ANNABEL CROFT
TENNIS HOLIDAYS
HONE YOUR TENNIS SKILLS OR SIMPLY INDULGE YOUR LOVE OF THE GAME AT A GLORIOUS RESORT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SUNSHINE.
The Annabel Croft Tennis Academy was founded in April 2009 by the former British number one, Annabel Croft, and is now approaching its ninth year. The academy has delivered coaching classes to over 3,000 players at various venues, including a regular programme of over 300 players at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.
The Academy has since expanded in the Mediterranean where the Annabel Croft Tennis Academies offer individual coaching sessions and group lessons to tennis enthusiasts whilst on holiday. Expanding to just two very special resorts enables Annabel and her team to ensure that the academies are run to their high standards, providing enjoyable and educational coaching using Annabel’s signature on-court philosophy of ‘movement and repetition’.
There are a range of packages to choose from, including One2One Private Coaching, three-day weekend retreats and five-day group coaching programmes for adults. There are also junior courses for younger players that run at the same time as the adult courses, meaning the whole family can benefit from lessons that cater to their individual abilities and needs. The sunny Mediterranean locations mean that, afterwards, you can retreat to the beach or relax by the pool.
Caribtours has teamed up with Annabel Croft and her team to create a memorable holiday for tennis enthusiasts whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with the family or group of friends.
PINE CLIFFS RESORT, ALGARVE,PORTUGAL
For many, Pine Cliffs Resort is the Algarve’s best kept secret. This newly-renovated resort is tucked away within 700 acres of pine trees, overlooking a glorious sandy beach. With such an impressive array of onsite activities and facilities, as well as an incredible dining offering, there’s sure to be something for everyone from couples to multi-generational families.
The accommodation offering is as vast as the facility list from Ocean View Rooms to spacious Three Bedroom Residences. Days can be spent in idle indulgence around the pools, relaxing at the Serenity Spa or hitting a round on the nine-hole golf course.
The five floodlit tennis courts are located in the heart of the resort in the most wonderful setting amongst landscaped gardens. Annabel Croft’s Tennis Academy began here in 2013 and, today, Pine Cliffs is one of the most established resorts in Europe for tennis holidays.
7 nights from £1,499 per person sharing a Deluxe Room including breakfast and a 5 day tennis package.
AN INTERVIEW WITH ANNABEL CROFT
Annabel lets us in on what makes her tennis academies extra special, their philosophy of movement and repetition and her favourite holiday spots...
Your academies have been a huge success in the UK; what made you start branching out into Portugal and Spain?
Portugal has been our destination of choice for family holidays for over 30 years, and Spain was where I first picked up a racket on a family holiday aged 9. I think both have so much to offer, not just for the sunshine. The Spanish and Portuguese people are so warm and friendly, the beaches are stunning, the food is delicious, and there's tennis and golf on tap! For me, they've both always offered the perfect mix of a sporty, yet relaxed, holiday.
Are the holidays suitable for tennis beginners, who’ve never played tennis before?
Absolutely! Our academy is aimed at any level, whether outright beginner or a regular player. We encourage players who may have never picked up a racket before to get on court, give it a go and have fun at the same time as learning a new skill. No one should ever feel embarrassed, as our drills aim to make hitting a tennis ball fun and you will certainly hit a lot of them! Our carefully chosen coaches are experienced and inspiring as well as very encouraging.
What was/is your favourite venue to play tennis?
I have so many as they all have their own special character – but of course I will always choose Wimbledon and The All England Club; it's such a privilege to be a member. I do, however, love playing in the sunshine and all our overseas venues provide just that.
Tell us about your philosophy of ‘Movement and Repetition’.
As a young professional, touring the world competing, I enjoyed visiting many different academies around the world whilst learning so many varieties of international drills. I've introduced my favourite ones into our tennis program. Movement is one of the keys to playing good tennis and, therefore, I love the concept of hitting loads of balls from many different court positions to resemble a typical point situation. There are so many drills to choose from for all ages and abilities.
What is one thing that you can’t travel without?
My yoga app on my smart phone!
What's your best holiday memory and why?
Probably a family holiday in Antigua a couple of years ago – it had everything from tennis in the morning, to spending time on a stunning white sandy beach in the afternoon, then yoga, Pilates and zumba classes overlooking the sea in the early evening. I particularly enjoyed the spa treatments and massages whilst listening to the water lapping up against the rocks. Family snorkelling and hobie cats were 'on tap', along with cocktails in the evening and the most delicious Caribbean food. It was the holiday of dreams!
When you’re not on the court, where do you choose to go for your holiday?
We have always holidayed in Portugal but more recently we have been visiting Mykonos which is stunning – I also love Tenerife where we recently opened our academy but I'm always looking to explore new exciting venues.
