Some hotels are extraordinary in ways that go far beyond their views, spas, or suites. Among our favourites around the globe, a select few also boast tennis courts that elevate the stay even further. Take, for instance, grass courts nestled among the rolling hills of Umbria, where morning rallies catch the soft vineyard light.
Meanwhile, clay courts on a rooftop overlooking Lake Lucerne offer both a view and a vantage point. And across the Indian Ocean, private courts above Maldivian lagoons combine turquoise waters with endless sky. Together, these examples show how thoughtfully placed courts can become part of a hotel’s atmosphere.
In recent years, court sports have taken on new prominence in luxury travel. Tennis, once the preserve of traditionalists, now shares space with padel and boutique racquet sports. Its popularity has been boosted by high-profile events like Wimbledon, the Olympics, and the rise of wellness-minded active travel.
Hotels are increasingly recognising that guests want experiences that combine sport with style. Courts are no longer just functional; they are photogenic, meticulously designed, and often paired with high-end touches. Think in-house coaching, designer collaborations, and curated athleisure boutiques. Last summer, for instance, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc teamed with Lacoste. This followed a successful collaboration with NYC athleisure brand Sporty & Rich. Branded experiences appeared across courts and boutique shops, blending performance, fashion, and lifestyle.
We’ve visited, inspected, and occasionally played on these courts, paying close attention to the details that set the exceptional apart. This includes orientation to the sun, quality of the court surface, surrounding vistas, and service that anticipates your every need. As a result, we’ve curated a shortlist of luxury hotels where tennis, scenery, and thoughtful design intersect. At these addresses, each match – and each stay – feels intentionally crafted and unforgettable.
Nihi Sumba – Indonesia
Perched on the windswept eastern tip of Sumba Island, Nihi Sumba is less a hotel and more a portal to an adventurous, wellness-focused way of life. The tennis court, tucked into a cliffside plateau, offers jungle-framed vistas and glimpses of the ocean – though it’s only part of the appeal.
Guests can rise with the sun for surf lessons on world-class breaks, or gallop along miles of unspoiled beaches on horseback. Snorkelling among coral reefs adds another layer of adventure. Meanwhile, private pools, cliff-top yoga, and spa treatments provide moments of calm between activity.
It’s ideal for couples seeking adventure with privacy, as well as families and multi-generational groups craving both engagement and tranquillity. The island’s remoteness and natural beauty lend every rally a sense of ceremony, while the hotel’s energy balances adrenaline and zen in equal measure.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Antibes, French Riviera
On the sun-drenched tip of Cap d’Antibes, this legendary Riviera property is part of the Oetker Hotels collection, renowned for crafting some of the world’s most iconic luxury addresses. Its courts sit beyond terraces dripping with bougainvillaea, overlooking cobalt waters, making every rally feel staged for a magazine shoot.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has fully embraced the crossover of sport and style: collaborations with Lacoste and Sporty & Rich ensure that even casual doubles have an air of occasion. Plus, on-site boutiques make it easy to look the part. Guests drift seamlessly from courts to terraces to Michelin-starred dining, and the suites themselves are icons of Riviera chic. This is a hotel for glamorous couples, stylish friend groups, and those who appreciate that sport and socialising are inseparable.
Reschio – Umbria, Italy
Nestled amid Umbria’s rolling hills, Reschio is an Italian estate where sport, family life, and old-world charm coexist. Its grass tennis courts catch the early-morning sun, providing an idyllic stage for family tournaments or casual doubles. Villas across the estate are expansive, with private pools and terraces that allow multi-gen groups to enjoy the estate together. Beyond the court, days can unfold wandering olive groves, tasting local wines, or exploring nearby medieval towns. Light shifts across the landscape as rallies unfold, making each match cinematic without ever feeling contrived.
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel – Venice
Giudecca Island might not be the first place you associate with tennis, but Hotel Cipriani turns clay tennis courts into a Venetian spectacle. The lagoon reflects early-morning serves, gondolas drift lazily beneath terraces, and the city’s domes create a painterly backdrop. Suites exude discreet Venetian glamour, balancing heritage and contemporary comfort. Guests combine time on the clay courts with private water taxi rides through Venice’s labyrinthine canals. They might also enjoy curated art tours or Michelin-starred dining experiences. The hotel’s charm lies in its combination of active play and cultural immersion. It’s perfect for couples seeking romance or families blending leisure and education in a truly unique location.
