Tennis Anyone, Bermuda Style?

Today, luxurious Bermuda resorts entice tennis enthusiasts with a variety of packages designed for vacationers who enjoy mixing it up on the courts. Several hotels feature professional lessons, designated court time, mixed doubles play, and "find a partner" programs for the solo tennis player in the group. It's a great way to match you game against other travelers of similar abilities, and strong friendships have often formed this way.

For many tennis travelers, the court surface is of paramount importance when choosing a tennis resort. The majority of seasoned (aka "senior") tennis players prefer playing on a soft court surface, such as red clay or Har-Tru, a forgiving surface of ground stone that plays like clay. Such surfaces are easier on the body than harder courts and they absorb the sun much more readily than an asphalt or macadam surface. Thus, players can enjoy long rallies and still have energy left over for a day of sight seeing or a night on the town. However, the younger players in your group may enjoy the fast paced volleys that can be hit on hard surfaces, where the ball comes at you much faster than on clay.

The Tennis Center at Rosewood Tucker's Point resort includes four lit Har-Tru clay tennis courts, a Pro Shop and locker rooms. The resort offers tennis programs for all ages and skill levels. A favorite clinic for vacationers is their Round Robin for men and women held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. This format allows hotel guests to play with several different people over the course of two hours. Adult beginner and intermediate lessons are offered each Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m. It's the perfect way to burn off a few calories before embarking on a late night gourmet dinner at one of the island's fabulous restaurants.



The 88-room luxury resort offers serene sophistication that eludes formality. An array of culinary venues, multiple swimming pools, spa, fitness center and dive center are complemented by world-class golf. Guestrooms and suites feature luxurious five-fixture bathrooms, marble bath/shower, stand-alone deep soaking tubs and unique stone and wood finishes. With luxury like this it's sometimes hard to pull yourself away from the hotel for a game of tennis.

Situated on a stretch of private, pink sand beach, Elbow Beach resort enjoys an enviable beachfront setting. This intimate and luxurious resort has just 98 rooms and suites dotted throughout 50 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, featuring three free-standing cottages, each one uniquely designed. Elegantly designed rooms and suites provide peaceful, secluded settings. Located just seven minutes from Hamilton, Bermuda's charming capital, the stunning location overlooks a sandy beach lapped by the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean.



The resort has five plexi-pave tennis courts, three of which are lit for night play when the prevailing winds provide a cool respite. Located near the beachfront of the resort, the courts serve as a splendid sanctuary for the tennis lover. An on-site tennis pro offers both group and private lessons, and can also arrange for top Bermuda players as partners for match play. This gives players the opportunity to test their games against some very experienced, savvy players. You may not win, but your game will improve as the result of playing someone at a higher level. The resort also offers fun group and children's clinics, as well as round-robin tournaments for groups.



Nestled on the island's southern shore amidst 100 tropical acres of lush bougainvillea and towering coconut palms, the Fairmont Southampton hotel provides a idyllic setting for the discerning traveler. Featuring 593 guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony and incredible views of the ocean, the harbor, or the golf course, the hotel's location and luxurious amenities have been beckoning visitors to the island since 1972. In addition to its tennis offerings, the resort features a Beach Club, a beautifully maintained par-three 18-hole golf course designed to take your short game to new heights, snorkeling around the reefs or riding waves on jet skis.

The Ace Tennis Package at the Fairmont features an array of services geared for the tennis traveler. The all-inclusive package includes nightly luxury accommodations, daily full American breakfast, tennis court rental, one hour lesson with the tennis pro, tennis racket rental and 15 percent off any attire at the tennis shop. The resort has six hard-court, beach front tennis courts, three of which are lit for night play. The courts are located beachside next to the Fairmont Southampton's private beach club letting you play a game of tennis while hearing the breaking Bermuda waves in the background. The tranquil environment does wonders for your game. Clinics and private lessons are available.

There are normally two types of vacations, those that serve to relax and those that invigorate. A Bermuda tennis vacation offers the best of both worlds.