In the world of luxury hospitality, a new sport has emerged as a must-have amenity: padel. This fast-growing racket sport has taken Europe and beyond by storm, with hotels and clubs jumping on the bandwagon to offer their guests an exciting new way to stay active and socialize.
Padel is a game that combines elements of tennis and squash, but with some key differences. Played on a smaller court, serving is underhand, and the scoring system is similar to tennis. A match can last around an hour, making it an ideal activity for those looking for a fun, low-key experience. And with its social aspect, padel has become a popular choice among hotel guests who want to meet new people and have a great time.
Adare Manor in Ireland was one of the first hotels to offer padel as an amenity, debuting their indoor courts in 2021. General Manager Brendan O'Connor credits the sport's accessibility and lack of elitism for its rapid growth in popularity. "We didn't have market research to tell us this was the next big thing," he says. "But we're glad we did it because today, it's a very accepted racket sport."
While initially met with skepticism by guests, Adare Manor's padel courts quickly won over fans, and now they're fully booked. The hotel's instructor, Mark Beckett, reports that once someone takes two or three lessons, they become hooked. Other hotels are following suit, including Beaverbrook in England, which estimates its padel court is at 80-90 percent occupancy.
Arev St. Tropez, a luxury hotel built with padel in mind, has seen guests book slots months in advance. The hotel's General Manager Jean-Marie Le Gall attributes the sport's success to its family-friendly nature and lack of emphasis on agility. "Padel is not really focused on the younger generation," he says.
While some may view padel as a passing fad, hotels and clubs seem convinced otherwise. Even tennis stars like Andy Murray have invested in padel companies, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the sport. And with its relaxed atmosphere and social aspect, it's no wonder padel has become a favorite among luxury hotel guests.
As O'Connor puts it, "Padel is not really appropriate to show up at... courts and start swigging beers." But that's exactly what makes it so appealing β it's a sport that lets you have fun without taking yourself too seriously. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new hobby, padel has something for everyone.
In the world of luxury hospitality, padel is proving to be nearly as essential as turn-down service or a high-end spa. So if you're planning your next trip, don't be surprised if you spot padel courts at your destination. It's time to give this fun and social sport a try!
Padel is a game that combines elements of tennis and squash, but with some key differences. Played on a smaller court, serving is underhand, and the scoring system is similar to tennis. A match can last around an hour, making it an ideal activity for those looking for a fun, low-key experience. And with its social aspect, padel has become a popular choice among hotel guests who want to meet new people and have a great time.
Adare Manor in Ireland was one of the first hotels to offer padel as an amenity, debuting their indoor courts in 2021. General Manager Brendan O'Connor credits the sport's accessibility and lack of elitism for its rapid growth in popularity. "We didn't have market research to tell us this was the next big thing," he says. "But we're glad we did it because today, it's a very accepted racket sport."
While initially met with skepticism by guests, Adare Manor's padel courts quickly won over fans, and now they're fully booked. The hotel's instructor, Mark Beckett, reports that once someone takes two or three lessons, they become hooked. Other hotels are following suit, including Beaverbrook in England, which estimates its padel court is at 80-90 percent occupancy.
Arev St. Tropez, a luxury hotel built with padel in mind, has seen guests book slots months in advance. The hotel's General Manager Jean-Marie Le Gall attributes the sport's success to its family-friendly nature and lack of emphasis on agility. "Padel is not really focused on the younger generation," he says.
While some may view padel as a passing fad, hotels and clubs seem convinced otherwise. Even tennis stars like Andy Murray have invested in padel companies, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the sport. And with its relaxed atmosphere and social aspect, it's no wonder padel has become a favorite among luxury hotel guests.
As O'Connor puts it, "Padel is not really appropriate to show up at... courts and start swigging beers." But that's exactly what makes it so appealing β it's a sport that lets you have fun without taking yourself too seriously. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new hobby, padel has something for everyone.
In the world of luxury hospitality, padel is proving to be nearly as essential as turn-down service or a high-end spa. So if you're planning your next trip, don't be surprised if you spot padel courts at your destination. It's time to give this fun and social sport a try!