Give the world (of tennis) this holiday season

Better late than never for this first (actual) post. I am currently working on a lot of content that revolves around the 2025 ATP and WTA schedules, as they both hit some killer destinations: Australia, Palm Springs, Miami, Rome, Madrid, Paris, London, New York City, and more.

Until then, inspo hit in the form of a Racquet Magazine’s 2024 Gift Guide. If you or anyone you love is a tennis fan or player, I suggest checking it out, as it’s equal parts entertaining and a source of creative gift ideas.

Meanwhile, all of the lux hotels they included for the personas are preferred partners of the agency with which I am associated, FORA, which means I can get guests VIP perks. Nothing makes a better holiday gift than the gift of travel.

FYI: I did leave out one persona, THE ATHLETE, as its travel destination is the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, which are currently located in six countries. So that will be a post of its own.

Please note tournament info covers all levels, including ATP Challengers and WTA 125s. Cities with major tournaments will be covered, ideally in depth, as the 2025 season gets underway.

THE MAN IN FINANCE: Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

From the FORA advisor portal: The Cipriani resort is “a way of life” with the elegance of a private club and the advantage of being at the heart of the city, yet removed from its hustle and bustle. Hotel Cipriani is ideal for discerning travelers and preferred by movie stars, heads of state, and royalty for over 50 years.

Overlooking St. Mark’s Basilica, all the famous highlights of Venice are a short boat ride away. Hotel facilities include four restaurants featuring the Michelin-starred Oro, the only Olympic-size swimming pool in central Venice, 20,000 square meters of private gardens, a spa and fitness center, and a clay tennis court.

FORA perks include:

Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability).
Daily breakfast for two (2) guests per room, served in the restaurant.
$100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit to be utilized during stay.
Early check-in and/or late check-out (subject to availability).
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Additional perks may be available with other packages/rates.

More info: Website, Instagram.

Tournament info: Italy hosts over 20 ATP and WTA tournaments throughout the season. The largest for WTA is the Palermo Ladies Open and of course for ATP the Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Rome Masters) and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. The closest events to Venice are the WTA Veneto Open (who knew there was a grass tourney in Italy?!) and the ATP Challenger Internazionali di Tennis Verona.

THE TENNIS GIRLIE: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

I was lucky enough to visit San Miguel for a work several years ago. We will leave out the part where I almost died because I tried to consume as much tequila s the natives. But I won’t leave out what a fabulous destination it is. A favorite of American ex-pats, it’s rich in culture and architecture, full of boutique art galleries (I have two pieces from there hanging on my living room walls), and hand-to-god the best tacos I’ve ever had. I am from Texas so those are big words.

From of the FORA advisor portal: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is located in an enchanting artists village nestled in mountains approximately 177 miles north west of Mexico City. The hotel’s architecture and interior design is reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda and blends with the colonial ambiance of this magical town. The hotel has only 67 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. Facilities include Sense, a Rosewood Spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a signature restaurant, a rooftop tapas bar, and two clay tennis courts.

*Photo: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende website*

FORA perks include:

Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability).
Daily breakfast for two (2) guests per room, served in the restaurant.
$100 USD equivalent resort credit to be utilized during stay.
Early check-in and/or late check-out (subject to availability).
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Additional perks may be available with other packages/rates.

More info: Website, Instagram.

Tournament info: Mexico has 10+ ATP and WTA events during the season, unfortunately, none seem to be anywhere close to San Miguel. However, one usually gets to San Miguel via Mexico City, which hosts the ATP Challenger Mexico City Open. I’ve been to CDMX three times and can confidently say it’s a fabulous city.

THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: The PuLi Hotel And Spa Shanghai

From FORA advisor portal: Conde Naste’s number one hotel in Shanghai, The PuLi Hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city. Directly accessible by road and subway lines the hotel is close to some of Shanghai’s best business, shopping, sightseeing, and entertainment areas.

The Health Club is equipped with a state of the art gymnasium, sauna, steam room, experiential showers, whirlpool, 25-metre heated infinity pool as well as the inaugural UR SPA in China.

FORA perks include:

Room upgrade at time of booking (subject to availability),
Daily breakfast for two (2) guests per room, served in the restaurant or via room service.
$100 USD equivalent food & beverage or spa credit utilized during stay (restrictions apply).
Bookings in Deluxe or Grand Suite also receive additional $100 food & beverage credit (for a total of $200 during stay).
Early check-in and/or late check-out (subject to availability).
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Additional perks may be available with other packages/rates.

