review: total tennis vs newks vs saddlebrook

review: total tennis vs newks vs saddlebrook vs clubmed sandpiper

my wife and I have been to all three of these. She is trying to get to be good enough to get her teaching certificate. I'm not really looking for improvement, just an active vacation where I hit a ton of tennis balls. Here are my thoughts:

Total Tennis
The tt experience is very dependent on your pro because IMO, they have the widest range of ability with their pros. This is especially true in the summer where they bring pros from colleges and other areas. The setting for the outdoor courts is beautiful and peaceful, especially in the fall. Lodging is somewhere between rustic and spartan but the rooms are clean. I believe the chef may be CIA trained and the food is very, very good. I've always been in the strongest group there and I've never seen anyone stronger than a strong 4.0 though I'm sure they get 4.5s from time to time. I should add that TT, with the right pro, is a great value.

Newks
Newks is all about fun. The pros are fun, they have a great attitude and they make sure everyone has a good time on and off the courts. The food is solid, instruction is solid and the after-tennis is is the best of the three resorts. The rooms are very nice, the rates very reasonable, particularly when they have 2-1 for deals. I played with strong 4.5s when I was there. We had a fabulous time at newks.

Saddlebrook
We recently spent our anniversary at Saddlebrook. It was very expensive compared to the other two. We paid a little extra for a suite and it was beautiful, by far the nicest of the three resorts. The resort itself is beautiful, with lush palms, a beautiful pool, spa and outdoor hot tubs.

I had heard that the tennis is very demanding, meant to get some aerobics in before we went but just didn't have time. The first day was pretty easy, I was a little sore getting to the court for day 2. The 2nd day our pro really worked me. One of the things I noticed here were the lack of breaks...its non-stop tennis, two people picking up balls while the others hit. My wife and I were really hurting starting day 3 and the pace quickened right off the bat. For some reason, after lunch that day I started feeling better and I was good to go for the rest of the stay. However, the pro did get me to a point on the last day where in the middle of a drill I was so tired I could no longer hit a backhand over the net. I think they look for that moment and work with you once in you're in that state.

From what I could see, Saddlebrook has the best pros and they really care about your experience. They took the three other players on my court for privates with the tennis director. He worked with my wife on her backhand slice. At the end of the day, I had 3 balls and I was trying to help my wife with the stroke, he saw us working on it and he spent another 20 minutes with us, working with three balls. This was after everybody had left the courts. Then he offered to hit with me but I was too tired. This was above and beyond anything we expected or could imagine.

You have to pay for the food at saddlebrook but our package included breakfasts and two dinners. The breakfast were absolutely great, better than most nyc restaurants. We ate at the on-property steak house. The food was very good, again as good as some nyc steakhouses. Without the package, the steak house would have been as expensive as a nyc steak house. We ate in the sports bar one night, the food was very good and reasonably priced.

We went to saddlebrook for our anniversary, thinking it was a splash-out, expensive luxury vacation but given the level of instruction, commitment to excellence and the beauty of the resort, we're going back. btw, this was the only resort where I saw 5.0/5.5 level players. Unfortunately, I wasn't strong enough to play with them and ended up on the next strongest court, a 3.5 court. Our pro made up for it by working me very hard and he also played in against me, so in the end, it didn't really matter.


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updating with clubmed sandpiper

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sitting in the airport, flight delayed, thought I'd add this short review of sandpiper. If you're a tennis player with young kids, this is a nice choice. Lots of activities for the whole family, great staff (tennis and non-tennis) and the food and drink is good, not great.

we visited years ago, when our kids were much smaller and there was a basic tennis facility. This has been replaced with a full-fledged tennis academy, with beautifully maintained har-tru and hard courts. There are daily clinics included in the price. each clinic lasts one hour, people self-rate, I'd say advanced was anywhere from 3.5-4.5.

Additionally, they have a daily, 3 hour intensive clinic for $210, five hour junior clinics for $200 and private instruction for $100/hour. I dunno about you, but I think $100/hour is pretty expensive. I watched the tennis director of the academy give two lessons, one to a 4.5-5.0 and another to two young beginners and decided that $100/hour was a bargain for this level of instruction. My middle kid has been playing for a about year, we signed him up and he had an incredible lesson. My oldest did the 3-hour and 5-hour clinics and enjoyed them both.

