Late 2024 saw professional tennis player Katie Boulter reach world No. 23 in the world women's singles rankings, a career high for the 28-year-old from Leicester in England. With success on the court meaning ever more travel for the British No. 1, she talks to Marriott Bonvoy about how she embraces this inspiring lifestyle.

As a professional tennis player, you must have travelled to so many places! Do you have any favourite destinations? Where is on your bucket list?

Tennis has taken me to places I probably wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. One stand-out was Japan. I wasn’t aware of how much I would resonate with the place and its culture. It has now become one of my favourite places to visit.

But if I had to choose just one place to go, it would have to be Italy. The blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and warm, welcoming people makes it captivating. I recently went there with both my own family and my fiancé Alex's, which was super special as it was our first holiday together as a full family, so it holds a special place in my heart.

As for my bucket list, going on a safari is something I’ve always wanted to do. Seeing that kind of wildlife in its natural habitat would be an unforgettable experience. I’d also love to visit the Galápagos Islands. I remember from a young age seeing some of the unique animals they have there like giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, which are pretty cute! I've wanted to see them for real ever since.

For Katie Boulter, travel is an intrinsic part of life as an elite tennis player, but Japan holds a special place among her favourite destinations (Photo: Marriott International)

Can you share an especially memorable experience from your travels?

There was one that happened recently! I traveled to Alicante thinking I would get a great pre-season in, but I got so much more: one evening, as the sun set over the Mediterranean, I was surprised with the most beautiful proposal on the beach. It was completely unexpected but perfect. Now Alicante isn’t just a gorgeous place, it’s where the next chapter of my life began.

A relaxing stay is essential for elite tennis players, providing the rest and recovery needed to perform at their peak (Photo: Marriott International)

With tournaments taking place everywhere from Australia to the US and France, how do you make all this travelling work for you?

Staying in good hotels makes it so much easier. I feel comfortable knowing that every single place I'm going to in the whole world is going to be very comfortable. I'm going to enjoy where I'm staying and I'm going to get a great night's sleep as well, which is very important.

I also like to plan things ahead of time but with tennis you have to be very flexible, so having the assurance that the hotel is already prepped and ready for me puts me at peace.

Travel brings us into contact with lots of different cultures – has any particular cultural tradition stayed with you?

One cultural habit that really stayed with me from Spain is the way life naturally slows down in the afternoon, only to come alive again late into the evening – that Mediterranean lifestyle. The tradition of a siesta taught me the value of stepping back and taking a real break, rather than constantly pushing through the day. Then there are the late dinners, which at first felt unusual, but soon became something I loved. It's a different kind of energy: it feels more relaxed and gives you more time to savour the food and enjoy unwinding with family.

Tournaments are gruelling events and place great demands on your time – you must end up being away from home for quite lengthy periods?

It really does vary. Just recently, I did seven weeks in Asia, so that was quite a while to be away from my friends and my family. I enjoyed it, but I was very keen to get home afterwards.

Alongside competing at the highest level, Katie also gets to experience the excitement of traveling the world (Photo: Marriott International)

So you've flown 12 hours or more to a tournament, checked into your hotel, slept well – but still, next morning, jet lag strikes. How do you manage this, especially with athletic performance in mind?

Every single place that I go to, I tell myself it's not going to be too hard, and then I get to the other side, and I remember how difficult it can be. One tip is setting your time when you get on the aeroplane for the destination that you're going to be at. I think it's important to know what time it is and when to sleep and when not to sleep, so you can try and get on the time zone.

On the subject of family and friends, how do you connect with your loved ones while you’re travelling?

I'm on FaceTime 24/7. I always call people back home, because I think it's a super nice way for me to spend a bit of time with them. The tough part is when you call them and they forget about the time zones and then they call you back in the middle of the night!

How do you unwind and recover when travelling?

There are quite a few things, obviously. I'm probably going to try and find the nearest gym, which is always going to be in the hotel, and that's the first place I'm going to start. The second place might be a pool. My physio is a huge fan of pools so we're trying to find those everywhere we go and they're always in the hotel, so I'm very lucky in that aspect. I do feel I've done everything I possibly can to be ready for the next day and the next match if I have a pool.

Amid the demands of competition, finding time to unwind is crucial (Photo: Marriott International)

What makes you happy when staying in a hotel?

It’s that feeling when everything is just right. The kind of effortless comfort that makes you instantly relax and think “Ahhh, this is perfect" from the moment I walk in. I especially appreciate the little touches, like finding a soft, cloud-like pillow waiting for me at the end of the day and waking up to a beautiful view. It just sets the tone for a great start. Those details make all the difference and truly elevate the entire experience.

Are there any routines or rituals you follow before big matches to get you in the right mindset?

It’s going to sound very British, but I have a cup of tea. It makes me feel kind of at peace at night. So right before I sleep. I like to switch off, have a cup of tea and watch TV. I tend to be a creature of habit and usually stick to the same green tea I discovered during my travels in Japan – it’s become a bit of a daily ritual. But I also enjoy trying local teas when I’m away, especially when I can add fresh ingredients like ginger or lemon. It’s a nice way to connect with the place while still enjoying something comforting.

Do you find that souvenirs catch your eye while browsing shops and markets on your travels?

Baggage allowance doesn't always like it, but I have loads of things from my travels – anything from plates to cushions. We do have quite a few things back home that we don’t exactly need, but I'm a huge cushion lover.

When you’re travelling, what do you always pack?

There are a few things that are really essential when I travel. One of them is a little piece of glass that says, ‘A little piece of luck’ on it, which my grandpa gave to me when I was really young. It's pretty banged up now, but I travel with it everywhere and if I don't have it with me, then it's always at home.

What is the tournament you like the most and why?

Wimbledon, without a doubt. There is something truly unparalleled about going through the gates and stepping onto the most prestigious grass courts. It's steeped in history and tradition, and it feels like so much more than just a tournament – the fact I get to fly the flag for my country with the support of the home crowd makes it very special.

Marriott Bonvoy® is the proud partner of Katie Boulter on and off the court.

Published: February 12, 2025

Last Updated: May 05, 2025

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