Maybe you’re obsessed with this increasingly popular activity, or maybe you’re thinking “what the heck is pickleball??”
You may have thought it a sport for seniors, but Pickleball is actually (and actively) enjoyed by people of all ages, all over the world.
In a Nutshell: Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, WA, Pickleball is an indoor or outdoor racket/paddle sport where two players (singles), or four players (doubles), hit a perforated hollow polymer ball over a 36-inch-high net using solid-faced paddles (similar to ping-pong paddles). Opponents on either side of the net hit the ball back and forth until one side commits a rule infraction. In 2022, pickleball was adopted as the official state sport of Washington.
So now you’re likely thinking “Hey, that sounds like fun! Where can I play Pickleball on vacation?“
We’ve rounded up the best Caribbean all-inclusive resorts where you can play Pickleball
Where to Play Pickleball on Vacation
While you can likely play Pickleball anywhere that a tennis court exists (which includes many all-inclusive resorts), some resorts will set aside time on their tennis courts for Pickleballers. Check before you book because at some you’ll need to bring your own Check Pricespickleball paddles and balls, but we’ve rounded up a list of the best all inclusive resorts where you can play Pickleball without being chased off the courts by tennis lovers.
Sandals South Coast, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Also, Sandals Resorts recently became the “Official All-Inclusive Resort” of USA Pickleball, and have significantly upgraded their courts, equipment, and staff training – so you won’t be left feeling like the tennis players’ poor cousin. Drink in the respect, pickleballers.
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 12 dedicated pickleball courts (the largest count in their portfolio), all with professional lighting for night play.
- Inclusions: Unlimited play, USA Pickleball-approved equipment (paddles/balls), and a weekly “Intro to Pickleball” group clinic are all included.
- The Catch: Popular morning times can fill up; use the resort app to reserve your court early.
- Best For: Serious players who want a “pro” atmosphere and high-volume play.
Sandals Ochi Beach, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Oh, and did we mention that Sandals Resorts recently became the “Official All-Inclusive Resort” of USA Pickleball? Yep, every Sandals Resort has jumped on the Pickleball bandwagon. Make that a Pickle wagon.
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 4 dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets, fully lit for evening matches.
- Inclusions: All equipment and court time are included. Part of the new USA Pickleball partnership programming.
- The Catch: The resort is massive; the courts are located in the Great Hill area, which may require a short shuttle ride from the beachside rooms.
- Best For: Social players who want to mix their dinking with a lively, party-vibe atmosphere.
Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 2 multi-purpose courts shared with tennis, available for night play upon request.
- Inclusions: Court time, paddles, and balls are included. Private lessons with the resident pro are also complimentary.
- The Catch: Because they are multi-purpose, you’ll want to book your time slot to ensure the nets are set up for pickleball.
- Best For: Couples looking for a classic, romantic vibe with a few casual matches sprinkled in.
Couples Swept Away, Jamaica
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 4 dedicated pickleball courts located within the massive 10-acre sports complex. All are lit for night play.
- Inclusions: Everything is included—paddles, balls, and even private instruction with professional coaches.
- The Catch: The sports complex is across the street from the beach side of the resort (accessible via a private tunnel).
- Best For: True athletes. This is arguably the best sports-focused all-inclusive in the Caribbean.
St. James Club, Antigua
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 3 dedicated pickleball courts.
- Inclusions: Equipment is provided at the fitness center. Use of courts is included in the all-inclusive rate.
- The Catch: Courts are popular in the late afternoon; there is no professional lighting, so plan for daylight play.
- Best For: Families and active groups who want a secluded, boutique feel.
Pineapple Beach Club Antigua
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 6 dedicated pickleball courts, making it one of the top spots in Antigua.
- Inclusions: All-inclusive play and equipment. They often host “Pickleball Weeks” with visiting pros.
- The Catch: It’s an older, “authentic” Caribbean style, so don’t expect ultra-modern stadium seating.
