If you’re a professional or semi-pro tennis player on the international tournament circuit, you’ll know only too well the importance of staying in peak physical shape all year round. Unfortunately, for those living in the UK, several months of demotivating cold weather can take a toll on your fitness and also play havoc with your mental well-being.
For that reason (and also because who doesn’t like the idea of a little winter sun?) many tennis players are choosing to travel abroad to warmer climes to attend warm weather tennis camps in Europe, or simply spend a few weeks off their own back training in the sunshine.
Here are a few of the best destinations to head to for some warm weather tennis action.
Portugal
The Vila Real de Sant Antonio Sports Centre, near Monte Gordo, is a well-equipped sporting complex catering to athletes of all disciplines. But tennis players, in particular, can make use of the centre’s extensive, hi-tech facilities, which include clay and artificial grass courts (four hard courts and three multi-purpose), sports medicine specialists, altitude simulator system, and a performance evaluation laboratory. As home to the Portuguese Olympic Committee, Vila Real is part of the accredited IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) network and plays host to a number of international tournaments every year. At under an hour from Faro Airport, the centre is very accessible, and there’s also plenty to do around Monte Gordo (where you’ll be accommodated) in your leisure time.
Greece
In the southern region of the beautiful Greek island of Kos, the Kipriotis Village Resort offers a range of professional tennis camps for players of all ages, under the guidance of the International Sun Ball Tennis School. You can train in a single or group situation on the resort’s seven tennis courts, with specialised programmes run by ex-pro players. There’s also an extensive tournament programme that you can participate in to extend your skills and go up against other elite international players. With 4-star accommodation and a range of alternate sports training equipment on hand, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing, yet very productive, tennis programme.
Spain (Mainland)
Just a hop, skip and a jump from fun-filled Marbella, on Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol, is the Bel-Air Tennis Club, in Estapona. Set amidst gently rolling hills and olive groves, the club has a highly-regarded reputation with international players and comes with a staff of experienced coaches to assist with your training needs. The Bel-Air has nine courts (including three Spanish red clay), along with a fitness studio, pro shop, and four paddle tennis courts. Ideally situated for a long or short training stay, the Caledonia Aparthotel is just a five-minute walk from the club, and both Malaga and Gibraltar airports service the area.
Majorca
Still in Spain, but on the popular tourist island of Majorca, the oceanfront Blau Meditteraneo Club, in Sa Coma, offers a true ‘resort-style’ tennis training break. With seven clay tennis courts and a sports club that includes a fitness centre, archery, shooting, bowls, beach volleyball and diving, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to mix up your training regimen while taking in some of the famous Spanish sunshine. Private court hire is available for serious training sessions, and the all inclusive accommodation options mean you can concentrate on your schedule without distractions.
Cyprus
The Aphrodite Hills Retreat, just 20km from Paphos, certainly lives up to its name, with stunning views over the coast and an enviable climate, year-round. The complex offers a host of Olympic standard facilities for tennis players, with eight floodlit courts (four red clay and four hard set), a pro shop, and extensive support services including one of the most prestigious (multi-lingual) tennis academies in Cyprus. There is also a bar and patio viewing area to relax and check out the form of the competition on your downtime. Just 15 minutes from the Paphos Airport, at the 5-star Aphrodite Hills you can choose from superb accommodation in luxury townhouses, villas and apartments, including some with private pools.
Book Your Tennis Training Transfers With Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct’s range of shared or private transfers means that getting to and from your warm weather tennis training camp is a breeze, no matter what your budget or where your final destination may be.
Our easy-to-navigate website allows for an instant booking and confirmation, and a driver will meet you at the airport to transport you and any sporting equipment to your accommodation or sporting complex in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, or any other warm weather tennis training site in Europe.
Our transfers are fast and friendly, and because we use local drivers we know the best route to your destination so there’ll be no delays or waiting around for public transport. Pack your shoes and your tennis racquet and we’ll do the rest!
