Tennis Camps vs. Tennis Holidays: Choose Your Getaway

Tennis enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills and enjoy a memorable getaway often find themselves choosing between tennis camps and tennis holidays. While both options cater to players aiming to improve their game, they differ significantly in structure, intensity, and overall experience.

Tennis Camps: Intensive Training

Tennis camps are designed for players committed to rigorous training and rapid improvement. These programs typically offer five hours of coaching per day, focusing on various aspects of the game, including technique, strategy, and physical conditioning. The environment is often immersive, with participants spending the majority of their time on the courts under the guidance of professional coaches. Such camps are prevalent in the UK, providing a structured setting for players to concentrate solely on tennis without the distractions of typical holiday activities.

Tennis Holidays: A Blend of Leisure and Learning

In contrast, tennis holidays offer a more relaxed approach, combining quality coaching with ample leisure time. These holidays are set in desirable destinations worldwide, where players receive approximately three hours of coaching in the mornings. Afternoons are free for participants to explore local attractions, relax by the pool, or engage in other recreational activities. This balance allows players to improve their tennis skills while also enjoying the cultural and leisurely aspects of their destination.

Top 10 Companies Offering Tennis Holidays

1. Active Away: Specialising in group tennis holidays, Active Away provides fully hosted experiences in over 40 stunning locations across Europe. Their programs, designed by seven-time Grand Slam champion Jamie Murray, cater to players of all levels, ensuring top-quality coaching and a vibrant social atmosphere.

2. Mark Warner: Renowned for their family-friendly resorts, Mark Warner offers tennis holidays that include professional coaching, childcare facilities, and a range of other sports and activities, ensuring a well-rounded holiday experience.

3. Neilson: With beach clubs across Greece and Turkey, Neilson provides tennis programs devised by professionals, including Mark Petchey, former coach to Andy Murray. Their holidays combine tennis with various water sports and fitness activities.

4. Jonathan Markson Tennis: Offering tennis holidays in locations like the Algarve, Jonathan Markson Tennis provides a balance of coaching and leisure, with programs designed to suit different skill levels and preferences.

5. La Manga Club: Located in Spain, La Manga Club boasts a 28-court academy with lessons from experienced coaches. Their Adult Academy offers two hours of coaching daily over five days, allowing ample time for relaxation and exploration.

6. Pine Cliffs Resort: Situated in the Algarve, Pine Cliffs has partnered with the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy to offer programs suitable for all levels. Their packages include four hours of tennis daily, complemented by luxurious accommodations and amenities.

7. Club Med: With resorts worldwide, Club Med offers comprehensive tennis programs alongside a plethora of other activities. Their Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic, for instance, features group lessons for all skill levels within a vast sports school.

8. Carlisle Bay: Located in Antigua, Carlisle Bay offers nine tennis courts with complimentary clinics as part of their weekly activities. Guests can enjoy professional instruction in a tropical paradise setting.

9. Buccament Bay: In St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Buccament Bay features a tennis program developed by former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, offering guests the opportunity to receive coaching in an idyllic Caribbean environment.

10. Robinson Club Cala Serena: Located in Majorca, this club offers free tennis taster sessions on its 12-court complex, making it an excellent choice for those looking to combine tennis with other leisure activities.

The Ideal Balance for Intermediate Players

For intermediate players, tennis holidays strike the perfect balance between skill enhancement and enjoyment. The structured yet less intensive coaching sessions allow players to refine their techniques without the pressure of a camp’s rigorous schedule. Afternoons free from formal training provide opportunities to relax, socialize, and explore new cultures, fostering a holistic holiday experience.

The group settings of these holidays encourage camaraderie among participants. Sharing the court with fellow enthusiasts not only enhances the learning experience but also leads to lasting friendships. The social events and group activities organised by these companies further enrich the communal atmosphere, making the holiday as socially rewarding as it is educational.

In essence, tennis holidays offer intermediate players a harmonious blend of professional coaching and leisure. This balance ensures that participants return home not only with improved tennis skills but also with cherished memories and new connections.