Game, set, meet! Feeling inspired by the U.S. Open to unbury your racquet in the garage and hit the court? American tennis is better than ever, with four of the country’s women reaching the semifinals for the first time in 36 years. Here are the top five tennis resorts of 2017, as ranked by Tennis Resorts Online. Ace the meeting space at one of these properties!
Click or swipe through this list of the best tennis resorts.
1. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
Hoisting the trophy as the best tennis resort in the world is Kiawah Island Golf Resort. It opened in 1976 with nine courts and has since expanded to an impressive 24. Two tennis complexes—Roy Barth Tennis Center and West Beach Tennis Club—are located on-site. There are nine Har-Tru clay courts and three hard courts at Roy Barth and 10 Har-Tru courts and two lighted hard courts at West Beach. Director of Tennis Roy Barth has been leading the resort’s tennis staff for over 35 years and he’s a founding member of the ATP Tour. Players can sign up for private lessons, clinics, round robins and mini-camps. The 255-room The Sanctuary Hotel is conveniently located nearby for guests.
2. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe, California
Rally in the serene setting of bougainvillea and citrus groves on one of 18 courts at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Tennis Magazine has rated the property the number one tennis resort every year since 2008. The expert teaching staff is led by two-time U.S. Open champion Robin White, who won the title in doubles and mixed doubles in 1988 and 1989, respectively. Private and semi-private lessons, clinics and cardio tennis are available and there are about 50 guest suites.
3. Four Seasons Resort Nevis in Nevis, West Indies
The only international property cracking the top five is the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, which was also named the number one tennis resort in the Caribbean. It has four red clay and six hard courts. A total of five courts have lights for when the sun sets. Private lessons and special packages are available. The resort offers 196 guest rooms and suites and more than 50 villas. Fun fact: Alexander Hamilton was born in Nevis in 1757!
4. Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Located right next to Charleston, which was named America’s Best Tennis Town by the U.S. Tennis Association, Wild Dunes Resort piggy backs off that title. They have 17 Har-Tru surfaces, including a stadium court. Five of them are lit at night. Private and group professional instruction, clinics, matching, round robins and cardio tennis are available. Groups who book the Courts & Cuisine program enjoy a morning of play, followed by an afternoon culinary tour of Charleston or an evening mixology tour. There’s also a special spa combo package to relax your sore muscles after playing.
5. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California
Grass courts are a rarity in the U.S. You’ll feel like you’re playing at Wimbledon in the middle of the desert. In addition to two grass courts, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa also has 15 hard courts and three clay courts. The 884-room resort offers professional tennis instruction, player matching and wheelchair tennis. It’s conveniently located close to Indian Wells for tennis enthusiasts attending the BNP Paribas Open each March. Every Saturday morning from late December until April, hotel guests can enjoy an entertaining complimentary tennis show with players performing funny skits and tricks.