I attended the daily clinic, played a little after the clinic and played in the daily doubles competition. the doubles comp is open to all levels, as such it was really social tennis rather than competitive. Still, we managed to setup some good matches.

If you're a tennis player with young kids, this is definitely a place to keep on your radar.

Thanks for the post and great reviews!

I have been to Saddlebrook and totally agree with your assessment - Howard Moore, the director there, runs a fantastic program. Have always wanted to try Newks but the flights there are much more of a pain (no direct) compared to flying to Tampa for Saddlebrook.

I would be interested in any more info you have on Newk's, especially as compared to Saddlebrook (obviously Newks is less expensive).

Thanks!

Newks was almost like two different resorts for us, during the week there were only 8-12 people, so we got a lot of individual attention. Friday-sun the resort was packed with people from austin and the place really started hopping.

One of the unique things they did at newks was that they put a pro on each court teaching a different skill. You rotated through the courts and worked with each pro. It was a lot of fun and it seemed like they had the right pros teaching the right skills.After tennis, they had music and contests in the lodge. It was a little cheesy but a lot of fun.

If I were to compare the resorts, saddlebrook is a serious place where you work hard and you're likely to improve your tennis the most. Newks is a warm, welcoming place which combines tennis with a great, fun atmosphere. If you haven't been to Newks, I would say its worth the effort to get there. I will say that your experience at all the resorts is somewhat based on the people you meet at the resort. We met a great, great group of people at newks...but maybe that wasn't coincidental as newks reputation may attract the sort of people who align best with what we look for in our friends. At saddlebrook, we met very nice people but they were a little more formal/serious than the folks at newks.

The other point worth making about Newks is that if you like bbq , its striking distance to some of the best bbq in the country in the form of Kruetz Market, Smittys, Blacks and luling city market. I spend 4-5 weekends a year judging bbq contests, so the proximity of these shrines puts newks over the top for me.

Thanks!
i really really enjoy Saddlebrook but don't have anything to compare it against. but since it so enjoyable i keep going back (if it ain't broke, don't fix it).
but your reviews on Newks mean i may have to make the effort some time to get there and try it out (as well as compare the Texas BBQ to NC BBQ!)

Saddlebrook Experience

I have to agree with the OP assessment on SaddleBrook. I have been to two other adult camps / resorts. SB was the best of the three on all counts. First time I went alone, last year my wife went and my son joined the Jr. program.

If I have the time I will go back for my third time to SB in June. I always go in summer since the rates are lower, and I do like the challenge of working out in the heat. I go for 5 days, and by mid-day on day 2 I adjust to the routine. Even though I play and workout on a regular basis, I do try and work a little harder on my cardio, heat exposure, and legs about 4 to 6 weeks before I go.

Also, going off-peak you are in smaller groups, get more attention.

Also, I agree that Howard Moore has to be one of the best in the business when it comes to running such a program.

I agree it is a little costly, especially the food. I get a regular room, get a cooler, and stock up at the local supermarket, and only splurge a few times in the bar/restaurant.

the suite was about $15/night more than a regular room and included a full kitchen. well worth it imo.

Thanks!

vinouspleasure said:

the suite was about $15/night more than a regular room and included a full kitchen. well worth it imo.

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I guess I never considered a suite thinking it to be $$$. You are right, for just $15 more a night it is a bargin esp. if you can cook a few meals vs. restaurants.

starsin47 said:

I guess I never considered a suite thinking it to be $$$. You are right, for just $15 more a night it is a bargin esp. if you can cook a few meals vs. restaurants.

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in addition to the cooking/refrigerator facilities, the rest of the room is really beautiful. I did a little research before we went and read that some of the regular rooms were supposed to be not that nice.

There were two packages running when we went and the reservationist spent 15 minutes with me on the phone calculating the best deal. Really first class customer service from beginning to end.

