In need of tennis vacation ideas

[Blask]

Okay here's the situation:

I want to plan an early May vacation with my wife that includes some tennis clinics or formal instruction. We live in VA so really anywhere on the east coast is within striking distance. I don't want to fly out west and kill that much time in the air.

We are up for any suggestions on the East Coast (FL? SC?). My wife does not play tennis so I would like it to be a waterfront resort so she can lounge at the beach. I would also prefer that it be within reasonable driving distance to good shopping (for her) and local restaurants so we don't have to eat on property all the time. I would also not prefer to spend a ton of money on the trip if possible. For example, I checked out Ritz Key Biscayne but that seems a bit steep.

Any ideas would be welcomed

Thanks
Blask

 

[atatu]

I just got back from Sanibel/Captiva island (Florida) with my family, it was pretty good. The beach is definitely nice, and there are a lot of places with courts.

 

[01690169]

Some sugestions...

Its hard to find a good tennis resort that has a nice beach and also is not that expensive. You might try The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in FL. They are supposed to have good tennis and a great beach, but I have never been.

Did you try doing research on some of the travel sites that have reviews? This one specializes in tennis resorts: http://www.tennisresortsonline.com.

Sorry I cant be more help.

 

[Tofi]

http://www.tennisbreak.com/

 

[BestLefty UK]

Okay here's the situation:

I want to plan an early May vacation with my wife that includes some tennis clinics or formal instruction. We live in VA so really anywhere on the east coast is within striking distance. I don't want to fly out west and kill that much time in the air.

We are up for any suggestions on the East Coast (FL? SC?). My wife does not play tennis so I would like it to be a waterfront resort so she can lounge at the beach. I would also prefer that it be within reasonable driving distance to good shopping (for her) and local restaurants so we don't have to eat on property all the time. I would also not prefer to spend a ton of money on the trip if possible. For example, I checked out Ritz Key Biscayne but that seems a bit steep.

Any ideas would be welcomed

Thanks
Blask

http://www.tennisbreak.com/

Tennisbreak is in Italy, Blask is looking for suggestions on the east coast such as Florida.

 

[Chauvalito]

Hilton Head Island and Van Der Meer

My family and I spent a week on Hilton Head Island in the summer of 2006, and to this day it remains one of our most enjoyable vacations.

We rented a three bedroom apartment for a very reasonable price with a kitchen and everything you would need to feel like you were at home. My brothers walked to their Van Der Meer Junior clinic every day as it was across the street, came home for lunch, and then walked back to play more tennis in the afternoon.

I participated in the Van Der Meer "world class competition and drilling" or something like that which took place at the shipyard resort about half a mile away (I drove). It was a lot of fun, there were some very good players, we played on clay and our instructor was hilarious. I must say though that it was brutally hot and humid, one of my fellow players actually had a bout with heat stroke and had to be taken to the hospital, but he returned the next day. Van der Meer showed up as well and we all had our pictures taken with him. I enjoyed the tennis greatly, but was not a hige fan of the heat...I have never perspired more in my entire life, even as a junior player training in Texas at the Newcombe tennis ranch.

The beach was also within walking distance and was very relaxing. you can rent bikes and there are some very nice quaint shops that you can peruse.

However, the stores in the local mall were not impressive, and it was very small. I am sure though, there is good shopping within driving distance.

Also, as we ate at home every day I cannot tell you about the local eateries, but I am sure you can find many by searching the internet.

The best part about the trip was that we were not stuck in hotel room. We all had our own beds, two bathrooms, and a nice family room where we could all sit and watch TV and eat together. The kitchen was large enough for us to cook good food and we had everything we needed You don't get that sense of home in a hotel room.

I would highly suggest you search for properties you can rent, the price we paid for one week in our apartment was equivalent to two nights, or even one night in an upscale hotel, but I would argue our amenities were much more comfortable, relaxing and close to the things we wanted to experience...good tennis and the beach.

 

[Kick_It]

Depends on how good you are and what your wife likes to do. Is she a tennis player too, and if so how good is she?

Regardless of where you go - the quality/level of tennis depends on whomever is there with you at the same time; it's rolling the dice. That said, the instructors at some places are better than others if you don't get much competition.

I've done Saddlebrook a couple times, and Van Der Meer's shipyard once.

Remember the demographics of tennis - the majority of players are in the 3.0 to 4.0 NTRP range. These places are businesses so they target the majority.

