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Game, Set, Setting

From cliffside rallies to seaside dinks, these pickleball and tennis courts serve serious views

Jarone Ashkenazi
Jarone Ashkenazi

Feb 10, 2026

•

6 min read

As the Australian Open brings the world’s attention back to the geometry, grace, and drama of the court, it is worth remembering that tennis, and its fast-rising cousin, pickleball, are not reserved for stadiums or center court heroes. You do not need to be Roger Federer, Carlos Alcaraz, or either of the Williams sisters to play somewhere extraordinary. Around the world, courts appear in places that feel almost improbably beautiful: perched above turquoise coastlines, framed by alpine peaks, or tucked into historic cities. Here, the setting is as much a part of the experience as the scoreline.

Designing a court is an exercise in constraint. Dimensions are fixed. Orientation is prescribed. Lines and nets are universal. And yet, within those rigid parameters, architects and hoteliers have found room for poetry. The most compelling courts marry precision with place, proving that function and beauty are not opposing forces. A rally feels different when played against snow-capped mountains or centuries-old stone, when the pause between points includes a horizon rather than a backstop.

These are places built for serious play and unhurried pleasure alike; where a morning match gives way to a long lunch, and where every serve is framed by a view worth remembering. From remote islands to storied European lakes and far beyond, these courts turn a game into a destination, a match into a memory. Start planning racquet-themed itineraries here.

Photo: Ricky Monti, Passalacqua

Passalacqua

Lake Como, Italy

Positioned at the edge of the hotel's terraced gardens, Lake Como's 'infinity court' sits with the lake nearly at players' feet. Framed by tall trees and layered foliage, this immaculate clay surface pairs contemporary play with expansive scenery. By day, guests rally beneath open skies with the lake stretching outward; after dark, the court terrace transforms into an open-air cinema reserved exclusively for evening screenings.

https://www.passalacqua.it/en/

Photo: Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Within the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve, part of Tanzania's Serengeti Mara ecosystem, Singita Sasakwa Lodge offers two private tennis courts, one clay and one hard. Located high above the Serengeti plains and renowned for its front-row seat to the Great Migration and year-round big game viewing, expect epic views, fresh air, and perhaps even a giraffe sighting from the sidelines.

https://singita.com/lodge/singita-sasakwa/

Photo: One&Only Reethi Rah

ne&Only Reethi Rah

Malé, Maldives

At One&Only Reethi Rah, guests play on two illuminated tennis courts or a dedicated padel court overlooking the Indian Ocean. Encircled by palms and pale sands, the resort partners with LUX Tennis to deliver elite instruction, including private sessions with resident professional Igor Theodora Kopoulos.

https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/reethi-rah

Photo: Necker Island

Necker Island

British Virgin Islands

Host of the celebrated Necker Cup PRO-AM, Necker Island invites guests to train with a resident tennis professional or rally casually on two championship-grade turf courts. Encounters with Richard Branson are not uncommon. Trade winds and panoramic island perspectives accompany every point.

https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/necker-island

Photo: Bawah Reserve

Bawah Reserve

Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia

Tucked deep in the remote South China Sea, Bawah Reserve presents a singular tennis experience. Two grass courts anchor the offering: one on the main island, the other on Elang, a private outpost home to six cliffside lodges. Isolation and stunning, layered terrain, create a setting unlike any other.

https://www.bawahreserve.com/

Photo: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Waimea, Hawaii

Play where the ocean meets the action. Mauna Kea Resort's Seaside Tennis Club features nine oceanfront tennis courts and eight brand-new pickleball courts steps from the surf. Offering elite-level play in a stunning setting, enjoy clinics, round robins, private lessons, and pro shop services, overseen by Director of Tennis Craig Pautler and his seasoned staff.

https://www.maunakearesort.com/stay/mauna-kea-beach-hotel/

Photo: Cromlix

Cromlix

Dunblane, Scotland

Owned by Andy Murray and Kim Murray, Cromlix offers a Wimbledon-inspired grass court complete with an umpire's chair from Andy's charity match with Roger Federer. Equipment is provided, play is complimentary, and coaching sessions are frequently led by Judy Murray. The estate spans 34 acres and includes 17 rooms, with new dining concepts and additional suites debuting this year.

https://www.cromlix.com/

Photo: Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Montego Bay, Jamaica

At Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay, play on three Har-Tru and two hard courts. With expert pros, friendly ball boys, and an annual tournament featuring tennis stars like Bianca Andreescu and Kevin Anderson, it's a dream for players of all levels. Unwind with an après high tea in the Ralph Lauren-designed bar, complete with Caribbean views complete with the sounds of soft reggae and tree frogs.