- Best For: Dedicated “Pickleball Tourists” who want a community of fellow players.
The Verandah Antigua
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 4 dedicated pickleball courts, all lit for night play.
- Inclusions: Equipment is included. The resort has a “Pickleball Concierge” to help arrange matches.
- The Catch: The resort is very hilly; the walk to the courts can be a workout in itself.
- Best For: Adults-only groups who want a mix of privacy and active social play.
Hammock Cove Antigua
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 2 regulation-size dedicated pickleball courts.
- Inclusions: Premium equipment and court time.
- The Catch: With only two courts at this ultra-luxe boutique, you’ll need to coordinate with the other villa guests.
- Best For: Luxury travelers who want a private plunge pool after their match.
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 2 dedicated outdoor hard courts with permanent lines and nets.
- Inclusions: Use of courts, rackets, and balls are fully included in the room rate.
- The Catch: While court time is free, private lessons with their resident pros carry an additional fee.
- Best For: Players who appreciate a high-end, classic resort atmosphere with a serious “tennis-pro” level of service.
Majestic Resorts, Punta Cana, DR
All three Majestic Resorts together share four (4) Dedicated Pickleball Courts, along with other shared facilities and amenities such as the Spa and Fitness Center and a quaint shopping district called “Caribbean Street”. In April 2024 Majestic updated all four pickleball courts, including new paint and upgraded fences. Courts are open from 700am-600pm daily.
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 4 dedicated courts (updated with new surfacing and fencing).
- Inclusions: Equipment and play are included for guests of all three resorts.
- The Catch: Courts are open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM only (no night lights).
- Best For: Groups of friends – with kids and without – staying across the different Majestic properties.
Margaritaville Island Reserve, Cap Cana, DR
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 2 dedicated courts located in the “Sports Hub.”
- Inclusions: Paddles and balls are included; the vibe is very casual “pick-up and play.”
- The Catch: It’s more of a social/family activity here than a competitive tournament environment.
- Best For: Casual players who want a margarita immediately after their final set.
Dreams Jade, Riviera Cancun, Mexico
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 2 multi-purpose courts shared with tennis, available for daytime play.
- Inclusions: All equipment (paddles and balls) is provided at no extra cost through the resort’s “Unlimited-Luxury” program.
- The Catch: There is no professional lighting for these courts, so make sure to get your matches in before the sun goes down.
- Best For: Families and “casual dinkers” who want to squeeze in a game between the pool and the mini-golf course.
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, Mexico
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 2 dedicated pickleball courts, plus 4 tennis courts with pickleball line markings for high-demand days.
- Inclusions: Use of professional-grade equipment and court time is fully included for all guests.
- The Catch: The resort is relatively new, and while the courts are pristine, the lack of shade around the sports area means you’ll want to play early in the morning.
- Best For: Couples looking for a brand-new, modern adults-only retreat with plenty of court availability.
AVA Resort Cancun, Mexico
- The Courts: 5 dedicated, professional-grade pickleball courts with tournament-quality lighting.
- Inclusions: High-end paddle rentals and court time are included in the all-inclusive rate.
- The Catch: Because the resort is brand new and “the place to be,” the courts are in high demand; booking via their app is a must.
- Best For: Trendsetters and serious players who want the absolute latest in resort luxury.
Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres, Mexico
- The Courts: 4 dedicated pickleball courts with hard-surface professional coating and lights.
- Inclusions: Basic court time and equipment are included for Grand Palladium and TRS Yucatan guests.
- The Catch: The tennis center is shared with the neighboring TRS property, so it can get busy during peak holiday weeks.
- Best For: Players who want a professional sports facility tucked inside a lush, eco-friendly luxury resort.
ZEL Punta Cana (Meliá), Dominican Republic
- The Courts: 6 dedicated pickleball courts (part of a larger complex with tennis and padel), all floodlit for evening play.
- Inclusions: Court access is included for guests; however, specialized training clinics with Academy-certified coaches may incur an extra fee.
