Tennis tips

“What was this building before?” is Howard Cushing’s favorite question. That’s because this patrician, shingled white building facing Newport harbor fits in so completely with the other buildings in this Rhode Island town known for its 18th century houses but also for sailing and society socializing. Though Cushing has a history in Newport as a descendant of a prominent family that includes the artist Howard Gardiner Cushing, his great grandfather, the building doesn’t: it’s a new build created by Cushing and partner Wirt Blaffer. But as Gardiner House, a boutique hotel that soft opened in September, it feels immediately in sync with Gilded Age grandeur-just with contemporary style.

Whether one’s mother is just starting to take lessons or is the Singles Champ of her club, anyone can benefit from some serious tennis coaching. Since many tennis programs are also located in destinations that are tempting vacation spots as well, holiday time goes along with the training.

Welcome back to our Saturday edition! Wait — don't put down that yummy dessert. One 38-year-old woman told Business Insider that instead of skipping treats, she lost 140 pounds in two years by eating more high-protein foods.

Pulling up to the red boat slip under a fiery sunset, no one in the boat was looking at the vivid pinks of the Caribbean sky. Instead, our eyes were on the towering hilltop ahead of us, with its wind turbines and precarious Balinese-style treehouses. Night was falling, and glowing ambient lights flickered on as if by magic to light up a maze of jungle-nestled villas and dirt paths. A man in well-tailored dress pants, a button-down, and loafers emerged; not the billionaire we’d come for, but one of the many trusted Sir Richard Branson whisperers in a staff of 134 we'd encounter over the next few days. “Welcome to Necker,” Eddie beamed.

Tickets for the U.S. Open Tennis Championships go on sale to the general public in early June. It's the final Grand Slam tournament held annually in New York and the crown jewel of the American tennis scene. This year the tournament will take place from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8.

The best tennis skirts deserve a place in every warm weather wardrobe, as they look great both on and off the court. Just like bike shorts and leggings, this sporty style has transitioned to everyday wear in recent years, and there’s arguably no athletic bottom more chic. Not only do tennis skirts look good, but they’re also extremely comfortable with made-to-move stretch and breathable fabric that will keep you cool no matter where your spring or summer travels take you. Most also offer built-in shorts as well as pockets for storing tennis balls and everyday essentials like smartphones and keys. Best of all, tennis skirts are incredibly easy to pack when headed on vacation: They fold into tiny squares that take up practically no room and somehow always emerge unwrinkled.

Ensemble has tweaked the name of its annual event for top-producing advisors. The event, previously called Ensemble Beyond, is now called Ensemble Beyond: Elevated Experiences.

The Indian Wells Open is my favorite U.S. tennis event, bar none. The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is a stone’s throw from the venue, and its beautiful desert grounds are a welcoming respite from the throngs trying to get a glimpse of Rafa (who will play on the evening of March 7th). Why is Indian Wells so special? There’s a paradoxical mellow and electric vibe there. A short drive from Palm Springs, California and set in the comparatively verdant Colorado Desert, it’s a place for meditation, introspection, self-care — and world-class tennis. The Indian Wells Open, AKA the BNP Paribas Open (BNP Paribas sponsors the event) is the most popular tennis event in the world aside from the four major slams, but the venue, Indian Wells Tennis Garden (owned by Larry Ellison since 2009), is so nicely designed that it never feels as crowded as it is. Food options are remarkably good (think Nobu sushi), and VIP and corporate boxes are close enough to the action (unlike at many venues) with excellent catering and service.

There’s a palpable sense of the changing seasons at this time of the year – longer days, warmer weather, and the feeling that people are stirring from winter hibernation. The parks are getting busier, tennis courts are being used and pelotons of cyclists are starting to appear on our roads. There are so many ways of enjoying the great outdoors while keeping yourself fit and healthy. You may have enjoyed a kayaking trip, a hiking break, cycling through beautiful scenery or a wild swimming holiday. Whatever gets you up and out for an adventure, we’d love to hear about it.

There are more than 17,000 golf courses in this country, and over a thousand in Florida alone (the most in the country), but there are none quite like the new Match Course at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.