2 days ago
The six poshest pickleball courts to play on
Once dismissed as a mere child's pastime in northwest America during the Sixties, pickleball has become increasingly popular recently. Participation has soared since its post-pandemic boom circa 2022, with celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney among its fan base.
Pickleball has been described as a hybrid of numerous racket sports, such as tennis, badminton, padel and ping pong. The director of spa and fitness at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Bermuda, Menique De La Rosa, explained: 'Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net. It's played in single or doubles, with players using paddles similar to the bats in table tennis to hit a plastic ball over the net. While padel is played on an enclosed court with walls that players use to bounce the ball, pickleball is played on an open court without walls.'
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De La Rosa believes the main reason pickleball has grown in popularity is because it is a low-impact sport that is 'easy' to learn, which is appealing to all fitness abilities and ages.
With this in mind, it's unsurprising that luxury resorts across the globe are capitalising on the boom, integrating pickleball courts, fitness retreats, coaching programmes and private clinics into their offerings.
From the Maldives to the Mediterranean, here are the poshest places to play, and be seen playing, pickleball all year.
Situated in the north Male Atoll, Kagi Maldives is home to the first dedicated pickleball court in the Maldives. Just take a 15-minute seaplane or 60-minute boat transfer from Velana International airport and you can set to work perfecting your pickleball skills. Kagi's all-weather court is available for guests to use all year for free. Arrange your own match with fellow guests or book lessons to sharpen your backhand. Afterwards guests can relax at the overwater Baani Spa, which is the largest in the archipelago, dine across four on-site restaurants or toast your triumph with a nightcap at the trio of bars.
With roots in the 1920s, this heritage resort offers members exclusive access to the award-winning Sonoma Golf Club, its tennis and pickleball facilities, as well as the high-tech gym. Reserve a court to play one-on-one or friendly doubles using the complimentary rackets or book drop-in drills, a private lesson or group clinic with a resident professional. Relax post-match in the renovated 40,000 sq ft spa powered by natural thermal waters. As Fairmont Sonoma is located in the famous Sonoma wine region it is worth bookmarking a trip to a vineyard. Better yet, sample the finest vintages on the resort's Vintner Member Programme after a farm-to-table feast at the Clubhouse Grill Restaurant.
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Hamilton Princess renovated its facilities in 2023 to incorporate four pickleball courts into the tennis courts. These can be found at the Princess Beach Club on a private cove in Sinky Bay, located just a 20-minute Jitney drive from the main resort. The pink and blue courts are apt considering the resort's candy-coloured exterior, which has affectionately earned it the nickname the Pink Palace. The equipment and courts are available to use daily between 10am and 5pm, all free of charge. Guests can also book lessons with the on-site pickleball professional. Enjoy a post-pickleball aperitif at the Beach Club Kitchen or a lunchtime snack at the Duchess Café and Gelateria. Come dinner, choose between locally sourced surf and turf at Intrepid restaurant, the relaxed ambience at the Crown and Anchor or fine dining at 1609 Bar and Restaurant with sunset views of Hamilton Harbour.
This exclusive luxury hideaway on Crete's northern coast opened its first pickleball court in May 2024 at its Racquet Club, which also has two tennis courts and a padel court. Guests of all ages and abilities can book the pickleball one for €40 per hour. If you wish to hone your forehand, guests can sign up to private sessions for €90 per hour or a complimentary 60-minute group clinic with the on-site coach, which is available from May to October. Off the court, Elounda Peninsula boasts an immense 420 sq ft pool overlooking a blue flag private sandy beach, a Six Senses Spa and four dining restaurants, including Elies Beach House, where the menu has been curated by the nutritionist and bestselling author Emily English.
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This prestigious eco-friendly resort boasts eight courts — two of which are dedicated to pickleball. One-on-one pickleball lessons, as well as private family sessions, can be booked at a cost ($100 for a 30-minute tuition or $200 for 60 minutes). However, the professional coaching clinics are only available Tuesdays to Friday from 10 to 11am or 4 to 5pm. Off-court activities include sailing lessons, a two-night sea-scape on a luxury catamaran or snorkelling along the half-mile wilderness beach, which is one of the world's best beaches. Alternatively, book a soap-making masterclass, enjoy a spa visit or have a Caribbean feast at six on-site restaurants.
Tucked beside an 18,000-acre nature reserve, Amanyara offers a private sanctuary to hone your pickleball technique. Its pickleball court — introduced in 2019 — joins the resort's four clay Har-Tru tennis courts, football pitch, comprehensive fitness centre, as well as Pilates, boxing and yoga studios. The Amanyara Legends Programme invites elite athletes, such as Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova, to lead exclusive retreats, while the pickleball professional Wes Burrows will helm an expert clinic in November. Although court access is complimentary for guests, coaching sessions start from $185 per hour — an investment if you're determined to win Amanyara's Pickleball Tournament. Elsewhere, explore the tropical landscape on a private eco-tour of the Northwest Point National Park, take to the waters on a paddleboard, kiteboard, kayak or Hobie Cat, or de-stress at one of the spa's four pavilions. Hungry pickleballers can enjoy the Asian-inspired menu at the Restaurant, a Mediterranean-centric menu at the Beach Club or the Bar's all-day dining. Private dining is also available.
