travel
Padel academies in the sun
Annabel Croft Tennis Academy
Pine Cliffs, Algarve, Portugal
Nestled within the beautifully landscaped grounds of Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy offers one of Europe’s finest padel experiences. Surrounded by pine trees and just a short stroll from the beach, the academy blends luxury, expert coaching, and a welcoming atmosphere for players of all ages and abilities.
Croft, a former British No. 1 tennis player, rose to prominence in the 1980s. She won the girls’ titles at Wimbledon and the Australian Open in 1984, and claimed her sole WTA title at the Virginia Slims of San Diego in 1985. At her peak, she reached a world ranking of No. 24. Retiring at just 21, Croft transitioned into a successful media career, becoming a popular TV presenter and respected tennis pundit.
In recent years, Croft has become a passionate advocate for padel, helping to raise its profile across the UK and Europe. As one of the first ambassadors for Game4Padel, she has actively promoted the sport through public events, media outreach, and grassroots development, positioning her as a key figure in padel’s growing popularity.
Her academy at Pine Cliffs features four tennis courts – two red clay and two hard – and four premium padel courts, all overseen by a professional coaching team trained in the Annabel Croft methodology – a system built around movement and repetition.
Padel sessions emphasise precise footwork, tactical positioning, and consistent shot-making. Coaches help players master the enclosed court environment, using walls strategically and developing quick reflexes through high-volume drills. Small group sizes (typically 1:4) ensure personalised feedback and a supportive learning environment. The methodology fosters confidence and enjoyment, maintaining the academy’s signature blend of energy, discipline, and fun.
The academy offers both weekly and weekend training packages for adults. Sessions run Monday to Friday in the mornings, with select weekend options throughout the year. Guests can book private lessons, join group clinics, or take part in social matches arranged by the academy’s friendly staff.
The resort also offers adult weekend retreats, including a 10-hour coaching course focused on fundamentals and tactical development. These retreats combine sport and relaxation in a luxurious setting, ideal for short active breaks.
With world-class coaching, a stunning coastal setting, and an expanding padel programme, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy shines as one of Europe’s top destinations for players looking to elevate their game under the Algarve sun.
Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort
Costa Blanca, Spain
Set between the golden sands of the Costa Blanca and the rolling greens of its championship golf course, Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort is fast becoming one of Europe’s premier destinations for padel enthusiasts. Located just south of Valencia, this five-star resort offers a seamless blend of sport, relaxation, and authentic Spanish charm – with padel at the heart of its active lifestyle offering.
At the heart of the resort’s offering are seven pristine outdoor padel courts, designed by Padel Courts Deluxe and set against a backdrop of palm trees and sea breeze. But it’s not just the setting that sets Oliva Nova apart – it’s the coaching.
For those seeking a full-throttle padel immersion, the Active Away hosted padel holidays deliver a curated experience that blends expert instruction with Mediterranean indulgence. Over three or four days, guests are guided through a progressive training programme led by PadelMBA-certified coaches, whose combined experience spans decades and disciplines. Mornings begin with focused drills and tactical workshops; afternoons shift to match play, Americano-style tournaments, and skill-matched games. Evenings? Think poolside tapas, sunset cocktails, and laughter echoing from the courts.
Each holiday is hosted, meaning guests are supported both on and off the court – from airport transfers to restaurant reservations. The vibe is inclusive, energetic, and tailored to every level, whether you’re a padel newcomer or a competitive club player looking to sharpen your edge.
For guests not joining a full holiday, Oliva Nova offers a flexible suite of Game4Padel coaching options. Coaching is led by Stephen Cutler, a passionate padel instructor whose approach focuses on developing each player’s game through tailored one-on-one sessions and dynamic group clinics. His philosophy blends technical precision with team-based strategy, creating an environment that’s both supportive and energising. Guests can also take part in Americano-style tournaments, social matches, and padel-themed events throughout the week.
Beyond padel, the resort offers a wealth of amenities: an 18-hole golf course, a state-of-the-art gym, a renowned equestrian centre, and direct beach access just minutes from the courts. After a morning of rallies, guests can unwind with a cocktail by the pool, indulge in local cuisine at one of the resort’s restaurants, or explore the nearby towns and coastal trails.