Did you have to pay to valet park your car every time you went out? I heard that was an expensive drawback of Saddlebrook

In you do go to Saddlebrook for a week camp you better be in good shape or you will be miserable! Also, try to schedule several massages before you arrive to get optimal times-critical for recovery and to enjoy the tennis. Don't expect big changes in your technique/strokes because you tend to do mostly drills to aid your movement and conditioning.

Blask said:

Did you have to pay to valet park your car every time you went out? I heard that was an expensive drawback of Saddlebrook

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there is no mandatory cost but you should tip a dollar or two when they bring your car. We only left the resort once to get supplies from the grocery store so it didn't really matter.

>>
Don't expect big changes in your techniquestokes because you tend to do mostly drills to aid your movement and conditioning.
>>


Drilling to technique ratio was about 90/10. As I mentioned in my OP, they took people off my court for privates to work on stroke technique. My wife walked away with a bh slice (she hits a 2hbh) and the two other people on the court came back with much better volleys. I hit a 1hbh with topspin but I never saw anything like my pros ts bh so I asked him to spend some time with me on the technique.

vinouspleasure said:

the suite was about $15/night more than a regular room and included a full kitchen. well worth it imo.

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TennisResortsOnline.com also has a deal where you can get a free upgrade to a suite if you mention their offer when booking your room (having a full kitchen is great, especially with the grocery store so close by just outside the Saddlebrook grounds).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blask
Did you have to pay to valet park your car every time you went out? I heard that was an expensive drawback of Saddlebrook

there is a daily parking charge (think it is $5-10) included in your bill for the parking. but yes, you prob should either tip every time you get your car or just leave one bigger tip when you are checking out (tips are shared among the employees i believe). but the cost is only a couple bucks a day - not a real game changer in terms of the total cost of the great tennis experience Saddlebrook offers.

aldekeuk said:

TennisResortsOnline.com also has a deal where you can get a free upgrade to a suite if you mention their offer when booking your room (having a full kitchen is great, especially with the grocery store so close by just outside the Saddlebrook grounds).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blask
Did you have to pay to valet park your car every time you went out? I heard that was an expensive drawback of Saddlebrook

there is a daily parking charge (think it is $5-10) included in your bill for the parking. but yes, you prob should either tip every time you get your car or just leave one bigger tip when you are checking out (tips are shared among the employees i believe). but the cost is only a couple bucks a day - not a real game changer in terms of the total cost of the great tennis experience Saddlebrook offers.

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Thanks for the clarification on this. Tipping is no big deal at all but I had read pervious posts on TW that mentioned absurd pricing for mandatory valet service. I am seriously considering this place for early in 2009. Is there anything for my non tennis playing wife do to while I'm hitting? Pool, spa, shopping, etc?

Blask said:

Thanks for the clarification on this. Tipping is no big deal at all but I had read pervious posts on TW that mentioned absurd pricing for mandatory valet service. I am seriously considering this place for early in 2009. Is there anything for my non tennis playing wife do to while I'm hitting? Pool, spa, shopping, etc?

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I may have misunderstood your question, you must use the valet parking and they do charge you for it, something like $10/day.

We mostly played tennis, but they have a fitness center, a big, beautiful heated pool, hot tubs, and a spa. Of course, they also have golf if your wife plays. We hit for 5 hours/day, you have the option of hitting for just the morning, it you want to spend more time with your wife. Honestly, I would have found it a little boring if not for the tennis. You might want to consider one of the beach/tennis resorts in fl.

I forgot to mention in my posts that they had a live four piece band on the weekend and they were very, very good. I also forgot to mention that we saw Derek Jeter at breakfast a couple of times.

Also, since it was our anniversary, we checked with the steakhouse in advance and they let us bring a special bottle of wine for a $15 corkage fee. If you choose to do this, I'd call in advance to ensure the wine you're bringing is not on their wine list.

tennisresortsonline does have a current promotion however the resort itself offered two better promotions. I would suggest asking about the resort promotions before mentioning the tennisresortsonline promotion.

Blask said:

Thanks for the clarification on this. Tipping is no big deal at all but I had read pervious posts on TW that mentioned absurd pricing for mandatory valet service. I am seriously considering this place for early in 2009. Is there anything for my non tennis playing wife do to while I'm hitting? Pool, spa, shopping, etc?

