Key Takeaways
- Golf-themed vacations remain popular, but a rising trend is playing pickleball in-destination.
- Many resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean have built noteworthy pickleball courts, attracting a new kind of niche traveler.
- ALGV narrows our internal list of 140+ to spotlight the top ten properties with the most unique and best pickleball courts.
The game of pickleball is more than a trend – it’s here to stay. Or, in the case of this roundup, it’s game to go!
A fusion of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, played using wiffle balls on a smaller-than-tennis but similar court, this sport was first introduced in 1965 but suddenly experienced explosive popularity in the 2020s, particularly during the pandemic. With singles and doubles play possible, it was an ideal way to get some outdoor recreation that also allowed them to socialize and maintain distance in the open air.
Now considered the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with over 13.6 million participating, more and more beach and all-inclusive resorts have answered the demand, building pickleball courts to ensure enthusiasts can spend their leisure time playing their favorite sport. Courts in vacation destinations have now have gotten as nice as the hotels they were made for. The same way golf players travel all over to seek out the best courses in the world, pickleball players are also creating travel bucket lists for courts more memorable than their best games. In fact, group trips based around pickleball tournaments are on the upswing, the same way leisure golf groups began.
From rooftop courts and ocean views to mountain vistas and glow-in-the-dark events, these ten pickleball courts are worth traveling to.
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, Maui
Eleven courts certified by a USTA-certified facility make Maui an enthusiast’s dream.
This resort’s pickleball courts are an attraction in and of themselves, located at the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch. Managed by USTA Hawaii Pacific as of 2024, all 11 pickleball courts have been resurfaced as of August 2025 for a truly world class experience.
Back at the resort, it’s easy to reset a sense of place with the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows’ entertainment and wellness program. Live Hawaiian music nightly, performed through the sunset with the ocean as an additional backdrop and the Myths of Maui luau remind you of the island’s magic, especially when you combine the latter with the whale watching program. Fitness events like mat Pilates and treatments at the spa keep players in peak form … as do restful nights in Lahaina Kai Tower rooms, whose lanais overlook Ka’anapali Beach and the islands of Lanai and Molokai, or bungalows that can accommodate your whole pickleball team, whether that’s two or 18 people, and come with perks like daily buffet breakfast, beach activity credit, local chocolate amenity, and more.
JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar, Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo & Maya
Former host of the Pickleball in Paradise event in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
A whopping 12 total vibrant turquoise and coral dedicated pickleball courts makes the all-inclusive resorts in this mega-complex a headliner and an easy choice for a pickleball playing active retreat for all budgets. The adults-only JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar is the top of the line option on these grounds, with four courts for its guests; family-friendly Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo and Iberostar Selection Maya has great amenities for all ages, including eight courts of their own. And across the brand, there’s also an eco-friendly approach that adds a side of conscientiousness to every game … and every element of their stay. This means sustainable sourcing for seafood, active care for the coral reefs in the oceans close to their properties, a circular waste structure on the properties to help conserve resources and minimize waste, and protection for local plant and animal life.
Additionally, guests of these three properties can take advantage of amenities of the other hotels in the megacomplex, including a water park with slides, an ocean wave simulator, lazy river, Star Camp for kids, spa, and a wide range of restaurants as well as a double digit numbers of bars.
TRS Turquesa Hotel
With eight courts to play, this resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic leads the pack.
Part of the Palladium Hotel Group, the TRS Turquesa Hotel is a gem in the Punta Cana complex that houses the Grand Palladium Select Bavaro and Family Selection at Grand Palladium Select Bavaro; Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa; and Grand Palladium Palace Resort & Spa. It’s the most luxurious of the group, with butler service, access to over 15 restaurants and bars, and accommodations and grounds (unironically) beautiful enough to have been chosen as the setting for season six of the hit reality romance show “Love is Blind.”
