Padel has taken the world by storm, becoming the fastest-growing racket sport globally. This sport, which combines elements of tennis and squash, is now being adopted by luxury hotels around the globe. Adare Manor in Ireland was one of the early adopters, introducing padel courts to its guests in May 2021.
The sport's popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of social interaction and accessibility. Padel requires four players, making it an ideal team sport that encourages bonding and camaraderie. The smaller court size also means less running is required, making it more accessible to older players or those who are less athletic.
While some luxury hotels have been on the trend longer than others, almost all have seen a significant uptick in interest in padel over the past few years. Hotels like Beaverbrook in Surrey, England, and Arev St. Tropez in France, offer courts with varying levels of success. The latter's guests often book court time before arriving, indicating a strong demand for the sport.
The trend is not limited to hotels; even tennis players like Andy Murray are investing in padel-related ventures. Padel's social aspect, flexibility, and lack of elitism have made it an attractive option for many.
Padel has also spawned a business model that relies on word-of-mouth referrals, with coaches generating new clients through personal connections. As Matt Mistri, a London-based padel coach, aptly puts it, "I call it a pyramid scheme in a good way... People want to play padel, both at home and on holiday."
The inclusion of padel courts in luxury hotels has become an essential amenity for many guests. The sport's social nature makes it a great way to unwind and enjoy time with friends and family, all while staying active.
As the trend continues, it will be interesting to see how hotels adapt their offerings to meet the demand. With padel's growing popularity, it's clear that this sport has become an integral part of the luxury hotel experience β at least for now.
The sport's popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of social interaction and accessibility. Padel requires four players, making it an ideal team sport that encourages bonding and camaraderie. The smaller court size also means less running is required, making it more accessible to older players or those who are less athletic.
While some luxury hotels have been on the trend longer than others, almost all have seen a significant uptick in interest in padel over the past few years. Hotels like Beaverbrook in Surrey, England, and Arev St. Tropez in France, offer courts with varying levels of success. The latter's guests often book court time before arriving, indicating a strong demand for the sport.
The trend is not limited to hotels; even tennis players like Andy Murray are investing in padel-related ventures. Padel's social aspect, flexibility, and lack of elitism have made it an attractive option for many.
Padel has also spawned a business model that relies on word-of-mouth referrals, with coaches generating new clients through personal connections. As Matt Mistri, a London-based padel coach, aptly puts it, "I call it a pyramid scheme in a good way... People want to play padel, both at home and on holiday."
The inclusion of padel courts in luxury hotels has become an essential amenity for many guests. The sport's social nature makes it a great way to unwind and enjoy time with friends and family, all while staying active.
As the trend continues, it will be interesting to see how hotels adapt their offerings to meet the demand. With padel's growing popularity, it's clear that this sport has become an integral part of the luxury hotel experience β at least for now.