A growing number of luxury travellers are planning holidays around padel, the fast-growing racquet sport that has become one of the world’s biggest lifestyle trends. From the Mediterranean and the Middle East to Australia and the United States, luxury resorts, private clubs and exclusive hotels are investing heavily in padel courts to attract affluent travellers seeking active, social experiences alongside traditional luxury.
Originally developed in Mexico and popularised in Spain, padel combines elements of tennis and squash. Played mainly in doubles on an enclosed court with glass walls, the game is easier to learn than tennis while remaining fast-paced and highly social. Its accessibility has helped drive explosive growth, with millions of players now participating worldwide.
Luxury hotels have embraced the trend by incorporating designer padel courts, professional coaching, tournaments and wellness programmes into their guest experiences. Premium destinations in Spain, Italy, France, Dubai and the United States increasingly promote padel as part of their lifestyle offerings, alongside golf, spa retreats and fine dining. For many affluent travellers, the sport has become another reason to choose one destination over another.
Celebrities, professional athletes and business leaders have also fuelled padel’s popularity. High-profile figures including footballers, Formula One drivers and entertainers regularly share their matches on social media, helping transform the sport into a symbol of modern luxury and networking. Private clubs frequently use padel courts as social spaces where members combine exercise with business meetings and leisure.
Industry analysts say the sport’s rapid expansion has created new investment opportunities. Developers are building dedicated padel clubs, residential communities with private courts and destination resorts centred around racquet sports. Investors are also backing equipment brands, coaching businesses and tournament organisers as participation continues to grow globally.
Travel experts believe padel is more than a passing trend. As luxury tourism increasingly focuses on wellness, community and memorable experiences rather than traditional sightseeing alone, the sport is becoming a defining feature of premium travel. For today’s jet set, a holiday is increasingly as much about playing a morning match on a world-class padel court as relaxing by the pool.