The eight dedicated pickleball courts on the property are part of the expansive sports facilities of the complex, and the premier pick for the island nation. Set not too far from the walled and grassy tennis courts, and walking distance from the pristine sandy beach through pathways of lush tropical greenery. Water sports, fitness classes, basketball, beach volleyball, a soccer field, and more round out the options for active pursuits, but the resort also shines for leisure. With an array of dining options, access to those of its sister resorts, a spa, night club, and casino, the amenities keep it from becoming a single-note trip, no matter how often you book the court.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Eight oceanside courts and nine tennis courts make this Waimea, Big Island pair primed for play.
Guests of these two hotels only have access to the facilities of the Mauna Kea Resort area on Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast, creating an exclusive enclave for prime pickleballing in Hawaii. The Seaside Racquet Club, where the courts are located, has been named one of the top five tennis destinations in the world, and their secondary court sport takes its cue from that high bar. In fact, they’ve been recently renovated for even more satisfying play overlooking the ocean.
Guests can continue their quest for wellness by staying at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, whose freeform and adults-only infinity pools, on-site Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, WestinWorkout Center, Crossfit Studio, and upscale spa support active leisure with contemporary Hawaiian style. On the other hand, the newly renovated Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, has just undergone a $200-million renovation for added modern luxury indoors and out, as everything from rooms to the spa has been refreshed – even the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed golf course has been updated by his equally lauded son. New features include an oceanfront fitness center, adult lap pool, and salon, but Laurance Rockefeller’s art collection and island-inspired dining remain beloved signatures of this historic property.
Riu Negril
Two new courts led the list of upgrades to this recently renovated property on Bloody Bay, Jamaica.
RIU Hotels & Resorts was an early adopter of pickleball for their demographic of fun-loving guests, and on the West Coast, the three courts at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas (shared by neighboring Riu Santa Fe and Riu Palace Baja California) are often fully booked and in high demand. Riu Ventura’s two courts in Cancun also stays busy, and in that same region, Riu Palace Mexico’s single court is also bookable by guests of Riu Yucatan, Riu Playacar, Riu Tequila, and Riu Palace Riviera Maya. However, at the recently renovated Riu Negril in Jamaica, there are two snazzy courts exclusively for that all-inclusive, family-friendly property.
Other notable features to complement that active lifestyle include the RIU Fit program, updated fitness center, scuba diving, and participation in the RIU Party schedule. Relaxation between matches can be found at the solarium, on in-pool loungers, the Renova Spa, eight restaurants, six bars, and pint-sized fun at RIULand for the littles.
Secrets & Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resorts
Three modern courts help this recently built pair of resorts shine just outside of Puerto Vallarta.
Over a dozen Hyatt Inclusive Collection Unlimited-Luxury® resorts, ranging from Secrets® and Dreams® Hotels & Resorts properties to Hyatt Ziva and Vivid brands, have been equipped with modern pickleball courts. Narrowing the best of the brand down to this pair of adjacent sister resorts was a tough task. We had to weigh its facilities against rooftop courts like that of Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen and Dreams Jade Resort & Spa in the Riviera Maya, newly renovated ones such as the one at Dreams Aventuras, and the modern, art-driven one at Dreams Vista Cancun. However, the three courts at this duo outshined them with their quantity, pristine condition, sun-lit play, and periodic complimentary clinics.
Court time is bookable through the Hyatt Inclusive Collection app while there or in advance, or through the concierge of the property you choose. Remember, the Dreams brand is family-friendly luxury while Secrets is reserved for adults only, but fee-form exchange privileges provide adults with 11 gourmet restaurants to fuel up at after the courts close at 5 PM. Guests of both also share the jogging path that winds through the mountains, access to a nursery with over 4,000 species of local plants, fitness center, and the Secrets Spa by Pevonia®. Preferred Club accommodations at both amplify the amenities.
Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Four fully lit courts in Mazatlan with evening hours let you play with peak form at your peak times.
