"Number One Tennis Resort in the U.S." says Tennis Magazine of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in Sarasota, Florida. For eight years running this all-suite resort on the white sand beaches of Longboat Key has set a standard of excellence. Play on the twenty-one courts, ten of which are joint saving Har-Tru, is always complimentary.

On a recent visit we put their guaranteed match-making service to the test with excellent results. Given four hours notice they will find a player at your level or one of their dedicated professionals will supply the competition. At no extra cost! Before your arrival contact their tennis pros to discuss possible group activities to make your spring break truly memorable. They are not just tennis pros, they are experts on people and fun. After your time on the courts be sure to pamper yourself with a trip to the Colony Health Spa which offers an impressive array of services including herbal wraps, Arctic algae body treatment and detox herbal linen wraps to name just a few. Call (800) 426-5669 or visit www.colonybeachresort.com.

[note: the October 2004 issue of TENNIS magazine's bi-annual rankings has The Colony at number 3. While not the lofty status it has held as number 1, it is still a highly respected recognition of this tennis player's dream resort.]

Sarasota offers many attractions besides its renowned tennis, golf and deep sea fishing. Take the time to explore and enjoy attractions such as "Art by the Light of the Moon," the working title of the Towles Court Artist Colony's Third Friday Night Art Walks (www.towlescourt.com). This is a fabulous opportunity to meet artists and artisans in their historic studio cottages nestled among moss-draped oaks in the evening air.

Sarasota’s Mote Aquarium (www.mote.org) let's you get up close and personal with manatees, sharks, rays and other denizens of the sea. The fascinating, educational and fully accessible Mote is also home of the Mote Marine Laboratory which engages in research and rehabilitation.

Much of Sarasota's cultural life centers around The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall which commands a majestic position on the bay. Go to www.vanwezel.org to learn of events during the time of your visit.

On the grounds of the world-class John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (www.ringling.org) you will also find the newly restored 30-room, Venetian-gothic Ca d'Zan Mansion and the earthier Ringling Circus Museum. You will definitely want to have a visit to this treasure. Another treat is a visit to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (www.selby.org) for spectacular displays of rare orchids and bromeliads comfortably nestled on the shores of Sarasota Bay.

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