Never Say Never

Sand Valley

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Thanks to a quirk of geology, there are prehistoric sand dunes smack dab in the center of Wisconsin. These dunes are home to one of the most bucolic tennis centers in the country: America’s largest grass-court facility (with 16 courts), one of only 10 publicly accessible in the US. The resort, open to the public, also houses five courses, two of which are codesigned by the legendary Ben Crenshaw, plus a 17-hole short course that’s perfect for beginners. Sign up for lessons, and you can even book a session that employs antique sticks with hickory shafts.

Kawana Hotel Fuji Golf Course

Japan

From Oregon to Maui, the Pacific Ocean is the backdrop to many of the finest courses in the world. This one—dubbed the Pebble Beach of Japan, and opened in 1936—offers a jaw-dropping view from the other side. Better yet, it’s open to the public, with at least one authority (Golf Digest) considering it the nation’s finest public course.

Nürburgring

Germany

For more than 100 years, this complex has been gearhead nirvana, hosting iconic races (including dozens of F1 Grands Prix); test runs for the latest Porsches and Lamborghinis, Corvettes and Mustangs; and automotive challenges for shows like Top Gear. Remarkably, you can race the track, too, and even do so in your very own car or motorcycle, provided you meet some basic requirements. (With tongue in cheek, the website notes you can’t bring your modified lawnmower or scooter.) Instruction is available, the better for navigating a track famously dubbed “The Green Hell” by the decorated driver Jackie Stewart.

Allen Berg Racing School

Laguna Seca , California

Built nearly 70 years ago at an old Army fort, and host to plenty of Indy Car and American Le Mans series races since then, this 2-mile-and-change track now houses a stable of Formula 1 cars. And happily, you can drive them. But it isn’t just the beauty of the location (near Big Sur and Carmel), or the famous corkscrew at turns 8 and 8A that makes it worth your while. It’s billed as the only school in North America where you’ll learn under an experienced FIA Formula 1 driver (Mr. Berg), and the only one where you’ll drive a carbon fiber vehicle with real-deal racing slicks. For a slower pace, the nearby Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill golf courses await.

Inn at Perry Cabin

St. Michaels, Maryland

If you were a Hollywood movie producer who needed a location that suggested a certain patrician ease and joie de vivre, you might choose this spot. (The producers of Wedding Crashers did, filming the wedding of a Cabinet secretary’s daughter here.) It dates back to 1816, and the original inn was built to resemble the cabin of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (hence the name) by one of his aides. In the spirit of those pioneering naval officers, the resort possesses a fleet of seven vessels, including ones for sailing lessons. There are also guided cruises, oyster dredging experiences, and a tour devoted to that most delicious of nautical pursuits: drinking rum.

Mustique

West Indies, Caribbean

If you want to have on-court moves like Jagger, head to this private island resort, where the Stones’ front man (and a mix of boldface names from Princess Margaret to Lewis Hamilton) have been known to spend their winter off-hours. Book a room at the Cotton House hotel, which features 17 suites, or rent one of the island’s villas. Then, make your way to one of the five omni courts (which use a high-end synthetic grass). A range of lessons and clinics are available with one of the pros from the on-site team of specialists, as well as daily drop-in games for those looking for match play. If you also like golf, you’ll want to take a 10-minute boat ride to neighboring Canouan Island, to play an 18-hole course, designed by the renowned Jim Fazio.

Meadowood

St. Helena, California

Located on 250 prime acres of storied oaks, redwoods, and olive trees, Meadowood is a little bit secluded country resort (with 36 cottages, three pools, and a world-renowned spa) and a little bit private club (the property also houses the Meadowood Club and sits next door to The Napa Valley Reserve, a members-only wine-growing estate). Both are owned and carefully looked after by the Harlan family, whose unerring instinct for the terroir extends to the architecture of the charming bungalows, ruggedly tamed landscape, and excellent menu. Tennis here spans skill levels in a setting of green lattice and garden hedgerows that’s overseen by a USTA-ranked pro who will definitely improve your game; his team has guided NCAA singles champions and competitors at the US Open. In between hitting sessions—or an in-house wine class tailored to your specificity—you should make time to enjoy the unique amenities at the hillside spa designed by the late Howard Backen, an indoor-outdoor anti-aging oasis of aromatic decompression and sublime calm.

The Palm Beach Par 3

Palm Beach, Florida

Why should the experienced players get all the fun? At this rookie-friendly course—a handsome par 3, accessible to the public—you can schedule a clinic or lesson with a pro, and swing away on 18 stunning oceanfront holes, without worrying too much about your drive. (The longest hole is a mere 211 yards.) The course received a full renovation in 2009, and 19th-hole enthusiasts will appreciate the new clubhouse, with a restaurant and bar on the second floor.

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