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort in Cabo San Lucas may have the claim of the newest pickleball courts in the brand’s portfolio and it may be one of the arguably most photogenic ones thanks to the property’s hillside architecture and rows of palm trees, but us? We love Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa in Mazatlan for the odds. With four courts located on the property and sharing privileges only with Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan (whose guests shuttle over to avail themselves of this amenity), reserving a court time takes less luck and less effort. Plus, like all of the courts across all Pueblo Bonito resorts, including the four also at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, they’re fully lit to allow for evening play, even further increasing your likelihood of securing a preferred play time.
Warm up for your game walking through lush, mature gardens and past graceful neoclassical architecture recalling Old Mazatlan. This AAA Four Diamond Award-winning resort is also family-friendly and all-inclusive, with access to 10 total restaurants and 6 total bars if you count the sister properties. And the water features! The resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean and its private beach, two pools, koi ponds as water features, and even free access to Gran Acuario Mazatlan, the largest aquarium in Mexico, for all guests.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya by Karisma
For more color in your game, these two courts are the way to glow.
This resort brand has a penchant for fun and games, so it’s no surprise that they’ve picked up the pickleball craze and added more elements of whimsy to it. Every Friday, both of their bright blue courts take on other hues as Glow in the Dark becomes the theme for evening games. Games are played to set lists spun by local DJs and spectators are welcome to sip on special cocktails made for the occasion at this adults-only all-inclusive resort.
For the rest of the week, there are attractions like the on-site brewery, LandShark Brewery & Grill, evening bonfires, and other novelties. Annually, guests can look forward to recurring events such as the Summer of Music, Timeless Tunes in Paradise, Tropical Oktoberfest, and Margarita Month. But as fitting for a luxury all-inclusive, an on-site spa, gorgeous fitness center with an outdoor terrace, and spacious, coastal-themed suites are also among the amenities.
Bonus pick! Dreams® Aventura Riviera Maya (pictured below) also has a bright showing for this option. 
El Dorado Royale and Casitas Royale
Every day is a chance to play a tournament on these shared courts in the Riviera Maya.
Pickleball players seeking the thrill and social aspect of tournament-style play should opt for either of these resorts Lomas Hospitality in the Riviera Maya, where every morning, friendly play-offs kick off at 9 AM. Hosted by the entertainment team, this informal experience lets everyone join, play, engage, and cheer on fellow guests. As for the rest of the day, the three courts are available for open play from 9 AM to 4 PM, with equipment and shuttles from neighboring properties to El Dorado Royale are provided.
Both are fantastic for couples and put romance at the forefront, even without the friendly competition. Exchange privileges between the two are available, multiplying the dining and drinking options, along with amenities like modern fitness centers and beachfront space.
Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Play into the sunset as you elevate your game and view.
Many of the properties on this list stand out for their quantity as well as quality of pickleball courts, but this one makes their single court stand out with one of the most spectacular courtside views in existence. Built on the rooftop of this luxury adults-only resort, a pristine panorama of lush jungle foliage spreads out as far as the eye can see as the ocean sparkles gently on the other side of the resort. All the experts say that sunset is the court time you want to reserve at this property, so book it ASAP.
For the rest of the day, there’s beach volleyball, an artificial grass tennis court, half basketball court, and – as befits a resort named Haven – a sophisticated fitness center with facilities that make working out feel like a treat and yoga classes that enhance wellness on several dimensions. Meanwhile, upscale accommodations, including 114 swim-out suites with heated pools, and available upgraded amenities for Serenity Club suites such as extended room service, complimentary green fees and golf cart at El Tinto Country Club, complimentary water journey experiences at the spa, exclusive restaurants, and more add ways to kick back and relax between matches.
The Bottom Line
As the fastest-growing recreational sport in the United States, pickleball has shown enough momentum and staying power for beachfront and sun-and-sand resorts to invest in offering professionally designed pickleball courts as a guest amenity. ALGV’s top picks for pickleball enthusiasts include all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and other destinations in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and hotels in Hawaii, providing a wide range of places to book for clients who want to play hard while on vacation.