Soneva Fushi – Maldives
On a private island in the Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi is barefoot luxury with a spirit of adventure. The tennis courts sit tucked among swaying palms and open lawns, with glimpses of turquoise waters peeking between coconut trees – perfect for a competitive doubles match or a friendly rally. But sport is just one layer of the experience. Guests can surf world-class breaks, snorkel amid vibrant reefs, or dive into the deep blue. And, even let children roam through immersive nature and arts programs. Couples retreat to secluded pool villas or indulge in spa rituals that balance wellbeing with a touch of indulgence. As the sun sets, the island comes alive in quieter ways: alfresco dinners under the stars, starlit cinema nights, or solitary walks along powder-soft beaches. Sustainability, thoughtful design, and playful details are stitched into every moment, making Soneva Fushi a place where movement, relaxation, and adventure coexist effortlessly.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni – Bellagio, Italy
Perched on the shores of Lake Como, this Relais & Châteaux gem pairs clay courts that seem to float above the water with meticulously manicured gardens and panoramic lake views. The hotel itself is a study in Italian elegance: suites balance classic refinement with modern comfort, while terraces, lounges, and dining rooms frame the lake like a living artwork. Guests can move seamlessly between early-morning rallies and afternoons exploring the lake by boat, wandering the gardens, or browsing Bellagio’s boutiques. Multi-generational families, couples, and solo travellers alike will find the mix of activity and leisure effortlessly balanced. Every detail – from the perfectly maintained tennis courts to the cuisine crafted with care – underscores the hotel’s commitment to thoughtful luxury.
Bürgenstock Resort – Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Rising above Lake Lucerne, the resort’s rooftop clay court is framed by dramatic Alpine peaks, the lake below acting as a mirror for every serve. Swiss precision defines the property: contemporary suites, wellness-led programs, mountain trails, and lakeside excursions combine to offer a full spectrum of experiences. Families can split time between court rallies and spa indulgence, couples can enjoy alpine vistas while playing doubles, and all guests can soak in the striking natural surroundings. The mix of activity, design, and panorama gives the court a unique thrill – you’re literally suspended between mountain and lake.
Amanzoe – Peloponnese, Greece
Amanzoe, perched on the Peloponnese coast, is the kind of hotel that makes you think of tennis only after you’ve noticed the perfect light, pristine architecture, and vistas that stretch across the Aegean.
Yet the tennis courts here are exceptional, and the hotel’s approach to sport goes far beyond aesthetics. Lux Tennis Academy runs bespoke coaching for all levels, while Amanzoe’s global wellness ambassador, Maria Sharapova, has inspired the ‘Building Mental Resilience’ programme, which draws on the rituals and mindset of a champion.
Guests can enjoy private lessons, curated drills, or simply soak in the surroundings between matches. Multi-generational families, couples, or friends can pair court time with yoga, spa rituals, and Mediterranean exploration, making it a blend of performance, wellness, and design that feels effortlessly elevated.
Game, set, match!
Tennis, padel, and other court-based sports are more than just amenities at top-tier hotels – they’re part of how luxury travellers shape their stay. From the early-morning calm on a clay court in Lake Lucerne to late-afternoon doubles framed by the Riviera sun, these facilities add structure, rhythm, and a touch of play to a trip that’s otherwise indulgent. Sporting spaces also offer subtle prestige: private courts, immaculate surfaces, and designer touches signal both quality and thoughtfulness, reflecting a hotel’s attention to detail.
At RASK, we understand that enjoying these courts goes beyond showing up. We can organise private instructors, coordinate lessons for families or multi-generational groups, and even handle logistics for those bringing their own equipment. Want a quick warm-up before breakfast or an afternoon match followed by spa time? Consider it done. For families, we can weave children’s coaching sessions into a wider itinerary, balancing court time with cultural excursions, wellness, or downtime by the pool.
Ready to serve, volley, and unwind in style? Get in touch to start discussing your bespoke itinerary.
