Summer is so close, we can almost taste it – and the predicted score card is distinct: this season is all about ball sports. Think salt-seasoned breezes drifting over nets, the tang of sunscreen on bronzed limbs, the zing of freshly squeezed lemonade enjoyed between games, and the gentle thack-thack sound of a fuzzy yellow ball flying between racquets. This year, forget lazing by pools and lapping up Hugo spritzes: it’s all about practising drop shots, celebrating aces and volleying hard. Call it the Challengers effect – because, yes, it’s still going – but the world continues to go gaga for racquet sports, and, whether crazy about newcomers padel and pickleball or enamoured by the old-school elegance of tennis and badminton, growing numbers of travellers are stuffing sports bags in overhead lockers as they head off on summer adventures. Lacoste polos are being spotted in London; pleated skorts are popular in Paris; and everyone who’s anyone is vying for tickets for Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. These days, city-break planning involves scouting out local courts for morning games. So why not make life easier by checking into a hotel with its own courts? These properties promise more than just a net and some lines: they’ve got jaw-dropping views, incredible courtside refreshments and more.
Credit: Oliver Fly
chevalblanc.com
Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
Did someone say “exclusive tennis island”? Hop on a speedboat from Cheval Blanc Randheli and you’ll be whisked to the tropical island of Maakurandhoo, where two lagoon-front, floodlit tennis courts sit, awaiting plays from the next Coco Gauff or Carlos Alcaraz. Elsewhere on the island, there’s a palm-shaded fitness boot-camp space, a terrace lounge and a clubhouse serving freshly opened coconuts courtside. More of a next-gen racquet wielder? Back on the island that houses the hotel proper, you’ll find al fresco and covered padel courts.chevalblanc.com
Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club, Bermuda
Pack your pastels if you’re hoping to hit balls at Bermuda’s Hamilton Princess resort: you’ll want to coordinate with the tennis and pickleball courts at this marina-gazing stay in the North Atlantic, whose delicate, shell-like pink complements the coral-coloured facade of the legendary island stay. Dubbed “The Pink Palace”, the hotel’s Millennial-friendly colour job takes inspiration from Bermuda’s famous pink-sand beaches.thehamiltonprincess.com
Enchantment Resort, Arizona, US
Players will be hard pressed to keep their eyes on the ball when playing on Enchantment’s sun-baked court: rising up behind it are the rust-red rock formations of Arizona’s desert landscape. The hotel runs seasonal pickleball festivals, inviting sporting pros to give 101 classes, providing advanced technique advice, tips and tricks, before open-play sessions kick off, with the fun going on till sunset over four consecutive days.enchantmentresort.com
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France
Play like a pro on the five clay tennis courts hidden among the pine trees at the grande dame of Riviera grandeur, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. A game at these terracotta-red tennis courts, which are tucked on the hotel’s rocky peninsula between swaying palms and the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, promises a sun-kissed three sets (with Challengers levels of perspiration), followed by a dip in the renowned hotel’s cliff-ensconced swimming pool, and some champagne-based rehydration. Other guests invariably become spectators, only adding to the atmosphere – they’ll likely be fitted out in Lacoste polos, with Rallymasters on their wrists.oetkercollection.com
Amanzoe, Greece
Get that preppy Ralph Lauren attire packed: the sun-kissed tennis courts at Aman’s Greek address – which overlook the sparkling seas surrounding the Peloponnese peninsula – appear straight out a fashion ad. They’re so chic they’ve even earned the admiration of tennis legend and 24 Grand Slam title-winning Novak Djokovic. The hotel’s first “Global Wellness Advisor” has partnered with the luxury brand to offer a wellbeing programme that promises to get you game-fit for your next court battle. We can think of few more appropriate places to tone yourself à la Greek god than at this marble-hewn, Doric-columned retreat.aman.com
Credit: Bürgenstock Hotels AG
burgenstockresort.com
Bürgenstock Resort, Switzerland
Sometimes, it rains in summer, but that shouldn’t stop your serve practice. At the luxurious Bürgenstock Resort beside beautiful Lake Lucerne, tennis players can hone their swing on two indoor courts beneath cathedral-like wooden domes, with panoramic views of Alpine valleys outside. Sessions can be booked with coach Julien Evrard, who’s trained with world-class players like Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas, or you can join LUX Tennis Star Events, where you’ll experience the training routines of hot shots such as former Swiss pro Martina Hingis. The 25-time grand slam champion ranked as world No.1 in women’s singles for a whopping 209 weeks – the youngest ever to reach the top spot.burgenstockresort.com
Credit: Ross Couper
singita.com
Singita Castleton, South Africa
Spectators might look a little different at this tree-shaded court: the stone-walled Singita Castleton is located deep within some 20,000 hectares of African wilderness in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve. A private wildlife reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park, it’s home to lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Formerly a family residence, the property retains its homely feel, and once you’ve played a game, you’ll be thankful for the large pool on the front lawn, the country-style kitchen (for refreshments) and the state-of-the-art wellness facilities, which include a yoga pavilion.singita.com
