The marriage of luxury and innovation has never been stronger, whether in private jets, custom superyachts, or members-only golf clubs. In 2025, another contender has entered the arena of elite leisure: floating padel courts. Once a niche architectural marvel, floating padel courts are now making waves—literally and figuratively. Blending sleek contemporary design with the fast-growing racquet sport of padel, they’re redefining what high-end recreation looks like.
What is a Floating Padel Court?
A floating padel court is a full-size, fully playable court built on a floating dock and typically anchored in serene waters like lakes, marinas, or sheltered bays. Designed to mirror a classic padel layout, these courts come wrapped in luxury and cutting-edge technology.
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and bathed in natural light, these courts offer an unforgettable visual and social experience. Built with tempered glass walls, marine-grade steel frames, and non-slip, shock-absorbing flooring, they’re as durable as they are dazzling.
Floating Padel Courts on the Rise
Padel is booming, especially among globe-trotting elites, young celebrities, and sport-loving luxury seekers. Floating courts elevate the game, offering not just a match, but a statement.
Reasons for Popularity
- Exclusivity: There are very few such courts worldwide, and hence extremely high-end.
- Location attractiveness: Constructed along the shores of Dubai, Ibiza, the Maldives, and Monaco.
- Social Media Buzz: Each rally is a reel-worthy moment.
- Architectural Prestige: Developed by some renowned architectural companies worldwide, such as Vame Architecture and Octagon Studio.
Resorts with Floating Padel Courts
A look at some of the high-end resorts and destinations that have already implemented this idea.
1. Dubai Creek Marina- UAE
Dubai has long led the pack when it comes to combining extravagance and excess. Located just off the Dubai Creek Marina, the padel court gives players an unrivalled skyline view, particularly during sunset. It has luxury yachts circling the court and in-house concierge booking, making it as high-end as possible.
Bonus Feature: The players may reserve a post-game yacht trip and dinner.
2. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Soneva Fushi, a resort known as a leader in sustainable luxury, was one of the first to reveal a floating padel court project in 2024. In the middle of the coral reefs, with underwater lighting, the court literally shines during the night. The resort is environmentally sustainable, as the lighting is powered by solar, and marine life is hardly disturbed.
3. Nobu Ibiza Bay – Spain
Ibiza is no longer all about parties. Nobu Ibiza Bay now offers guests the chance to reserve a floating padel experience in one of the serene coves of the Balearic Sea. The court just floated next to Nobu’s beach club.
Luxury Lovers: Pre-match spa, renting a paddle outfit by Balenciaga Sport, and on-court refreshments designed by Nobu chefs.
4. The Lake Como Grand (opening 2025)
Italy’s Lake Como is getting ready to welcome one of the most aesthetic floating courts in the world, supported by the partnership between the LVMH group luxury hospitality brand Cheval Blanc and local artisans. The court will evoke Italian traditions, with Venetian wood and Carrara marble fittings on the spectator deck.
Luxury Resorts: The Trend Driver
Floating padel courts are not simply courts on the water but will be the main attractions of high-end resort experiences. Let us take a closer peek into some of the luxury resorts leading this:
1. Soneva Fushi -Maldives
Soneva is a standard-bearer in sustainable luxury.. It is not only about the court–it is about the complete luxury experience:
- Exclusive Court Hire: Guests of the Villa only. You may even order private practice with a professional coach who will be flown in especially for you.
- Pre- and post-game wellness: Cryotherapy, deep-tissue massage, and fresh tropical mocktails are based on what your body requires regarding electrolytes.
- Marine Respect: Soneva operates bio-pontoons and eco-friendly anchoring in a way that does not damage the coral reefs below it.
2. The Royal Atlantis – Dubai
One more resort is expected to introduce a floating padel court at the end of 2025. Sky pools, underwater restaurants and luxurious experiences already exist at the Royal Atlantis- this court will be floating on a personal lagoon.
Predicted: Holographic court lines, intelligent integration of the scoreboard, and drone-filmed replays.
3. One&Only Reethi Rah – Maldives
This ultra-luxury resort is renowned for providing privacy to celebrities. Soon, it will reveal a secret floating court that can be reached only by a personal speedboat. It is perfect for hosting VIP visitors seeking privacy.
What’s Leading the Trend?
Floating padel courts align perfectly with luxury and Gen Z lifestyles:
- Visual-First Experiences: The court and the surrounding area are Instagram and TikTok gold.
- Health & Wellness: Padel is fun, fast and low-shock full-body exercise.
- Exclusivity & FOMO: It has hype and scarcity that are always in demand.
- Personal Branding: To the influencers and celebrities, it is another element of their “luxury life” image.
Fast facts
Q1: Where is it possible to play on a floating padel court?
Ans: Floating padel courts are available now in high-end resorts such as Dubai, the Maldives, Ibiza, and Lake Como, Italy.
Q2: What is the price of booking a floating padel court?
Ans: Depending on the resort, the premium packages start at $500/hour, which may comprise coaching, refreshments, and after-play relaxation services.
Q3: Is it risky to play in a floating court?
Ans: Yes. These courts are designed with sophisticated stability systems and safety equipment, guaranteeing minimal movement and optimum performance.
Q4: What do I wear to play a session on a floating padel court?
Ans: Most resorts offer branded athletic attire (such as Lululemon or Balenciaga Sport or resort-specific branded athletic attire).
Q5: Is a floating padel court ecological?
Ans: The finest luxury resorts promise a minimum ecological imprint with eco-materials, anchoring that does not harm marine life, and lights powered by solar energy.
