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Match point: Discover the world’s most scenic tennis courts

Serve up luxury while you stay at some of the most breathtaking destinations.

Padel Tennis Court Aerials at Soneva Fushi.
Padel Tennis Court Aerials at Soneva Fushi.

With Wimbledon 2024 now behind us, tennis enthusiasts around the globe are eager to pick up their rackets and hit the courts. If you’re looking to elevate your game, why not practise your serve at some of the most breathtaking tennis venues in the world? From glamorous locales in the South of France to picturesque escapes in the Maldives, we’ve curated a list of top destinations that boast impeccably maintained courts and exceptional coaching.

Explore our top picks for the most spectacular tennis courts to visit around the world.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, South of France. Picture: Romain Reglade.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, South of France. Picture: Romain Reglade.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, South of France

Located at the southernmost tip of Cap d’Antibes, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has been a symbol of elegance and luxury for over 150 years. Throughout its history, this prestigious retreat has hosted many famous guests, such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Cary Grant, and Elizabeth Taylor. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy playing on one of the hotel’s five clay courts, surrounded by beautiful Aleppo pines, palms, and olive trees. These courts are not only of professional standard but also provide a peaceful setting for a match. The hotel also offers private coaching sessions for those looking to finetune their skills.

Passalacqua, Lake Como. Picture: Ricky Monti.
Passalacqua, Lake Como. Picture: Ricky Monti.

Passalacqua, Lake Como 

Standing majestically above the village of Moltrasio and extending to the shores of Lake Como, Passalacqua is an 18th-century villa that has been transformed into a luxurious 24-suite retreat. The villa, which opened in June 2022 after a three-year restoration, has hosted notable figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Bellini, and Winston Churchill. Embrace the scenic surroundings, including views of the azure lake, as you hit the villa’s lakeside courts for a casual game of doubles. Guests are surrounded by natural beauty as they stroll to the courts through terraced gardens, unveiling private hideaways and more than 15 captivating water fountains. Passalacqua is accessible by a 45-minute drive from Milan Malpensa International Airport, a 36-minute train ride from Milan to Como San Giovanni Station, or a 15-minute boat ride from Moltrasio to Como.

The Bawah Reserve in Indonesia.
The Bawah Reserve in Indonesia.

Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

Bawah Reserve, nestled in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago, offers an exclusive escape to a hidden paradise of six tropical islands. Only accessible by private seaplane, this remote retreat features 13 idyllic beaches, three serene lagoons, and 100 hectares of verdant forest — all providing a charming backdrop to work on your backhand. The resort features a 78-foot grass tennis court surrounded by gardens and a viewing pavilion, complete with all the necessary equipment. Guests can choose from 36 elegantly designed suites and bungalows, and unwind at the Aura wellness centre, which offers four treatment rooms for post-game relaxation.

Suvretta House in St. Moritz.
Suvretta House in St. Moritz.

Suvretta House, St. Moritz 

Set within a pristine private estate in the scenic valleys of St. Moritz, Suvretta House stands as one of Switzerland’s most iconic heritage hotels. Admired for its natural beauty and magnificent vistas, this fairytale-like hotel has been a popular choice for discerning travellers for over a century. Since opening its doors more than 100 years ago, it has hosted notable figures like Evita Peron, King Farouk of Egypt, and the Shah of Persia, solidifying its status as a premier destination. Along with its private ski lift for convenient access to wildflower-covered slopes and 93 miles of stunning hiking trails, Suvretta House boasts a fabulous clay tennis court overlooking the Engadin Valley and Lake Silvaplana. Whether it’s a casual doubles match or a competitive singles game, guests can enjoy a great game of tennis with equipment available from the sports outhouse. At the same time, friends and family can watch from the Stube terrace above.

Soneva Fushi luxury retreat in the Maldives.
Soneva Fushi luxury retreat in the Maldives.

Soneva Fushi, The Maldives 

Soneva Fushi is a luxurious retreat located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest islands in the Maldives. This natural gem features 63 private villas set in lush jungle surroundings or above pristine waters. Each villa offers spacious living areas with spectacular sunrise or sunset views, and most include private pools. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy the resort’s open-air, Olympic-sized courts surrounded by lush jungle vistas. Guests can also improve their game with top-notch coaching from tennis champions through the Soneva Stars program. This program offers one-on-one sessions with Grand Slam champions, including Nicklas Kulti, Mike Bryan, and Wayne Ferreira. After a day of perfecting your topspin, treat yourself to a Michelin-starred dining experience and enjoy exclusive live performances.

Amanpuri, Thailand. Picture: Richard Se.
Amanpuri, Thailand. Picture: Richard Se.

Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand 

Amanpuri, set on a picturesque peninsula with one of Phuket’s finest white sand beaches, offers a luxurious escape steeped in tranquillity and natural beauty. This season, guests can improve their tennis skills on Amanpuri’s four courts, including two sand-filled artificial grass courts and two hard courts designed for faster play. With the guidance of seasonal tennis pro Philippe Dupuy, visitors can focus on improving their cardio, technique, and strategy or simply enjoy a casual game in a private session. When taking a break from tennis, guests can relax at the resort’s midnight-blue swimming pool, surrounded by lush palms and overlooking the turquoise Andaman Sea.

Maria Sharapova at Amanzoe, Greece.
Maria Sharapova at Amanzoe, Greece.

Amanzoe, Peloponnese, Greece 

With 360-degree views of olive groves and the Aegean Sea, this hilltop haven offers a luxury tennis experience on its two hard courts, complete with floodlights for evening play. The resort has partnered with LUX Tennis Academy to provide expert coaching and clinics. If you want to serve like Sharapova, Amanzoe will host a unique wellness retreat led by tennis legend and Aman Global Wellness Ambassador Maria Sharapova this September. The Building Resilience: A Maria Sharapova Retreat will take place from September 23-26, 2024. This three-night program aims to enhance resilience through a mix of physical challenges and includes a tennis clinic with Sharapova herself on the third day. This exclusive retreat offers a unique opportunity to receive tennis coaching from a legendary figure while indulging in the lavish setting of Amanzoe.

Read related topics:Wimbledon

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/ace-your-next-vacation-at-the-worlds-most-beautiful-tennis-courts/news-story/48790fc747fdf2feb85df72d53418a25