When pickleball hit the mainstream radar during the pandemic, some dismissed it as a quirky tennis knockoff that had a shelf life of a year or two. But pickleball has exploded in popularity — it’s the fastest-growing sport in America with 36.5 million annual participants, full-fledged professional leagues and even themed restaurants around the country.
“It’s the perfect resort vacation sport,” says Scott Colebourne, CEO of Picklestars, a company that seamlessly integrates bespoke pickleball programs into luxury resorts, hotels and other destinations. “You can have two or three generations having a good time together. A lot of people have discovered the game on vacation and have gone back home and gotten hooked on it.”
Some of the appeal, Colebourne says, comes from the fact that pickleball is a low-impact sport that doesn’t require its participants to be in Olympic shape. The other draw is that the smaller courts can often be tucked into spectacular spaces. Many high-end hotels are now fully invested in the sport, building fabulous facilities and hiring professionals to help guests around the net.
“Top places will have amazing views from the court,” Colebourne says. “They also have a schedule of programming that’s welcoming. They have availability of paddles for new players to try the game. They have staff on hand to assist with guests and new programs. Sometimes a resort will put a court out and say, ‘Okay, we’re done.’ No, that’s not enough.”
The following places go above and beyond to ensure you and your paddle-whacking group have fun. From a custom court sitting along a pristine patch of Pacific coast to one resting in the middle of French vineyards, the following getaways around the globe will make you want to pack your gear.
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star resort takes pickleball to new heights in the Rocky Mountains. One of its Cloud Camp’s courts is perched at an exhilarating 9,200 feet, making it the highest-altitude court in the world. Get ready for an action-packed summer schedule, including the Adult Intermediate Pickleball Camp in July and an Adult Pickleball, Pasta & Pizza Weekend in August.
Montage Healdsburg, California
Two pickleball courts are nestled in the oak-covered grounds at this 258-acre wine country retreat. If you’re new to the game, sign up for the “Intro to Pickleball” course on offer Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Or fine-tune your skills with a private class led by a pickleball pro.
Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Phoenix
The rallies are remarkable as this palm-tree-draped, Phoenix Mountain Preserve-surrounded resort. And for pickleball players, things are made even more enticing with the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property’s four new courts, hassle-free equipment rental and all-level classes instructed by Peter Burwash International experts such as USPTA Elite Professional Brendan Easterling.
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic
There aren’t any excuses for not being on your A-game during a stay at this Four-Star Dominican Republic gem. For starters, there technically are no losers here since you’re paddling in paradise. And second, if you want to improve your score, practice more — and with the recently rebranded Racquet Center’s team of instructors and courts equipped with lights, you have the tools to do it.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
This extraordinary Five-Star retreat has long served as a proponent for health (ozone therapy) and healing (acupuncture). It hops on the pickleball wave with courts that just happen to have postcard-perfect Wailea Beach as their backdrop. After a few matches, make time to heal with an Infrared Therapy Deep-Tissue Recovery Massage at the sensational spa.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
When you’re ready to take your pickleball passion to the next level, look into this Four-Star stunner’s Pickleball Getaway with the Pros. A four-night experience for up to eight players, this perk-filled promotion comes with accommodations (an oceanview suite), access to pros (like famed coach Matt Manasse), airport transfers and other lavish additions (a welcome dinner and a yacht trip). The over-the-top package may cost $56,000, but it also includes a post-play massage at the Five-Star spa to help you forget about the price tag.
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas
With its $55 million renovation completed in January 2024, the Dallas resort has a lot to capture your eye. But if you’re looking for more than a splashy new pool and a transformed spa, peer over at the adjoining state-of-the-art Nelson Sports & Golf Club for four pickleball courts. The facility offers more than 10 clinics and drills per week, so those looking to strengthen their swings can do so with ease.
Le Logis, Cognac, France
Surrounded by vines, this 16th-century buyout-only Cognac chateau (home to L’Académie, a Forbes Travel Guide center for excellence) offers two of the country’s rare private pickleball courts, delicately woven into the amazing landscape adjacent to the most premier of all Cognac vines. So, even if the score isn’t going your way, stunning vineyard views will always win out. However, if you do want your game to be as impressive as the vista, Le Logis can arrange a three-day workshop for an additional fee with Colebourne or one of the other Picklestars pros. It doesn’t end with pickleball: there’s a full Technogym dojo as well as all the recovery equipment you can imagine, a pizzeria for carb loading, a full Dolby theater for relaxing, and soon to debut is a culinary center by Bonnet with a kitchen that you actually can step into.
