Pickleball might seem like a new concept to some, but in reality it’s been around for the better part of a decade. From the outset, telling anyone you enjoy playing pickleball risked some ridicule or chuckles. Pickleball had the same reputation as, say, someone who enjoys hitting the park for a little hacky sack.
But the joke’s on the jokesters. Pickleball’s gained significant steam in just the last few years. In fact, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Can’t tell? Hit up your trendiest neighborhood bars. You’ll likely find a bar that now features a pickleball court or two. They’re springing up everywhere in Austin, TX, where I own a home. Hospitality groups are now jumping on the trend, combining people’s love for travel and
Saturday, Aug. 8, is National Pickleball Day. It’s the perfect time to grab your favorite group, search for a
Below are a few places worth traveling to for pickleball.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Go big or go home, right?
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman oozes luxury at its finest. It’s located on Seven Mile Beach in the Caribbean, and the property features a myriad of experiences, including pickleball. There are five dedicated
Pickleball is an easy sport to pick up, which explains its massive popularity. For those who want to try their hand at tennis, the property also offers professional instruction for all ability levels. In fact, Nick Bollettieri created a custom tennis program, and it’s staffed by pros at his famed tennis academy in Florida.
The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa (Hot Springs, Virginia)
The Omni here has wowed visitors — and 24 U.S. presidents — for over 250 years in Hot Springs, Virginia. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains, The Omni’s new pickleball complex features six state-of-the-art courts, which are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What’s more, The Omni offers clinics, private lessons, and round-robin tournaments, all led by an expert team of racquet sport pros. The new courts expand The Omni’s list of outdoor experiences, which includes archery, skeet shooting, falconry, and golf; The Omni boasts that it’s home to the nation’s oldest first tee in continuous use.
Guests can also enjoy the bathhouses at the iconic Warm Springs Pools, or take a dip with the family at the two-acre water park.
Austin Pickle Ranch (Austin, TX)
Just 20 minutes outside of downtown Austin is an expansive facility for pickleball lovers. Austin Pickle Ranch caters to all levels, but its facility is at a pro level.
You can book a court at $12 an hour, or play in a tournament. Either way, expect comfort at this indoor facility during Austin’s blistering summers. Two outdoor courts are also available when the weather’s a bit more cooperative.
Founded by Tim Klitch, who is the general manager and part-owner of Major League Pickleball’s Texas Ranchers, this Austin-based complex offers memberships and clinics for those who want to up their game.
Need a place to stay? ROOST Rainey is a new design-forward property in the heart of downtown Austin on iconic Rainey Street. The property offers luxury apartment-style rooms and suites. There’s a stunning rooftop pool and bar to get away from all the lively Rainey Street District.
The property is within walking distance to the famed South Congress Avenue, filled with restaurants and bars. Within a 15-minute drive, you can also find yourself at The Yard at St. Elmo for more pickleball action, including at Ants Beer Cave.
ADERO Scottsdale Resort
Scottsdale is more than just golf and cactus. The pickleball craze has found its way to the desert. ADERO Scottsdale Resort, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, offers six
Enjoy scenic mountain views and the cool morning breeze from the courts at the crack of dawn. After working up a sweat, enjoy breakfast at CIELO, which overlooks the expansive pool below.
Stay on site in one of the 177 rooms, which includes 16 oversized suites with high, concrete ceilings to make you feel like you’re staying in a major metropolis. Downtown Scottsdale is a mere 10-minute drive.
Fun fact: ADERO is the only Autograph Collection destination in a certified DarkSky Community.
Casa de Campo Resorts & Villas, Dominican Republic
Located an hour outside of Punta Cana in La Romana, Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas offers the largest racquet center in the Caribbean, which includes 11 tennis courts, two padel tennis courts, and four pickleball courts.
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is massive, sitting on a whopping 7,000 acres. When you’re done with pickleball, enjoy a variety of on-site activities, including skeet shooting at the 245-acre Outdoor Shooting Center.
Fun fact: Every guest at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is given a golf cart as part of their stay to ride around the gigantic property. If you visit, be sure to check out the eight restaurants on the premises, including Lago, which overlooks the Teeth of the Dog, one of the property’s two stunning golf courses.
