in tennis and how you move on the court is arguably the most important part of the game; a lack of proper footwork makes it nearly impossible to advance to a higher level in the sport. Even if you are lacking in speed, you can still be quick and effective on the court given the correct footwork, not only reaching tough balls, but also getting in an optimal position to hit the best possible shot. Follow these tips to polish up your footwork on the court:
- Ready Position
Before you start approaching the ball, players should always begin in the “ready position” with knees and hips bent, legs shoulder width apart and weight equally distributed on both toes. This position allows you to move easily in any direction and should be used when anticipating the opponent’s next shot.
- Split Step
Once your opponent contacts the ball you should perform a “split step” which consists of a small hop from the ready position towards the direction of the ball. This step will prepare you for your shot and allow for a quicker and more explosive movement to the ball.
- Effective Movement
Quick, light, short steps are key to reaching the ball early, since these precise movements are what allow you to get in an ideal position for a good shot. Always stay on your toes and avoid taking long, heavy strides to reach the ball.
Timo Sivapruksa, Head Tennis Coach at Thanyapura Phuket, Thailand
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How to instantly raise your game
“It’s important to understand the best area to contact the ball. If the ball is too far away, you lose control and balance; if it's too close, you can't swing correctly. Getting the correct place to contact the ball will enable you to hit through the ball better.
Also choosing a suitable racket can make a huge difference; the main thing is to get a decent set of strings with good tension.”
Pat Cash, Wimbledon champion 1987
Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect tennis holiday.