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There is a huge pool area and (from what i hear) the spa at the resort is top notch. Last time i was there, a couple guys in my tennis group took the afternoon off to go get massages there. Not a lot of shopping though as Wesley Chapel is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Tampa is 30 mins or so away though. Also golf if your wife is into that, plus the food is not bad for lunches to help pass the time...

vinouspleasure said:

tennisresortsonline does have a current promotion however the resort itself offered two better promotions. I would suggest asking about the resort promotions before mentioning the tennisresortsonline promotion.

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vinouspleasure - how did you find out about the promotions? just ask the person on the phone or did they volunteer the promotion? was it someone in the tennis program reservation group or just the general resort reservation area? what exactly were the promotions you got (sounds like dinner also included?)

just ask because i am going next week and would love to get an even better deal if possible.

thanks for the umpteenth time for all your info.

aldekeuk said:

Thanks!
i really really enjoy Saddlebrook but don't have anything to compare it against. but since it so enjoyable i keep going back (if it ain't broke, don't fix it).
but your reviews on Newks mean i may have to make the effort some time to get there and try it out (as well as compare the Texas BBQ to NC BBQ!)

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Yeah, I'm the same way but the other way around. I've been to Newk's 6 times and really enjoyed it, so I keep going back. At the same time, I've heard from several people now that Saddlebrook's is really good as well.

I'm sure Newk's is better for the amount spent, but I may just need to splurge a bit and check out Saddlebrook.

Thanks for the write-up Vinous.

Saddlebrook Parking

Blask said:

Did you have to pay to valet park your car every time you went out? I heard that was an expensive drawback of Saddlebrook

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We paid for valet parking last time. However, we met others who parked in an area near the courts for free, and within about a 200 ft. walk to our cluster of condos.

So, next time I will ask about parking there.

Prior visits we flew into Tampa and used the Saddlebrook Limo. service, which is not a bad deal if you do not plan to leave the resort.

I've only been to Newks of the three. I went for a weekend.

The players were generally in the 3.0-4.0 range. My brother (who played college and opens for a while) didn't really find a challenge among the players, but fortunately many of the coaches were willing to hit with him. He didn't really care, he was just there to hang out with his buds and drink some beer.

Unfortunately, we showed up on a weekend when they had - get this - rented many of the rooms out to a women's church group. So the number of tennis players was like 1/4 of the usual. I wish they'd told me that when I made the reservation, because that probably had something to do with the paucity of 4.5+ players that weekend (I've heard that usually there are a handful).

But even so, the tennis players had a great time at the bar in the evenings and during meals. On the first night, after some round robin doubles, the coaches brought out a cooler and handed me a beer. Nice! Regrettably, the women's church group remained on its best behavior. Personally, I think an evening at the bar would be a great way to unwind after a day of... well, whatever women's church groups do during retreats. But alas, there were no takers.

As for accommodations... well, there is a small pool, and the rooms are comfortable but very basic. It's definitely not the kind of resort you'd just want to hang out at - and a non-tennis playing spouse wouldn't dig it. Personally, I'm there for the tennis anyway, and cucumber-infused water court side with lemon-scented towels actually gets on my nerves, especially when it's used to justify prices that are three times higher (or worse). I care about good facilities of course - and Newks has fine courts (including a few indoor). Once that's covered, I don't need much else.

I'll definitely go back to Newks, but next time I make a reservation, I am going to check to make sure there isn't a non-tennis playing group that has rented out the facility.

Thanks for the reviews! Very helpful.

How big was the group at Saddlebrook? Trying to decide between Newks & Saddlebrook the week after Thanksgiving(or the following week if flights are exorbitant), and both seem to be a great place to have fun and play tennis.

Also, I'm trying to get my girl-pal to come, but she's still wavering... if I do it alone, which one would be better for a lone woman? I'm not exactly a hermit, but have a little difficulty barging in on couples that seem to be in deep conversation... (no, not looking for any hookups - boyfriend just doesn't play tennis...)

elaine,

there were about 20 people at saddlebrook when we were there, they described it as a very light week. There was little to no socializing with the people on other courts after tennis.

