Pickleball at Club Med: The Hottest Sport in the Sunniest Destinations
- Valerie Mayer
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 29
What happens when you blend the finesse of tennis, the energy of badminton, and the quick reflexes of ping-pong? You get pickleball, a paddle sport that’s easy to pick up, wildly fun to play, and now available in some of the world’s most beautiful vacation destinations.
Pickleball has taken the world by storm, and Club Med, the pioneer of all-inclusive resorts and unforgettable active getaways, is bringing it courtside to your next sunny escape. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player, pickleball at the all-inclusive Club Med makes for a vacation that’s as exciting as it is relaxing.
So, What Exactly Is Pickleball?
At its core, pickleball is a fast-paced game played on a small court, about the size of a badminton court, with a solid paddle and a plastic ball that looks a bit like a wiffle ball. The net is low, and while you can play singles, most people play in doubles, which makes the game even more social and fun.
The game begins with an underhand serve, which must be hit diagonally. Once the serve is in play, both sides must let the ball bounce once before hitting it in the air, a rule that keeps rallies interesting and accessible for beginners. And then there’s the quirky “kitchen”—a seven-foot no-volley zone near the net that prevents overly aggressive net play.
Scoring is simple: games are usually played to 11 points, and only the serving team can score. But the real magic of pickleball isn’t in the rules, it’s in how easy it is to learn and how hard it is to stop playing once you start.
Pickleball vs. Padel: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse pickleball with another fast-growing sport, padel, but they are quite distinct.
Pickleball is typically played on an open court with no walls, using a lightweight paddle and a perforated plastic ball. It’s highly accessible, with a lower learning curve, and is loved by players of all ages—especially those new to racket sports.
Padel, on the other hand, is played in a walled court about a third smaller than a tennis court, and the ball can bounce off the glass walls, similar to squash. The game uses a pressurized tennis ball and involves more angles and strategy. It's especially popular in Europe and Latin America and tends to appeal to seasoned tennis players looking for a new twist.
Both sports are great workouts but pickleball’s accessibility and social energy make it a better fit for many vacationers, especially those seeking a dynamic yet laid-back sport.
Why Is Pickleball So Popular All of a Sudden?
There’s no single reason behind the pickleball craze, it’s the perfect blend of physical activity, social connection, and pure fun. With just a few minutes of instruction, nearly anyone can join a game. It is low-impact, easy on the joints, and can be as fast-paced or relaxed as you like.
The sport has also become a social movement. Doubles matches foster community and camaraderie, and many players find themselves forming lasting friendships both on and off the court. Add in the sport’s affordability, adaptability, and celebrity appeal, and it’s easy to see why pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in North America.
More than just a game, pickleball is a mood booster, a cardiovascular workout, a stress reliever, and a fun way to stay active on vacation.
Pickleball at Club Med: Where Sport Meets Paradise
True to its spirit of active living, Club Med offers the best resorts with pickleball in stunning beachfront destinations across the Americas. Whether you're traveling with friends, your partner, or planning an all-inclusive pickleball vacation for the whole family, you’ll find beautifully maintained courts, free equipment (paddles and balls), instruction suited for every level and even friendly competitions.
Let’s take a tour of the best all-inclusive Club Med resorts to play pickleball.
Club Med Cancún, Mexico
The all-inclusive Club Med Cancún resort is a pickleball paradise, with 10 dedicated outdoor courts, complimentary gear, lessons for beginners, and weekly tournaments open to players of all levels.
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupté Lagoon, Club Med Cancún offers the ultimate mix of sport and beachside bliss. When you're not on the court, enjoy white sand beaches, explore Mayan ruins or dive into family-friendly activities. Want luxury? Head to the Jade Exclusive Collection for a more elevated experience.
Club Med Turkoise, Turks and Caicos (Adults Only)
For adults seeking sun, sea, and a little friendly competition, the all-inclusive Club Med Turkoise delivers. With 10 outdoor pickleball courts, live entertainment, and cocktails at sunset, it's a top destination for adults who want to combine sport with sea side relaxation.
Set along the pristine Grace Bay Beach, this resort offers a stress-free way to experience pickleball at Club Med in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth.
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Perfect for all-inclusive family vacations, Club Med Punta Cana features 8 pickleball courts, friendly instruction, and endless activities. Set on 100 acres of palm-lined Caribbean coastline, it’s a dream for active families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Enjoy snorkeling, sailing, and immersive cultural activities between matches.
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic
An eco-chic gem on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, the all-inclusive Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda offers a boutique resort experience with 4 outdoor courts, beginner instruction, and a vibe that’s both sophisticated and laid-back. Play a few matches in the morning, then head to treetop yoga, open-air wellness treatments, or a beachside soirée as the sun dips below the horizon.
It’s a boutique all-inclusive pickleball vacation for those who crave something meaningful and serene.
Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico
Located between golden beaches and the Sierra Madre mountains, the all-inclusive Club Med Ixtapa Pacific offers 8 pickleball courts and a laid-back atmosphere full of nature and culture. It’s an ideal place for beginners to learn or for seasoned players to stay sharp.
Plus, in this family resort, you can snorkel in crystal-clear bays, watch baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean, or kayak to a nearby island between your games.
Club Med La Caravelle, Guadeloupe (French Caribbean)
With 2 pickleball courts and an occasional clinic for beginners, the all-inclusive Club Med La Caravelle offers a casual introduction to the sport in one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant cultural destinations.
Immerse yourself in French Creole culture, explore rainforests and coral reefs, and indulge in French-Caribbean cuisine between beach strolls and matches.
Grand Slam Moment: Eugenie Bouchard x Club Med
In 2024, Club Med partnered with tennis star Eugenie Bouchard—now a professional pickleball player—to host a masterclass in Montreal. The event, held at Club Atwater, marked a new era in Club Med sports activities and raised the profile of the sport across Canada and beyond.
“Pickleball is an incredibly fun way to stay active and connect with others,” said Bouchard. “Teaming up with a brand that makes these experiences accessible in some of the most stunning destinations has been truly special.”
This partnership not only highlights the growing prestige of the sport but also reinforces Club Med’s commitment to wellness, community, and active travel.
Your Next Match Awaits
Whether you’re rallying under the Caribbean sun, learning your serve in a peaceful cove, or meeting fellow players at a sunset social, pickleball at the all-inclusive Club Med brings a whole new layer of joy to your travels.
Perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers, pickleball is easy to learn, fun to play, and included in your stay. So pack your paddle—or borrow one from the resort—and get ready to fall in love with the sport that’s changing the vacation game.
Paddle up, contact us to book your resort, and let the fun begin!
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