For the past few summers, Tennis champion Serena Williams has become the star of her own grand tour. Between yacht escapes in the Mediterranean, romantic island retreats and family adventures with daughters Olympia and Adira, the 23-time Grand Slam winner has embraced a slower pace of life since stepping away from professional tennis.

This summer, however, looks set to be a little different. With Williams announcing her return to the court at the Queen’s Club Championships in London, partnering Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko in doubles, there may be less time for leisurely Mediterranean cruises and more time spent on training courts. Yet if her recent travels are anything to go by, Serena has mastered the art of balancing competition with adventure.

After all, she is almost certainly one of the world’s most well-travelled athletes. From Melbourne to Paris, London to New York, tennis has taken her to every corner of the globe. So where does she choose to go when she isn’t competing?

Sardinia, Italy

If Serena has a signature summer destination, it has to be Sardinia. The Italian island has become a recurring backdrop for family holidays with husband Alexis Ohanian, their daughters and extended family. Here, the family’s days are spent aboard yachts drifting between hidden Mediterranean coves, while hopping off to enjoy local restaurants by night. I can easily imagine Serena favouring the quieter side of Sardinia’s luxury scene. While Porto Cervo offers plenty of designer boutiques and celebrity sightings, her holidays often seem centred on family time rather than being seen.

The Maldives

When complete disconnection is required, Serena heads to the Maldives. Having stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives, she appears to enjoy island life centred on privacy, barefoot luxury, and quality time with family. Picture mornings in an overwater villa, afternoons spent paddleboarding in turquoise lagoons and evenings watching the sunset. For someone whose career was defined by relentless schedules and international travel, the Maldives offers the ultimate reset.

Niagara Falls, Canada

In 2025, Serena revealed perhaps her most ambitious travel project yet: taking her daughters to see all Seven Wonders of the World. The journey began at Niagara Falls, where she shared images of herself, Olympia, and Adira dressed in matching ponchos as they took in one of North America’s most spectacular natural sights. The trip revealed a different side of Williams. Less luxury traveller and more adventurous mother, creating memories and experiences.

Mallorca, Spain

Last summer, Serena spent part of her holiday season cruising around Mallorca. Images shared from Palma and Puerto Sóller showcased a relaxed Mediterranean escape.
Mallorca offers exactly the blend of privacy and sophistication that suits Williams. Beautiful coastlines, world-class dining, yacht culture and discreet luxury all combine to create an ideal summer retreat.

The South of France

Thanks to years spent competing at Roland-Garros, France has long played an important role in her life, and the glamour of the French Riviera appears to be a natural extension of that relationship. Whether staying at legendary properties such as Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or exploring the coastline with family, the French Riviera offers the combination of elegance, sunshine and sophistication.

Rome and Paris

Some destinations hold a deeper significance. Rome is where Serena met her husband Alexis Ohanian, making it one of the most meaningful cities in her travel story. Paris, meanwhile, became a second home during her years competing on the European tennis circuit, even inspiring her to learn French and immerse herself in local culture.

For Serena, travel is about family, memories and experiences. Whether she is chasing waterfalls with her daughters, cruising through the Mediterranean or returning to the tennis court, her journeys are both meaningful and revitalising.

By Lindsay Judge