At newks, it's almost impossible not to socialize after tennis. There is a central pub with music, contests, etc. Given your criteria, I'd head to nukes... One of the key differences is that saddbrook is a destination resort while nukes is close enough to austin to draw a big local crowd. I'd call sooner rather than later as they may book up that week.

hope you'll report back with your experience.

best,

Elaine S. said:

How big was the group at Saddlebrook? Trying to decide between Newks & Saddlebrook the week after Thanksgiving(or the following week if flights are exorbitant), and both seem to be a great place to have fun and play tennis.

Also, I'm trying to get my girl-pal to come, but she's still wavering... if I do it alone, which one would be better for a lone woman? I'm not exactly a hermit, but have a little difficulty barging in on couples that seem to be in deep conversation... (no, not looking for any hookups - boyfriend just doesn't play tennis...)

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I've not been to Saddlebrook, but heard good things about it. Have been to Newk's several times. Twice I went with a group, but the other times I traveled alone. Newk's is great for single travlers. All meals are taken as a group, and the pro's join you for meals as well. If you want to socialize a bit after supper, but pro's are happy to join you. Want to just head back to your room and prop your feet up? That's fine too. Almost every year I've been there, there have been other single travelers as well.

The size of the group at Newk's has varied quite a bit the weeks I've been there. Usually the lower the number of campers, the more attention you get from the Pro's. The high the number of campers, the better chance of having someone else there of your skill level. I prefer weeks with fewer campers. If that's a concern, just call their 800-number and ask them how many reservations they have for the week in question.

Geezer Guy said:

If that's a concern, just call their 800-number and ask them how many reservations they have for the week in question.

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Funny - I just asked Newk's, and they said they have about 2-6 people the week of Thanksgiving (I have no idea what the "2-6" part means... can't they just count?), and ONE player registered for the week after (11/29+).

Judging from your response to the other thread, I'm guessing that one person is you, Geezer Guy!?

I've always gone down for the full week-long program (which is Sun - Fri). Usually that's what most people do, but occasionally someone will just do a partial week. Maybe that's what the "2-6" means. And, with Thanksgiving falling in the middle, maybe some are just doing Sun - Wed.

As for the one player the 11/29 week... I'm somewhat hesitant to either confirm or deny...

Ah - I didn't know that you can just do partial weeks - should ask how much that costs...

As for the one player that week - hey no need to answer if you don't want to!

I thought it was funny that you were saying you had the best time when you were the only participant there, and so far it looks like one player is getting that dream day-long private lesson for a week! (I personally prefer a little bigger group though - at least a couple more for some social doubles afterwards if we're not too tired!)

Actually, I do think there's at least one more person that's planning to go down for the weekend and then stay through for the first few days of "my" week.

They're very flexible - I'm sure they'll let you attend for however long you want.

gonna be a good weekend!!

I'm pretty sure the group from Oklahoma will be there, so the 2-6 will be inflated come GAME TIME!!

Elaine S. said:

How big was the group at Saddlebrook? Trying to decide between Newks & Saddlebrook the week after Thanksgiving(or the following week if flights are exorbitant), and both seem to be a great place to have fun and play tennis.

Also, I'm trying to get my girl-pal to come, but she's still wavering... if I do it alone, which one would be better for a lone woman? I'm not exactly a hermit, but have a little difficulty barging in on couples that seem to be in deep conversation... (no, not looking for any hookups - boyfriend just doesn't play tennis...)

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Any decissions? If/when you go, post a review when you get back. I'm always interested in what people think...

I went to Saddlebrook for weekend package in July approx 5 years ago. I was hoping for a mock pro training session and to hit with people better than myself. Disappointed cause had older teacher who did not play pro tour and people on court was worse than me. Great breakfast though. Pool was nice. Tipping was a pain. Making exist out ot resort was tough in rush hour. Saw Mardy Fish and Todd Martin hitting. Wanted to be put through what aspiring juniors are out through.

leeroy85 said:

I went to Saddlebrook for weekend package in July approx 5 years ago. I was hoping for a mock pro training session and to hit with people better than myself. Disappointed cause had older teacher who did not play pro tour and people on court was worse than me.

