After spending a week hitting with John and the young toros on the clay at El Palmar, my tennis game mentally and technically improved. More importantly, I had a good time.
My uncle Arturo, a novice, accompanied me and each morning Fergie would hit with Arturo, allowing me to focus on my 3.5/4.0 game. By the end of the week it was great to see my 75 year old uncle hit two handed backhands and enjoying tennis. John taught me the intricacies of doubles and in several games with 4.5 players I held my own. If you're looking for singles play, the young guns who show up on weekends have enough game to keep most club and college level players challenged.
John's place is a half block from the ocean and is tastefully designed and furnished. I borrowed his mountain bike and tooled around town, went snorkeling and sea kayaking up the coast which has some of the most spectacular seascapes in Mexico.
I had been to tennis camps elsewhere and prefered El Palmar's pace and pressureless approach. Getting to meet the locals and play with them made me forget that I was a tourist. If you're looking for a no pressure, quality tennis experience in a beautiful setting close to home, this is it.
~ Steve Ginsberg , ~ Arthur Bornstein
El Palmar is so well tended and comfortable - everyone feels like family there. The tennis is a big draw for us, but we'd go even if we weren't playing tennis!
I have been fortunate to be able to bring groups of tennis players from Victoria to El Palmar for 7 days of great tennis and relaxing fun in the sun many times over, hosted and managed by John and Rosa Lapointe. Everyone, whether they are novice or experienced players enjoy tennis each day, we are driven there (a quick 15 min drive), given lessons/introductory clinics and play tennis for a at least two hours each morning with each other and some of the locals. For those who love the game and want to have an ultimate tennis holiday, El Palmar is perfect.
We had a great room on the top floor - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Super!!! Each morning we were whisked away with other tennis people to a private tennis club located about 15 miles away or so. It was great fun to meet other people who enjoy tennis. We also enjoyed the Wednesday night get together where everyone brought a dish to share. We hope to go back!
We've been coming to El Palmar for many years now and it never disappoints. All units on 1st and 2nd floors have kitchen facilities, en suite baths while the 3rd floor has 4 fully equipped apartments. There is a nice pool, and an outdoor patio grill for use by guests. Cleaning service is daily except for Sundays and fresh-baked local bread is delivered to your door daily except Sundays. On many Wednesday evenings, guests are invited to participate in a potluck dinner followed by live music.