Test your endurance in a monthly round robin that pits mixed teams (it’s open to hotel guests and members) against one another at this storied resort. But if you aren’t yet ready for fierce competition, try private lessons, open play or clinics. The Boca Raton provides four pickleball courts but will debut a large-scale court expansion in December.
Dink in the Baja desert with the sunset in the backdrop at this Japanese-inspired Four-Star Los Cabos escape. The two complimentary on-property courts are a hot amenity among guests, and you can reserve them for open play or private lessons.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, San Diego
While the 49-suite Five-Star getaway long ago cemented its status as a top-tier tennis resort, pickleball has become incredibly popular among guests. If you’re interested in the latter, book one of four courts, a private lesson or a spot in a weekly beginner pickleball clinic Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head
Guests at this Hilton Head hideaway have access to Sea Pine Resort’s activity-filled 5,000 acres, which include six pickleball courts. These courts cater to every level of paddler, with a Pickleball 101 program for beginners, a Junior program tailored for ages eight to 12 and a Power Hour with resident pro Mick Ray for those looking to up their game.
The Mansion at Ocean Edge, Cape Cod
This Cape Cod resort seamlessly blends historic charm with modern trends, making it a fitting destination for the bourgeoning sport. Guests enjoy complimentary sessions on the property’s six courts with top-of-the-line Selkirk paddles. The Mansion at Ocean Edge can also play matchmaker for those needing a pickleball partner.
The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Guests at the Four-Star Scottsdale stay can access the property’s massive, two-story Athletic Club. There you’ll receive a complimentary hour on pickleball courts set against the backdrop of the dramatic desert. Forgot to pack your racket? No worries; the club supplies guests with gratis equipment.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands
The pickleball action at this Five-Star Caribbean paradise takes place on two courts surrounded by tropical gardens with local flora, towering palm trees and verdant hills. A resident pro is available for hourlong private pickleball clinics catering to individuals, families or anything in between.
No wine country retreat would be complete without a glass of bubbly, and the Four-Star Carneros resort makes a delightful pairing of pickleball and champagne courtesy of its partnership with Veuve Clicquot. The property’s Rally, Relax and Repeat experience offers 90 minutes of playtime and courtside bottle service. Those who prefer to cheer from the sidelines can hang out at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar & Lounge before sharing a toast with the day’s champion.
The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel and Golf Resort, Panama City
While this exclusive Panama City paradise is known for its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, the resort also caters to pickleball players. Enthusiasts in both sports receive a complimentary membership to the adjacent private Santa Maria Country Club, where they can enjoy sprawling greens and pristine pickleball courts.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour
Take lessons or join group games at the St. Kitts hotel’s two pickleball courts, which sit in the shadow of a replica of a century-old sugar mill. For additional wellness, head inside the mill — part of Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary, the open-air structure holds activities such as yoga and sound healing.
Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa
The Four-Star Calistoga hotel turns a game of pickleball into an experience with two new outdoor courts, bright custom paddles from pickleball goods purveyor Recess and even courtside wine service, where you can enjoy Juliet sustainable Central Coast wine from chicly designed round magnum boxes with fabric rope handles.
Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont
This Five-Star luxury summer camp for adults has added pickleball to its activities list. You will find two beautiful courts nestled beside a charming pond on the property’s 300 acres of unspoiled Vermont countryside, where even a competitive three-setter can feel romantic.
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Cape Cod
This Five-Star Cape Cod resort prides itself on creating ample opportunities for family fun, and its pickleball programs encourage precisely that. A raised terrace allows spectators to cheer on players from the sidelines. Two courts provide playing space, and a resident pro is on hand for private lessons and to help arrange tournaments for healthy family competitions.
Ojai Valley Inn, California
You won’t mind playing game after game at the Four-Star hotel with the stunning panoramic views of the Topatopa Mountains in the background. And you will have plenty of opportunities to do so: while Ojai has two dedicated pickleball courts, its tennis facilities can easily convert to offer 18 total courts.
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