Pickleball fever has arrived in Mexico. And it continues to spread, as more hotels install courts and offer classes and events designed to attract players from around the world.
The surging popularity of pickleball in Mexico is underscored by the launch of the Pickleball Federation of the Americas in April, the result of a partnership of the national governing bodies for the sport in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
The new organization is staging the Americas Championship Nov. 26 to Dec. 2 at the Cabo Sports Complex in Los Cabos. The multiday event will include competitions, clinics, parties and fundraising activities for Save the Children and the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation. Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos and Hacienda del Mar Resort Los Cabos, both of which have pickleball courts, are partner hotels for the event.
Resorts Offering Pickleball
Even those who don’t attend the championship event will find more opportunities than ever to play pickleball around Mexico, notes George Aballi, owner of Connection to Cruise, a NEST-affiliated agency in Redlands, California.
“Interest in visiting Mexico on pickleball trips is growing fast,” Aballi said. “The country has everything travelers want: wonderful weather, easy access from both the East and West coasts, great resorts in places such as Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta and, of course, pickleball courts. I’ve been booking pickleball trips there for many years and have had a very good experience with resorts hosting my groups.”
Interest in visiting Mexico on pickleball trips is growing fast … I’ve been booking pickleball trips there for many years and have had a very good experience with resorts hosting my groups.
As more hotels and resorts recognize the sport's growing appeal — and as enthusiasts make it a central component of their vacations — Mexico properties are taking steps to offer pickleball as a recreational activity, as well as building relationships with top-tier teaching pros to attract travelers, Aballi added.
“They also understand the importance of attracting repeat pickleball business,” he said.
Aballi has booked various hotels around Mexico for his pickleball-playing clients, including Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, which is located near Cancun, and Cabo Blanco Hotel & Marina, a resort near Manzanillo that has six pickleball courts and hosts tournaments.
At Club Med Cancun, guests can take pickleball lessons or participate in tournaments.
Credit: 2023 Melanie Rodriguez/Club MedNew Pickleball Courts
New pickleball facilities continue to debut around the nation. Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, for example, introduced a pickleball court last year. And Las Alamandas in Costalegre will open two courts in November in response to guest demand, according to hotel management.
On the Caribbean coast, Club Med Cancun recently unveiled four new pickleball courts. The Cancun property now joins Club Med Ixtapa Pacific in offering free daily pickleball lessons and tournaments for guests.
Los Cabos continues to be a popular destination for fans of the sport. Acre Resort, for example, has two pickleball courts, while Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection has three clay pickleball courts and offers open play, clinics and private classes for beginners and advanced players. Instructors are certified by the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association.
Acre Resort in Los Cabos has two pickleball courts.
Credit: 2023 Acre ResortAccess to courts and clinics is free at Montage Los Cabos, where group and private lessons are also available. Marquis Los Cabos, meanwhile, has a multi-use outdoor court for pickleball and tennis.
Farther south on the Pacific coast, Conrad Punta de Mita has two courts and offers clinics several times per week.
Pickleball fans looking for expert guidance with their game may want to consider a visit to the town of Tecate in Baja California, where Rancho La Puerta has six lighted courts and hosts Pickleball Specialty Weeks throughout the year, during which professional players lead classes. Roundtrip Saturday transportation between the hotel and the San Diego Airport is included in a Pickleball Specialty Week stay, as are a choice of 40 daily fitness classes, guided meditation, guided sunrise mountain hikes and three meals per day.
Upcoming Pickleball Specialty Weeks at Rancho La Puerta are scheduled for Dec. 30, 2023, with Roger BelAir; Jan. 27, 2024, with Vicki Foster; and Feb. 24, 2024, with Mo Garcia.
