The Padel Phenomenon: Why Luxury Hotels Are Embracing the Fastest-Growing Racket Sport in the World
For luxury hotels, offering an exclusive experience to their high-end guests is a top priority. With the rise of padel as the fastest-growing racket sport in the world, many establishments are now incorporating this sport into their amenities. From Ireland's Adare Manor to the Parker Palm Springs, resorts and hotels worldwide have taken notice of padel's addictive nature.
Padel's unique blend of tennis and squash makes it a slower-paced game compared to its high-energy counterparts. With an underhand serving style and a smaller court size, padel is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed and social experience. The sport has gained popularity among hotel guests, who are drawn to its accessibility and ability to be played by people of all ages.
Adare Manor, Ireland's Adare Manor, was one of the first hotels to adopt padel as an amenity in 2021. Two indoor courts were installed, along with a gym, pool, and golf simulator. The hotel's general manager, Brendan O'Connor, attributes the sport's success to its lack of elitism and accessibility.
"We didn't have market research to tell us this was the next big thing," O'Connor says. "Anecdotally, we knew it was the fastest-growing sport in the world, but it was still very much in the Latin, Spanish, and Portuguese countries."
However, since its introduction, padel has become increasingly popular among hotel guests. The Adare Manor's visitors weren't initially convinced, but as interest grew, so did bookings.
"Over the first three years we had it, there was zero interest level, then a moderate level of interest," O'Connor says. "But now, we have a huge demand for padel lessons and sessions."
Other luxury hotels, such as Beaverbrook in Surrey, England, and Arev St. Tropez in France, are also jumping on the padel bandwagon. The boutique hotel was built with padel in mind and has become a major attraction.
"Our padel is not covered, so it depends on the weather conditions," says Jean-Marie Le Gall, general manager of Arev St. Tropez. "But people who are addicted to padel play all year long."
While some may view padel as just another fleeting trend in the world of sports and leisure activities, luxury hotels see its potential for growth and exclusivity.
"It's not really appropriate to show up at tennis courts and start swigging beers," says Brendan O'Connor. "But you're not offending anybody in padel because we're all writing the rules to how padel is played and how it is as a social game as we go along."
With its unique blend of strategy, social interaction, and relaxation, padel has become an essential amenity for many luxury hotels. As the trend continues, one thing is certain: padel will be a key part of the high-end experience in years to come.
For luxury hotels, offering an exclusive experience to their high-end guests is a top priority. With the rise of padel as the fastest-growing racket sport in the world, many establishments are now incorporating this sport into their amenities. From Ireland's Adare Manor to the Parker Palm Springs, resorts and hotels worldwide have taken notice of padel's addictive nature.
Padel's unique blend of tennis and squash makes it a slower-paced game compared to its high-energy counterparts. With an underhand serving style and a smaller court size, padel is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed and social experience. The sport has gained popularity among hotel guests, who are drawn to its accessibility and ability to be played by people of all ages.
Adare Manor, Ireland's Adare Manor, was one of the first hotels to adopt padel as an amenity in 2021. Two indoor courts were installed, along with a gym, pool, and golf simulator. The hotel's general manager, Brendan O'Connor, attributes the sport's success to its lack of elitism and accessibility.
"We didn't have market research to tell us this was the next big thing," O'Connor says. "Anecdotally, we knew it was the fastest-growing sport in the world, but it was still very much in the Latin, Spanish, and Portuguese countries."
However, since its introduction, padel has become increasingly popular among hotel guests. The Adare Manor's visitors weren't initially convinced, but as interest grew, so did bookings.
"Over the first three years we had it, there was zero interest level, then a moderate level of interest," O'Connor says. "But now, we have a huge demand for padel lessons and sessions."
Other luxury hotels, such as Beaverbrook in Surrey, England, and Arev St. Tropez in France, are also jumping on the padel bandwagon. The boutique hotel was built with padel in mind and has become a major attraction.
"Our padel is not covered, so it depends on the weather conditions," says Jean-Marie Le Gall, general manager of Arev St. Tropez. "But people who are addicted to padel play all year long."
While some may view padel as just another fleeting trend in the world of sports and leisure activities, luxury hotels see its potential for growth and exclusivity.
"It's not really appropriate to show up at tennis courts and start swigging beers," says Brendan O'Connor. "But you're not offending anybody in padel because we're all writing the rules to how padel is played and how it is as a social game as we go along."
With its unique blend of strategy, social interaction, and relaxation, padel has become an essential amenity for many luxury hotels. As the trend continues, one thing is certain: padel will be a key part of the high-end experience in years to come.
Luxury hotels are really jumping on the padel bandwagon! It's awesome that they're recognizing its addictive nature and making it an essential amenity for their high-end guests. The sport's slower-paced gameplay is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed social experience, and its accessibility makes it great for people of all ages 
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! Luxury hotels are really getting it right by incorporating it into their amenities. It's amazing how something as simple as an underhand serving style and smaller court size can make a game more accessible and social. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good game of padel with friends or family? 
The fact that it's not just for the young and athletic is a big plus - I've seen so many people in their 50s and 60s rocking up to play padel and having an absolute blast 
. It's all about creating those exclusive, high-end experiences that make hotels stand out from the crowd. And I gotta say, it's genius how they're writing the rules of padel as a social game - it's all about being inclusive and not offending anyone 
. Anyway, I'm loving this trend and can't wait to see where it takes us! 
?! it's like having your own private tennis/squash court with a 5-star hotel vibe 
. and the fact that it's not too intense or competitive makes it perfect for socializing & relaxation. hotels are getting smart by catering to their high-end guests' desires 
I mean, Adare Manor had indoor courts installed like 4 years ago and now they're getting booked solid for padel lessons and sessions. The fact that it's slower-paced than tennis or squash is actually what makes it so appealing to high-end guests who are looking for a more relaxed experience. And let's be real, the underhand serving style is a game-changer! 
I'm so done with these luxury hotels trying to make padel a thing. Like, can't they just leave tennis courts alone? 
They're already raking it in with golf and spa packages, now they wanna poach tennis fans with this new "sport". Newsflash: you don't need an indoor court or fancy amenities to play a great game of padel. Just get out there and hit some balls! 
I mean, I've heard some of these courts aren't even covered, so you're stuck playing in the rain or freezing your tail off. Talk about a deal-breaker for me... 
who's always showing up and being super inclusive 
. hotels are just recognizing that most people want a chill experience without breaking the bank 
, you know? plus its social aspect is huge 
people can meet new friends while getting some exercise 
. i've been to a few of these padel courts and they're actually super fun 
. maybe its not tennis or squash but it's def growing on me 
. And I love what Brendan O'Connor said about it not being elitist - that makes total sense. Plus, who doesn't love an underhand serve? 
and yeah no one wants to be that guy who's getting rowdy at a padel court... but when done right, it can be super chill and fun 
AND I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!!! IT'S LIKE, WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GOOD GAME OF CHALLENGE AND SOCIALIZATION AT THE SAME TIME?! hotels are getting in on the action and it's genius. i mean, who needs golf or tennis when you can have padel? it's like, a whole different vibe. and i love how it's becoming more mainstream. my friends and i will be at these luxury hotels, playing padel and drinking champagne 
... Sounds like a dream come true!
It's awesome that luxury hotels are embracing this sport and making it a part of their amenities. The fact that it's slower-paced than tennis or squash makes it perfect for socializing and having fun with friends or family 
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It's great that hotels are creating a welcoming atmosphere for people to enjoy this sport. Let's keep it coming, and I'll be sure to hit the courts with my friends soon