For a workout before you wind down, why not try this high-octane racket sport on your next spa break?
The fast-paced racket sport that's been gaining popularity at pace, Padel is the tennis/squash hybrid that's taken Europe by storm and has become an integral part of some of the most exclusive health clubs in the UK. With its high intensity and adrenaline-boosting fun, whether you're a beginner or honing your skills, it's little wonder it's made its way into the spa world. Here are some of the most stylish wellbeing destinations where you can include Padel in your spa day or break.
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is usually played as doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court. Players use a solid, stringless racket, the court is surrounded by glass walls and metal fencing, and when the ball bounces off the walls it can remain in play - a bit like squash. The scoring system is the same as tennis, but one of the reasons it's popular is because it's generally easier for beginners to enjoy than tennis because the court is smaller and rallies tend to last longer.
For lots of people, sport and exercise are an intrinsic part of the wellness experience, and whether you’ve tried Padel before or not, it can be an exciting addition to your downtime. Spas can provide an environment where you can try Padel for the first time before you take time to relax, or it can be a great bonding experience with a friend or partner in the spirit of friendly competition.
Fairmont Windsor Park offers a feast of experiences - you really have to visit more than once to make the most of it. The all-singing, all-dancing hotel has everything you could possibly ask for, from 40 acres of grounds and gardens to a 2,500m2 spa complete with thermal facilities and specialist experiences like a cryotherapy chamber.
Alongside five-star luxury, the grounds are brimming with sporting opportunities, including a chance to try your hand at the increasingly popular Padel tennis. There are two courts available, alongside three regular tennis courts, an outdoor gym and training rig, as well as a 20m sled track.
Set in 22 acres of tranquil woodland on the edge of the South Downs National Park, The Spa at David Lloyd Wickwoods is a stylish, adult-only health and wellness club, offering a range of experiences and facilities to support rest, relaxation, health, and wellbeing.
In true David Lloyd Clubs fashion, their health, fitness and wellness facilities are second to none, complete with a state-of-art gym, indoor and outdoor match-quality tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and a wide range of fitness classes, and three dedicated outdoor padel courts that can be booked via their app. In addition, there is a luxury spa, with indoor and outdoor spaces designed to help you relax your mind and ease tired muscles.
One of England’s most established country house hotels, Down Hall sits on the Hertfordshire and Essex border just 45 minutes from Central London. A historic hotel with contemporary interiors, it's also home to two spa experiences: The Eden Spa, and the Barn Spa, set within their 110-acre grounds.
The hotel lends itself to gentle exercise and sociable entertainment, complete with two tennis courts, a playing field for football and cricket, a Padel court, Trim Trail, and mapped woodland walk. Then you can choose to spend time in The Eden Spa - a complete and contemporary wellness escape brimming with facilities to relax in, as well as The Barn Spa, which is dedicated to luxurious therapies.
In the hills of Oxfordshire, Cotswolds Hotel and Spa is the embodiment of a Cotswold retreat - boutique in size and personal in approach. Its spa is an extension of that offering, with panoramic views of the golf course, charming spaces to relax, and Natural Spa Factory treatments.
An invitation to spend time outside, amongst its facilities you will find two outdoor, floodlit Padel courts, complete with racket and ball hire available, and plenty of space to refuel after your match.
An elegant country house hotel that's been restyled for the 21st century, The Retreat at Elcot Park has a purpose-built spa and separate hair and beauty salon within the grounds. Perfect for romantic getaways, the hotel is also incredibly warm and welcoming for small groups of friends and families. Never compromising on style, it's a destination where everything is in perfect harmony.
Amongst its facilities, they offer Padel on their floodlit outdoor court, which you can reserve using the Playtomic app for an additional fee, and you can hire equipment from the Signet Spa.
In rural Oxfordshire, close to the market town of Bicester and the famous Bicester Village shopping outlet, Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa is a modern retreat surrounded by 134 acres of blissful Oxfordshire countryside.
The stylish hotel is accompanied by a Health Club and Spa, with an array of facilities, from spa treatments to a 20-metre pool, hydro pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub, Spa Garden and a tropicarium.
They also have a nine-hole golf course, and five panoramic padel courts, three with canopy covers allowing for play in all weather conditions. Available to use for an additional fee, you can book through the PLAYTOMIC app.
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