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Don't know if Curly or Howard was there 5 years ago but if your ever
grouped with a weaker player or group just ask them and they will bump
you up, that's what they did for me.

I've been to Saddlebrook four times and it was a tough but enjoyable tennis experience. As others have said they don't normally take a lot of breaks and you will be worked as they believe that your fitness is just as important as hitting drills. This year I went for a week and by the 3rd day felt like a needed a break but just got a massage and felt ready for battle the rest of the week.

The resort can get expensive as mentioned with the tipping, valet charge if you rent a car, and the resturants, and resort charge but it was worth it.

vinouspleasure said:

my wife and I have been to all three of these. She is trying to get to be good enough to get her teaching certificate. I'm not really looking for improvement, just an active vacation where I hit a ton of tennis balls. Here are my thoughts:

Total Tennis
The tt experience is very dependent on your pro because IMO, they have the widest range of ability with their pros. This is especially true in the summer where they bring pros from colleges and other areas. The setting for the outdoor courts is beautiful and peaceful, especially in the fall. Lodging is somewhere between rustic and spartan but the rooms are clean. I believe the chef may be CIA trained and the food is very, very good. I've always been in the strongest group there and I've never seen anyone stronger than a strong 4.0 though I'm sure they get 4.5s from time to time. I should add that TT, with the right pro, is a great value.

Newks
Newks is all about fun. The pros are fun, they have a great attitude and they make sure everyone has a good time on and off the courts. The food is solid, instruction is solid and the after-tennis is is the best of the three resorts. The rooms are very nice, the rates very reasonable, particularly when they have 2-1 for deals. I played with strong 4.5s when I was there. We had a fabulous time at newks.

Saddlebrook
We recently spent our anniversary at Saddlebrook. It was very expensive compared to the other two. We paid a little extra for a suite and it was beautiful, by far the nicest of the three resorts. The resort itself is beautiful, with lush palms, a beautiful pool, spa and outdoor hot tubs.

I had heard that the tennis is very demanding, meant to get some aerobics in before we went but just didn't have time. The first day was pretty easy, I was a little sore getting to the court for day 2. The 2nd day our pro really worked me. One of the things I noticed here were the lack of breaks...its non-stop tennis, two people picking up balls while the others hit. My wife and I were really hurting starting day 3 and the pace quickened right off the bat. For some reason, after lunch that day I started feeling better and I was good to go for the rest of the stay. However, the pro did get me to a point on the last day where in the middle of a drill I was so tired I could no longer hit a backhand over the net. I think they look for that moment and work with you once in you're in that state.

From what I could see, Saddlebrook has the best pros and they really care about your experience. They took the three other players on my court for privates with the tennis director. He worked with my wife on her backhand slice. At the end of the day, I had 3 balls and I was trying to help my wife with the stroke, he saw us working on it and he spent another 20 minutes with us, working with three balls. This was after everybody had left the courts. Then he offered to hit with me but I was too tired. This was above and beyond anything we expected or could imagine.

You have to pay for the food at saddlebrook but our package included breakfasts and two dinners. The breakfast were absolutely great, better than most nyc restaurants. We ate at the on-property steak house. The food was very good, again as good as some nyc steakhouses. Without the package, the steak house would have been as expensive as a nyc steak house. We ate in the sports bar one night, the food was very good and reasonably priced.

We went to saddlebrook for our anniversary, thinking it was a splash-out, expensive luxury vacation but given the level of instruction, commitment to excellence and the beauty of the resort, we're going back. btw, this was the only resort where I saw 5.0/5.5 level players. Unfortunately, I wasn't strong enough to play with them and ended up on the next strongest court, a 3.5 court. Our pro made up for it by working me very hard and he also played in against me, so in the end, it didn't really matter.

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I have been to total tennis as well as Saddlebrook but not Newks in my single days several years ago. Your assessment is right on! Saddlebrook is very serious but a luxurious setting with the suite. We took a package which included the spa and sports massages. Great instruction and experience. There were stronger players than at total tennis.

