Contact (800) 453-6225  www.gardiners.com

Carmel Valley, California Founded in1957 by the late tennis cult figure John C. Gardiner, this all-inclusive resort lies on 25 enchanted evergreen- and wildflower-rich acres in the Northern California Wine Country. In operation only from March 31 through Nov. 31 annually, Gardiner's 10 courts -- including two specialized teaching courts -- are overseen by a highly trained staff of pros who arrive clad in sparkling tennis whites to conduct the day's three hours of instruction. With an emphasis on personal attention and stroke production, clinics are small and personally tailored to each guest. Following each day's drills, the resort offers social games, round robins and match-making services for all levels of player. Click here for information on the resorts adult tennis camp.

The resort's private club facilities include swimming pools, Jacuzzis and saunas, as well as spa services such as massages and facials. There's not a golf-course on-site, but the staff can arrange tee times at several local courses. Also offered are culinary and wine education classes and opportunities to visit some of Carmel Valley's many wineries.

With names like Wimbledon, Forest Hills and Grand Slam, the resort's 18 rooms and cottages are designed for luxury-loving tennis enthusiasts. While each room is individually decorated, amenities include antique armoires, sleigh beds, private decks, wood-burning fireplaces, and complimentary fruit and beverages. Meals begin with fresh-squeezed juice and the San Francisco Chronicle delivered to guests' doors each morning; a full breakfast is then served in the resort's glass-roofed Garden Room. Lunch is buffet-style on the patio; cocktails and a four-course, French-influenced dinner is served in the main dining room.

All-inclusive two-, three- and five-day tennis packages include accommodations, gourmet meals, tennis clinics and access to all club facilities. Rates vary based on room type and day of the week.

Two-Day Tiebreaker Package (two nights with seven-hour tennis clinic) 

• $1,090 - $1,320.00 per couple
• $710 - $895 per person

Three-Day Mini-Clinic (three nights with 10.5 -hour tennis clinic)

• $1,635 - $1,980 per couple
• $1,065 - $1,345 per person

Five-Day Clinic (five nights with 17.5-hour tennis clinic and one complimentary massage per person)

• $2,635 - $2,785 per couple
• $1,730 - $1,880 per person
  

*prices may vary

Kids' Stuff
Although children are welcome, Gardiner's does not offer any special children's programs.

Getting There
The nearest major airports are San Jose International (SJC, 80 miles north) and San Francisco International (SFO, 117 miles north). Twenty miles from the resort, Monterey Peninsula Airport (MYR) offers limited regional commuter service.