ANTIGUA GUATEMALA EXPERIENCE
Join us in Antigua, Guatemala for an unforgettable all-inclusive pickleball retreat that blends high-level training with rich cultural immersion. This is more than a vacation - it's a chance to play with purpose, connect deeply, and experience something extraordinary.
You didn’t come this far to stop
- 7 nights at the luxurious Porta Hotel Antigua
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Daily coaching sessions with elite instructors at the amazing CLUB 14 with fabulous views of 3 volcanoes!
- Daily OPEN PLAY with the Pros!!!
- Evening film study, strategy talks & mindset training
- Open play sessions + local excursions: Volcano hike, Coffee farm tour, Chocolate-making experience
- Airport transfers & ground transportation
You didn’t come this far to stop
Enjoy daily open play at Club 14, a private, wellness-focused sports club nestled in the lush highlands of San Miguel Dueñas, just outside Antigua, Guatemala. Play on premium pickleball courts, recharge in the fully equipped gym, and relax by a scenic pool with sweeping views of three majestic volcanoes. Just steps away, you'll find Cervecería 14—a local brewery serving up craft beer, music, delicious food, and the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a day on the court.
You didn’t come this far to stop
Pickleball Coaching
12+ hours of word class instruction, 10+ hours of play with the pros and unlimited open play on beautiful courts surrounded by picturesque volcanoes. In this truly one of a kind experience each player will fill out a form detailing exactly what they would like to work on. Our coaches then customize the curriculum so that no two experiences are ever the same. Play will take place on a mix of permanent and temporary pickleball courts at Club 14, a 15 minute shuttle ride from the hotel. Water refills will be on-site.
Daily instructional clinics led by top pros and coaches with a 6:1 ratio of students and coaches — or better!
Open play with the pros everyday
1.5 hour mental game clinic
1.5 hour film study session
Round robins and more!
SESSION DATES
February 28- March 7, 2026
- 20 players per session - small group, big transformation.
You didn’t come this far to stop
Our Home Base in Antigua
For our unforgettble Pickleball Experience Retreat in Antigua, we’ll be staying at the beautiful Porta Hotel Antigua—a serene sanctuary nestled in the heart of this historic colonial city. With its charming Spanish architecture, lush gardens, and modern amenities, Porta Hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and authentic Guatemalan hospitality.
Just steps away from Antigua’s cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and iconic landmarks, the hotel provides a peaceful oasis for rest and rejuvenation after a fun-filled day of pickleball, exploration, and connection. Whether you're soaking in the solar-heated pool, relaxing at the spa, or enjoying a nourishing meal surrounded by volcanic views, this boutique hotel enhances every moment of our journey.
Join us for this unique retreat experience—where play, culture, and community come together in one of the most enchanting destinations in Central America.
Farm-to-Table Flavors at Hector’s Bistro
During our Antigua Pickleball Experience Retreat, all daily meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—will be lovingly prepared and served at Hector’s Bistro, one of Antigua’s most beloved culinary gems.
Known for its warm ambiance and gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, Hector’s blends local ingredients with international flair to create meals that nourish body and soul. Each dish is crafted with care, offering a delicious variety of fresh fruits, vibrant vegetables, locally sourced proteins, and traditional Guatemalan touches.
Whether you're fueling up with a wholesome breakfast, enjoying a flavorful lunch between activities, or winding down with a candlelit dinner, Hector’s Bistro will be a daily highlight of your retreat. Get ready to savor every bite in the heart of Antigua’s rich culinary culture.
Tours and Activities
Active Pacaya Volcano Hike: Hike up one of Guatemala’s most iconic active volcanoes for stunning views and roast marshmallows over natural volcanic heat.
Antigua Guatemala City Tour: Discover the charm of Antigua on a guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets, colonial landmarks, and vibrant local culture.
Morning Yoga/Meditation: Start your day with a calming session to stretch, breathe, and center your mind and body.
Bean to Bar Workshop: Learn the origins of chocolate, from the cacao tree to the bar, and create your own 120g chocolate with milk or dark base and over 15 flavor options.
UMINOG Coffee Plantation Tour (Finca Filadelfia, Antigua Guatemala): Explore the coffee-making process from seed to cup, walk the lush plantation, and taste world-class Guatemalan coffee.
Jade Workshop: Carve your own jade piece from start to finish while learning the cultural and historical importance of this sacred Guatemalan stone.
Salsa Lessons: Step into the rhythm of salsa with fun, energetic lessons led by local instructors—perfect for beginners and dancers of all levels.
Optional Holistic Services
As part of The Pickleball Experience in Guatemala, you’re invited to go deeper within through optional holistic wellness sessions. Alongside your time on the court, Samara and Jzeela offer transformative healing and intuitive experiences that create space for true renewal. These sessions are designed to help you release what no longer serves, dissolve old patterns, and open pathways to clarity, balance, and self-discovery. Together, they support you in reconnecting with the wholeness of who you are—so you leave not only a stronger player, but also more aligned, centered, and expanded in every part of your life.
IF INTERESTED - ON REGISTRATION REQUEST TO BE PLACED ON INTEREST LIST
Jzeela weaves psychotherapy, transpersonal hypnotherapy, tarot, and intuitive mediumship into transformative sessions that bring insight and balance. Her integrative approach helps you navigate challenges, heal deeply, and reconnect with your inner wisdom.
Transformational Healing
Samara, an energy healer, holistic wellness practitioner, and spiritual mentor, offers transformational 1:1 and group sessions to release blocks, clear limiting patterns, and activate your highest potential. Blending energy healing with holistic practices, she creates a supportive space for lasting shifts—empowering you to realign on the court, in life, and within your soul.