I was disappointed with Van Der Meers shipyard - though found Hilton Head Island a fun - albiet somewhat spendy place for a vacation. Kinda like Hawaii on the east coast. I went there to train for summer tournaments and was bummed that there were maybe three 4.0 or better guys to hit with out of about 14 people, one was a former D3 college player who only was there my first day of three. They tried to push the "world class" thing on me though I heard it was basically the same, maybe a couple more better players and they video taped you. If I ever go there again, I'd ask to train with the juniors at the other site instead.

Saddlebrook is better for advanced players, and they do at least one court for the beginner-intermediates too which can be good for spouses. If you are an advanced adult player - this is the only place I'd consider. Top notch instruction and people to hit with. They have nice golf and pool facilities on site, though Clearwater beach is about 30 mins away.

Have Fun! K_I

 

[West Coast Ace]

I believe May in Florida should be off-peak - it's starting to get real hot and humid. As the economy is still pretty weak, don't be afraid to push (in a respectful tone) for a better deal - by May they may be dying for business.

The back of Tennis magazine usually has ads from all the major resorts.

 

[topsltennis]

There are some good resorts here in the Florida Panhandle- TOPS'L and Sandestin are the two big ones. You can also check out Watercolor and Seaside which are smaller but very nice.

 

[Il Mostro]

There are some good resorts here in the Florida Panhandle- TOPS'L and Sandestin are the two big ones. You can also check out Watercolor and Seaside which are smaller but very nice.

+1 We recently returned from a week in Destin and plan to return later this year. It was too cold for the beach, but they are very, very nice. There is a good concentration of tennis facilities here, so it should not be difficult to find one that fits you. I found this to be a nice low-key and under-hyped place.

 

[Japanese Maple]

Blask-I responded to this inquiry before on your other similar thread and you never responded back-what are you leaning towards based on your research?

 

[Blask]

We are right now leaning towards going to Hilton Head based on a lot of feedback from different people and sites. It's driving distance for us so we can pack some seafood/steaks and do some cooking for lunches and then enjoy local cuisine for dinner.

Tennisresortsonline.com has Palmetto Dunes ranked #7. It is also on the beach which is a big plus for my non-tennis playing wife. The properties aren't expensive at all for being oceanfront, it really is an affordable quick vacation.

To answer some questions, I'm not an advanced tennis player (3.5-4.0)so I don't need the "best" instruction. I just want to keep playing while on vacation and having a relaxing weekend. I like staying active on vacations and truly enjoy tennis so it's a good idea for me to work it in while out of town instead of just lounging around.

Thanks to all who have suggested ideas.

 

[Japanese Maple]

Blask-I prefer Kiawah Island over Hilton Head-classier, not over built like Hilton Head, fantastic beach, and overall a more beautiful island with a world class city near by-Charleston, SC! If you have never been to Charleston, your in for a real treat. Your wife would obsolutely love Charleston-trust me she would be very happy! Also, Kiawah, has great shopping and restaurants near by too. You can get an ocean front villa at a reasonable price too.

 

[Islandtennis]

no message

 

[Japanese Maple]

I agree with JM that Charleston would be a great place for your wife and a better all around experience than Hilton Head. You may want to consider Wild Dunes. It is closer to downtown Charleston than Kiawah and has much more shopping near by. It is also less expensive. The pro staff that they have there is second to none. Early May is also an ideal time.

Islandtennis-I checked out Wild Dunes and in my opinion Kiawah is much nicer and about the same driving distance to Charleston-about 35 minutes. Also, there are some great ocean front condos for reasonable prices, particularly off season. Kiawah recently built a great shopping/restaurant district called FreshFields market within 5 minutes from resort-first class all the way!

 

[Islandtennis]

no message

 

[Japanese Maple]

Islandtennis-Kiawah imo is a very relaxing, beautiful resort with a fantastic beach! There is more to do then just playing golf and tennis. In the past few years they have added a five star hotel called the Sanctuary that has a world class spa, shopping, and restaurants that island guess can access. Staying in ocean front condos during off peak times like October, or May, you can get excellent rates. Overall, a first class experience that is very classy and tasteful, with Charleston nearby . Plenty of restaurtants and shopping on the island, and nearby in all price ranges, with one late afternoon/evening excursion to Charleston-perfect.