If you’re one of the more than 36.5 million pickleball fans who hit the courts last year — or want to be — here’s some delightful news. You can play on vacation too. And the pickleball perks at California’s resorts are frankly off the charts, complete with courtside bars, ocean views and even rooftop play.
Played on a smaller-scale court, tennis’ younger sibling uses a paddle, instead of a racket, and Swiss cheeselike plastic balls, instead of those bouncy fuzzy ones, resulting in a game that’s incredibly fun. (Just be careful with those knees and ankles, says Benjy Robins, tennis director at CordeValle Resort in San Martin. “Warm up, stretch a little, be smart,” he advises, lest your game land you in urgent care.)
Here’s where to stay and play.
Napa wine and pickleball
A day in Napa Valley typically includes long leisurely days of wine tasting and exploring the luxe towns that dot the region. But for a bit more physical activity — and perhaps a way to sweat out some of that cab — book a package at Napa’s Carneros Resort and Spa to check out their new dedicated pickleball courts at the entrance to the 28-acre property.
What makes these courts stand out is the courtside Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar & Lounge, perfect for après-game sipping and snacking. The Rally, Relax and Repeat experience ($200 and up, available for non-hotel guests as well) is designed for up to four people, making for a fun bonding experience with 90 minutes of dedicated court time, Champagne bottle service and a light food pairing menu with veggie, meat and cheese boards on offer. For anyone looking for extra playing time, Carneros also provides weekly drop-in practice sessions with expert instructors. And if you overdo it, book a spa appointment up at the top of the hill with outstanding views and a killer pool scene.
Other perks: Two-time James Beard award winner Chris Bianco just opened his first resort partnership at Carneros, taking over the property’s reimagined FARM restaurant, which has undergone extensive, recent renovations. Produce from the onsite organic garden is showcased on the menu’s offerings, which are inspired by the Arizona chef’s Tratto restaurant concept in Phoenix.
Details: Rooms typically start at $629, but the current Carneros Escape package starts at $525 (two-night minimum) at the Carneros Resort, 4048 Highway 12 in Napa. A complimentary breakfast buffet of quiche, charcuterie, cured salmon, pastries and more is served in the Hilltop dining room each morning. Find hotel details at https://carnerosresort.com and pickleball information at carnerosresort.com/napa-experiences/pickleball/.
Santa Cruz paddles and views
Chaminade Resort & Spa, which sits on a hill above the Santa Cruz coastline, underwent a big upgrade two years ago, restoring its 1930s Spanish Revival architecture with some revisions to spiff things up for the modern day. A second pool area and a new poolside restaurant and bar have made this a very popular spot above the fog line during the summer months.
What many people don’t realize is that the property includes tennis and pickleball courts. Visitors can book sessions with on-site instructor and tennis pro Brice Chevalier, a French expat who provides plenty of insight about the new pickleball takeover — and you won’t leave without learning how to serve.
Other perks: The property’s hilltop location affords incredible views of Santa Cruz and the ocean beyond, with the aptly named The View restaurant and bar perched perfectly for sipping as you gaze at the sunset and, if you’re lucky, listen to live music.
The recently renovated pool area, complete with new cabanas and special programming, make this a great place to bring the kids.
Details: Rooms start at $190. 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz; www.chaminade.com
West Hollywood rooftop smash
The La Peer Hotel, a boutique Kimpton property in West Hollywood, recently unveiled its Center Court for pickleball fans. The rooftop court features a bevy of experiences, from cocktails and city views to a very happening scene that includes a recent partnership with Grey Goose and a “Disco Court” party complete with DJ and disco ball on weekend evenings.
Adding to the appeal — and in contrast to many other properties — hotel guests don’t need reservations to use the La Peer rooftop courts from 7 to 11 a.m. (unless the space has been reserved for a private rental).
Other perks: Helmed by Lebanese chef Charbel Hayek, season 5 winner of “Top Chef Middle East,” the hotel’s Ladyhawk restaurant opened in November with an enticing Eastern Mediterranean menu of mezzes and platters.
And the pulse of city life, especially here in the thick of West Hollywood’s Design District, makes this a great neighborhood to explore after that pickleball game.
Details: Rooms start at $392. 627 N. La Peer Drive, West Hollywood; www.lapeerhotel.com
San Martin clubs and racquets
Part of the charm of arriving at the CordeValle resort in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains is discovering a hidden-away oasis. The secluded, meandering, 1,700-acre property offers hiking trails, expansive views of oak-studded hills and vineyards, and 45 newly renovated guest rooms. It’s also a bustling golf course and pickleball hot zone.
The resort and golf course are owned by Hasso Plattner, owner of the San Jose Sharks, so sports are certainly an emphasis here. His wife is a huge pickleball enthusiast, so there are plans to add eight new courts to the existing four Plexicushion tournament courts. Coach Benjy is onsite to help resort guests with packages that include court time and skills-enhancing workshops. (The resort spa will help soothe any sore joints afterward.)
Other perks: The resort’s amenities, which are open to hotel guests only, include a spa, restaurants, those pickleball courts and an 18-hole, par 72, championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It’s a stunner.
CordeValle’s three restaurants, including the fine-dining Cal-Ital destination, Il Vigneto, are led by newly appointed executive chef Nicola Cavicchini.
Details: Rooms start at $795. 1 CordeValle Club Drive, San Martin; www.cordevalle.com
Half Moon Bay ritzy play
The cliffside location of the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, with the public coastline trail at its edge and dining adventures at Navio, are reason enough to save up for a stay. But the recent unveiling of four new pickleball courts are the cherry on top.
These new lighted courts, with views of the crashing waves as you serve, are at the Half Moon Bay Tennis Academy facilities and can be booked as part of the pickleball packages available for guests at the hotel, with private lessons on offer as well.
Other perks: A live bagpipe player comes out at sunset to herald the twilight spectacle.
Navio, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, offers memorable tasting menus — and the over-the-top weekend brunch is not to be missed.
Details: Rooms start at $734. 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay; www.ritzcarlton.com