I live in the NYC area so total Tennis is just a short 2 hour drive to Saugerties (It is just a few minutes from Woodstock. ) To me if you want to get away for a long weekend and hit alot of balls, there is no better value, particularly in the summer. Food was included. I used to go there with a bunch of buddies for laughs and will do so again with my wife once my kids are a little older. I was always on the top court and not a lot of competition. (I was a 4.5 to 5.0) and some of the others on the top court were 3.5-4.0. When I used to go, I always got the top instructor, Craig, who was excellent and helped my game. He worked with some local juniors who were nationally ranked. However, it is my understanding that he has moved on. I think it is very good for beginners to intermediates. The owner, Ed is also a nice guy and was very accessible.

dbusiness said:

Don't know if Curly or Howard was there 5 years ago but if your ever
grouped with a weaker player or group just ask them and they will bump
you up, that's what they did for me.

I've been to Saddlebrook four times and it was a tough but enjoyable tennis experience. As others have said they don't normally take a lot of breaks and you will be worked as they believe that your fitness is just as important as hitting drills. This year I went for a week and by the 3rd day felt like a needed a break but just got a massage and felt ready for battle the rest of the week.

The resort can get expensive as mentioned with the tipping, valet charge if you rent a car, and the resturants, and resort charge but it was worth it.

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Right on the money! Last time I was there was even longer ago than you, about 8 years ago-with Curly and maybe, Howard. Tough but great and massages really helped!

Elaine S. said:

How big was the group at Saddlebrook? Trying to decide between Newks & Saddlebrook the week after Thanksgiving(or the following week if flights are exorbitant), and both seem to be a great place to have fun and play tennis.

Also, I'm trying to get my girl-pal to come, but she's still wavering... if I do it alone, which one would be better for a lone woman? I'm not exactly a hermit, but have a little difficulty barging in on couples that seem to be in deep conversation... (no, not looking for any hookups - boyfriend just doesn't play tennis...)

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Did you go? I just saw this thread. I went to Saddlebrook with a pal and we were basically on our own so I don't know if it would make sense for you to go there alone. However, does your boyfriend play golf? At least when I was there years ago, on the same grounds there was a well regarded golf school. So, if he plays golf, you could still go there together, participate in your own activities and hang out afterwards. In addition, there is a great spa there.

dbusiness said:

The resort can get expensive as mentioned with the tipping, valet charge if you rent a car, and the resturants, and resort charge but it was worth it.

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I have been twice to Saddlebrook. Who are you tipping (aside from when dining or at the spa)?

leeroy85 said:

I went to Saddlebrook for weekend package in July approx 5 years ago. I was hoping for a mock pro training session and to hit with people better than myself. Disappointed cause had older teacher who did not play pro tour and people on court was worse than me. Great breakfast though. Pool was nice. Tipping was a pain. Making exist out ot resort was tough in rush hour. Saw Mardy Fish and Todd Martin hitting. Wanted to be put through what aspiring juniors are out through.

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I think Randy was his name. Think he was former military guy. He can hit ok but not what I was expecting. It was so hot, there were no other group I could hit with. You think they would move an adult to hit in the junior program?

My 14 yo son and I just returned from a weekend at total tennis. Tennis, food, instructors (bubla, ty) were absolutely great. If you get Bubla as a pro, your experience here is actually very similar to saddlebrook for about 1/4 the price...

pennc94 said:

I have been twice to Saddlebrook. Who are you tipping (aside from when dining or at the spa)?

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You tip the bell hops when they bring you luggage in, bell hops if you have them cart you around, bell hops if you go get groceries for the week (they will bring them in for you). + dining and spa. + I believe a $14 daily resort fee

Maybe I'm just a 3 star guy staying at a 4 star resort as I can park my own car and handle my groceries if the resort wasn't so spread out like a campus.

Just got back from three days at Newks and had a great time. I am married but went alone (she doesn't play) and had a great time with the instructors and other campers. I give Newks 5 out of 5 on instruction. My last day I had two instructors for just me the whole day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. I am a 4.0 player and learned more in the 3 days than the last 10 years. The instructors took our group out to dinner to a unique restaraunt on Saturday night. The accomodations need updating though, my room was very 70's. I went the first week of January and most the locals found the weather cold, but being from Canada, I liked the generally sunny weather and highs in the low 50's. A nice break from indoor tennis.