Guided Clarity
Guided Clarity
Enjoy locally inspired treatments at Ceiba Spa, surrounded by views of mist-covered volcanoes and the serene ambiance of local coffee plantations. Massage, facials, salon services available.
Contact Spa in advance for appt. Link Below
SPA SERVICES AT PORTA HOTEL
Important Details
Transportation
You should plan to fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) on February 28th and fly out on March 7th. We recommend arriving before 3:00 p.m. so you can settle in and join us for our welcome dinner that evening. The drive from the airport to Antigua is about one hour.
We’ll collect your flight details ahead of time to ensure we’re ready for your arrival. Once you’ve picked up your luggage, head to the exit and look for the sign that says “Pickleball Experience”—we’ll be there to greet you!
Itinerary Outline
This schedule provides a general idea of what to expect during your trip. Exact times and activities may change, and you’ll receive your personalized itinerary by email as we get closer to the start date.
Saturday, Feb 28 (Day 1)
Upon arrival at La Aurora International Airport (GUA), if airport security asks for your destination, let them know you’re heading to Porta Hotel Antigua.
After collecting your luggage, exit the terminal to find your driver holding a “Pickleball Experience” sign.
If you have trouble locating your driver, call or text Cristina at the number provided.
The drive to the hotel takes about one hour—if you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want to bring ginger chews or another remedy.
8:00 p.m. – Welcome Dinner
Sunday, Mar 1 (Day 2)
Breakfast at Porta Hotel
The Experience Clinic at Club 14
Lunch at Club 14
Open play at Club 14
Tours/Activities
Dinner at Hector’s Bistro
Evening free time
Monday, Mar 2 (Day 3)
Morning yoga
Breakfast at Porta Hotel
The Experience Clinic at Club 14
Lunch at Club 14
Open play at Club 14
Tours/Activities
Dinner + mental clinic at Hector’s Bistro
Tuesday, Mar 3 (Day 4)
Morning yoga/meditation
Breakfast at Porta Hotel
The Experience Clinic at Club 14
Lunch at Club 14
Open play at Club 14
Tours/Activities
Dinner at Hector’s Bistro
Free time
Wednesday, Mar 4 (Day 5)
Morning yoga/meditation
Breakfast at Porta Hotel
The Experience Clinic at Club 14
Lunch at Club 14
Open play at Club 14
Tours/Activities
Dinner at Hector’s Bistro
Open play with locals at Club 14 in the evening
Thursday, Mar 5 (Day 6)
Morning yoga/meditation
Breakfast at Porta Hotel
The Experience Clinic at Club 14
Lunch at Club 14
Open play at Club 14
Tours/Activities
Film-study at Porta Hotel
Friday, Mar 6 (Day 7)
Morning yoga/meditation
Breakfast at Porta Hotel
The Experience Clinic at Club 14
Lunch at Club 14
Open play at Club 14
Tours/Activities
Farewell dinner at Hector’s Bistro
Saturday, Mar 7 (Day 8)
Morning yoga/meditation
Players depart
Additional Information
Currency & Payments: Credit/debit cards and USD cash are widely accepted in Guatemala, especially in Antigua. ATMs are also available in the city if you need local currency (Guatemalan Quetzales).
Courts & Play: Our courts at Club 14 will be available for open at the times listed in our daily schedule.
Traveler’s Insurance: All participants are required to have their own traveler’s insurance, including medical coverage, for the duration of the trip.
Participation Waiver: You will be asked to sign a waiver before the trip begins.
Climate & Clothing: Antigua’s “eternal spring” is warm and pleasant during the day, with cooler evenings—packing a light sweater or jacket for nighttime is recommended.
Health & Safety: Bring any necessary personal medications. Bottled or filtered water will be available throughout the trip.
Connectivity: WiFi is available at the hotel, though speeds may be slower than what you’re used to at home.
Packing Tip: Don’t forget your pickleball paddle, court shoes, and any personal gear you like to play with!
Guatemala’s Largest Pickleball Tournament
For those who want even more pickleball, the week after your trip Antigua will host Guatemala’s largest pickleball tournament. It runs on March 12th at Club 14—the same venue where we’ll hold our clinics. While it’s not part of The Guatemala Pickleball Experience, it’s a great opportunity to stick around and either watch or participate!
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while allowing us to commit to the hotels, venues, and coaches that make this experience possible.
121+ days before trip start date: 75% refund of the initial deposit or full transfer of deposit to a future Pickleball Experience event (within 12 months).
91–120 days before trip start date: Loss of the initial deposit.
61–90 days before trip start date: 50% refund of the total amount paid.
60 days or fewer before trip start date: No refund.
Additional Notes:
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to theguatemalaexperience@gmail.com.
We strongly recommend traveler’s insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected cancellations, medical issues, or travel disruptions.
Address
G68F+Q23, Cd Vieja, Guatemala
Brian, Peter, and Jem form the trifecta pickleball coaching team, blending fun, passion, and high-level instruction on every court. With their expertise and humor, they create an unforgettable learning experience filled with growth, connection, and plenty of laughs.
Samara is the magic behind the scenes—handling the business, the website, the marketing, and the creative spark that keeps The Pickleball Experience shining. She’s also a holistic healing practitioner, energy healer, and spiritual mentor, offering transformational sessions that release blocks, awaken potential, and guide others into alignment with their highest selves.
Cristina is originally from Guatemala and loves sharing the beauty of her country. She’s passionate about travel, connecting with people from different cultures, and is proudly pickleball obsessed.
Jzeela and her her transformational work bridges the seen and unseen, weaving together energy medicine, spiritual mentorship, and intuitive insight to create transformational experiences that empower individuals to step fully into their soul’s purpose.