https://www.roundhill.com/

Photo: Enchantment

Enchantment

Sedona, Arizona

Nestled in Arizona's stunning Boynton Canyon, serves echo thanks to Sedona's iconic red rocks that enfold at Enchantment Resort. With two hard-surface tennis courts and five pickleball courts, this scenic sports escape offers world-class instruction for all levels. Bonus, locals are welcome to play here as well, not only hotel guests.

https://www.enchantmentresort.com/

Photo: Hotel Cipriani

Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel

Venice, Italy

Within the hotel's formal gardens, Hotel Cipriani's red clay court overlooks the Venetian lagoon. Matches unfold amid classical landscaping and quiet surroundings that evoke cinematic grandeur. Courtside refreshments and private lessons are available for a refined playing experience.

https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/venice/belmond-hotel-cipriani/

Photo: Bahía del Duque

Bahía del Duque

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Bahía del Duque features two professional-standard courts positioned among tropical grounds. According to the property, the island's temperate conditions and court specifications, matching those used at the Australian Open, attract professional players for preseason preparation. Guests also have access to the Bahía Wellness Retreat, offering thalassotherapy, physiotherapy, and individualized treatments.

https://thetaishotels.com/bahia-del-duque/

Photo: Forte Village Resort

Forte Village Resort

Sardinia, Italy

Set on Sardinia's sun-kissed coast, Forte Village Resort is a world-class escape for tennis lovers and luxury seekers alike. Home to 13 top-tier courts and the prestigious Forte Village Tennis Academy, it has shaped stars like Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas. With 20+ sports academies and tournaments throughout the year, the resort functions as a global training hub.

https://www.fortevillageresort.com/

Photo: Sani Resort

Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre at Sani Resort

Kassandra, Greece

The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre at Sani Resort delivers coaching programs modeled on Nadal's own training system. Eight clay courts support customized instruction for all ages, with both group sessions and private coaching available. Returning legends like Carlos Moya and Toni Nadal often drop in to inspire.

https://sani-resort.com/experiences/academies/rafa-nadal-tennis-center

Photo: Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Nevis, St. Kitts & Nevis

Set between lush volcanic peaks and the shimmering sea, Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers eight courts across three different playing surfaces. From sunrise sessions to sunset rallies, this is bucket-list tennis at its finest.

https://www.fourseasons.com/nevis/

Photo: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Antibes, France

Tucked away on the southern tip of Cap d'Antibes, the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has welcomed icons from Picasso to Elizabeth Taylor for over 150 years. Alongside its famous saltwater pool, guests can enjoy five clay courts nestled among rose gardens and Aleppo pines.

https://www.oetkerhotels.com/hotels/hotel-du-cap-eden-roc/

Photo: Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Lake Como, Italy

Since 1910, this lakeside red clay gem has hosted nobility and artists, blending vintage charm with Riviera chic. Cypress-lined grounds and reflective waters frame play throughout the day, with light shifting dramatically from morning to evening. Every match feels like a scene from a Wes Anderson film.

https://www.grandhoteltremezzo.com/en/

Photo: Splendido

Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Portofino, Italy

High above the shimmering Gulf of Portofino at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel in Portofino. Perched on a hillside with sweeping sea views, the private artificial turf court invites both spirited matches and serene moments of play. Framed by fragrant gardens and sun-drenched terraces, it's a court where every rally echoes the elegance of Portofino itself.

https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/portofino/belmond-hotel-splendido/

Photo: Pine Cliffs Resort

Pine Cliffs Resort

Algarve, Portugal

At the Annabel Croft Tennis and Padel Academy, eight floodlit courts, including clay, hard, and padel, await players of all levels. Designed by former British No.1 Annabel Croft, the academy offers private coaching, social rallies, and immersive camps. Whether chasing a first rally or perfecting a topspin serve, guests play surrounded by pine-scented breezes and ocean vistas.

https://www.pinecliffs.com/en/

Photo: La Residencia

La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel

Mallorca, Spain

Set in the heart of Mallorca's Tramuntana Mountains, La Residencia offers a tennis experience infused with natural beauty and relaxed Mediterranean charm. Surrounded by olive groves along with sea and mountain views, the private courts feature a practice wall and access to a well-stocked pro shop. In partnership with Lux Tennis, guests can enjoy tailored coaching with an on-site professional, including private lessons, children's classes, and social matches.

https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/mallorca/deia/belmond-la-residencia/

Photo: Cheval Blanc Randheli

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Noonu Atoll, Maldives

Cheval Blanc Randheli's two tournament-grade courts occupy a separate island within the Noonu Atoll, reachable only by boat. Built to US Open and Paris Masters specifications, the courts offer complete seclusion, supported by a dedicated clubhouse with lounge space overlooking the lagoon.

https://www.chevalblanc.com/en/maison/randheli


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