A Fitness Holiday At The New Tennis Academy At MarBella Corfu

Need some Autumn Half Term inspiration to keep your youngsters amused? Or fancy booking a fitness holiday in the sun? Look no further than MarBella Corfu. Situated in the idyllic and tranquil southeast corner of Corfu, Greece, this 5* Resort offers a range of sports from kayaking, wakeboarding, hiking, climbing and yoga, as well as access to a brand-new Tennis Academy. Guest contributor Hannah Roberts channels her inner Raducanu and reports back on her stay…

When I was 15, I played doubles tennis at school. When I say I played tennis, I don’t mean I was taught tennis, I just picked up a school-based racket and started swinging. I did what many of us do as kids. I mimicked what I saw other people do and pretty soon, through repetition versus skill, I was playing doubles for the school team. Myself and my partner had wild dreams about playing Wimbledon one day. Alas, we barely made the school finals so decided we may have to find another path to sports stardom. But I never stopped loving the game – often picking up a racket to play on holiday before swinging at the air in an attempt at backhand, I would shake my head and say ‘ I should just take an actual lesson one day’.

Several years later and I’m finally taking my own advice. Though I have majorly upgraded from the school tennis courts, to the 5* Resort grounds of MarBella Corfu. In partnership with Active Away, the UK’s number 1 tennis holiday provider (as seen on Dragons Den), the collaboration unites MarBella Corfu guests through a shared passion for tennis.

Tennis Academy – MarBella Corfu

Alongside access to expert professionals, over the next few days, I am treated to newly revamped tennis facilities and the chance to participate in the exciting new tennis academy. The programme welcomes all abilities and provides complimentary taster sessions for children alongside family-friendly tournaments. I’m told that I will leave Corfu having mastered the forehand, backhand, serve and volley…

I was soon booked in for my 1-2-1 tennis lesson, unbelievably one day after Emma Raducanu’s epic US Open win. To say I was inspired was an understatement.

Mark Bradley was my coach, who has 10 years of very successful coaching under his belt. If anyone could finally help bring out the inner Raducanu it was going to be him.

Mark completely put me at ease. In one short hour he made me comfortable and more capable of hitting the ball than ever. Taking his time to present the ‘how’ of the technique, he diligently drills you until he sees you progress before moving on to the next drill to inspire and upgrade your skills. He keeps it moving with the level of progression and his approach matches your new confidence. For me as a beginner it was nothing short of genius instruction – swinging a racket for the first time with hints and tricks to ensure speed, power and direction are planned and opposed to my 15 year old self who just swung and prayed.

Fancy yourself at Wimbledon next year? Better get some sessions with Mark planned in (and maybe enter that public ballot too just incase!).

Fitness activities – MarBella Corfu

Beyond the tennis there’s more than enough fitness activities to keep any sporting enthusiast satisfied. The warm, crystal-clear waters are ideal for a whole range of watersports – motorised and non-motorised. Enjoy windsurfing, snorkelling and pedalos together with watersking, wakeboarding and tubing.

At the gym you can book a lifestyle consultation, fitness assessment and coaching, as well as a virtual trainer. Prefer classes? The timetable has everything from Yoga, Pilates and Indoor cycling to Hiit, Functional training and Meditation.

If you love running there’s a running club where you can enjoy all kinds of organised running activities, plus two uniquely scenic running tracks – Stroggyll Fields and Halikounas Beach – close to the hotel. You’ll need to be able to run 5km and you can book a ride to the tracks at the guest relations concierge.

The rooms at MarBella Corfu

As for the hotel itself, it’s an ideal location for anyone looking for an active holiday or a luxurious family friendly beachfront hotel in a prime position on the Greek island of Corfu. There’s ample opportunities for rest and relaxation between active sessions, around lagoon-style pools and on the private beach, with indulgent treatments in the spa or the plentiful dining experience.  The views of the Ionian Sea surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and olive groves are something to behold.

All rooms and suites command spectacular views of the Ionian Sea, the mountains or the resort’s landscaped gardens from a private terrace or balcony. Exquisitely-styled, spacious and contemporary, each one is superbly appointed to ensure an exceptionally comfortable and relaxing stay.

MarBella Corfu (+30 2661 071183) offers tennis lessons from €60/ £69 per person per lesson. MarBella Corfu offers rooms from £117/€130 per double room per night.

By Hannah

Get your weekly DOSE fix here: SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER