Vale do Lobo, Algarve
Situated in the heart of the exclusive Vale do Lobo resort, the Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy is one of the finest facilities of its kind in Europe and is one of the largest tennis facilities in Portugal. The 14 hard courts (4 of which are the new Savanah artificial grass) are set in a pine clad amphitheatre overlooked by the superb Clubhouse. It is difficult to find a more relaxing and picturesque setting to enjoy a game of tennis.
The Clubhouse with stepped terracing overlooking the courts, has a Reception Office, Pro Shop, Tennis Café/Bar with Satellite TV, Fitness Gymnasium, Sauna, Steam Room, Massage Room and Children’s Fun Club with Pool Table, Table Football and Video Games. The swimming pool, surrounded by terraces and sun loungers, is a perfect venue for enjoying an after match drink.
A range of tennis coaching courses are operated throughout the year on a weekly or long weekend basis for adults and juniors of all standards and guests can enjoy daily coaching clinics (groups of 6 max).
The Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy Director, Pedro Frazao, an ex-Portuguese international player and Director of the European Coaches’ Association, has a team of multi-lingual staff offering coaching courses to all standards from beginners to club team players. There is even a mini-tennis court for youngsters with short tennis courses being offered.
The helpful staff are at hand to organise the varied range of tennis and social activities throughout the year. Six of the courts are floodlit enabling the more enthusiastic players to continue throughout day and night!
Coaching
Adults Group Coaching,10 hours week
Rating: 10 to 2, +15 years old
Monday to Friday, 2 hours per day in the morning, all ability levels (all year round)
Juniors Group Coaching,10 hours week
Rating: 10 to 2, 8 to 15 years old
Monday to Friday, 2 hours per day in the morning , all ability levels. (all year round)
Mini Tennis Group Coaching, 5 hours week
Rating: 10 to 9, age: U8
Monday to Friday 1hour per day in the morning (all year round)
Adults & Juniors Group Coaching, 6 hours weekend pack
Rating: 10 to 2, +6 years old
Friday to Sunday 2 hours per day, all ability levels (all year round)
Private Lessons
Rating: 10 to 1, age: OPEN
All ages and ability levels
Typical Weekly Programme
Sunday
Afternoon - Free Tennis assessment
Afternoon - Welcome Drink
Monday
Morning - Adults and juniors group coaching
Afternoon - Adults and juniors singles
Tuesday
Morning - Adults and juniors group coaching
Afternoon - Junior doubles / Junior singles
Wednesday
Morning - Adults and juniors group coaching
Afternoon - Mixed doubles
Night - BBQ
Thursday
Morning - Adults and juniors group coaching
Afternoon - Junior singles
Friday
Morning - Adults and juniors group coaching
Afternoon - Men and ladies doubles
Afternoon - Exhibition match
Afternoon - Weekly prize giving with cocktail party
Biograd, Croatia
Irija hotels have 14 well maintained red clay courts which make the tennis academy here one of the biggest tennis centres in Dalmatia. The tennis courts are located in the middle of a pine forest and only a 5 minute walk from the hotels. This idyllic location provides its own micro climate where players can enjoy the light summer breeze from the sea as well as feeling the shade from the pine trees.
The clubhouse is overlooking the courts and provides locker rooms, toilets and a great little clubhouse serving snacks and drinks. Tennis court lighting is available in the evening.
So what are you waiting for? Come and play tennis in the sun and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Croatian coast. Put on your tennis shoes, bring your rackets and energy and let the games begin!
Coaching
Full Tennis Programme includes:
- 5 x Group Training Sessions (180minutes)
- 2 x Private Coaching Sessions (60minutes)
- 3 hours of tournament play dependant on numbers
- UNLIMITED use of tennis courts
Half Tennis Programme includes:
- 2 x Group Training Sessions (180minutes)
- 1 x Private Coaching Session (60minutes)
- 3 hours of tournament play dependant on numbers
- EXTRA 4 hours court time included
Typical Weekly Programme
Day 1
- arrival, settling in hotel - welcome drink
- welcome host - getting to know the area and the program
- playing tennis outside of the coaching hours - set the timings with coach on arrival
Day 2
- 9 to 12 midday - group coaching
- spend rest of the day your own way
Day 3
- 9 to 12 midday - group coaching
- 5 to 6pm - private lesson
Day 4
- 9 to 12 midday - group coaching
- spend the rest of the day your own way
Day 5
- 9 to 12 midday - group coaching
- 5 to 6pm - private lesson
Day 6
- free day reserved for other activities/excursion national park
Day 7
- 9 to 12 midday - group coaching
- 6 - 9pm tournament evening
Not a tennis player?
