Padel is the new it-girl amenity at luxury hotels

"At its core, padel is a doubles sport played on a small enclosed court, blending elements of tennis and squash. It's easy to learn, low-impact, and inherently social - three reasons it's resonating with a generation of travellers increasingly drawn to movement, community, and connection, says Krieger. It requires less training than tennis, and isn't as overly saturated as pickleball. As a result, it seems to be filling a peculiar gap at just the right time."

"According to recent reports, "sports-tripping," or planning getaways around sporting events, is the next great travel movement. The global sports tourism market is expected to surpass £1.5 trillion by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global travel industry. Padel, for its part, travels exceptionally well: The court size is small, the equipment is minimal, and the gameplay is intuitive - ideal for guests living out of a suitcase and resorts focused on lean, elegant design."

"A few years ago, padel was a niche sport known mostly in Spain, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America. Today, it's becoming one of the most sought-after experiences in high-end travel. From coastal Portugal to the Maldives and across the US, padel courts are appearing as an amenity to travel for, widely in luxury hotels and resorts. But this isn't just the latest hospitality gimmick - it's a reflection of changing traveller priorities."

Padel has transitioned from a niche regional sport to a rapidly expanding global pastime and a sought-after luxury travel amenity. The sport is a doubles game on small enclosed courts combining tennis and squash elements. It is easy to learn, low-impact, social, and requires less training than tennis while being less saturated than pickleball. Padel appeals to travelers seeking movement, community, and connection. Sports-tripping is growing, with global sports tourism projected to exceed £1.5 trillion by 2030. Padel's compact courts, minimal equipment, and intuitive play suit suitcase travel and lean resort design, prompting luxury properties worldwide to install custom courts.

Read at CN Traveller