WELCOME TO VESPUCCI TENNIS
We are excited to announce the launch of Vespucci Tennis, created so that we can share our passion for exploring new countries, experiencing new cultures, and navigating the globe through small group retreats that are all about tennis, hiking, wellness, and adventure travel.
Why Vespucci? Amerigo Vespucci was one of the greatest explorers and navigators from the Age of Discovery, and we love how ironically the United States of America was named after him even though he never actually came to the continental US.
TENNIS & WELLNESS RETREATS
Small group adventures hosted by travel enthusiasts, Mikaela & Raphael
Anyone who knows us knows about our love for travel. We are excited to host our initial retreats at River Run, our home in the Berkshires (western Massachusetts). A visit to River Run can be combined with Boston, NYC, the US Open, Hudson Valley, and many other things to do/see in the Northeast.
We also plan to host retreats in Santa Barbara, The Sea Ranch, Australia, Costa Rica and other amazing adventure travel locations in the future. All retreats will run from 3-7 days, and include tennis, hiking, yoga, local art and cultural experiences, and other healthy activities for your mind, body and soul. We can also personalize a retreat for your group, just send a request!
TENNIS LESSONS AND COURT BUILDING
with Raphael Wolfe
ABOUT RAPHAEL
Raphael learned to play tennis while growing up in Australia, playing on the NSW Junior Team. He moved to Santa Barbara (where his grandparents lived) to play college tennis and also became a Tennis Pro at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.
In his 20s, Raphael dabbled in the satellite tournaments and managed to earn some ATP points. He then moved to NYC and became the Tennis Director at The Tuxedo Club. Raphael also taught tennis at Roy Emerson's Tennis Weeks in Gstaad, Switzerland, at Town Tennis and The River Club in Manhattan.
Raphael also loves to snowboard, surf, hike, and occasionally can be convinced to play golf, but never pickleball.
PRIVATE AND GROUP LESSONS
Raphael is available for private or group lessons, as well as strategy coaching or hitting with junior players.
Send a request to discuss your needs or sign up for a lesson!
COURT BUILDING
Raphael has become a court building and maintenance expert over 30 yrs of playing and managing tennis clubs. He has become a clay court specialist but can consult and advise on all types of courts. Raphael has resurfaced or rebuilt multiple private clay courts, courts at the clubs he has taught at, and also at the Knollwood Tennis Club in Santa Barbara. Most recently he built his own HarTru court in the Berkshires from scratch on a property with drainage issues. The surface and quality of the clay court is as good as (or perhaps better than) Roland Garros.
THE 1ST ANNUAL WOLFE INVITATIONAL
September 6-8, 2024
This tournament will have singles, doubles, mixed doubles and Cambodian singles. We will figure out the schedule of play over 3 days (Fri-Sat-Sun) depending on the number of participants. There will be a welcome cocktail party, organized dinners, yoga, hiking, and other optional activities and outings.
Click the Sign-up button to have more info on the tournament and a formal invitation sent to your email.