With its expert coaching, top-tier courts, and idyllic location, Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort offers a padel experience that’s as refined as it is exhilarating. Whether you’re chasing improvement or simply chasing the sun, this Spanish gem delivers padel in paradise.
Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa
Murcia, Spain
Set within 1,400 acres of sun-drenched Murcian countryside, where the Mediterranean breeze meets the rugged beauty of Calblanque Regional Park, the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa is a destination that blends sport, serenity, and sophistication. Long celebrated for its championship golf courses and award-winning spa, the resort has recently emerged as a premier padel hub – offering elite facilities and immersive coaching programmes that rival Europe’s best.
The resort’s Racquets Club is a cornerstone of its sporting legacy. With 26 tennis courts, a pickleball court, and now ten floodlit padel courts, it’s a haven for racquet sport enthusiasts of all levels. The padel courts, built to professional specifications, are surrounded by landscaped gardens and Mediterranean architecture, creating a setting that’s as inspiring as it is functional.
Central to the padel offering is the 5-Day Adult Padel Academy, a structured programme designed for players seeking to elevate their game. Held Monday to Friday, the academy delivers expert-led coaching focused on technique, tactical awareness, and match play. Players are grouped by ability, ensuring personalised instruction that covers everything from bandejas and volleys to strategic positioning and mental resilience. With a maximum of four players per group, the experience is intimate, focused, and tailored to individual progress.
Beyond the academy, guests can enhance their experience with private coaching sessions, take part in social match play, or effortlessly book courts through the Playtomic app – all while enjoying exclusive discounts for the duration of their training programme. The resort also hosts seasonal tournaments and padel-themed events, adding a vibrant, competitive edge to its leisure offering. A partnership with Game4Padel connects La Manga to a wider European padel network, reinforcing its status as a leader in the sport’s development.
Yet padel is just one thread in La Manga’s rich tapestry. The resort features three championship golf courses, a 9-hole pitch and putt, and the Arabian-inspired Spa La Manga Club, where hydrotherapy pools, thermal circuits, and signature treatments offer deep relaxation. Dining options range from fine Mediterranean cuisine at Amapola to casual tapas at La Bodega, while the newly renovated Grand Hyatt interiors reflect a blend of contemporary elegance and regional charm.
Whether you’re rallying on court, unwinding in the spa, or sipping sangria at sunset, Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa offers padel not just as a sport—but as part of a luxurious, holistic escape.
Aphrodite Hills
Cyprus
Perched on a sunlit plateau overlooking the Mediterranean, Aphrodite Hills Resort is Cyprus’s crown jewel of luxury and leisure. With its award-winning golf course, five-star hotel, and a spa scented with citrus and sea breeze, the resort has long been a magnet for travellers seeking elegance with a sporty edge. But in recent years, it’s the rise of padel tennis that’s added a fresh pulse to this Mediterranean escape.
At the heart of the resort’s racquet sports offering is the Aphrodite Hills Tennis Academy, a professionally run complex featuring nine tennis courts – five plexi-cushion hard courts and four European red clay courts – and now, nestled beside the Tennis and Soccer Academy are three high-spec padel courts.
The academy’s padel programme is impressively versatile. Guests can choose from private coaching sessions, group courses, or simply hire a court to play with friends and family. Coaching is available for beginners looking to grasp the basics, as well as for seasoned players aiming to refine their technique. The resort’s instructors are known for their friendly, professional approach, blending tactical insight with a relaxed, holiday-friendly vibe.
The padel facilities are part of a broader commitment to sport and wellness at Aphrodite Hills. The resort is home to the PGA National Cyprus Golf Course, a Cabell B. Robinson-designed masterpiece, as well as a state-of-the-art gym, basketball court, cycling centre, and equestrian academy. For those seeking balance, daily sessions in yoga and Pilates are offered, along with indulgent treatments at the Retreat Spa, which overlooks fragrant gardens and the shimmering sea.
Dining is equally diverse, with restaurants serving everything from traditional Cypriot fare to Indian, Italian, and Asian cuisine. Families are also well catered for, with a dedicated children’s club and a range of activities for all ages.
Whether you’re chasing rallies on the padel court, teeing off at sunrise, or unwinding with a glass of wine under the stars, Aphrodite Hills Resort offers a lifestyle that’s active, elegant, and effortlessly Mediterranean. For padel lovers, it’s not just a place to play – it’s a place to belong.