More info: Website, Instagram.

Tournament info: Like Italy, China hosts over 20 ATP and WTA events. Conveniently it includes the ATP Rolex Shanghai Masters. PuLi Hotel is only 20 miles from the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena. This Masters was voted tournament for the year in it’s first five years, 2019-2023. And, in my opinion, it’s one of the most architecturally fascinating stadiums on tour.

MOTHER: Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

From FORA advisor portal: A beachfront resort with stunning ocean views, Four Seasons Oahu combines contemporary architecture, cultural significance, and the area’s history on top of legendary Four Seasons services and amenities.

The best part about this resort (other than pretty much everything) is its Tennis for All Seasons Retreat. A three-day clinic designed for players with a UTSA rating of 3.0 or higher, it features tailored instruction to improve serve, footwork, timing, and more.

Pickleball lessons are also available. But please know we don’t talk about pickleball in my house.

FORA perks include:

Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability).
Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person two (2) guests per room, served in the restaurant.
$100 USD resort credit to be utilized during stay.
Early check-in and/or late check-out (subject to availability).
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Additional perks may be available with other packages/rates.

More info: Website, Instagram.

Tournament info: there doesn’t seem to be any actual WTA or ATP events in Hawaii though it looks like there used to be (the Hawaii Open). I find this kind of wild given it’s HAWAII, but I assume there is a reason for this. I would love to know more should anyone have details.

THE BIO HACKER: Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand

If you’re into wellness and self-care and absolutely gorgeous environments, this is the place for you.

From FORA advisor portal: Kamalaya Koh Samui is an award-winning wellness sanctuary and holistic spa centered around a century-old cave, which once served Buddhist monks as a meditation and spiritual retreat.

The cuisine, service style, environment, and even architecture are designed to support and enhance wellness therapies and services.

Accommodation includes cozy hillside rooms, open suites, and spacious villas overlooking the coastline. Buildings rest amidst ancient granite boulders, water streams, and tropical vegetation, making the retreat at one with nature.

No tennis onsite, however, I did a little digging and found the nearby Ladylagoon court, as well as a local tennis pro for private instruction.

*Photo: Ladylagoon tennis court, Google Maps*

FORA perks include:

Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability).
Daily buffet breakfast for two (2) guests per room, served in the restaurant.
Personalized 45-minute wellness and goal setting consultation with a member of Kamalaya’s expert naturopath team, prior to arrival (must have minimum value of $100 USD equivalent).
Early check-in and/or late check-out (subject to availability).
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Additional perks may be available with other packages/rates.

More info: Website, Instagram.

Tournament info: Thailand has four ATP Challenger events and the WTA Thailand open. But none of them are anywhere close to this resort. Honestly, this property is about rest, relaxation, and recovery. This is the type of place where we should all be right now to detox from the 2024 season.

THE TENNIS GOTH

This persona didn’t have a travel destination. However, the “dream home” was this Buckinghamshire manse in the UK. Fantastic treelined tennis court included.

However I found a stellar luxury hotel about 20 minutes away.

The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire

Let me just say, this place looks exactly like what you’d expect of a bougie hotel in the English countryside.

From FORA advisor portal: Beautifully situated in the former manor home of the third Duke of Marlborough on 150 acres of formal gardens and parklands, The Langley offers an exclusive luxury retreat in the heart of Iver’s countryside.

Relax in the sophisticated rooms and suites, each meticulously restored with modern furnishings amidst historic features. Dine on perfectly crafted cuisine and enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea or savor light fare and cocktails in the bar. The opulent spa and gym feature holistic treatments, an indoor and outdoor pool, a thermal area, fitness programs, and healthy dining selections.

Although it surprisingly doesn’t feature tennis courts, the pool looks wonderful.

Okay so this is really posh, not goth. My bad.

More info: Website, Instagram.

Tournament info: Great Britain, as a whole, hosts 12 ATP and WTA tournaments throughout the year. Including one of the most famous, Wimbledon. Now that I’ve been to the U.S. Open, Wimbledon is the next Grand Slam on my tennis bucket list. But I am quite sure you have to bribe at least 10 UK officials to win the ticket lottery. This property is about 90 minutes from Wimbledon, but only 60 from Queen’s Club, which hosts the prologue to the Championships.

To end what is more or less part one of this series, I leave you with Karen Khachanov. Because one, Wimbledon whites are my favorite kits. And two, rarely will you see a post on here about tennis without a photo of him. Get used to it.