The world’s best hotel tennis courts – from Arizona’s red rocks to Tuscan hills

Whether you’re inspired by Wimbledon or just want to keep your hobby up on holiday, finding a hotel with tennis courts is ideal opportunity to perfect those racket skills.

Thankfully, more and more hotels are realising that they need to up their game, literally, when it comes to the provision of courts to cater for active travellers. Far from offering a couple of dusty patches of grass with nets at the back of a resort, plenty of places are building courts in beautiful surroundings. And you can choose from grass, clay or sprung all-weather artificial surfaces that offer a smooth base for the perfect bounce.

Some offer a luxurious five-star experience with manicured courts and a pro on hand; while others are charming boutique hotels with a hidden gem of a court tucked amidst olive groves or on the cliff top. Here is our pick of the best tennis courts found at hotels around the world.

1. Castello di Casole, Italy

Overlooking rolling Tuscan hills, the tennis courts at a Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel Tuscany, boast a breathtaking backdrop, whether you’re having a casual knock-around with friends, taking part in one of the hotel’s group clinics, or testing yourself as part of the "Beat the Pro" challenge. The tennis facilities are a short stroll from the main hotel – a gorgeous castle perched above olive groves and vineyards – so they feel pleasantly secluded. It’s the perfect location for a relaxing game of tennis, but the hotel also offers private training with professional coaches and group lessons if you want to finesse your skills while on holiday.

2. Enchantment Resort Arizona, USA

Surrounded by Sedona’s iconic red rocks, Enchantment Resort in Arizona has six impeccably maintained courts at 4,600ft above sea level. These high altitude conditions force the body to work harder, which can lead to impressive improvements in fitness. Added to that, there are plenty of rocky trails to walk to further improve cardiovascular fitness and a pitch’n’putt in case you’re still feeling competitive after the tennis. The resort caters to all levels of player, with rackets available to hire and instruction for those seeking to up their game.

Venture outside the resort and you’ll find Sedona to be a hub for all things health and wellbeing. It has a reputation for being a spiritual retreat with lots of places to meditate, enjoy yoga and even consult psychics.

3. Sportchalet Mürren, Switzerland

Nestled amidst the Swiss Alps, Sportchalet Mürren boasts tennis courts with some of the most beautiful views in the game. Imagine rallying against your opponent with the breathtaking panorama of the Lauterbrunnen Valley as your backdrop. It offers four outdoor clay courts, meticulously maintained and taut with summer nets. At 1,650m above sea level, this is another high altitude court, and the remote location in the centre of the car-free village of Mürren will help you get away from it all and focus on your fitness and wellbeing.

4. Wildflower Hall, India

For a seriously high altitude playing, head to Wildflower Hall, an Oberoi Resort in Shimla in the Himalayas where you can practise your backhand at over 2,500m. Sitting in 22 acres of pine and cedar forests, the crisp mountain air and tranquil surroundings of this hotel create the perfect getaway to get ahead in your game. The tennis court, which is operational from mid-February until mid-December, looks out onto snow-capped mountains and gorgeous green valleys. In the winter, the court gets converted into an ice skating rink.

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5. Carlisle Bay, Antigua

For a blend of tropical paradise and top-notch tennis facilities, Carlisle Bay in Antigua is the ideal choice, and gives a whole new meaning to beachside tennis. The hotel boasts nine tennis courts, including four floodlit for evening play, set against the backdrop of the Caribbean sea. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a curious novice, resident professionals Rennie George and Nigel Anthony stand ready to elevate your game. Programmes are designed for all skill levels, ensuring that every guest can up their game.

After running around the court, you may want to stretch out on the hotel’s private white sandy beach doing absolutely nothing. But if you’re still feeling sporty, you could wind down with yoga, boating or watersports.

6. Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

Bawah Reserve is only accessible by sea plane, so you’re unlikely to get people interrupting your tennis here. The resort, hidden away in the Anambas Islands in Indonesia, will provide you with balls and rackets to use on their 78ft grass court, so all you have to do is pack your sports kit. A sheltered viewing pavilion means that non-players can watch the action in style. To cool down, explore the resort’s three lagoons filled with diverse marine life. Or take a waterfront yoga, meditation or relaxation class.

Read more: These islands are the closest to paradise I’ve found

7. Kimpton Los Monteros, Spain

The Los Monteros Racquet Club on the Costa del Sol is home to no less than 13 courts, including, clay, hard courts and padel. It’s part of the extensive sports facilities at the Kimpton Los Monteros, a five-star hotel in Marbella looking out over the Mediterranean sea, which has a strong focus on fitness and wellness, as well as relaxation. The Racquet Club welcomes players keen to enjoy a leisurely game or take part in the sociable mix-in padel sessions, but it also takes its tennis seriously – after all, it has historically been the stage for international tennis competitions. At the Set Academy, guests can enrol in training with a professional coach to fine-tune their skills and work on technique. There’s also an Adidas Pro shop to ensure you’re suitably kitted out, and a snack bar with healthy, energising options to keep you well-fuelled on the courts.

8. Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy

You’ll have to be careful that you don’t hit the ball out of the court at the Il San Pietro Di Positano hotel. The regulation-size grass court is perched right on the edge of the Amalfi coast. Here, tennis is a sensory experience, as you can see lush greenery, the air carries the scent of lemon trees, and the rhythmic crash of waves against rock creates a natural soundtrack.

If you’re feeling tired after a game you can relax on the famed Spiaggia Grande beach or explore hidden coves by boat. But if you still have a little energy, hike the Path of the Gods for breathtaking cliffside views, or head into town to see the historical beauty of the 13th-century Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta church.

9. The Cromlix, Scotland

The Cromlix is owned by Andy Murray, the winner of Olympic gold medals and three grand slams – and he hasn’t scrimped on the hotel’s tennis court. Designed in the iconic Wimbledon green and purple, it’s a beauty of a court that screams “play on me”. But its beauty goes beyond the colours as it’s meticulously maintained so you can enjoy perfect bounce and an unforgettable game. Professional coaching is available for all skill levels, or you can try pickleball.

Beyond the court, you can explore the hotel’s lush grounds, which are perfect for hiking or a relaxing picnic. The hotel’s luxurious spa offers an array of post-match pampering treatments, or you can visit Dunblane for a nosey around the local artisan shops and tour the cathedral.

Read more: The 14 best hotels in Edinburgh

10. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France

Surrounded by olive groves and pine trees with the azure sea stretching out in the background, Hotel du Cap’s five clay courts are a stunning setting for a game of tennis. The hotel has a rich history, having attracted royal and celebrity guests, with previous visitors including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Picasso, Cary Grant and Elizabeth Taylor. It’s not known how many of these used the tennis courts, but being hidden among the lush greenery would have offered excellent privacy. It’s a brilliant place for beginners as the hotel has an in-house team of tennis pros ready to advise guests on how to perfect their backhands, volleys and lobs.

After your game, dive into the sea-water pool carved into the rocks, or explore the charming town of Antibes. Wander its labyrinthine streets lined with art galleries and boutiques, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere at the harbour, filled with yachts and surrounded by cafes.

11. Sani Resort, Greece

Rafa Nadal’s tennis academy has eight clay courts catering for people who are serious about improving their tennis skills. Founded by the champion tennis player himself, who has won 62 ATP-tournaments on clay, the academy uses his tried-and-tested training methods to help players of all levels make significant improvements in just a few days.

Beyond the courts, the resort itself boasts over 400 hectares to explore, while the Halkidiki peninsula beckons with pristine beaches, charming villages, and ancient ruins. You could hike through Mount Athos’ foothills, delve into Sani Marina’s vibrant atmosphere, or explore the ruins of Roman Emperor Galerius’ fourth-century palace in Thessaloniki.

Read more: The best Greek Island hotels

12. Rome Cavalieri, Italy

Two red clay Davis Cup-standard courts are kept in pristine condition for guests staying at Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Providing an excellent surface for a tennis match, the courts are great for both friendly matches and training sessions. Guests can book a full-time on-site pro to improve their skills or enjoy matches against friends and family in a setting surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and Roman architecture.

After hitting some balls around, players can unwind in the hotel’s spa. But the main draw of staying here is top-class post-match refuel at the hotel’s three Michelin star restaurant, La Pergola by chef Heinz Beck.

13. Vakkaru Maldives

At Vakkaru the tennis courts are as blue as the surrounding sea. They were refurbished by the same company that built the world’s leading tennis court surfaces, including the Australian Open and many other international professional courts, creating a surface for champions. And champions do play here as the hotels’ partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis brings in in world-class players like Angelique Kerber for clinics and friendly matches.

After a few hours hitting the ball around, cool down in the clear blue sea waters or enjoy a deep tissue massage in the resort’s spa. You can be as active or as laidback as you want.

14. Ritz Carlton Abama, Tenerife

One of the best hotels in Tenerife, the Ritz Carlton has seven floodlit plexi-pave courts, mimicking the surface of the US and Australian Opens. A stunning centre court with 600 seats has hosted professional tournaments, while the remaining courts offer relaxation areas and panoramic ocean views.

The Abama Tennis Academy, world-renowned for its coaching, caters to all skill levels. Plus, the resort’s luxurious amenities – a spa, Michelin-starred dining, and an 18-hole championship golf course – make it a haven for relaxation after a game. The kids’ club also has a good reputation, making this hotel a great choice for families.

Once you’ve had enough of hitting the ball around, you could hike or cycle Mount Teide, a dormant volcano, for otherworldly landscapes. Or have a more leisurely day exploring the charming town of Guia de Isora, and unwinding on the black sand beaches near the hotel.

Read more: The best hotels in Tenerife