Don’t let winter halt your game. Escape to one of the following resorts.
The cold, gloomy days of winter don’t necessarily mean an end to your tennis season. And you don’t have to travel to the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy sunny, warm days on the court. Yes, winter tennis does exist nearby. Just look to the following resorts, which are all just a short journey from Atlanta and offer some of the best tennis getaways in the country. So if you’re looking for a vacation spot this winter, take a look at our list below, book some court time, and hit the road. We’ll see you out there!
Jekyll Island Tennis Center
Jekyll Island, Georgia
jekyllisland.com | 912.635.3636
Just a short drive from metro Atlanta, but a world away in terms of scenery, wildlife, and relaxation potential, Jekyll Island is a perfect destination for fans of the outdoors and for tennis obsessives. During the summer months, visitors can float along Turtle Creek at the island’s popular Summer Waves Water Park or enjoy shopping and dining in Beach Village. Jekyll Island also is home to the renowned Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the state’s only rehabilitation hospital and education facility for sea turtles. And throughout the year, the island hosts a number of signature events, from its award-winning Shrimp & Grits Festival to its array of activities during the Holly Jolly Jekyll season.
Jekyll Island offers a variety of accommodations, from resorts and hotels, including the beach-front Westin and the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, to private rentals and the Jekyll Island Campground, all offering a selection of lodging specials and packages to meet every need.
Tennis amenities: Nestled under shady live oaks draped with moss and surrounded by wild palmettos, the Jekyll Island Tennis Center is an inviting, public tennis facility featuring 13 Har-Tru clay courts. The Tennis Center, which includes a pro shop with tennis racquet stringing, racquet rental, ball machine rental, tennis equipment, and apparel, is the proud recipient of the 2018 USTA Outstanding Facility Award.
Alongside private lessons with the director of tennis, visitors can join in beginner, intermediate, multi-level and advanced clinics, for all skill levels. Ladies can enjoy three-day weekend packages with competitive drills, instruction and play. Four-day workshops for USTA/ALTA league season prep are also available for everyone.
The Jekyll Island Tennis Center also is home to numerous USTA tournaments for adults and juniors, including the Banana Open Qualifier and Challenge Championship, Rosie Bruce Memorial Adult Championship, Southern Adult Clay Open East Championship and the Jr. May Day Championship. The Tennis Center also hosts summer camp in June and July for campers to hone their skills through fun games and challenging drills.
Off-court activities: Ranked by Money Magazine as the “top destination to go in 2019” in the United States, Jekyll Island offers visitors an array of activities to experience around the island. In addition to the Tennis Center, visitors can enjoy a historic tram tour through the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District and wander the gallery of exhibits at the new Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum. Guests can play a round of mini golf or work on their game at the Jekyll Island Golf Club, or discover the island’s more than 20 miles of bike paths and trails. Famous for Driftwood Beach, explorers love to climb on the fallen trees and take in its breathtaking views.
WaterColor Florida (MatchPoint Resorts)
Santa Rosa, Florida
matchpointresorts.com | 850.400.3696
WaterColor tennis is conveniently located near the sparkling water and white sand beaches on the Gulf Coast of Florida. You can hear the waves as you play and then enjoy a nice walk through the stores and dining areas on your way to an afternoon on the beach. The resort offers the Daniel Nestor core formula for successful doubles that will take your game to the next level. Daily drills are provided, as well as cardio tennis, pickleball drills, ball machine practices, private and group lessons, and court reservations for open play.
WaterColor’s tennis getaways are designed for players and teams of any level, are fully customizable with low player-to-coach ratios. Make memories with old and new friends in a breathtakingly scenic setting.
Tennis amenities: WaterColor features five, award-winning Har-Tru courts and programming, and two Pickleball courts. Among those accolades, it was rated the best tennis facility on Fort Walton beach in 2017 and 2018, and voted a Top 20 best resort and best tennis vacation location in the nation by tennisresortsonline.com.
Daily adult clinics are offered to build and hone your tennis skills. There also are team challenges where your you can compete for the opportunity to call yourself the Ultimate WaterColor Champion. Your odds of winning go up greatly after attending and learning the Nestor Core fundamentals to successful doubles on a MatchPoint Resorts tennis vacation.
Off-court activities: Set on a beautiful beach on the Emerald Coast, nearly every activity on 30A can be a family activity to create memories that will be treasured for years. There are several amazing pools, including the beach club pool, biking and walking paths, hiking trails, paddle boards, kayaks, boathouse, outdoor concerts, movie nights, fishing excursions (deep sea and bay), and more.
