In recent years, pickleball has transformed from a backyard pastime to a global sensation, captivating players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity surges, luxury resorts and accommodations worldwide are taking note, integrating world-class pickleball courts and experiences into their list of opulent amenities.

Travelers seeking both relaxation and an invigorating game no longer need to compromise. Delve into the world of high-end hospitality that’s serving up a delightful blend of luxury and sport, showcasing accommodations that are setting new standards in leisure and play.

The Phoenician – Scottsdale, Arizona

Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, the AAA Five Diamond Phoenician seamlessly blends modern luxury with the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Featuring a Forbes Five Star spa, an outstanding 18-hole golf course, and a comprehensive athletic club with tennis and pickleball courts, the Phoenician stands out as a premier destination in the Greater Phoenix area.

The Phoenician’s guests receive daily pickleball court access and equipment to enjoy the game with views of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding Sonoran Desert. After a leisurely pickup game or perfecting their shot, guests can experience the adjacent Athletic Club with amenities ranging from fun to fitness, sunbathe at the property’s multi-tiered pools, or relax with treatments at the spa. Lush desert landscaping that complements the unparalleled views, LED motion sensor lighting, beautifully kept courts, permanent nets, and a pro shop; The Phoenician has it all. 

“Over the past 2 years we have fielded 10x more calls regarding early court bookings, lesson inquiries and general local PB information. Pickleball is such a family friendly game that it captures a much wider audience. It has become a big part of the new modern travel itinerary.”   – Dan Kilen Head Pro, Tennis and Pickleball, The Phoenician 

Pickleball information: 

• Featuring nine courts – seven for tennis and two for pickleball on the property 
• Guests can play a friendly game together or sign up to take professional, instructor-led lessons.
• Guests under the Resort Fee receive daily tennis court access and equipment use for one hour. 

Brasada Ranch – Central Oregon

Brasada Ranch, a renowned resort in Central Oregon, features incredible panoramic views of the Cascade Range on its nearly 2,000 acres of land and offers diverse luxury accommodations ranging from boutique lodge suites to cabins. It also offers a wide range of activities, including pickleball. The resort has seen a general demand for pickleball and has responded by recently adding four brand-new courts with shaded outdoor seating areas. 

Additionally, Brasada Ranch hired a professional pickleball player for lessons and clinics and has partnered with Revolin Sports to provide high-end, eco-friendly paddles. The resort also hosts corporate buyouts for retreats and has accommodated events such as renting the courts for a 32-team bracket playoff. 

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club – La Jolla, California

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club saw the demand and is increasing court coverage to meet it. Director of Tennis, Conan Lorenzo, says this about the increase in pickleball at their property:

“Since 2014 we have been seeing a gradual increase in the desire for pickleball courts from our local Beach Club members and travelers staying at the hotel. However, at the time we considered ourself to be a ‘tennis purist’ spot and continued to exclusively offer courts to play tennis.

“In 2022 the demand for pickleball became so much that we decided to add a new pickleball pavilion area, featuring two new courts as well as two new pickleball certified pros to our teaching staff and pickleball attire and gear in our retail outlet. The pickleball additions have been met with extreme praise from young and seasoned pickleball fans and travelers looking to try their hand at the sport.”

Arizona Biltmore – Phoenix, Arizona

“Pickleball has been wildly popular at Arizona Biltmore, as the resort has seen a 187% increase in use of our pickleball courts year over year, comparing April, May, and June 2022 to the same three-month period in 2023. There’s been a 1000% increase comparing the first six months of 2022 to the first six months of this year.” – Director of Racket Sports, Brendan Easterling, Arizona Biltmore 

Arizona Biltmore’s brand-new tennis and pickleball courts are now open for private lessons with PBI professionals, group instruction and open court play. All skill levels and ages are welcome. Basic and professional grade paddles are available to rent on property. 

With four hard courts, comprehensive programming, and an impressive PBI professional, the Arizona Biltmore is the best place for pickleball play. 

Known for its striking architecture influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Arizona Biltmore has welcomed numerous notable guests over the years and boasts a rich history. Nestled in the heart of Phoenix on 39 acres, this oasis offers over 700 updated guest rooms, seven inviting pools, diverse dining options, a thrilling 65-foot waterslide, two top-notch golf courses, expansive meeting and event spaces, and a newly established spa. Truly, the Arizona Biltmore stands as a cherished gem in Phoenix.

The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, Colorado

“Pickleball has become so popular at The Broadmoor that we have expanded our programming by adding pickleball camps and tournaments throughout the year,” says Karen Schott, Director of Racquet Sports at The Broadmoor. “Today, The Broadmoor’s courts are frequently booked, especially during the summer months.”

The Broadmoor’s pickleball program has grown to include:

• Pickleball clinics have been added to the daily schedule, adding at least 250 hour hours to their existing capacity.

• Known for their tennis camps, this year The Broadmoor added pickleball camps to the schedule and have conducted two pickleball tournaments.

• They’ve also conducted dozens of corporate pickleball tournaments, pickleball wedding clinics and pickleball events for family reunions.

Destination Kohler – Kohler, Wisconsin

“We offer many different Wellness opportunities across the resort at Destination Kohler for our leisure and business travelers, and I’m happy to say that Pickleball has become a much larger feature in our guests’ daily schedules,” says Ashley Kohler, Director of Wellness at Destination Kohler.

