Padel Is the Racquet Sport Taking Over Luxury Resorts — Here's Why

Move over, pickleball. Padel — the high-energy hybrid of tennis, squash, and racquetball — is becoming the latest must-have amenity at upscale hotels and resorts.

The Parker Palm Springs recently replaced its red clay tennis courts with dedicated padel courts, joining a growing list of luxury properties betting on the sport's appeal. It's a signal of where hospitality trends are heading.

Padel is played in doubles on a compact enclosed court surrounded by glass and mesh walls. Players use solid, perforated rackets and lower-pressure balls. The serve is underhand, the learning curve is gentle, and the ball bounces off walls to keep rallies alive — making it accessible to first-timers while still rewarding skilled players.

That low barrier to entry is exactly what resorts are banking on. Unlike tennis, which can intimidate casual players, padel invites guests to pick up a racket and start playing within minutes. The enclosed court design also creates a natural social hub, with spectators watching from just feet away — often with a drink in hand.

The sport's roots trace to Mexico in the late 1960s, but it exploded in Spain and Latin America before crossing into the American market. Global padel participation now exceeds 25 million players.

For resorts, the math works: padel courts require less space than tennis courts, generate strong guest engagement, and photograph well for social media. Expect to see padel programs expand across destination properties in 2026 and beyond.