Our five favourite villas with tennis courts

Sometimes all you want to do on holiday is to sit back, relax and do absolutely nothing. Other times, though, a holiday is a chance to be active. All that energy usually draining away behind a desk can be balled up, stuffed into your suitcase and spent far away, somewhere far more beautiful and in a far more exciting way.

Our A&K collection includes properties across Europe with their very own gyms, indoor and outdoor pools, and – ideal for racket-sport fans – well-kempt outdoor tennis courts. Don your tennis shoes and head out to one of these exceptional villas for a friendly game, or perhaps to settle a family rivalry.

Villa Destiny, Portugal

Villa Destiny sits perched on a cliff edge over the Algarvian coastal town of Carvoeiro. The impressive six-bedroom property’s eclectically chic interior is a perfect space in which to escape the heat. Outside it’s all about the breath-taking ocean views. There’s also a private pool to dive into, and four hectares of gardens to explore. As you wind down your way through the grounds, you’ll also discover a green-clay tennis court. This is just the spot to channel your inner João Sousa – the famous tennis champion was born in Portugal, after all. Once you’ve smashed it on the court, cool down in the pool, or recoup those well-spent calories with an alfresco breakfast or lunch served up by the live-in staff.

 Podere San Giorgio, Sicily

On the island of Sicily lies the historic villa of Podere san Giorgio. Owned by the same noble family since the 15th century, this palm-fringed property is full of style and character. Interiors are replete with patterned fabrics, eye-catching ornaments and striking furniture. Outside, the villa’s temptingly blue pool is framed by pretty groves of trees, and from the terraces you can spot Mount Etna rising over pastoral scenes. There are table tennis facilities, but for the full-sized affair, head out on Podere san Giorgio’s tennis court for a swing in seclusion. The only sounds you’ll hear – beyond your cries of ‘out’ and ‘you cannot be serious’ – are birds singing and the rustle of leaves.

Le Jardin d'Eden, Provence 

This grand country house just outside St-Remy-de-Provence lives up to its namesake. At the back of the property, the formal garden draws you in with its pretty topiary-lined lawn, lily-pad-speckled pond and tree-shaded terrace. Inside, the Provençal style continues throughout the spacious interiors. With 10 bedrooms, it’s a gorgeous place for a group of family holiday – and for a spot of tennis too. The tennis court is neatly hemmed by hedges and has a classic French elegance to it. Retire after a match or two to the comfortable cabin in the African quarter of the garden, or slip into one of two swimming pools here to ease any well-earnt aches.

Sineroma, crete

Simeroma is a coastal Cretan villa perched on a secluded hillside blessed with incomparable views and extensive grounds, offering direct access to the sea. The lively village of Elounda is not too far away should you crave a change of scene from your sun deck and its huge infinity pool, although the grounds themselves are worth exploring. Where else but a villa in Crete can you take a balmy evening stroll from your doorstep through ancient olive trees next to a private Davis Cup-sized tennis court?

Quinta Lagos, Portugal

Nestled in the Calicas Hills, Quinta Lagos enjoys seclusion and a location just five minutes from the historic centre and golden sands of Meia Praia – the best of both worlds. A stately house in the classical style, it is surrounded by tropical gardens. You’ll find plenty to entertain – a pool that can be heated on request, tennis court, putting green, pool table, table tennis and cinema room.