In addition to its popular pickleball program, Destination Kohler boasts a one-of-a-kind property for guests to enjoy.

Destination Kohler came from humble beginnings, first constructed as a dormitory for Kohler, Co. employees in Wisconsin in 1918. The American Club, as it was called, included a pub, bowling alley, and barbershop and was the centerpiece of John Michael Kohler’s 50-year City Plan. Believing “workers deserved not only wages, but roses as well,” Kohler tapped the Olmsted renowned landscape architects the Olmsteds (the visionary behind Central Park) to design a beautiful space that would nourish the soul. 

Today, that simplicity of beauty is preserved throughout the Village of Kohler, and the humble dormitory is now The American Club Hotel and Resort, the first and only Forbes Five Star hotel in Wisconsin. Located one hour north of Milwaukee and two and a half hours north of Chicago, the sprawling property features well-appointed accommodations, twelve superb dining establishments, championship-level golf (home of the 2021 Ryder Cup), and world-class wellness amenities.  

In 2017, Kohler Co. opened LODGE KOHLER, a AAA Four Diamond property, in the heart of Titletown, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Sister property, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, resides in St. Andrews, Scotland, the birthplace of golf, and is recognized as one of the more luxurious resorts in the world.  

ADERO Scottsdale Resort – Scottsdale, Arizona

A hidden gem perched 2,500 feet above the rugged Sonoran Desert, ADERO Scottsdale Resort is a modern desert sanctuary located in one of only 34 Dark Sky Communities in the world. Spread across 17 wide-open acres, the property overlooks Arizona’s famed Four Peaks and features six pickleball courts. The property offers rental equipment available for daily play amid ADERO’s stunning desert backdrop.

“Our pickleball courts continue to be a favorite amenity and the demand is evident when reading guest reviews,” says Michael Valentino, Director of Sales and Marketing at ADERO Scottsdale Resort. “We’ve seen an increase in pickleball mentions over the past few years! Paired with ADERO’s other recreational highlights – multiple resort pools, nearby hiking and mountain biking trails, golf course within walking distance, and more – the property is a leisure traveler’s playground.

“The sport has taken off, and we’re so glad we were ahead of the curve when deciding to convert the tennis courts back in 2020! ADERO offers free rental equipment (paddles, etc.) available for daily play amongst our desert backdrop, so guests don’t have to worry about bringing these items in their luggage. We also offer instructor-led clinics, that can be booked upon check-in, at no cost, for those who want to perfect their technique.”

Perfect for guests to enjoy when away from the pickleball courts, the 177-key resort also includes:

• 16 oversized suites
• Three dining concepts
• Two swimming pools and a secluded mountainside hot tub
• A 5,300 square-foot fitness facility 
• A spin studio outfitted with 11 Peloton bikes at The Club at ADERO
• Desert inspired body and facial treatments at The Spa at ADERO
• Guided stargazing onsite with local experts (one has a former affiliation with NASA)
• Access to an onsite nature walks and hiking across the surrounding area’s 400 miles of well-maintained trails and exceptional mountain biking

Lansdowne Resort – Leesburg, Virginia

Lansdowne Resort added three pickleball courts to its net program in 2023.

Due to the popularity of their pickleball clinics this summer, the resort will be organizing a pickleball league this Fall led by the resort’s tennis pro, Khamp Bounkong.

Says Bounkong, “Our demographic for pickleball is trending more between 30-45 years of age and Beginner to Advance Intermediate.  We do have a few high-level players. We are currently putting a developmental program together to help these competitive players to higher levels.”

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa – Phoenix, Arizona

Set on 316 acres of sweeping Sonoran Desert, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa embodies all things luxury, recreation and rejuvenation. The resort offers an on-site spa, championship golf at Wildfire Golf Club, five pools, a lazy river and an assortment of dining options. Guest rooms and suites feature private balconies or patios with dramatic vistas and mountain views, for the perfect desert getaway.  

The JW Marriott and Resort Pickleball Club is a private membership club that is committed to growing the sport of pickleball by connecting the community of players and offering a new and unique experience for players of all ages, skills and desires. The JW Marriott Pickleball Club offers world class instruction, full-service competition events and memorable, fun social events for guests and party groups. 

Pickleball information: 

• JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa features the most pickleball courts at a luxury resort in the country, with 17 courts, including an expansive Center Court.  
• The racquet center offers pickleball gear and accessories in its pro shop as well as a full-time, certified pickleball instructor. Pickleball professional available for lessons 

Ace Pickleball Club – Roswell, Georgia

Lastly, though not a resort, we felt it deserves mentioning. Introducing Ace Pickleball Club, the new state-of-the-art indoor pickleball company founded by longtime pickleball fans Jay Diederich and Joe Sexton!  Ace Pickleball Club, which opens its first location in Roswell, GA, on July 22nd, will follow its expansion by opening 30+ new franchises across the US – in 8 states!

Pickleball lovers of all ages and skill levels can expect a streamlined membership pricing model, readily available premium courts, and numerous opportunities to learn, compete and socialize. Ace Pickleball Club will host an active schedule of clinics, leagues, camps, and tournaments as well!

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This article was produced by Our Woven Journey. Featured Image Credit: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa