The Tennis Traveler: Eight bucket-list courts around the globe
From the Amalfi Coast to Serengeti National Park to Sedona, Arizona, these playing destinations exemplify the sport's aesthetic.
Heading to Italy? You might as well bring a racquet.
Tanzania on your to-do list? Guess your tennis bag will double as a carry on.
Driving down to Sedona for the weekend? Looks like a re-grip is in order.
Don’t miss these bucket list tennis courts on your next trip around the globe.
Destination: Italy
Gran Hotel Tremezzo
Location: Lake Como, Italy
There’s nothing quite like a single clay court, fenced in by greenery, overlooking Lake Como and cooling in its breeze. Tennis has never looked this good, especially for a court that’s over 110 years old.
Il San Pietro di Positano
Location: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Since you’re already in Italy… how about some tennis tucked beside natural rock formations and the Tyrrhenian Sea? This court is complimentary to guests of the hotel, along with a private beach club, a pool terrace, two-hour cruises and more.
Off the Beaten Path
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Location: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
No fences, no benches, no outlet for ball machines. This court tests your tennis skills—and how far you’re willing to chase after a ball. Play among the wildlife on this one-of-a-kind venue where you could (potentially and also very unlikely) convince a zebra to be your doubles partner.
Read: Don’t miss these hot tennis destinations in New York and London
Bunabhainneadar Tennis Court
Location: Isle of Harris, Scotland
Britain’s most remote tennis court may look abandoned, but playing here means stepping onto one of the more uniquely designed sporting locations in the entire world. Literally built into the landscape, this court highlights being one with the land.
Out of this World
Ocnele Mari Salt Mine
Location: Valcea, România
Every court so far has been outdoors, secluded and in tune with the natural landscape. Let’s trade all of that for salt mine tennis courts in the heart of Romania, where serving with the sun is no longer a concern. Not only are these tennis courts putting some local parks to shame, but they have an entire ecosystem of playgrounds, sports and facilities to keep visitors busy.
Enchantment Resort
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Recreate the feeling of tennis at Indian Wells in Arizona, where these two outdoor courts in the red rocks enhance the deep greens of the court and complement the pristine blue skies. Pickleball courts are also available, creating the same enchanting feeling.
See It, Believe It
All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club
Location: Carles City, Iowa
Midwest Wimbledon exists near the Iowa border with Minnesota, with quality lawn tennis courts ready for play. Taking 14 months to build, these courts have been servicing players nationwide since 2003. And last we checked, it's free.
Burj Al Arab Helipad
Location: Dubai, UAE
Remember when Roger Federer and Andre Agassi took to the sky in 2005 for a legendary tennis match on a helipad? Used more for publicity than for everyday play, this tennis court truly takes tennis to the next level, atmospherically speaking. Did you know they once also had plans to build underwater courts?