Why Pickleball Lovers, from Pros to Celebs, Are Heading to the Caribbean to Sharpen Their Game

If you’re searching for the perfect place to dink while on vacation, find out where the pickleball lovers are flocking to sharpen their skills, and check off their dream getaway. In the spirit of World Pickleball Day, we’re spotlighting the Caribbean destinations where everyone from seasoned pros to celebrity stars love to pick up their paddle and serve vacation vibes and aces.

With all-inclusive access to the most extensive collection of courts across the Caribbean’s Sandals and Beaches Resorts have become one of the hottest spots for pickleball enthusiasts to escape – from Saint Vincent to Turks and Caicos and beyond.

On Location at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In the Kitchen Sink: Hunter Fieri and Tara Bernstein

Newlyweds, Tara Bernstein, professional pickleball player, and husband, chef and restaurateur Hunter Fieri, kicked (or should we say dinked) off married life with a mini-moon to Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. From playing one-on-one to some friendly matches with the resort's general manager and team, they made plenty of time for play on the resort’s four dedicated courts.

The couple shared in an exclusive interview with People Magazine that their mini-moon was "Truly a luxury experience and a pickleball paradise. From the stunning views to the incredible butler service, every detail was unforgettable," the couple shared with People Magazine.

From pickleball matches and rest and recovery at the resort’s Red Lane Spa to exploring the island’s wonders with trips to Dark View Falls and kayaking through the island’s infamous Bat Cave, the newlyweds perfectly balanced active relaxation with island adventure.

Expert Level Engagement: Peter Krause and Hana Ostapchuk

Its an ’engagement-moon’ moment as Bachelor star Peter Krause and fiancée Hana Ostapchuk commemorated their exciting milestone and new chapter together as future husband and wife, but more importantly, eternal doubles partners.

The newly engaged couple took to the pickleball courts, learning the game side by side with professional pickleball pros, Jack Munro and Sofia Sewing. They embraced the sport as a fun, energetic way to connect, all while soaking in the Saint Vincent views. Peter mentioned in an interview with US Weekly, “I would call myself a pro, I think.”

On and off the courts, the pair maintained their fitness routine with gym sessions together and prioritizing plenty of time for R&R. While they weren’t serving it up on the court, their days were spent taking refreshing dips in the cobalt blue sea, lounging poolside under the sun, and wandering the resort’s lush, sprawling grounds.

The Pros Take Paradise: Jack Munro and Sofia Sewing

Professional pickleball players Jack Munro and Sofia Sewing also took to the Caribbean courts, serving up smashes by day and sunset strolls by night. They kept the grind going, vacation style, with pickleball followed by poolside piña coladas. What could be better?

‘Diggin’ the World’s Favorite Sport: Taye Diggs

From the red carpet to the pickleball court, celebrity actor Taye Diggs is no stranger to Sandals Resorts. Hitting the courts from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Sandals Royal Curaçao, Diggs is sure to include pickleball on his vacation itinerary.

The actor spent his birthday in Saint Vincent and shared on his Instagram “It was my BURFday and I spent it in St Vincent’s @sandalsresorts. Swipe to see how bad I beat @whostroy in pickleball”

The Vacation Morning Routine Isn’t Complete Without A Little Pickleball Clout: Viviane Audi

Lifestyle influencer, Viviane Audi, gives us the morning routine breakdown - with pickleball and Blum coffee as part of her vacation morning ritual. After all, sometimes we just need to do it for the ‘gram.

All In The Family: Hitting The Courts At Beaches Resorts

A Family Affair: Megan Fudge and Pickleball Crew

Megan Fudge, the #1 player on the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour, and her family turned their beach days into beachside drills at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Fudge and husband, Ryler DeHeart, a professional pickleball player and former tennis pro, switched up the scene from the resort's sprawling eight-court setup to the notorious turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos while getting plenty of practice and quality family time together.

While there, the pair also led a pickleball clinic in collaboration with Beaches and partners, USA Pickleball, the APP Tour, and the Professional Pickleball Registry.

From the North Pole to the Net: The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elves Are Serving It Up Under the Caribbean Sun

Trading the snow for sand during the holiday season, The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf is flocking to the Caribbean, and pickleball courts, too. These tiny travelers are taking full advantage of Santa’s special permission to swap their North Pole home for sun, sand, and of course, time on the court. When they’re not busy keeping watch on little ones, you may just spot them striking small but mighty serves -- and as you'd expect these tiny players are light on their feet! From friendly matches to soaking up tropical vibes, these Scout Elves are making the most of their sunny getaway to Beaches Resorts, The Official Caribbean Vacation of The Elf on the Shelf.