The world's top tennis hotels
Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire
Following Andy Murray's British triumph at Wimbledon, tennis looks set to be more popular than ever. For those who like to play as well as watch, Alice Walker selects the best tennis hotels around the world, where guests can be taught by champions amid the most beautiful surroundings...
Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire
Built in 1795, this English mansion in the Buckinghamshire countryside is the perfect tennis enthusiast's retreat. Each year it host its pre-Wimbledon tennis tournament, 'The Boodles', when tennis stars from around the world gather to warm up for the season.
Last year, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray chose to complete their preparations for Wimbledon here, giving guests the opportunity to see world-class tennis during their stay. The hotel also offers tennis instruction to the guests on the numerous indoor and outdoor courts, and also provide junior camps for young players. But if it's the tennis champions you're after, book in during 'The Boodles' week to see your tennis heroes limber up for Wimbledon.
Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Bucks (01753 717171; www.stokepark.com); or book through Small Hotels of the World (0800 0482 314; www.slh.com). Doubles from £243, including complimentary health and racquet facilities.
La Residencia, Mallorca
La Residencia, Mallorca
On the north-west coast of Mallorca, La Residencia overlooks the stunning mountain village of Deià. Home to Robert Graves for much of his life, Deià still attracts artists and writers to this day; but now La Residencia is bringing musicians and sporting types to the area, too.
Formerly a collection of four mansions, the hotel was transformed into its current incarnation by Richard Branson, and has since become an Orient-Express hotel and the refuge of many a celebrity (Kate Moss, Mick Jagger, and Andrew Lloyd Webber who hired the entire hotel for his 60th birthday).
Among olive and lemon groves is a pool and a spa, plus two tennis courts with views of the Mediterranean.
Doubles from about £426, including complimentary court rental, racquet facilities and occasional tournaments (www.hotel-laresidencia.com).[/i]
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
Carlisle Bay, Caribbean
Overlooking azure waters and rainforested hills on the south coast of Antigua, family-friendly hotel Carlisle Bay, with its nine well-equipped courts, might just be the most idyllic place in the world in which to practise your forehand.
To refuel after a match, restaurant Indigo on the Beach serves light seafood grills, salads and homemade breads, from its spectacular location overlooking the ocean.
Scott Dunn (+44 20 34 32 5845*; www.scottdunn.com) offers seven nights at Carlisle Bay from £7,800 per family of four sharing a Beach Terrace Suite, all-inclusive, including return flights with British Airways.*
Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
Breathe in the mountain air on one of Gstaad Palace's courts, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Swiss Alps. This 1913 hotel has 104 bedrooms, a spa and a huge outdoor swimming pool, as well as four tennis courts.
The GP runs highly acclaimed 'Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks', one of the leading tennis camps in the world. Guests can receive intensive personal coaching from Emerson himself, assisted by his son and a selection of other professional instructors.
Roy Emerson Tennis Week package from CHF 3,900 (around £2,666*) per person, including six nights' accommodation in a single or double classic room on a full-board basis, 25 hours of tennis lessons, a sports massage, access to the nightclub and to the indoor and outdoor heated pools, saunas, steam baths and gym. To book contact Gstaad Palace (00 41 33 748 50 00; www.palace.ch)*
Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
At the Hampshire outpost of luxury hotelier Four Seasons, tennis pro Brendan Easterling will be on hand to give guests lessons at the hotel's courts all through summer, until September. The courses are run by Peter Burwash International, the tennis school run by the former champ of the 1970s.
The hotel, a renovated Georgian manor house in the countryside, is set in quintessentially English surroundings, with a spa in the former stable block and spa café serves health-conscious food in a glasshouse dining room overlooking the grounds.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, Hampshire (01252 853000; www.fourseasons.com/hampshire)
Sani Resort, Greece
Sani Resort, Halkidiki
On Greece's beautiful Halkidiki Peninsula is the Sani Resort. Set in 1,000 acres, the resort is made up of four hotels (from family-friendly to the more grown-up Asterias Suites), its own marina, and six tennis courts. Guests can enjoy professional coaching at every level, from children's clubs to individual lessons.
Non-sporting partners will be happy to know that there are plenty of pools, an ecological reserve to explore and an 8km stretch of beach to spend the days on, if the idea of hitting a ball around doesn't appeal.
Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece (0800 949 6809*; www.sani-resort.com).*