One of the hottest travel trends right now is pickleball getaways and one of the hottest (no pun intended) destinations is Costa Rica. With an all-inclusive pickleball vacation in Costa Rica, you can share the costs and some memories with your friends without figuring out all of the planning. So, what makes this relatively new sport so great, and why is it all the rage right now? Read on to find out.
What Makes Pickleball so Popular?
With over 4.8 million “pickleballers” in the United States, pickleball grew nearly 40 percent over the past two years, making it the country’s fastest-growing sport. Described as a combination of badminton, ping pong, and tennis, pickleball has taken some of the best aspects of these sports and turned them into an easy-to-learn game for all ages. It is not as complicated or strenuous as tennis and it’s more physical than ping pong and badminton, making it not only fun but a great exercise.
What is the History of Pickleball?
Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friends Barney McCallum and Bill Bell invented what we now know as pickleball on a lazy afternoon in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. They gathered ping pong paddles, a badminton net, and a wiffle ball as a fun way to kill time during their joint family vacations. They realized they could lower the badminton net from 60 inches to 36 inches and pickleball was born. By 1972 the three men started an organization to begin offering tournaments and spreading the fun sport beyond the Pritchard family property.
What’s With the Weird Name?
Congressman Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, kept chasing the loose balls and bringing them back, and the name became Pickleball.
Why Take an All-inclusive Pickleball Vacation?
With the help of our 24-hour concierge services at Pura Vida House, all you have to figure out is how to get yourself to Costa Rica. Not only do we pick you up in a private shuttle at the Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia, but we take you back when your vacation is done. This makes one less concern for you and your friends! Our concierge service also provides you and your group with access to local knowledge and off-the-beaten-path places, spa services, shuttles, tours, guides, and whatever else you need.
Our destination pickleball camps in Costa Rica include eight days and seven nights at our luxury villas in the Hacienda Pinilla Resort. Pura Vida House is a six-bedroom villa with a private swimming pool and a beautiful outdoor area. The property amounts to a total of 4,500 square feet that can comfortably accommodate six couples. The villas are well-appointed with local organic toiletries, towels, beach towels, linens, hair dryers, security safes, a cook’s kitchen, and the best Costa Rican coffee. You can even use our mountain bikes to enjoy the resort’s 20-mile trail system and our four-person golf carts to get around the golf course and the resort in style!
Our all-inclusive pickleball vacation includes two meals per day, provided by your very own private chef. Fresh tropical fruits, empanadas, fish tacos, shrimp and rice, Spanish paella, and traditional Costa Rican casados (typical meal) are just some of the food that will be served at the indoor or outdoor dining table on the terrace of our luxury villa each day.
This pickleball getaway in Costa Rica also includes three hours of daily pickleball, including open play, instruction, and drills with a professional instructor. You will also have a chance to get into some social play with the locals at the Tamarindo Beach Pickleball Club.
There are three cultural excursions included in our destination pickleball camp. These include a chance to explore the hidden beach of Playa Langosta, a trip to visit the bustling beach town of Tamarindo, and a relaxing visit to Lola’s Beachfront Restaurant in Playa Avellenas. Here you can chill with the local surfing crowd and meet their friendly resident hog!
Our next destination pickleball camp is being held June 10 to 17, 2023, which is being led by pickleball professional coach Mark Price. Mark has been playing and teaching pickleball for over 25 years and is a certified pro pickleball coach with the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR). You will definitely improve your skills with this man in charge!
Prices for this pickleball camp are $1,750 USD per person (double occupancy). This is 15 percent off the regular rate and there are currently a few spots left. If you miss out, there are a few spots available in June and July and possibly one week in December, other than that, the year is all booked up!
Book your destination pickleball camp in Costa Rica
We haven’t even mentioned the beautiful resort! As guests of Pura Vida House, you and your friends have full access to the Hacienda Pinilla Beach Resort near Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica. The resort features easy access to three pristine beaches, lighted pickleball and tennis courts, surfing rentals and lessons, horseback riding, mountain bike trails, and a golf course.
One of the best parts about staying at Pura Vida House is having full access to the prestigious Beach Club. Here you will find weekly yoga classes, an ocean-view fitness center, a restaurant, and a Tiki bar. The biggest highlight of the Beach Club, however, is the 160-foot lagoon-style infinity pool, where guests can come for a swim, lounge poolside with a cocktail, and watch the sunset over Avellanas Beach.
As guests of Pura Vida House, Hacienda Pinilla isn’t the only 5-star resort at your disposal. Our guests can access the nearby JW Marriot to dine at their restaurants and get pampered at their spa – something you may need after a day on the pickleball court!
Jump on the latest travel trend and don’t miss out on the opportunity for a pickleball getaway in Costa Rica. Our 24-hour concierge services, private chef services, and pro coach will make this destination pickleball camp a luxury. Contact us with any questions at (614) 600-1904 or info@thepuravidahouse.com.
Blog by: Jennifer LaCharite – Costa Consultants, International
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