Tim Henman OBE is one of the UK’s most successful and beloved tennis stars. Now eight years into his retirement, the 40-year-old pro has transitioned his life of travel from focussed competition to family-friendly adventures.

We caught up with The Hideaways Club and HSBC brand ambassador at Fortnum and Mason Presents Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi - an event composed of thrilling exhibition matches on a purpose-built grass court.

Let’s talk about your schedule. How are you dividing your time these days?

There are many things I’m involved in. I’m on the board at Wimbledon, which has been great for me to see how the tournament is run from the other side of the fence. I’ve played, I’ve been a fan and a spectator, and now I’m involved in the running of the tournament. It’s brilliant and it’s something I enjoy.

I’m also a brand ambassador for HSBC and I still play a bit throughout the year, so I still stay involved in tennis but I also have the flexibility to spend time with my family.

Did you get to experience destinations as a player, or was it more of a transitory arrangement?

I could tell you about most airports and hotels in the major cities! The difficult element was not having the time to look around, because we were so focussed on what we were doing. I stopped playing seven years ago, so now the majority of my travel is more focussed around my family. I’ve got three daughters who are 12, 10 and seven and we’ve been able to explore different places.

I’m also involved in a property fund called The Hideaways Club that offers fractional ownership of properties. We now have 50 properties around the world, so it’s been fantastic to explore some of those.

You must have been on a very tight leash when you travelled on tour, so how are you travelling now you have more freedom?

My main criteria for travelling is the school holidays. Over the New Year we had 10 days in Koh Samui, staying at one of the Hideaways properties. Skiing was certainly something I was never allowed to do, because of my disability insurance, and now I’m skiing a lot. Our girls have all been skiing for the past four years running.

You’re obviously still in shape - are you fussy about hotel gyms?

I actually rarely stay in hotels. I used to travel 30-35 weeks with tennis and we stayed in a lot of hotels, so now when I travel with my family it’s more about villas and chalets. If we’re going with another family and there’s 10 of us, then a villa gives us a lot more space and privacy.

Are there any particular destinations you prefer for family holidays?

When the children were younger we stayed more around Europe, because more than two hours in a plane with our third child was… too much! So the south of France, Tuscanny and other European destinations; ski chalets in Chamonix and Morzine, we’ve been to a lot.

Now a longer journey is fine because they’re a little bit older. [Hideaways Club] has a couple of places in Thailand and a couple of places in Mauritius and South Africa, so they’re all on the radar for some winter sun.

Now that your schedule is more flexible, what do you look forward to when you travel?

The weather dictates quite a lot of it. To leave an English winter behind and go to Koh Samui was amazing. The girls love swimming and being on the beach and we enjoy the villa aspect – having the space and being away with friends. And yeah, we’ll throw in some good food. 

Has your diet changed dramatically since you were on tour? Perhaps a few more indulgences?

It’s changed but my wife and I are active so we eat pretty healthily. My soft spot is wine and we have a cellar at home where I’m collecting. One of my New Year’s resolutions about five years ago was to learn how to cook, but it hasn’t quite happened… yet.

Do you have any particular favourite airlines to fly with?

I’ve pretty much flown to the Middle East with Etihad – they’re fantastic. It’s such a new fleet with amazing interiors and the service is fantastic.  If I’m travelling around Europe then British Airways is very convenient – Heathrow Terminal 5 is easy, new and very good. I’ve collected enough air miles over the years so for me it’s about getting from A to B safely.

Do you have any tips for staying in shape while travelling?

Simple things. With jet lag, there isn’t a cure as such; no way of getting round it 100 per cent, but you want to get in sync with your destination as soon as possible, and hydration is one of the most important aspects. When you arrive somewhere, even if you feel really tired, don’t go to sleep until it’s time. Hang in there!

Glamorous Etihad ambassadors tread the red carpet within the Emirates Palace grounds

Following the success of the inaugural event, ‘Fortnum & Mason presents Tennis at The Palace’ is set to become an annual social fixture, with the tournament’s 2016 dates announced as March 10-12, 2016.

“I’ve been to Abu Dhabi and this region a lot over the years but to come back to a grass court event is very special,” Henman said of the Tennis at The Palace event at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

“The way the tournament and court have been built from scratch in front of Emirates Palace is really special, so it’s hopefully something that can build in the future. Schedule permitting, I’ll be back here for sure,” he added.