The Racquet Club at Big Canoe
Big Canoe, Georgia
bigcanoepoa.org | 706.268.3367
Located in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Big Canoe is just one hour north of Atlanta. Big Canoe amenities include tennis, golf, swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, bird watching, fitness center, and more. Dining options are available on property, as well as just outside the gates.
Tennis amenities: Surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenery, tennis is a year-round activity in Big Canoe. The Racquet Club offers eight outdoor courts (Four Har-Tru clay courts, two Clay Tec, and two hard courts), two indoor hard courts, and four dedicated pickleball courts. There is a full-service pro shop as well.
Led by Director of Tennis, Matt Motil, Big Canoe Tennis offers a variety of programs to suit all levels of play. Weekly round robins for both men and women are offered, as well as clinics, private, and group lessons. Special tennis events are held throughout the year, including holiday socials, Flex Leagues, tournaments, and charity events. Visit to see why Big Canoe was awarded the 2017 Bliss Award for Tennis Community of the year.
Off-court activities: Relax on the lake with boat rentals and fishing, or explore Big Canoe’s 30 miles of hiking trails. You can get your exercise in at the Wellness Center, which offers boot camp, yoga and Tai Chi – or you can get a massage. The swim club and 27-hole golf club provide hours of fun away from the courts, while the Clubhouse offers a wonderful menu, Sunday Brunch and live music on Friday evenings.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
PalmettoDunes.com/tennispickleball | 877.567.6513
Tennis lovers are able to book their ultimate tennis vacation at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and enjoy daily court time, lessons, clinics, and more at the award-winning Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center. In January, February, and March, temperatures are incredibly moderate at Palmetto Dunes, with highs in the 60s, so this time of year is perfect for a getaway. Plus, Hilton Head Island is green year-round, making Palmetto Dunes an ideal off-season destination for tennis players of every skill level.
Tennis amenities: Palmetto Dunes offers 19 Har-Tru tennis courts, four of which are lighted for night play, and a beautifully well-stocked, 1,800-square-foot tennis pro shop — Hilton Head Island’s largest. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center has been named the island’s top tennis resort.
Palmetto Dunes hosts weekly clinics and drill sessions for youth and adults, as well as daily round robin tournaments. Seasonal events are available from March through October. There’s plenty to keep tennis enthusiasts busy. The resort also offers 24 pickleball courts, all of which are lighted for night play.
A Tennis Stay and Play package includes four days and three nights in a two-bedroom resort-view villa. After breakfast at the Palmetto Dunes General Store, enjoy two free hours of court time per day, per vacation rental unit, and a one-hour clinic, covering either the stroke of the day or a daily drill. The Extreme Tennis Vacation package includes an 8-day/7-night stay in a two-bedroom resort-view villa for four guests with three 1-hour, semi-private tennis lessons per player, two clinics per player and daily court time.
Off-court activities: In addition to tennis, visitors and guests may play one of the 2,000-acre resort’s three award-winning, championship golf courses, bike along the beach, kayak the 11-mile inland lagoon system, or explore Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina for a variety of dining, shops, entertainment, fishing charters, nature tours, water sports and more. As the island’s largest deep-water marina, it features a wide variety of charters, including nature cruises, dolphin tours, sport crabbing, and fishing.
Bear Lake Reserve (MatchPoint Resorts)
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
matchpointresorts.com | 214.744.3806
Play tennis among the clouds in this 2,700-acre community. Bear Lake Reserve is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the hidden gem Bear Creek Lake. It offers the Daniel Nestor core formula for successful doubles that will take your game to the next level. The tennis center provides drills, private and group lessons, and court reservations for open play.
Bear Lake’s tennis getaways are designed for players and teams of any level, and are fully customizable with low player-to-coach ratios. Come make memories with old and new friends in a breathtakingly setting.
Tennis amenities: Bear Lake’s tennis courts and pro shop are located at the highest point on the property, with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. MatchPoint offers luxury tennis experience trips. The on-court time was designed by Olympic Gold Medalist Daniel Nestor, who is one of a handful of professional players with more than 1,000 tour wins. He has been called one of the best doubles players in the history of tennis. Through an exclusive partnership with MatchPoint Resorts, he’s sharing the Nestor Core formula that made him a legend. Ready to play?
Off-court activities: Bear Lake has a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, lakefront sandy beaches, paddle boards, kayaks, biking and hiking trails, waterfalls on-site (tours can be arranged with kayaks and hiking to the falls), private movie theater, teen center, fitness center, lakeside pools and hot tub, lakeside club for dining, and boat and jet ski rentals.
Bear Lake is the ultimate outdoor family destination. Everything is within walking or biking distance. Come play tennis and enjoy all of the outdoor activities available on-site.
