Morgan Hancock/Tennis Australia
While the likes of the French Open, the U.S. Open, and Wimbledon are often at the forefront of tennis enthusiasts’ wishlists, the January tournament in Australia can sometimes seem like a distant dream. However, astute sports aficionados are increasingly recognizing the value of the annual Melbourne event, which is not to be overlooked, especially considering it unfolds during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. Known affectionately as the Happy Slam, the Australian Open has garnered a reputation for its joyful spirit, fostering an uplifting ambiance across the expansive 100 riverside acres of Melbourne Park.
“Everyone is rejuvenated, everyone is eager to compete, and with summer in full swing, everyone is just content,” remarks Jessica Pegula, an American tennis star ranked among the world’s elite. “It feels like you’re at a summer music festival.”
This cheerful ambiance is making the tournament an ideal reason to embark on a journey to Australia, according to Linda Scroggins, a member of the T+L Travel Advisory Board.
“It’s an emerging trend,” Scroggins observes, noting that various racquet sports have become a significant driving force for her clients in recent years. “It’s not just about fitness. It’s about the exclusivity of these events—and the social connections they foster.”
More on the Subject
The culinary offerings are another draw. The Australian Open rotates much of its menu each year, inviting both emerging restaurateurs and the city’s top chefs to craft special-edition dishes. Yet, some items have become permanent favorites. One standout example is the “Peach Melbourne,” a twist on peach melba that combines local peaches and raspberries into a delightful, summery soft-serve ice cream. Organizers also honor Melbourne’s renowned coffee culture with the AO Frappe, an iced, convenient cooler. (“Their coffee is incredible,” says Pegula.)
Another advantage of the AO is its prime location, a distinguishing factor from other major tournaments that are situated far from their host cities’ centers. The Melbourne event is just a 20-minute stroll along the Yarra River from the city’s heart and leading hotels, including the Langham, the Park Hyatt, and the Westin. Finally, there’s the ticket price: a grounds pass can be purchased for as little as $23.
Up-and-coming Racquet Sports
Padel, a rapidly growing sport that merges elements of tennis and squash, is quickly becoming a sought-after amenity at resorts and hotels worldwide. The Oberoi in Marrakech, Gleneagles in the Scottish Highlands, and the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa are among the properties that have recently introduced courts for the game. “I love playing padel myself, and we’ve had many guests inquiring about it,” says Cristiano Cabutti, the hotel’s general manager. “Our expansive gardens are one of the most unique aspects of the JW Marriott Venice, so investing in padel courts was a smart way to utilize that space for something active and social.” The Venice property is not alone in offering a water-view court: The Tschuggen Grand Hotel, on Switzerland’s Obersee Lake, has added a floating one.
Travel advisor Linda Scroggins reports that clients have been requesting vacations centered around the burgeoning game of pickleball. She has recently recommended the courts at the Rosewood Bermuda and Jumeirah Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. At sea, there are now scores of ships offering pickleball, including many operated by Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages. On land, several startups are aiming to blend pickleball with a social scene, including Ballers, which opened in Philadelphia this summer with backing from tennis legend Andre Agassi. “Racquet sports have an incredible way of bringing people together,” Agassi tells T+L. “I’m excited to be part of Ballers and help more people enjoy racquet sports.” He adds, “They’re creating social destinations that transcend sport, places where locals and travelers connect, compete, and grow together through the game.” The brand is planning to expand to more locations by 2026.
More Highlights
Hotels are stepping up their racquet sports offerings. Here are a few notable examples:
- The Breakers Palm Beach in Florida has recently completed a $12 million renovation of its 12 tennis courts—featuring grass, clay, and hard surfaces—plus two for pickleball and two for padel. “These sports have become central to how people relax,” says Ken Thompson, the property’s tennis director.
- Baha Mar, the Bahamas’ mega-resort, hosts an annual pro-am tournament, hosted by John McEnroe and Mark Knowles, that often attracts big names like Coco Gauff and Taylor Townsend.
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands will host its first Tennis Cup from December 12 to 14, with Sloane Stephens and Genie Bouchard among past participants.
- StolenTime Saint Lucia launched its Summer Serve program in June, offering weeklong intensives in both tennis and pickleball. Clinics led by pros for players of all skill levels were the focus; reflexology and guided stretching were also included. The beachfront all-inclusive resort plans to repeat the program next summer.
- Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has partnered with several hotels to open Rafa Nadal Tennis Centers, including the Don Carlos in Marbella, Spain; the Grand Palladium Select Costa Mujeres near Cancún, Mexico; and the Sani Resort southeast of Thessaloníki, Greece. A Dominican Republic location is set to open in 2026 at the all-inclusive Zel Punta Cana.
This story was first published in the November 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the title “The Top Tourney Is Down Under.”
