After much discussion, ActiveAway was agreed as the provider of the 2018 annual Tennis Club holiday, with the beautiful 5* Sentido Lykia Resort and Spa located near Dalaman, Turkey being chosen as the venue. A total of 18 people, including three non-players signed up to the deal and in the weeks before departure there was much chatter about getting a visa, obtaining Turkish currency and just what to pack. After the great summer weather, we were all prepared for more sun and tennis as we all drifted into Gatwick ready for the four-hour flight to Dalaman. The EasyJet flight went well and we all passed through local immigration and customs to be met by Matt, leader of the team of coaches for the week.  An hour or so coach transfer meant we arrived at the resort in the early hours of Sunday, a little thirsty and hungry. Fortunately, parts of the resort were still buzzing and a few delayed their sleep in order to grab a drink in the nightclub bar and a snack. However, an early start the next morning largely prevented anyone from hitting the dance floor.

Sunday’s tennis began with a briefing of the week’s activities, but we were all soon on court, joined by other players from various tennis clubs around the UK. The coaching was orientated to doubles positional play and tactics sprinkled in with some general shot technique practices.  A lunchtime break was typically followed by some R&R either by one of the many pools or down at the beach.  Most players reconvened for ad hoc mix-in sets, enbling us to play a variety of players.  Such matches typically finished around 6pm allowing just enough time to gather on the terrace, overlooking the sea, to watch the sun set, a truly magnificent sight, while  enjoying a well-earned Prosecco, beer, wine or perhaps one of the many cocktails on offer. 

Of course, a holiday must have good food and some fun and the all-inclusive resort was well able to provide these. The evening frequently started as we gathered by a pool bar for a quick aperitif before heading off to the restaurant to be tempted by a wide variety of delicacies at the open buffet. The wine flowed freely and once refreshed the evening would continue back on the terrace with a live band or show of some kind followed by dancing. The hardy ones continued dancing into the early hours at the nightclub although most of us felt the need for some sleep to recuperate from the day and evening activities. 

Those wanting to see the resort from a different and thrilling viewpoint had first to endure a hair-raising journey up a steep, narrow, winding road, followed by (after some guidance) a nerve-chilling run off the mountain edge. Those who braved it were rewarded with a fantastic experience paragliding over the resort and nearby coast line, and despite the stomach-churning (for some) final landing, glowed with adrenaline. Another optional activity was a morning on a boat exploring the local area with the chance to swim, snorkel or land on an island to explore the rugged landscape which included ruined churches dating from the 5th Century. There was also a visit to a local market, where fake Longchamp bags were a big hit. 

Local culinary and culture was sampled with a  Turkish evening set in a special area of the resort - an open-air buffet and wine accompanied by some belly-dancing. As the picture shows some of the bellies looked better than others! The evening was enjoyed by all who attended and was followed by more dancing back at the main resort terrace. 

On the final full day at the resort all players were divided into two groups of four teams, each led by one of the coaches acting as non-playing captain. Rounds of matches against other teams in the group were interpersed with a refreshing glass of Prosecco (or water if preferred). A final match pitched the ranked teams against their equivalent from the other group. At the end of the day, prizes were awarded not just to the winning team but for all kinds of achievements during the holiday, such as "party girl", (won by Ana Teubler) and best volleyer (won by Karen Cressey). A great day of tennis was completed just before the heavens opened and we were treated by a downpour of dramatic proportions for about an hour before the sun returned, treating us to a delightful sunset on our last evening. 

Overall, the holiday was a great success and the ActiveAway team were excellent in their organisation of the tennis which, together with the staff at the resort, enabled us all to have a fantastic holiday making new friends as well as enjoying the company of players from our own club. This holiday did tick all the boxes, and many are thinking it should be repeated next year. So, if you would like to join in the fun look out for further news in the next few weeks.

Article contributed by David Swift