Pickleball is bounced off a paddle a few feet from the sand. The trade winds blow across Antigua’s northeast coast. The water beyond the court fluctuates between turquoise and dark blue. June of this year, that scene The Veranda Antigua It will include some of the biggest names in sport on an island renowned for its sport.
The adults-only Antigua resort is launching a new event. Pickleball Pro SeriesMulti-day program From June 8 to June 17, 2026We offer professional training, clinics and camps in one of the fastest growing pickleball destinations in the Caribbean.
It’s another sign of how quickly pickleball tourism is growing throughout the region, with resorts increasingly building private courts and creating programs specifically designed for traveling players.
Antigua’s main pickleball week
The headline name is Frank SolanaThe 2022 US Open Pickleball Champion, founder of Luna Pickleball Academy, and one of the most popular instructors in the sport.
Solana will be leading a free five-day guest clinic starting June 8, with each session focusing on a different part of the game.
Topics include serving with depth and spin, return strategies, third shot decision-making, volley techniques, and reset shots designed to help players improve overall court awareness and consistency.
The training will conclude with a two-day intensive camp on June 13th and 14th. The premium program includes 12 hours of training and costs. $600 per personWith Luna Paddle or personalized video analysis.
Guests can book both complimentary clinics and premium camps through the resort’s guest service team.
Another big name joins the lineup
The resort is also friendly. shea underwoodProfessional pickleball player, instructor, and content creator who has built one of the largest social media audiences in sports.
An Underwood clinic is scheduled. June 17th 9:30 am There will be an emphasis on practical skills designed to help recreational players improve consistency, court positioning and confidence during match play.
The event will also include visits to: Danea SizzleHe is the founder of All Things Pickleball, a platform focused on pickleball-centric travel experiences and destinations around the world.
A growing pickleball destination in the Caribbean
The new series follows another major pickleball event recently held at The Verandah Antigua and features the world’s No. 1 player. ben jones.
This momentum is part of a broader range of investments including: Elite Island Resorthas expanded its pickleball offerings across its Antigua portfolio.
Currently on the veranda 4 dedicated pickleball courtsAll are specially designed for evening fun and come equipped with lights. All of Elite Island Resorts’ Antigua hotels currently include: 19 pickleball courtsThis is one of the most active resort pickleball networks in the region.
The strategy is simple. Creating a reason for players to travel specifically for pickleball while combining the sport with one of the Caribbean’s most popular beach destinations.
“Pickleball is changing where people travel to play, and we want Antigua to be at the forefront of that wave,” he said. Kari TarnowskiChief Commercial Officer, Elite Island Resorts.
Why it matters to travelers
The rise of pickleball vacations has become one of the biggest trends in active travel. Resorts across the Caribbean are increasingly adding courts, tournaments and educational programs as more travelers seek experiences that combine sports and beach destinations.
At The Verandah Antigua, you can practice your third shot drop with the US Open champion in the morning and spend the afternoon at the resort’s beach, pool, or one of the beachfront restaurants.
For players looking to improve their gaming skills, the opportunity to train directly with an expert while on vacation is relatively uncommon. This is especially true at all-inclusive resorts.
Limited-time resort products
Guests who have booked their stay can also take advantage of our current promotions which include: 5 free nights and free room upgrade When making a reservation June 30, 2026for travel September 30, 2026.
place to stay
The event will be held at: The Veranda AntiguaThis adults-only, all-inclusive resort is located on the northeastern coast of Antigua. The property features multiple swimming pools, four private pickleball courts, two beaches, a golf course, sailing activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars throughout the waterfront resort.
For pickleball players looking to travel to the Caribbean with built-in instruction from some of the sport’s biggest names, Antigua will make a strong case this summer.