Explore Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
convoycommunities.org | 919.638.9536
Looking for perfect, year-round tennis weather at a resort with world-class coaching and court facilities? If so, Puerto Rico could be the place for you to unwind. Let Convoy Communities’ Justin Yeo help plan your trip. Yeo is known to shape players in their own unique individual way, on and off the court, while still playing at the highest level. He recently has helped multiple teams win USTA National Championships, so if you’re looking to take your game to the next level, visit Puerto Rico.
Tennis amenities: Play on Har-Tru (clay) and hard courts in peaceful surroundings with access to picturesque beaches and spa facilities to aid in your relaxation and recovery. On court, Yeo’s programs focus on building your game to your strengths with competitive PR USTA team play, team-building activities, and more.
Off-court activities: Whatever your favorite off-court activities may be, Puerto Rico’s resorts can accommodate. Depending on your plan/package, you can take advantage of water parks, lush forests, beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling, kite surfing, scuba diving, fishing, premium golf courses, casino’s, cave tours, adventure tours, ziplines, hiking, rock climbing, and more. Contact Yeo to learn more.
Callaway Resort & Gardens
Pine Mountain, Georgia
callawaygardens.com | 877.276.8825
Experience the morning sun on a hike greeted by cheerful songbirds. Take a serene bike ride through blooming azaleas, cast a line into one of 13 lakes, or just sharpen up your tennis game in a picturesque, woodland setting. For those who like to be outdoors, there’s something for everyone at Callaway Resort & Gardens, which is commonly referred to as “Georgia’s Authentic Outdoor Escape,” because it offers four seasons of adventure and relaxation. For tennis players, the Callaway Resort & Gardens Tennis Facility was designed to connect you with the great outdoors, which is why it is embedded directly in a woodland forest. From the Har-Tru courts, to the AAA four-diamond lodging accommodations, it is the perfect, local tennis getaway.
Tennis amenities: Callaway’s Tennis Director, Jack DeAndrade, is a 35-year veteran USPTA Elite professional, and he is acknowledged to be one of Peter Burwash International’s most talented and popular instructors. His energy and passion for tennis are evident in his coaching and the programs he manages. If your team plans a group visit, you can rest assured that you are in good hands with DeAndrade. On top of an energetic clinic or tournament set-up, he also will help plan fun themed events for you and your group.
The tennis facility features eight Har-Tru courts; two hard courts; a pro shop with stringing and re-gripping services; private, semi-private, and group lessons; and daily clinics and junior programs.
Off-court activities: Step into a world where butterflies alight on your shoulder. Where birds of prey steal your gaze. And the stress of your daily routine melts into a sea of vibrant azaleas. Where you stumble upon charming stone chapels. And listen to the chirps of woodland birds as you stroll past fragrant blossoms and pine trees. Callaway Resort & Gardens brims as much with history as it does with flora and fauna, inviting you to explore, learn, and take in both a rich past and the wonders of nature at your own pace.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Destin, Florida
Sandestin.com/tennis | 877.905.1692
Judging by its accolades, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort serves up the best tennis experience in all of Northwest Florida. Among its many awards is being named one of the Top 25 U.S. Tennis Resorts by Tennis Resorts Online and the #1 Rated Tennis Pro Shop. Tennis-loving guests can experience the resort’s 12 world-class HydroGrid clay and three hard tennis courts on a complimentary basis. They also can receive instruction from USPTA and USPTR pros. Additionally, the resort features a highly-ranked Junior Tennis program and Round Robin tournaments for all skill levels.
Tennis amenities: In addition to the incredible tennis amenities mentioned above, Sandestin hosts year-round men’s and mixed-doubles round robin tournaments for all skill levels, a youth tennis quick start program, as well as USPTA & USPTR Pros Private Tennis Lessons, and Adult Tennis Group Clinics. Sandestin also hosts Ladies Team Challenge tournaments ranging from 3.0-4.5 level and two ladies’ combo tournaments a year as well, level 7.5 and an 8.5.
If you’re planning a trip, try the Tennis Dream Team Package, which includes group instruction, match play/round robins, room accommodations, unlimited drinks and court time, and prizes. The resort’s skilled professionals combine a unique tennis experience with a memorable Florida tennis vacation. Complimentary tennis is provided for the coordinator of a group of 12 or more. Bring 20 players and the tennis and room portion of your stay is free. Make sure to inquire early, as many weekends throughout the year will sell out.
Off-court activities: When staying at Sandestin, you will have access to complimentary perks and amenities, including the use of bicycles, boogie boards, kayaks, the fitness center, and a resort-wide tram service. Then there are all the spectacular activities that have made Sandestin so popular, including four celebrated championship golf courses, luxurious spa, dining options for every occasion, the Village of Baytowne Wharf where you will find shopping, ziplining, an arcade, and weekly events such as outdoor concerts and firework shows. And don’t forget the seven-mile strand of powdery white sand beaches.