- The Catch: It is a high-performance center, so it can feel a bit more “intense” than your average vacation hit-around.
- Best For: Competitive players looking for professional instruction and top-tier facilities.
Majestic Elegance, Costa Mujeres, Mexico
But of course who has time for beach-walking when there’s pickleball to be played, right?? The Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres has 2 courts, shared by both tennis and pickleball players, along with gear if you don’t bring your own.
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 2 dedicated courts with professional surfacing, plus access to shared multi-purpose courts.
- Inclusions: Free court time and equipment. They also offer complimentary group pickleball lessons for beginners!
- The Catch: Private 1-on-1 lessons are available but come with a surcharge ($).
- Best For: Social players who want to join group clinics and meet other guests to play with.
Moon Palace, Cancun, Mexico
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 6 dedicated courts located near the Sunrise section.
- Inclusions: Part of the “all-inclusive” fun. Professional paddles are available at the towel hut.
- The Catch: Can be very windy due to the open coastal location; early morning play is best.
- Best For: Families who want a “mega-resort” experience with endless activities.
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Bahamas
Fast Facts
- The Courts: 4 dedicated outdoor hard courts with permanent lines and nets. They are located near the tennis complex and are lit for night play.
- Inclusions: Use of courts and basic equipment (paddles/balls) is included. They also offer “introductory lessons” as part of their daily activities program.
- The Catch: It is a high-energy family resort; courts can get busy with “first-timers” during the middle of the day.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers and families who want to try multiple sports (like trapeze and paintball) alongside pickleball.
ClubMed (some, various locations)
Fast Facts
- The Courts: Varies by location, but the “Big Four” are impressively equipped: Cancun (10 courts), Turkoise (10 courts), Punta Cana (8 courts), and Michès Playa Esmeralda (4 courts). Most are lit for night play.
- Inclusions: Court access, premium equipment, and—true to the Club Med brand—expert group “schools” or clinics for all skill levels are included.
- The Catch: Because they focus heavily on group lessons, “Open Play” might be restricted to specific time blocks. Check the village schedule.
- Best For: Social travelers and “active learners” who want high-quality instruction and a massive community of players.
The Pickleball Suitcase: Packing Tips for the Tropics
While most resorts provide the basics, the Caribbean heat and humidity require a little extra preparation. Here’s what you should toss in your bag to stay ahead of the game:
- Court Shoes vs. Running Shoes: This is the #1 mistake guests make! Running shoes are designed for forward motion; pickleball requires lateral (side-to-side) movement. Pack a pair of dedicated court shoes to prevent rolled ankles and provide better grip on the hot hard-court surfaces.
- Replacement Overgrips: In the 90% humidity of Mexico or Jamaica, your paddle handle will get slippery fast. Bringing a few extra “tacky” overgrips will keep the paddle from flying out of your hand during a smash.
- High-Visibility Sunglasses: The tropical sun is blinding. Look for polarized lenses with a rose or amber tint—they help the neon yellow ball pop against the blue sky and green courts.
- Small Microfiber Towel: Don’t rely on the bulky beach towels the resort provides. A small, lightweight cooling towel that you can keep in your bag is a lifesaver between games.
- Travel-Sized Electrolytes: All-inclusive drinks are great, but the sun and sport will dehydrate you faster than you think. Bringing your own electrolyte packets (like Liquid I.V. or LMNT) ensures you aren’t “bonking” by the third set.
- A “Nipple” of Sunscreen: Specifically for your ears and the back of your neck. When you’re focused on the “Kitchen,” it’s easy to forget how much sun those areas are taking!
Wanna learn the Pickleball lingo?
Don’t sound like a n00b! Here’s a downloadable glossary of terms you’ll want to know: Pickleball Terminology
Pickleball Etiquette Guide
If you’re new to the sport, you’ll want to know the commonly accepted “Do’s” and “Don’ts”, grab this downloadable guide to Pickleball Etiquette
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