Palma Sport & Tennis Club is such a discreet structure, blending seamlessly into the surroundings, that it can take a moment to register you’ve arrived. The previously run-down sports club, built in the ‘60s by Barcelona architect Francesc Mitjans, has been given a full face lift, rediscovering and reinterpreting its original beauty. Completed in October 2015, Palma Sport brings a fresh dimension of luxury to this little corner of the capital, and is the result of a project by the same Swedish entrepreneurs who brought us Portixol Hotel and Hotel Espléndido, Mikael and Johanna Landström, who sought to keep the building’s soul. Nowadays is considered to be one of the best clubs on Mallorca.
On lease from Palma City Council until 2065, the centre required sensitive restoration, essential to the undertaking and a key agreement, meaning that several original features pepper the facilities, such as the exposed rock ceiling in the plush gym – which is also the underbelly of the centre court seating – giving the impression of a luxurious fitness cave. Comprised of 10,000 square metres of carefully-rendered space, the centre boasts five clay courts, a 25-metre pool, state-of-the-art gym, spa and gourmet café-restaurant. .Scandi designis evident in every inch and corner, from the cleverly-designed children’s play park to the user-friendly lockers in the changing rooms. Down in the spa, Turkish, Finnish and infra-red saunas do a great job of soothing gym and tennis-weary limbs, as do the heated waterbeds in the dedicated relax room, The main attraction is the tennis courts. What would Mallorca be without one of the best tennis players in the world – Rafael Nadal, a native Mallorcan from Manacor?
Rafael “Rafa” Nadal Parera, 1st Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca, is a Spanish former professional tennis player. He was ranked as the world No. 1 in men’s singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals. Nadal won 92 ATP Tour singles titles, with 22 major titles—including a record 14 French Open titles—as well as 36 Masters titles and an Olympic gold medal.It stands to reason that he founded an academy in his hometown. The Rafa Nadal Academy opened its doors in 2016 for young tennis players to train with the method that has taken Rafa to the number one spot.
With their experience on tour, Rafa Nadal, Toni Nadal and his team have developed a training method designed to develop the next-generation of top tennis players in an environment where the game is becoming increasingly quick; and players, stronger and faster.
Every area of the academy works towards the goal of taking your tennis to the next level and considers everything from technique, strategy and physical preparation to mental training and nutrition. The philosophy is based on the values of Rafa; effort, self-discipline, friendship, overcoming adversity, humility
and respect.
The Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar incorporates a high quality residential complex and enables players to develop an education through the Rafa Nadal International School, while also training to become professional players. In addition, the academy includes a programme for those students that don’t make the jump to professional tennis to obtain a scholarship at American universities to continue competing.Choices international.Located in Manacor, the academy includes the most advanced facilities for top-level training like 26 tennis courts of different surfaces, outdoor and indoor, a well-equipped fitness center, two swimming pools, mini-football pitch, restaurant and a specialised clinic in sport medicine, physiotheraphy and nutrition. Also First category residential campus with large and modern en-suite twin bedrooms, furnished to a high standard,which is divided into separate areas according to age and gender. Free Wi-Fi available across the campus.
We mustn’t forget one special club in Santa Ponsa in the heart of picturesque and exclusive Calvia is the Mallorca Country Club. Created in collaboration with Wimbledon, the prestigious club is the home of lawn tennis in Southern Europe and the continents only facility with all three playing surfaces – encompassing 6 Wimbledon grass courts, 5 clay courts, and 1 hard court. The centre court is ideal for tournaments, and all courts are illuminated at night for evening play. In addition to premium tennis, local and international members are invited to enjoyprivate access to a fantastic selection of leisure activities and services in the idyllic Santa Ponsa setting. There are 4 padel courts, a fitness centre with a view over the entire grounds, an innovative health and wellness centre, and a top-notch restaurant serving healthy and tasty fare. As the only club in Europe offering all alternative playing surfaces, the Mallorca Country Club is the perfect venue to improve your tennis game. Play with friends or make use of the highly qualified teaching staff at the Tennis Academy. Additionally, you can partake in a social game of padel, one of the fastest-growing racket games in Europe. The club is home to 4 padel courts surrounded by glass walls, giving you a great opportunity to practice. The club’s 300m2 gym is equipped with modern facilities, the latest technology, and boasts views over the entire facility and the centre court. Make use of the dedicated areas for cardio, functional training and personal training, or head up to the exclusive rooftop terrace for outdoor workouts offering sunrise and sunset views in nature. Benefit from expert advice and support with the gym’sguided classes, or a personal trainer to assist you in reaching your health goals. The club also has a large pool at your disposal if swimming and water fitness are more your thing.
The club has an health & wellness center offering treatments focused on the prevention and recovery of injuries. Benefit from the innovative therapies available such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, tecar therapy and cryotherapy, as well as health coaching. The club’s restaurant offers a tantalizing and varied selection of healthy food options.
In general, Mallorca is not only a mecca for tennis-pros or golfers, the island offers plenty of opportunities for every sports enthusiast. Stay healthy and keep yourself fit.
Yours
Brad Smack