Who serves up the best tennis vacation?

This month’s TENNIS Magazine ranks U.S. tennis resorts. Ones with well-maintained courts, and dedicated pros who still get a charge out of teaching. But a few resorts stand above the rest because of a combination of factors. In the final selection, comfort, amenities, dining, spas and other diversions also come into play.

#1 on Florida East Coast: Fisher Island Club & Resort, Fisher Island, FL

Fisher Island, Florida The former Vanderbilt estate on 200-acre Fisher Island in Biscayne Bay has been transformed into an exclusive, mostly residential retreat more Portofino than Miami. Those who merely want to experience the island can book one of the 60 posh suites or villas and tool around the island on a golf cart. A world of its own, Fisher Island encompasses a 9-hole P.B. Dye golf course, one of the country’s most beautifully designed tennis centers (with 18 hard, clay, and grass courts), an elegant spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the bay. There is also a beach, marina, several restaurants, and even a small grocery and a pizzeria. More than $60 million is being spent on major upgrades to cottages, villas, suites, landscaping, the golf course, the Racquet Club, and private marina as well as the construction of a new beach club with plans to focus next on the historic Vanderbilt Mansion. Nothing in Miami comes close, but it won’t work for those who find it unbearably inconvenient to hop a car ferry or boat (or helicopter) every time they want to go to South Beach. Tennis Programs: Options are fairly limited beyond private lessons and playing—staff provides game matching—though there are two-hour morning clinics twice a week. Courts & Fees: There are 18 courts altogether, grouped around a central patio with decorative chairs and a clubhouse in ivory-colored stucco and bordered by a landscape of subdued pink pots of magenta bougainvillea and ferns and palm trees surrounded by flowers. Terra-cotta walkways connect the courts—14 Har-Tru (all with lights), two hard, and two grass—which are framed by stucco pillars, rather than metal posts, and anchored by red-tile-roofed gazebos. It is the most beautiful setting. (305) 535-6000 www.fisherislandclub.com

#1 on Florida West Coast: Longboat Key Club & Resort, Longboat Key, Florida



Off the coast of Sarasota, Longboat Key Club & Resort offers superlative tennis facilities, including the all new Tennis Gardens. With an array of recreational activities, you can swim in the sparkling Gulf waters off the private white sand beach, take a treatment at the 9,000-square-foot Island House Spa, or break out the clubs at one of the championship golf courses. Dining options include five distinct restaurants, and, if you overindulge, innovative fitness classes are always in progress at the newly opened Mind & Motion Studio or Fitness Centre. Depending on your specific needs, Longboat Key Club & Resort offers guest rooms, fully equipped club suites, one- and two-bedroom, and deluxe two bedroom accommodations, all featuring private balconies. New in 2009, the 20-court Tennis Gardens have already received the United States Tennis Association’s “Outstanding Facility Award,” securing a position as one of the country’s top beach tennis resorts. Including, 20 Har-Tru Courts. Resort guests enjoy complimentary play at The Tennis Gardens. Tennis hosts are on-hand to arrange games with players of similar skills. Group events and custom-tailored programs are provided for everyone’s enjoyment. Clinics and private lessons are available with the Tennis Resort Pro. 800-922-1009 or www.longboatkeyclub.com

#1 in the Northeast: Topnotch Resort and Spa, 
Stowe, Vermont

With four indoor courts, Topnotch can offer you plenty of cold-weather playing time and the pleasures of a winter wonderland. Sleigh rides, anyone? Snowshoeing? The resort’s Dartfish video analysis lets you see what you’re doing wrong while you’re doing it right on the court. That’s the philosophy espoused by director Milan Kubala. His “Play to Win” programs focus on three key elements of your game: footwork, strokes and strategies. Book in advance (a cinch on the Topnotch website) for a window table at the elegant, new Norma’s, with a view of Mt. Mansfield. Try the Jail Island salmon and Jamison Farm lamb enhanced by summer radish salad, Bailey Hazen blue cheese and other farm fare from the Vermont Fresh Network. COURTS: 4 clay, 2 hard outdoor, 4 indoor
 INFORMATION: (800) 451-8686 or www.topnotchresort.com