A week as a travel scout at the ROBINSON Club Quinta da Ria in the Portuguese Algarve. A week at tennis camp with the ROBINSON TOP experts from "Tennis Eternal Love," Marius Zay and Clinton Thomson. Romy was randomly selected as our travel scout and spent a fantastic week of vacation and tennis camp from October 10th to 17th, 2020. You can read all about Romy's experiences on and off the court in her "Camp Diary." Detailed, open, honest, and of course, with some lovely snapshots! Who wouldn't want an active getaway after reading this? So, start reading and let yourself be swept away! Thank you, Romy, for this wonderful diary.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sunny drive to the Robinson Club in my little Fiat 500 rental car, complete with cool music and sunglasses. The weather is absolutely fantastic for this time of year. Arriving at Quinta da Ria, I immediately found a parking spot and took my bags to reception for check-in. I felt right at home and noticed that the club had also adapted to the COVID-19 situation. Arrows on the floor indicate designated walkways, and hand sanitizer is available every 50 meters. With COVID, everything is different, and you have to be aware that even on vacation, you can't forgo wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently. However, Robinson has managed to create a comfortable environment despite everything.
A week of tennis, sunshine, and positive vibes with Tennis Ewige Liebe awaits me. After arriving in my room, my suitcases were brought relatively quickly, and I was able to get ready for dinner. I was ravenous from the journey and was served at the buffet in a COVID-safe manner. I could choose anything I wanted from fish, meat, salad, vegetables, potato dishes, cheese, Asian specialties, a vegan option, and dessert.
Satisfied, I then went to the hotel bar where a socially distanced headphone party with three DJs was taking place. After good music and a few drinks in a cool atmosphere, I went to bed to be well prepared for my first day of tennis.
After a balanced breakfast of fruit, an omelet, and a bit of bread, I headed to the court at 10:30. Following a short but intense warm-up, we practiced and were then divided into groups. With three stations across three courts, we focused on different aspects of each, from footwork for groundstrokes to volleys and rhythm drills. It was great fun getting to know everyone and hitting some tennis balls.
After tennis, we went for lunch and then headed to the pool with a good book. And just like that, the first day was over. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow!!
Starting again at 10:30, the groups were mixed up, and after a coordination-intensive warm-up with balls, we moved on to hitting the ball. With new focuses such as attacking at the net, a stroke interval session from the baseline, and tactical plays involving serves and returns, this session was quite strenuous for everyone at camp. However, a day off is coming up, so today was a chance to really push ourselves. In the afternoon, a tennis-specific fitness session will also be offered for the truly dedicated.
After work comes pleasure. Today we went to the beach. Next to the beach bar, there are plenty of sun loungers and parasols where you can really relax. With a view of the sea, I quickly became engrossed in my book.
After being taken back to the hotel by shuttle, we quickly went to dinner and then headed to the pool bar where a great concert by a German-speaking band was playing that evening. Besides rock and oldies, the group also included some modern songs. The atmosphere was really cool, and everyone danced and had a great time while maintaining a safe distance from each other.
After a good night's sleep and a relaxed breakfast, I still went to the tennis court, where I played for an hour with Max Giesinger. It was great fun giving him some insights into the world of professional tennis.
After tennis, we went to yoga, our first class of our Robinson stay. Besides stretching and strengthening exercises, pure relaxation was also on the agenda. A quick shower and then off to lunch. Afterwards, we drove our rental car to the nearby town of Tavira, where I finally fulfilled my long-held dream of getting a tattoo. Since it was my first, I was incredibly nervous... but everything went well.
After that, we did a little more shopping and then went back to the hotel for dinner. Afterwards, our ears were treated to the sounds of a fantastic live band.
Today it was time for the groups to switch, and we tackled the early hour. Breakfast was at 7:30, and training started at 9:00. Today's stations included: - Slice and drop shots and their tactical use in a match. - Rhythmic drills and how to effectively utilize certain plays. - Doubles-specific net play.
It was incredibly fun again. Right after the session, I went to the beach, where I've just settled in with a book and a coffee. I'd say see you later.
We're scheduled for training again at 9 a.m. today. For me, it's always a particularly lovely time to watch the sunrise in the morning and recharge for the day. Now it's off to the breakfast buffet. They really have everything you could possibly want. I'm looking forward to it... and of course, to the tennis session.
Phew, that was a tough session today! Towards the end of the week, Tennis Ewige Liebe has "playing points" on the agenda. Today we were supposed to put everything we'd learned and worked on throughout the week into practice and try to apply it in a point-based format. It was incredibly fun to "play" with everyone. This was also the last session of the week, as tomorrow is departure day and we're heading back to cold and rainy Germany.
To top off the week, Max Giesinger even played a short concert. It was amazing!
The time has come to say goodbye. Today I'm heading back to Germany. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Robinson and can highly recommend that everyone try this club, as the facilities here are excellent for combining a holiday with tennis. Even if you have a family, you can easily combine everything at Robinson. Sports, games, and fun are part of everyday life here; there's something for everyone, young and old.
Off we go to the airport in Faro, 30 minutes away. I hope to see you again soon, Quinta Da Ria. Thank you for everything.
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