This is your holiday so chose what you would like to do.
ALGARVE
Walking - There are plenty of trails throughout this area through the national park and along the beach to enjoy
Cycling - Why not have a bike delivered and you can cycle on the same trails and around the area. There are also e-bikes available
Watersports - There are various water sports available on the sea or on the lake in Quinta do Lago if you prefer no waves
Horse Riding - The resort has a very established riding centre called Pinetrees where you can ride out on trails or take private lessons to improve your riding
Golf - You are surrounded by golf course in this area. Take some lessons or head off to the driving range.
Spa - There are plenty of Spas in the area to just relax and enjoy some pampering.
Sightseeing- Nearby Faro is well worth a visit with its old town, museums, chapels and churches.
Markets - The portuguese love their markets and there are many in the surrounding area to explore.
CROATIA
Walking - there are plenty of trails for walking and also hiking in national parks e.g North Velebit
Jogging - why not jog along the coast
Biking - there are plenty of stunning bike routes to choose as well as biking in Paklenica National Park. Alternatively there is a two island cycling tour or Pasman island cycling tour.
Boat Tours - Boat rental for a day. Half day boat tour to Pasman Island right across from Biograd or Zadar sunset river cruise.
Krka Waterfalls National Park and Sibenik Walking Tour - This tour makes a perfect combination of visiting Croatia's richest natural and cultural heritage in one day.
Horseriding - Ranch retreat in the mountains of National Park Velebit
Jeep safari - Nationa Park Velebit
River rafting or canoe safari - Zrmanja River
Zadar city tour - With a three thousand year rich history. Zadar is full of historical monuments and cultural influences
Spa time - treat yourself to some spa treatments at very reasonable prices at the hotel
How to get there
Algarve - Faro Airport
Flight Time 2hr 40min from London (Local time is the same as UK time).
| FROM | DAYS OF WEEK | FLIGHTS PER DAY | AIRLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATWICK | DAILY | 8 | BA / EASYJET / TUI |
| HEATHROW | SAT, SUN | 1 | BRITISH AIRWAYS |
| LUTON | DAILY | 3-4 | EASYJET / RYANAIR |
| STANSTED | SUN | 4 | TUI / JET 2 / RYANAIR |
| STANSTED | SAT | 1 | BRITISH AIRWAYS |
| BIRMINGHAM | DAILY | 3-4 | JET 2 / RYANAIR / TUI |
| BRISTOL | DAILY | 1-2 | EASYJET / RYANAIR |
| EAST MIDLANDS | DAILY | 3 | JET2 / TUI |
| EDINBURGH | TUE, THU, SAT, SUN | 1 | JET 2 |
| EXETER | MON, THUR, SAT | 1 | FLYBE |
| GLASGOW | THU,SAT,TUE | 1-2 | FLYBE / EASYJET / TUI / JET2 |
| LEEDS BRADFORD | DAILY | 1 | JET 2 |
| MANCHESTER | DAILY | 3-4 | TUI / JET2 |
| NEWCASTLE | DAILY | 3 | EASYJET / TUI / JET2 |
Fly or Bike
Collect a bike at Faro Airport and cycle along the coast to your accommodation in Vale Do Lobo. Your luggage will be included.
Biograd - Zadar Airport
Flight time is 2 hours 25 minutes from Stansted (local time 1 hour ahead)
FROM | DAYS OF THE WEEK | FLIGHTS PER DAY | AIRLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANSTED | TUE, THU, FRI, SAT | 1 | RYANAIR |
| LUTON | WED, SAT | 1 | EASYJET |
| MANCHESTER | TUE, SAT | 1 | RYANAIR |