Sea Island Resort
Sea Island, Georgia
seaisland.com | 855.572.4975
An exceptional destination appealing to those who appreciate gracious service and heartfelt hospitality, Sea Island is home to four Forbes Five-Star experiences — The Cloister at Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island, The Spa at Sea Island, and the Georgian Room restaurant — and an extensive array of engaging nature adventures and recreational experiences. With a diverse range of experience and activities, Sea Island offers tremendous options for off-the-court as well as on. The availability of private lessons, custom clinics, and 16 Har-Tru courts combine to make Sea Island the perfect spot for a weekend getaway and a place to improve your game.
Tennis amenities: Clinics are offered daily for adults and Monday through Saturday for kids. Sea Island Resort hosts the 2020 Georgia State Adult Clay Court Championships on Feb. 29 and Mar. 1, 2020 at The Retreat Tennis Center. Additionally, weekend tennis packages include the Classic and Inn Tennis Package. The Classic offers luxury accommodations at The Cloister, a one-hour clinic or drill session daily, one-hour private lesson with a Sea Island tennis professional daily (For two people, the lesson will be shared.), and two hours of court time daily. The Inn package consists of accommodations at The Inn; four hours of court time per player during your stay, which may include round-robin play based upon availability; four hours of scheduled group clinics per player with an Elite Pro; and transportation to and from The Inn and The Cloister Tennis Center.
Off-court activities: Located on the southeastern coast of Georgia, Sea Island is a true paradise for active adults and families. The resort plays host to a 65,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, seven pools (one indoor), three championship golf courses, horseback riding on the beach, six-lane bowling alley and pub, salt marsh nature tours, fishing, boating, water sports, shooting school, five miles of private beach, and casual to Five-Star dining.
TOPS’L Beach and Racquet Resort
Destin, Florida
TOPSLTennis.com | 855.969.3166
TOPS’L Beach and Racquet Resort is a tranquil resort located in Miramar Beach, in South Walton County, just 10 miles east of Destin, in Northwest Florida. As you arrive at this private, gated community, you will experience the serenity of being secluded from the more populated areas of this beach destination, while still being conveniently located to nearby shopping, dining and gulf-front attractions. Situated on 52 private acres, this full-service resort is bordered by the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and a nature preserve.
Tennis amenities: TOPS’L Beach and Racquet Resort features 12 clay courts. Tennis Resorts Online consistently rates TOPS’L as one of the world’s Top 100 Tennis Resorts & Camps and a Best Value for the Dollar. The resort hosts regular round robins, women’s and men’s retreats, multiple USTA Jr. events, and offers private lessons for those who are interested in improving specific aspects of their game.
Off-court activities: Additional TOPS’L recreational opportunities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, massage therapy, racquetball, swimming pools, basketball court, miniature golf course, kayaks, paddle boarding and various fitness classes that are included in your membership or guest amenity package. The area also is home to more than a dozen championship golf courses.
Volvo Car Open
Charleston, South Carolina
volvocaropen.com | 843.856.7900
The Volvo Car Open is the largest women’s tennis tournament in North America. Every April, Charleston welcomes 90,000 spectators and more than 100 world-class athletes to participate in the excitement of the tournament. Its 2020 field features four of the top 10 players in the world, including 2019’s World No. 1 player & WTA Finals champion Ashleigh Barty, two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep, and 2018 Volvo Car Open winner Kiki Bertens. Also returning in 2020 is the tournament’s reigning champion, Madison Keys. Tennis lovers won’t want to miss what happens next at the 2020 Volvo Car Open, April 4-12, 2020. For tickets and package options, visit the Open’s website.
Tennis amenities: The tournament’s state-of-the-art stadium not only serves as the home for one of the WTA’s premier tournaments, but it also provides residents of the greater Charleston area access to one of the finest tennis facilities in the Southeast. Resting on 32 acres are 20 championship tennis courts — 14 clay and six hard — with lighting for night play on all. The Open welcomes more than 90,000 spectators each year. The tournament features a singles draw of 56 players, a qualifying draw of 32 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players.
Off-court activities: In addition to world-class tennis, the event hosts a wide variety of other activities throughout the weeklong tournament. In between matches, attendees can taste some of the unique Charleston cuisine offered at one of the many dining locations onsite, enjoy a drink and breeze with views from the rooftop bars, and shop in the tournament’s merchandise tent. The Volvo Car Open also is celebrating 20 years in Charleston in 2020 with new special events throughout the week.
