Janine Kelso tries out the tennis facilities at the Spanish resort favoured by celebrity footballers, and reviews its Hyatt Regency hotel
The tennis academy
With 28 courts, first-class coaching and a year-round sunny climate, La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain, is the ideal tennis destination.
The resort’s academy caters for all ages and abilities. Having not played properly since I was at school 10 years ago, I considered myself a total novice, but I looked the part in my turquoise La Manga polo shirt.
The setting was perfect: a sun-soaked court surrounded by the rolling landscape of the resort. I was in a group with two other girls of similar ability and we eagerly awaited the arrival of our gorgeous tennis coach.
Unfortunately for us, our 6ft bronzed hunk was a woman. But our disappointment vanished as we found out she was a great teacher.
She was ranked 900th in the world, which inspired confidence in me. At the end of the two-hour class, I felt more confident and wished I was staying for a week or two of intense classes so I could give Maria Sharapova a run for her money.
The Hyatt Regency hotel
The Hyatt Regency hotelAt the heart of La Manga is the 192-room five-star Hyatt Regency, undergoing a multi-million pound revamp.
The lobby area has been transformed into a palatial haven and boasts candelabras, soft brown sofas and wooden art carvings.
The Piano Bar, which has been spruced up with a stylish bar area and leather sofas, was bustling until the early hours. However, the entertainer was far from hip and the drinks were predictably overpriced.
The spa had a huge pool and tasteful treatment rooms, with candles, aromatherapy and music.
We ate several meals on the roof terrace, which affords fabulous views of the coastline and palm-fringed golf courses, which are the real star attraction. Top golfers such as Colin Montgomerie and Laura Davies have teed off here.
The rooms are not especially memorable but they have everything you need, including all the ITV channels so you don’t have to miss Coronation Street.
Hotel profile
- Facilities: 192 rooms, over 20 restaurants and bars, three golf courses and academy, 28 tennis courts and academy, kids’ club, eight football pitches, spa and hair salon.
- Get there: Transfer from Alicante airport is about one hour, 15 minutes.
- Book through: Sovereign, Elegant Resorts, Abercrombie and Kent, Cadogan and other luxury specialists.
- Rating: 4 / 5
- Room rates: A standard double room leads in at £189 per night including breakfast. Upgrade to a Regency Club room for an extra £59 per room per night.
Travel agent opinions
“It’s a huge complex and there is something for everyone, from tennis courts to the spa. You wouldn’t be bored here. The rooms are of a good standard and there are lovely views. “I didn’t expect it to be so like a resort, it’s like a little town. The facilities exceeded my expectations. The spa was world class. It would have been nice if it had a juice or smoothie bar, as most spas do.”
Paul Nelson, global marketing manager, Amex
“The tennis academy was well organised. It’s very age-friendly. Whether you’re six or 60, they cater for you. If you’re a single person, it’s a great way to socialise. The tennis coaches all had amazing language skills, speaking French, English and Spanish. They are very good and the coaching standards are high. I would definitely come here again just for the tennis.”
Tricia Franklin-Bruce, managing director, Flexi Conference and Incentive
“The golf was enjoyable and the courses were challenging. The green was in a good condition and there was a good camaraderie between the players. There were three challenging courses. The whole resort has a lot to offer – great nightlife, pools and bars. The north course was more open and forgiving, while the west was tighter with a few hazards. It was a thinking man’s course.”
John Taker, head of purchasing worldwide, Virgin Holidays