I'm going for the week long session next month, can't wait!

I am very seriously thinking of going to Saddlebrook sometime in February (an in from NYC) alone for 3 days midweek. I do not mind eating alone at a bar. It sounds like a lot of tennis (which I like) and get a massage after. I am a 4.0 player in my mid 40's

Does this sound like a good idea?

My experiences so far has been; to the tennis camp in Essex,Vermont (New England Tennis Holidays) but it was a pretty bad experience, First day was me and an older retired Dr. he was pretty good, sneaky lobber, dropshotter, so not really challenging.
the next day a husband and wife who were 2.5's and me and the Dr. all day with one pro.
the next day a few 3.5'ers showed up, a 2nd pro.. but overall not good. I understand they have another camp in New Hampshire, but after they wasted my time, I would never go near them.

This past holiday break, my wife and I went to Palm Springs. we did 2 days at Reed Anderson's (I canceled the 3rd day to go elsewhere) as it was not challenging at all. I was only on Reed's court for 1/2hr. Can't figure out why, but he was only on the beginners court, and the better players had someone else who never hit a ball. We mostly worked on hitting the inside and the outside of the ball. After he saw me hit, He tried to tell us that pro's never hit an inside out cross court forehand - I said I guess you don't watch the pro's much.

The next day I went to JW Marriot in Desert Springs. They don't have a camp, just 90 minute clinics. I took their 4.0 drill clinic and after I had an hour private with Jim Leupold. This was one of the best private I have ever had. He works Very hard on the court and has a really great attitude. I highly recommend him and can't wait to go back. He very quickly assessed my ability and helped work on my shot preparation.

Thx,

GZim - i have done exactly what you describe (minus the massage) for the past three February's and loved it. Even at that time of year there should be at least one court of 4.0 guys they can match you up with. It is a lot of tennis so if you enjoy that it's really not that big a deal going by yourself. Saddlebrook is the best tennis program i have found.

thinkng about it

aldekeuk said:

GZim - i have done exactly what you describe (minus the massage) for the past three February's and loved it. Even at that time of year there should be at least one court of 4.0 guys they can match you up with. It is a lot of tennis so if you enjoy that it's really not that big a deal going by yourself. Saddlebrook is the best tennis program i have found.

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I am debating if it is worth the $2000 for 3 days (all in with airfare etc)
or if I just take a bunch of private lessons at my home club for a month and spend much less. . . .

GZim said:

I am debating if it is worth the $2000 for 3 days (all in with airfare etc)
or if I just take a bunch of private lessons at my home club for a month and spend much less. . . .

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How did you like the JW Marriott? Would you go back? That place is about a 2hr drive from my house and I keep telling myself I am going to spend the weekend or even just a night to check it out.

all3ofus said:

How did you like the JW Marriott? Would you go back? That place is about a 2hr drive from my house and I keep telling myself I am going to spend the weekend or even just a night to check it out.

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I really liked the facility and especially Jim Leupold the Head Pro. He is one of the best I have taken a lesson from. I also liked that they have 3 court surfaces.. mostly hard courts. but they had 3 or 4 HarTru and 3 grass too.

Check out their website.. they have clinic's every day. I only took the 4.0 and it was pretty good.

if you do go, I'd like to hear what you thought. the place is beautiful.

Best

GZim said:

I am debating if it is worth the $2000 for 3 days (all in with airfare etc)
or if I just take a bunch of private lessons at my home club for a month and spend much less. . . .

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i assume you mean for three full days of tennis? the first time i went i stayed two days and felt it was a little short, especially for the cost / effort required. it definitely isn't cheap.
if you are looking to get away and do something different then Saddlebrook would be a great idea - like i said the tennis program is top notch. if you just want to play a bunch, maybe just do the lessons.

Yes I would do 3 full days. still thinking about it, but I am leaning towards just doing a bunch of privates.

Thanks

added clubmed sandpiper

Thanks for reviews. I hope things at SB are still as good as you described (planning a trip there)