There’s plenty of action to look forward to during this year’s BNP Paribas Open, but you can hit the courts yourself at these top-rated tennis resorts.
MARISSA WILLMAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS
There’s plenty of court action to look forward to during this year’s BNP Paribas Open (newly renovated suites, an expanded Stadium Plaza, and the addition of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago restaurant), but the tennis doesn’t need to stop there for the truly obsessed. Hit the courts at these top-rated tennis resorts.
LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB
Recognized as one of the top tennis resorts in the country, the facility at La Quinta Resort & Club offers the complete package for tennis getaways. What else would one expect from the official hotel of the BNP Paribas Open? The resort boasts 23 courts with both hard and clay surfaces, with 10 lit for night play. Plus, the tennis club includes a pro shop, fitness center, swimming pool, and cafe. USPTA-certified pros offer instruction and the tennis program includes clinics, drills, and events.
49499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta. 760-564-4111; www.laquintaresort.com
OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS RESORT & SPA
Also named one of the country’s top tennis resorts, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa offers a world-class tennis experience with 25 courts. A pro shop is on site, as is a tennis concierge. The resort’s robust tennis program, managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis, includes camps, retreats, private lessons, and clinics.
41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 760-568-2727; www.omnihotels.com
THE WESTIN MISSION HILLS GOLF RESORT & SPA
The seven-court complex at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa offers both day and night play. Take your game to the next level with clinics, private instruction, and seasonal programs directed by Peter Burwash International. The pro shop provides everything you need to hit the courts, plus gear for the resort’s annual Desert Smash pro-am tournament.
71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage. 760-328-5955; www.westinmissionhills.com
PARKER PALM SPRINGS
Wander through the labyrinth of 13 sprawling acres at the Parker Palm Springs, and you’ll find four red-clay tennis courts where you can fantasize you’re a wild card at the French Open. Lush landscaping makes the perfect backdrop for an afternoon on the court. Up your game with a private lesson from a pro.
4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-770-5000; www.theparkerpalmsprings.com
HYATT REGENCY INDIAN WELLS RESORT & SPA
Follow in the footsteps of the pros at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, once the home of the Newsweek Champions Cup. Today, players can choose from three hard-surface courts and can sign up for clinics, lessons, and tournament competitions. The facility also offers corporate tennis programs and round robin networking events. This year it’s the venue of the inaugural Taste of Tennis event (March 6), where you can mingle with professional players over gourmet bites.
44600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells. 760-776-1234
; indianwells.regency.hyatt.com
JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa has 15 hard courts available for year-round play. Services include clinics, drills, instruction, player matching, and group tennis events. The tennis facility offers lawn games for the family such as croquet, badminton, and lawn bowling. The resort also hosts weekly wheelchair tennis clinics in high season.
74855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert. 760-341-2211
; www.marriott.com
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON GOLF RESORT
The resort has teamed with the neighboring Desert Princess Country Club to offer nine courts altogehter, four of which are lighted for night play. Clinics and private lessons are also offered. Unleash your inner professional at one of two tournament-style courts with stadium seating. Every time you serve an ace, you can almost hear the crowd roar! (Even if it’s just your spouse and kids.)
67967 Vista Chino, Cathedral City. 760-322-7000; www.doubletreepalmsprings.com
RENAISSANCE INDIAN WELLS RESORT & SPA
Two tennis courts are just 1.5 miles from all the racket of the BNP Paribas Open, at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa. The weekend children’s camp and craft zone will keep the kiddos busy while you play under the sun or after dark on the lighted courts.
45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells.