Adventure, exploration, relaxation, and pickleball—now that’s a vacation! Our roundup of spectacular retreats, both grand and intimate, spans the globe, and all of the properties boast pickleball play on-site—on dedicated courts, unless otherwise noted. Some also offer full-on programs with pickleball pros, lessons, clinics, round-robins, and tournaments.
But that’s not all. In addition to pickleball, these resorts serve up breathtaking scenery, a seaside location, rejuvenating spa treatments, surfing, snorkeling, hiking, golf, and countless other attractions that allow guests to experience an exciting, active, memorable escape. All of which means, wherever in the world you roam, you’ll never have to find yourself in a court-less pickle again.
PACK YOUR PADDLES AND HEAD FOR THE PALM TREE–LINED COURTS FOR AN INVIGORATING GAME.
Buena Vista Resort
Buenavista, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Beach, palm trees, and pickleball—this ideal low-key getaway packs in the fun amid outstanding views and warm breezes. But Buena Vista Resort, set on the East Cape of the Baja peninsula, fronting the Sea of Cortez, has yet another feature that sets it apart from other seaside hotels: Thermal waters that flow from surrounding mineral hot springs provide relaxation and rejuvenation—the perfect postgame soak.
There are 56 rooms, as well as two dedicated pickleball courts you can rent for a small fee, and more in the making: Four new courts are due to open later this year. The resort also offers plenty of off-the court activities, including snorkeling, diving, hiking, windsurfing, and cultural tours to Los Cabos, La Paz, and Todos Santos.(Doubles from $131/night; buenavistaresort.mx)
Plaza Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
Vegas is on a hot streak for serious pickleball play. The Plaza, billed as “vintage Palm Springs meets downtown Las Vegas,” did a pickleball-focused renovation of its 70,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck to include 12 dedicated courts, plus one championship court that can convert to four tournament-level courts. In addition, the property is the host site of the annual Las Vegas Pickleball Open, which draws several hundred serious players competing for a $60,000 purse and will be held in September this year. Whenever you visit, the Plaza’s location provides convenient access to the free nightly music and light shows. (Doubles from $50/night; plazahotelcasino.com)
RELAX, DRINK WINE, PLAY PICKLEBALL; REPEAT.
Algodon Wine Resort at Algodon Wine Estates
San Rafael, Argentina
Courtesy: Algon Wine Resort at Algodon Wine Estates
Nestled at the base of the Sierra Pintada mountains in southern Mendoza, along the Argentina Wine Route, this retreat inspired by the iconic estancias (cattle and sheep ranches) has stunning views and an intimate setting with just nine suites, some restored to their 1920s farmhouse design.
Combine that with 325 acres of grapevines and estate-grown wines, and it’s no wonder Frommer’s named it one of the world’s best vineyard inns. The resort offers pickleball in its tennis center. Hit the golf course, enjoy a wine tasting, and cap it all off with a pickleball match under the lights. (Doubles from $220/night; algodonhotels.com/wineestates/hotel)
Pompano Beach Club
Southampton, Bermuda
People visit Bermuda for its pink-sand beaches, but guests of the Pompano Beach Club get the added joy of three spectacular oceanside pickleball courts. Court time, paddles, and balls are complimentary for anyone staying on the property. The 75-room resort perches on a limestone cliff situated on Bermuda’s southwestern corner, tucked away from the main road and overlooking miles of Atlantic Ocean.
Courtesy: Pompano Beach Club
Next door you’ll find the Port Royal Golf Course, but be sure to get off the turf and spend some time in the surf; Pompano’s superb shoreline, reef, and deep-sea fishing excursions reflect its early days as a fishing club and lodge. (Doubles from $540/night; pompanobeachclub.com)
SCORE PLENTY OF PLAYTIME AND AMAZING VIEWS.
Rocha Brava Village Resort
Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal
Courtesy: Rocha Brava Village Resort
For those who crave a tranquil pastoral setting with plenty of activities and places to explore, this resort, on the southern tip of Portugal on the Atlantic coast, just might be the answer. You’ll play pickleball on one of the four hard tennis courts, with pickleball lines marked in rubber tape, plus swimming, fishing trips, and wine tastings, as well as a private yacht rental for visiting the nearby ancient grottoes.
Courtesy: Rocha Brava Village Resort
Guests can book excursions to Lisbon, Seville, Gibraltar, and other sites. A bonus for families: lots of children’s programming, including on-site miniature golf and water park field trips. (Doubles from $78/night; rochabrava.com/en)
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
El Jadida, Morocco
This shimmering oasis, on the gorgeous beachfront of the Atlantic coast of North Africa, offers just about any activity you can imagine—pickleball included, with complimentary daily play on the dedicated court. Between matches, you can swim, surf, fish, zip-line…the list goes on.
Welcome tea served at Mazagan Beach | Courtesy: Mazagan Beach & Gold Resort
With almost 500 rooms, 13 restaurants and bars, and a luxurious spa, you may be tempted to never leave the compound. But you should! The ancient port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, fortress El Jadida, is just 20 minutes away, and the charming artists’ hub of Azemmour is closer. You can also day-trip to Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakesh. (Doubles from $200/night; mazaganbeachresort.com)
FROM MOROCCO TO TEXAS, PICKLEBALL IS A TOP TRAVEL PERK.
Horseshoe Bay Resort
Horseshoe Bay, Texas
With newly renovated facilities featuring eight pickleball courts where two pros host lessons, clinics, and round-robins, this resort is proof that the sport is thriving deep in the heart of Texas. If organized activities are your idea of a great getaway, then the upscale retreat overlooking Lake LBJ is the place for you.
The property hosts a number of events, including Ultimate Doubles Pickleball Weekend and US Senior Pickleball (USSP) national tournaments. Attendees enjoy pro instruction, organized play, and amenities including golf on one of the award-winning courses and concerts. (Doubles from $330/night; hsbresort.com)
Pura Vida House Tamarindo,
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
With three miles of sandy beach, waves surfers dream of, 4,500 acres of pristine coastline, tropical forest, and, of course, pickleball, the Hacienda Pinilla resort is quite utopian. But the hidden gem is the six-bedroom luxury villa, Pura Vida House, which features a pool with a palapa, 24/7 concierge service, private court play, and a house chef.
Ideal for groups of eight to 12 who prefer a pickleball vacation package, the villa is available for seven-night, all-inclusive stays, complete with pro-led, two-hour daily lessons and drills (and one hour of open play). Guests also have complimentary access to the beach club, golf carts, private airport transport, and discounted golf course fees. (From $193/night for a minimum-size group; thepuravidahouse.com)
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Sanibel, FLorida
Best known for its incredible shell-collecting, Sanibel is also renowned for its pickleball scene. In 2017, the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa built a state-of-the-art pickleball stadium—one of the largest USAP-registered facilities in the state. Complete with 12 Plexicushion-system courts, the venue is regularly voted the best pickleball spot in Southwest Florida. The resort offers pickleball camps and tournaments, plus lessons and clinics taught by its IPTPA-certified pros. Court access and equipment loans are complimentary. Off-court, you can bike, paddl board, and kayak. (Doubles from $458/night; sundialresort.com)
Globetrotters Guide
No need to choose between your two passions—the organizations below offer planned trips centered on the game, so you can enjoy travel and pickleball at the same time.
Pickleball Getaways
These tour operators offer weeklong, five-day, and 10-day camps and clinics led by world-class instructors—including top pro Ben Johns—in scenic locales such as Portugal, Costa Rica, and Croatia. pickleballgetaways.com
Pickleball Trips
Join nine-time pickleball national champion Daniel Moore through western Japan for nine days (plus four optional additional days), playing along the way; this is just one option from this travel company, which also hosts trips to Belize and Italy. pickleballtrips.com
Pickleball World Tours
Represent the U.S. in friendly competition against international pickleball clubs in Argentina, Costa Rica, or Spain. pickleballworldtours.com
Royal Caribbean
A number of Royal Caribbean cruise lines offer pickleball and/or multipurpose sports courts. These ships organize tournaments, and open play pickleball (with complimentary equipment) is also available during certain times. royalcaribbean.com
