Racketeering: The Coolest Sporty-Chic Travel Trend Perfect for Weddings, Birthdays, and Friend Trips

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by Cortnie Fausner

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Grab your racquets, pack your whites, and rally your group. Racketeering is officially the group vacation trend of the year. And no, we’re not talking shady business deals (unless you count bribing your bestie to be your doubles partner). We’re talking about the clay court trend where tennis, pickleball, and padels are stealing the spotlight at the world’s chicest resorts.

Racket sports are suddenly the thing to do between spa appointments and spritz o’clock. The term was coined by the clever minds at travel agency Globetrender, due to this rising obsession with tennis, pickleball, and padel while on vacation. Hotels and resorts are going all in adding designer courts, pro-led clinics, and sunset tournaments, with even full-blown sport-themed vacations.

What used to be a side activity is now the itinerary. Racketeering is your new excuse to pack tennis whites, wooden racquets and sun-faded terry cloth. Turn your next birthday, family vacation, wedding weekend, or company off-site into a courtside celebration filled with country club nostalgia.

Why Our Editors Love this Trend:

Once upon a time, it was all about spa days and sundowners. Now, it’s rallying before rosé, backhands before brunch, and a friendly tournament that turns into an epic group vacation storyline. Here’s why Racketeering is the move for your next group getaway, birthday party, or wedding weekend:

It’s Sporty, But Make It Social: Tennis. Pickleball. Padel. Three reasons to ditch your phone and pick up a racket. Whether you’re stacking your wedding weekend with a friendly match or bonding with your friends over who can master the perfect drop shot (spoiler: probably not you, but who’s counting?), it’s competitive in all the right ways. Think less Wimbledon pressure, more vacation pleasure. Take your group to the Iconic Greenbrier, for the preppiest party of the season.
The Courts Are Dreamy: We’re talking next-level courts with ocean views, vintage Lacoste aesthetics, and post-match cocktails under striped umbrellas. Serve aces at Marbella Club (padel’s European birthplace), or smash it on (insert a venue from the other list). Fancy a court that matches your outfit? Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has Lacoste-branded everything (yes, even your limited-edition tennis whites). Or keep it more casual at your local country club venue or community park.
It’s the Ultimate Icebreaker: Group vacations can be tricky. Someone wants to read, someone else wants to rally. Enter Racketeering, where everyone can get in the game, from your super-fit friend to your “I’m just here for the Aperol” friend. Clinics and tournaments are popping up at One&Only Aesthesis in Greece, Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland, and even onboard Crystal Cruises (yep, pickleball at sea is officially a thing).
It Makes Your Event 'The Event: Picture it. A wedding weekend with a doubles tournament, prizes for best-dressed, and a courtside cocktail hour. Or a birthday trip that kicks off with a little light padel before heading to the spa. Resorts like Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives are rolling out courts and flying in pro players (cue “Soneva Stars”), so you and your crew can play like legends, at least for an afternoon.

How to Host a Preppy Padel Party:
So you don’t have to think. Just copy, paste, and serve (pun very much intended).

Lunch (11:30-12:30pm):
- Have guests arrive at your Racket HQ. Greet them with chilled towels and custom welcome totes—complete with branded visors, mini sunscreen, and cheeky water bottles that say “Stay out of my court.”
- Host a light, casual courtside lunch with fresh juices, mezze platters, and build-your-own salad bowls. Icebreaker games happen naturally when everyone’s comparing outfits and backhands.
Afternoon (1:00-2:30):
- Intro Clinic + Friendly Tournament Kickoff
  - Beginners head to the "Racket 101" court for a light-hearted clinic.
  - Pros warm up for a round-robin doubles tourney.
  - DJ spins a poolside playlist with retro tennis vibes (heavy on ‘80s energy and breezy beats).
  - Quick break to towel off.
Afternoon (2:30-5:00pm):
- Tournament Play + Social Games
  - Singles, doubles, or team play—tailored to your group’s vibe.
  - Prizes for Best Dressed, Best Shot, and "Most Likely to Blame the Sun."
  - Courtside hydration stations with custom electrolyte cocktails.
Evening (5:00-till it's over):
- Cocktail Hour on the Lawn
- Laid-back lounges to rest under string lights
- DJ music continues
- Optional (host a dinner party instead of cocktail hour) see inspiraton here: Tennis Whites, Candlelight & Open Flames—How Tabloo Margot Turned a Tennis Court Into a Dreamy Dinner Party

Photo Credits: Patrick Usseglio Photography, One&Only Aesthesis

A Rackateering Group Trip or Gathering is Perfect for…

Birthday Parties (10-15 friends):
- Cozy, easygoing, and effortlessly fun. Book a villa, host a mini doubles tourney, and spend afternoons poolside. Personalize it with monogrammed racquet bags and a dinner under the stars.
Wedding Weekends (30-100 guests):
- Make your wedding weekend unforgettable with pre-wedding padel tournaments, post-wedding brunches, and a reason for everyone to ditch their phones. Bonus points for bridal party vs. groomsmen matches.
Corporate Retreats (20-50 guests):
- Build camaraderie with team tournaments, leadership clinics on the court, and sunset brainstorming over cocktails. Because nothing says team bonding like a heated game of pickleball followed by poolside margaritas.

Racketeering levels up any group gathering. It’s active, it’s inclusive, and it adds a playful twist to any occasion. Whether it’s a sun-soaked friend-cation, a wedding with a side of Wimbledon, or a corporate retreat that finally makes sense, Racketeering is the travel trend that’s game, set, match. Next stop: courtside cocktails.

Photo Credits: Romain Reglade, Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, Oetker Collection//Lacoste