“Wait for the ball to bounce,” said Sammy, “and step forward.” Awkwardly, tentatively, I obeyed. What happened next left me astonished and smiling. My racquet connected with the ball, and it soared across the net. “Good,” said Sammy, who was already lobbing another ball toward me. “Make a smaller step this time.”

I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised. If anyone could teach me to play tennis – me, a 52-year-old who has barely ever held a racquet, has no particular talent at ball sports and is recovering from shoulder surgery – it’s the folks at The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in Longboat Key, heralded as the No. 1 tennis resort in the United States by Tennis magazine for eight consecutive years.

The Colony’s tennis pros are masters at quickly spotting weaknesses and focus on improving students’ games while letting them retain their own styles. Their aptly dubbed Success Now program focuses on making playing easier and simpler, and never overwhelms students with too much information. As Sammy, the head pro at the Colony, put it: “Just have fun and hit the ball.”
When I asked the little girl if she was having a good time, she grinned. “Oh, definitely,” she said. “I don’t want to go home.” I understood completely.


Court time at the Colony is complimentary, and since the resort boasts 21 courts, round-robins and a guaranteed matchmaking service, you’ll get plenty of it.  Even your toddlers can join in the action, as the complimentary Tiny Tots Tennis program introduces kids 6 and younger to tennis in a fun fashion.

Few age and fitness requirements exist for playing tennis. In Sammy’s words, “It’s a game for life.” He told me about a student who plays from a wheelchair and another who is well into his 90s. If you can pick up a racquet, you can probably play.

Though the Colony is a favored destination of tennis greats – Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Monica Seles and Julie Henderson, to name a few – you don’t have to be a tennis star or even play the sport to enjoy it. The Colony is about much more than tennis. It’s about indulging and soothing the senses; it’s about family, and drawing a deep breath and truly relaxing. There is no question you’ll be nestled in the lap of luxury, yet the atmosphere is laid-back, warm and somehow homey.

My room there overlooked the Gulf, emerald and blue, sprawling as far as I could see. The staff had left a handwritten welcome note and a gift bag that included Gouda cheese and crackers. The sumptuous landscaping, tennis courts nestled amid graceful oaks and miles of beach sprinkled with tiki huts were a feast for the eyes. Everyone from the tennis pros to the front desk staff and the guardhouse attendant was friendly and gracious.

At the Colony Dining Room, a napkin was whisked into my lap, and soon I was feasting on Wasabi Tuna as the sun plummeted toward the horizon over the water – perhaps the best meal I have ever eaten.

Later, on the beach, I ran into a couple of kids building sandcastles. When I asked the little girl if she was having a good time, she grinned. “Oh, definitely,” she said. “I don’t want to go home.” I understood completely. The place had the same effect on me.

In addition to having a smashing good time on the court, you can:
  • Tantalize your taste buds at the award-winning, stylish Colony Dining Room, under a unique outdoor canopy at the Monkey Room Patio or in the Monkey Room, which features both indoor and outdoor dining. They’re all snuggled up right next to the Gulf, and the ambiance is as awesome as the food.
  • Pop into Tastebuds Gourmet Market and Wine Shop, which offers made-to-order picnics, specialty items and gift baskets, for a special treat.
  • Shop. Le Tennique, the Colony’s boutique, is flush with tennis and fitness apparel, designer duds and gifts. The Colony Beach Shop offers beach toys, sandals and swimwear.
  • Find fresh florals or wire flowers at The Colony Flower Shop.
  • Bask on the beach, snorkel, sail a Hobie Cat, pedal an Aqua Cycle, raft, boogie board, kayak or fish.
  • Pedal more than 12 miles of bike paths.
  • Play in the pool. It’s located beachside and comes complete with complimentary towels.
  • Keep the kids smiling. They can construct sandcastles, play tetherball, or expend energy at the children’s playground or on the jungle gym. The complimentary Kidding Around program provides fun for children from the ages of 3 to 12, and offers indoor and outdoor activities under qualified supervision. The Kids Corps seasonal program feature activities and games, including soccer, fishing, movies and basketball, for the 9- to 12-year-old set. The Family Fare program is about parents and children enjoying activities together – shell crafts, beach walks, tennis happy hour and Sundae Socials.
  • Be soothed. The Colony Spa features a whirlpool, sauna and steam room, and offers wellness treatments for the body and face.
  • Look hot. The Colony Salon provides nail and hair treatments.
  • Stay fit using the complimentary, comprehensive fitness center.