Introduction to Our Tennis Holiday
My boyfriend and I began playing tennis a couple of years ago. After 18 months of group lessons in our local park, many of which were cancelled or cut short due to rain, we started dreaming of playing tennis somewhere sunny. Perhaps at a nice hotel with a pool, yoga classes, and delicious food.
However, a quick search for tennis holidays quickly dispelled that dream. Most options were in luxury resorts and came with a hefty price tag. Undeterred, I decided to organize a do-it-yourself tennis trip. I found a budget aparthotel in Corfu. It appeared no-frills but perfectly adequate – spacious rooms, a pool, pretty gardens, and, importantly, a tennis court. Best of all, it was very affordable in March.
Arrival and Immediate Disappointments
We soon discovered the reason for the low price. The entire property was a construction zone. Upon arrival, about 20 workers were operating diggers, demolishing walls, painting, and landscaping. The pool, which looked inviting in photos, was completely empty and filled with rubble. There were no other guests present.
After a tense discussion with the reception staff and a futile search for alternative accommodations nearby, we resolved to make the best of the situation. The first apartment they showed us was in the midst of the construction and had twin beds. After seeing my angry expression, they moved us to a double room at the far end of the building, with a terrace overlooking a pond. The noise was less intrusive from this location once we got used to it.
Initial Tennis Lessons and Setbacks
Our tennis coach arrived for our first lesson and was excellent, leaving us feeling optimistic. We planned for a lesson each day over four days, with additional practice time, expecting to return home as improved players. That evening, we dined in town, enjoyed some live music, and went to bed content.
The following morning, an unpleasant odor filled the air. The builders had lit a bonfire, releasing noxious fumes. Worse still, our coach, who had been perfectly healthy 12 hours earlier, called off due to a "fever." He promised to return the next day, but we never heard from him again.
Playing Without a Coach and Equipment Issues
Determined to continue, we played tennis despite the smoke and absence of coaching. Without our own equipment, we borrowed the hotel’s rackets, which had broken strings, and balls that barely bounced. When rain began, we gave up on tennis for the day.
Exploring Corfu and Further Disappointments
After the weather improved, we set out on a day trip. I had researched and was eager to take a boat ride to a small wooded island for walking, swimming, and picnicking. Unfortunately, in March, this was not possible. The jetty was deserted, and the booking office was boarded up. I paced back and forth in disbelief, scanning the horizon for boats that did not exist, until my boyfriend convinced me to accept the reality.
Seeking a pleasant lunch, I had read about a charming family-run restaurant where the grandmother customizes a meze feast based on guests’ preferences. Predictably, it was closed in March. We ended up eating at a souvlaki shop instead.
Yoga and a Pleasant Discovery
My final hope was yoga. I found a studio near the hotel offering two classes during our stay. Fortunately, this was the one aspect that went smoothly. The owner was an excellent and welcoming instructor, and we followed the lessons quite well despite them being conducted in Greek.
Another highlight was discovering a new beverage. Corfu is evidently enthusiastic about kumquats. Sitting in a sunny square, sipping bright orange kumquat spritzes, it finally felt like a holiday. Not a tennis holiday, admittedly, but a holiday nonetheless.
