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This Panama resort is the latest to jump on the pickleball craze
Los Establos Boutique Resort, nestled in the lush landscapes of Panama’s captivating highlands with sweeping vistas of Volcán Barú, announced that is the first luxury resort in the region to add a state-of-the-art pickleball court to its offerings.
Pickleball is a fun and easy sport that anyone can play and is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, especially in the United States and Canada. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, and can be played indoors or outdoors on a court similar to a tennis court.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, more than 8.9 million people played pickleball across the U.S. in 2022, which is an 85.7% increase from the previous year, and a 158.6% increase over the past three years. In Canada, pickleball is also exploding in popularity, with an estimated one million players playing at least once a month, which is a near tripling of the number of players in two years.
With such a huge demand for pickleball, it’s no wonder that resorts and hotels like Los Establos are adding pickleball courts for their guests who can enjoy playing while surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Boquete and a panoramic view of Volcán Barú. Their goal is to be the premier destination for pickleball in Panama.
To further enhance the guest experience, Los Establos has introduced “Tea Time in Paradise” to showcase the rich heritage of Panama’s tea production, particularly from the picturesque town of Boquete, known for its fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate for tea cultivation, especially white, green, black and Oolong. Of course, there is also plenty of coffee to go around as well, given that the resort is home to one of the country’s oldest coffee plantations and processing mills. Built more than 100 years ago by the founder of Kotowa Coffee, this mill offers a divine history of farming and intriguing cultivation practices that will change the way you see, taste and appreciate your morning ‘cuppa’ joe.
Further, taking a break from the pickleball court, guests can indulge in one of the 13 tours included in every stay at the resort. The concierge team easily arranges visits to these nearby attractions such as hiking, bird watching, zip lining, white water rafting, coffee immersion classes, a canyon tea tasting tour, and a trip to ancient cloud forests, where hidden waterfalls create ethereal mists, and flora and fauna converge in one of Panama’s most holistic natural experiences.
Irina Barrett, owner of Los Establos, expressed her excitement about these new additions: “We are thrilled to introduce pickleball to our guests, offering a unique sporting experience that perfectly complements the natural beauty of Boquete and the stunning views of Volcán Barú. Our ‘Tea Time in Paradise’ further enhances the guest experience, allowing them to savor the essence of Panama through its exceptional teas. At Los Establos, we are committed to providing memorable experiences that celebrate the diverse culture and landscapes of this remarkable region.”
Set on a sprawling highland on one of Panama’s oldest operating coffee plantations spanning 16-acres with panoramic views of the country’s famed volcano, Volcan Baru, Los Establos is housed in a colonial-style villa, offering an authentic experience in the heart of Boquete. The property won the heart of Elite Island Resorts’ Irina Barrett, who purchased it in 2005, and sought to reinvent the location while retaining its natural beauty and historical significance.
Today, local artwork and furnishings dot the 17 rooms and suites and common areas, while gastronomy favors a modern interpretation of Latin American cuisine with a focus on ingredients from surrounding farms and producers. Over the years, Irina continued to upgrade the property into the luxe hotel it has become today and added various amenities including the new oasis swimming pool, a spa, fitness center, pickleball court, premium suite additions and upgraded rooms. The hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis where one rate includes accommodations, meals and beverages and a tour of choice each day.
Source: Los Establos Boutique Resort