SOPHISTICATED TRAVEL
Move Over Pickleball, these Resorts are Embracing Your New Favorite Court Sport: Padel
While tennis, golf, and more recently pickleball, have dominated the sports travel landscape, a dynamic and social racket sport originating in Mexico in the late 1960s is now experiencing a phenomenal global surge: Padel.
After its initial boom in Spain and Argentina, Padel's accessibility and engaging doublesfocused gameplay has fueled rapid expansion across Europe, particularly in Italy, France, and Sweden, with increasing momentum in the
Middle East, Asia, and finally, the Americas. This isn't just a niche pastime; Padel boasts a remarkable growth rate of 25-30% annually in many markets, with over 25 million active players worldwide in 2024, a significant jump from approximately 18 million
in 2020. Luxury resorts across the globe have caught on to the rising popularity of Padel, building new courts on-property and spearheading exceptional Padel experiences for their guests.
Cali Mykonos | Mykonos, Greece Cali Mykonos has introduced brand-new padel courts this year, expanding its wellness and fitness offerings.
Guests can now enjoy fast-paced matches with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea as their backdrop. The addition blends sport and scenery, creating an energizing yet luxurious experience. It's a perfect fit for those looking to stay active while soaking in the calm of Mykonos. These courts reflect Cali’s ongoing focus on combining elevated leisure with modern wellness trends.
AREV St Tropez | Saint Tropez, France Opened in March 2024, AREV St Tropez is the inaugural boutique hotel of the luxury lifestyle brand AREV, and a year-round property in the heart of St Tropez.
With local wellness partnerships, a state-of-the-art fitness center complete with personal trainers and Peloton bikes, the property is making its mark as a bespoke wellness destination. AREV providing a night-lit Padel Court available year-round on its grounds, offering guests a fun and social way to stay active under the Saint-Tropez sun or after sunset
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | San Diego, CA California’s top luxury resort, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, has just upped their racquet sport game with the addition of three new Padel courts built in partnership with leading sporting goods company, Wilson.
The world-renowned Southern California hideaway is best known as an ultra-luxurious wellness destination in and of itself, offering the very best of everything from herbal and mineral infused wellbeing experiences, extensive tennis and pickleball programming, and a robust array of movement classes to medical-spa grade treatments, endless explorable terrain, and now, a reinvigorated sporting program. The addition of Padelbrings the world’s fastest growing sport to guests and members of Rancho Valencia in a state-of-the-art setting designed by Spain-based company Grupo Padel Galis World, and complemented by an expertcurated lineup of dedicated programming that includes organized drop-in play, beginner, intermediate, and advanced clinics, monthly Americano tourney play, and more.
Adare Manor | County Limerick, Ireland A destination in its own right as Europe’s leading five-star castle hotel, Adare Manor offers everything visitors may need this summer on its 842-acre estate.
The resort offers guests access to refined dining outlets including the first-ever Michelin Star restaurant in County Limerick, The Oak Room, and the only 111SPA/CLINIC in Ireland by the acclaimed 111SKIN with treatments perfect for unwinding during the summer months. Visitors can expect to sample delicious Irish chocolate treats at the new Harry Lowe Chocolate shop, explore the shaded grounds through a walk or carriage ride, and get active at The Padel Club, a state-of-the-art wellness and activity center offering padel, a sports simulation room, and picturesque indoor swimming pools overlooking the grounds.