From centre court to resort court: When tennis becomes part of the stay
Tennis does not stop at centre court. As the Australian Open captures global attention, resorts around the world are reimagining tennis as part of the stay, inviting guests to play for pleasure, not performance.
Each January, the Australian Open reminds us just how closely sport and travel are linked. Melbourne fills, flights are booked months in advance and the city settles into its familiar summer rhythm, buoyed by an event that continues to play a meaningful role in Australian tourism.
What is interesting is how far that influence travels. Tennis is one of the most widely followed sports in the world, and the energy it creates does not stop at the gates of a stadium. It flows into the way people think about movement, wellbeing and experience when they travel, shaping holiday choices in destinations far removed from centre court.
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Across the global resort landscape, tennis is being quietly reimagined. No longer positioned as a competitive facility or a box to tick, courts are becoming places to slow down, have a hit and enjoy being outdoors. The appeal lies in ease rather than performance, and in moments that feel natural rather than scheduled.
It is about the setting as much as the sport. A relaxed rally in the afternoon light. A game that ends when it feels right. Tennis that fits into the holiday, not the other way around.
Several resorts are capturing this shift particularly well
At Elements of Byron in northern New South Wales, the tennis court sits comfortably within the resort’s coastal hinterland surrounds. Framed by greenery, it feels private and unhurried, echoing the easy pace that defines Byron Bay. It is a space that invites guests to wander down for a casual hit, rather than commit to a serious session.
In Vietnam, Zannier Bai San Hô offers a serene approach to resort tennis. Set within untouched natural surrounds, the court aligns with the property’s emphasis on wellness and slow travel. Movement here feels mindful and restorative, an extension of the broader experience rather than a standalone activity.
On the cliffs of Santorini, Andronis Concept Wellness Resort integrates tennis into its wider wellbeing philosophy. Surrounded by one of the world’s most recognisable landscapes, the experience feels considered and balanced, reinforcing the idea that activity can be both gentle and grounding.
At Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives, tennis becomes part of the destination itself. With ocean views and sea breezes shaping every rally, the court turns casual play into a moment guests remember long after they have left the island. It fits naturally within the resort’s barefoot luxury ethos.
For accommodation operators, the connection between major sporting events and travel demand is well understood. Events like the Australian Open may be anchored in Australia, but their influence is global, shaping guest expectations around activity, wellbeing and experience.
As resorts continue to refine what a luxury stay looks like, tennis is proving to be a quietly effective addition. It encourages participation without pressure, supports longer stays and creates moments that feel personal rather than programmed.
Sometimes, that is all a holiday needs.
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