Pickleball is considered to be the fastest-growing sport in the country. Described as a combination of badminton, pingpong and tennis, the game is popular within multiple age groups. Here are five ways to fold the popular sport into your next vacation.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix
Perfect your pickleball skills during a stay in this sun-drenched Arizona resort where 17 lighted courts and a full-service pro shop await. Sign up for group or individual instruction with a certified instructor or play your own game with the family. Later, the gang can cool off in the lazy river, frolic on the serpentine water slide or the kids splash pad or simply soak up the sun. Book some spa time or a round on the championship Wildfire golf course. Hike on nearby mountain trails or indulge with a day of shopping, a sport for which Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale are famous. Ask about special packages, onsite walking trails and bike rentals.
For more: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxdr-jw-marriott-phoenix-desert-ridge-resort-and-spa/
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
For the active family, a holiday in this sunny spot will make choosing the next activity a challenge. Picklers will want to head to the sports club, where experienced pros provide individual and group lessons. Ask about Pickleball Sundays, when players of all levels gather. Beyond the courts, explore lush mangroves, a pristine coastline, walking and biking trails, snorkeling, diving and cooking classes. The resort is also known for its world-class golf experience. While on property, families will have the opportunity to learn about the local Mayan culture
For more: www.banyantree.com
La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, Calif.
Visit this 45-acre, desert oasis for a hefty dose of sunshine and non-stop sporting opportunities. Long a getaway spot for Hollywood hot shots, the Palm Springs-area playground is well-known for top-notch golf and tennis. Now, thanks to the addition of eight pickleball courts, you can learn the game or perfect your skills. The resort’s staff of certified pickleball professionals will be on hand to offer lessons, clinics or simply encouragement. Pickleball courts are available daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. If your clan is inclined to indulge in a multisport vacation, book tee times for any of their five award-winning golf courses, play tennis, hike or spend time in and around the 41 pools in the complex.
For more: https://www.laquintaresort.com
Omni Amelia Island Resort, Amelia Island, Fla.
With 3 1/2 miles of pristine beach, abundant native wildlife and a pristine environment, this barrier island, located off the coast of northeast Florida, has been luring families for decades. Spend time kayaking through the marshlands, splash in the resort pools or tee it up for world-class golf. When it’s time to pull out the paddles, you’ll find seven hard pickleball courts (with permanent lines and nets) surrounded by a canopy of oak trees. Improve your skills via clinics that nurture beginners as well as advanced players. Stop by the pro shop to inquire about court time and rental equipment.
For more: www.omnihotels.com
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Wing your way to Curtain Bluff, a laid-back but luxurious resort on the south side of Antigua. It’s an enchanting, 72-room all-inclusive experience that offers extensive water sports including water-skiing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, paddleboating and sailing. When you are ready for some time on terra firma, pull out your paddles and head to the pickleball court. While the kids enjoy the Cee Bee Camp activities, relax in a hammock you’ll find tucked within the palm trees or spend an afternoon at the spa, where open-air massages provide a perfect end to a sports-filled day.
For more: www.curtainbluff.com
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Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com.
