Thursday 6 February 2014

Romance on the Courts-Three Sweet Valentines Tennis Destinations


In our tennis circle, there are many couples, including my partner and myself, who met on the tennis court. Tennis continues to be one of the places where we are happiest, and there's nothing we like more than taking our game on the road.  Here are three destinations that we would consider perfect for a romantic tennis getaway.

#1 Koh Chang Island, Thailand

We  managed to find one tennis club on this tropical island paradise. The Koh Chang Tennis Club is well maintained, lit for night play and very reasonably priced. It's located in central Khlong Proa on the west coast of Thailand's second largest island.

The staff is very friendly and they can provide you with racquets, balls and cold towels if you need.  Give them a call to make a reservation, or have your hotel front desk arrange it for you.  Koh Chang Tennis Club is open from 0700 to 2200 everyday.

Call them at 084-892-6992 or email at a7lek@mail.ru





Koh Chang Tennis Club


What To Do After Tennis

 Motorcycle Trip around the island

We rented a motorcycle and toured this island that is lined with white sand beaches.  After tennis, we hung out at a little roadside Thai restaurant, cooled off and enjoyed some hot Thai cuisine.  Then we hit the open road (a narrow windy one) and took a look at the island's west shore.  A beautiful national park offers some spectacular viewpoints and Lonely Beach almost at the end of the road attracts hippies, backpackers and those who want the no-frills Thai beach experience.  We hung out there, taking in the unbelievable view while enjoying cool beverages on the lay-down ocean front deck.



Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Chai Chet Resort, about 4 kilometres to the south of the courts. An elegant and reasonably price resort overlooking the bay and a large stretch of white sandy beach. All down the beach are cottages and hotels.  At night you can stroll down there and check out the action at different beach restaurants and bars.  We took in a fire show with dinner one night.
The staff at the Chai Chet is very helpful and welcoming.  The pool is amazing, not to mention the swim-up bar.  It's a great place to enjoy a cool Chang Beer after a hot tennis workout.
Our sea-view room was very nice with an unique bathroom and shower that had the effect of a rocky stream running through it. 


Chai Chet Resort






#2 

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Tennis Center Hilton Head Island, South Carolina




Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort labels themselves the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to improve their tennis skills.  Ranked amount "The 50 Greatest US Tennis Resorts" by Tennis Magazine  Palmetto Dunes offers tennis packages and vacations for players all skill levels and a top notch family resort destination. The resort's Tennis Centre features 23 clay and two Nova ProBounce courts(six of which are lighted for night play).  There is also a full schedule of seasonal activities, daily round robin tournaments and a wide array of instructional programs.

What to Do After the Game

Hilton Head Beaches



Miles of pristine beach, sun drenched, wind-swept.  You can enjoy the sound of the surf or get right in it and take a lesson on riding it.   The ocean one of the most wonderful features of  Hilton Head Island.  But if that isn’t enough, Hilton Head boasts more than 20 golf courses, over 50 miles of paved bike pathways and an 11-mile lagoon network for paddling.   

Where We Stayed

Palmetto Dunes Resort

One of the world’s finest tennis facilities is a definite reason to stay here, but so is the location.  It is set on 3 miles of the beaches that Hilton Head Island is so famous for.  The resort has 3 18 hole golf courses, an oceanfront pool, bike rentals and more.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina


1-866-380-1778
#3 Key West Florida Bay View Tennis Courts

Bay View Tennis Courts

You’ll never forget playing tennis at Bay View in Key West.  Like everything else in this unique tip of the United States, it seems to have a flavor of its own.  There are a group of regular KeyWesters and guests, and a sign up sheet to get on these free courts.  They make you feel very welcome, and after a few rounds of tennis, you can see why some people choose never to leave.  The facility has five courts that are also lit for night play.

Description: Macintosh HD:Users:TerisMac:Desktop:Key West:Florida 09 062.JPGDescription: Macintosh HD:Users:TerisMac:Desktop:Key West:Florida 09 064.JPG

What to Do After

The sunset is a reason for celebration every night in Key West.  Once you’ve seen one, you’ll understand why.  The city’s Mallory Square sets the stage for the sun’s always dazzling exit from the day over the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting the solar spectacle with art and street performers, all watched by thousands of people.
Description: Macintosh HD:Users:TerisMac:Desktop:Key West:Florida 09 281.JPGDescription: Macintosh HD:Users:TerisMac:Desktop:Key West:Florida 09 279.JPG

Where We Stayed

The most laid back way to stay in Key West has to be camping.  This southernmost tip of the continental United States is only about 90 miles from Cuba and shares with it a balmy climate that makes sleeping outdoors comfortable most of the year.  Boyd’s Campground is an interesting mix osnowbirds, young campers, regular  folks who have Key West on their itineraries, and even tennplayers.  Besides being on the ocean, the campground has a great pool that is one of the social centers of the resort.

Boyd’s Campground, Key West

Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Tennis Tourist visits Rico's Tennis Academy in Calgary Canada

Rico's Tennis Academy
Calgary, Alberta-cold winter, warm tennis






A warm, inviting place to play tennis protected from Calgary's sometimes chilly winter weather.

10 courts in one bubble and one solid structure, Ricos Tennis Academy is a popular and lively place to play tennis in Calgary.  Non-members are able to book courts and take lessons.


Wha
t to do After the Game

Elbow River Pathway


Any season is a time to enjoy Calgary's Elbow River Pathway.  It winds it's way along the river and goes right by Rico's Tennis Bubble. The path is part of an 800km network of walking and biking trails that connects this city end to end and meanders along its rivers and creeks. 






Wh
ere to Stay

Hotel Alma



A funky, retro space that is part hotel, part university dorm (3 floors are used as dorms during part of the school year).  The Hotel Alma is on the University of Calgary campus just north of downtown and has good light rail and bus transit around the city.

Hotel Alma
169 University Gate NW
Calgary, AB
T2N 1N4
1-877-498-3203
stay@hotelalma.ca