Pickleball retreat in Antigua Guatemala with The Pickleball Experience – April Vacation

EXPERIENCE

ANTIGUA GUATEMALA

INTERNATIONAL RETREAT

Elite coaching. Curated cultural immersion. All-inclusive from arrival to departure.

🌋 Antigua, Guatemala · All-Inclusive · Limited SpoTS

NEXT PICKLEBALL EXPERIENCE RETREAT : SPRING 2027

4:1

100%

2018

24

ALL INCLUSIVE

PLAYER TO COACH RATIO

TEACHING SINCE

MAX GROUP SIZE

black sconce lamp on brown wooden railings

WHERE COLONIAL HISTORY MEETS

THE DESTINATION

VOLCANIC HORIZONS

Antigua, Guatemala is unlike anywhere else on earth. A UNESCO World Heritage city framed by three towering volcanoes, cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea, centuries-old colonial architecture, and a culture that is deeply rooted and openly welcoming.

It's the kind of place that stays with you — not just as a place you visited, but as a place that changed how you see the world. We chose Antigua deliberately. The energy here, the pace, the beauty — it all creates the conditions for something meaningful to happen, both on and off the court.

A serene sanctuary in the heart of historic Antigua. Charming Spanish colonial architecture, lush gardens, a solar-heated pool, spa, and modern amenities — all just steps from Antigua's cobblestone streets, markets, and landmarks. Breakfast, and evening time to decompress happens here.

A private, wellness-focused sports club nestled in the lush highlands of San Miguel Dueñas — just a 15-minute shuttle from the hotel. Premium pickleball courts with sweeping views of three majestic volcanoes. Fully equipped gym and scenic pool on-site. And right next door: Cervecería 14, a local brewery with craft beer, music, and great food for unwinding after court.

One of Antigua's most beloved culinary gems. Known for its warm ambiance and gourmet farm-to-table cuisine — local ingredients, international flair, and dishes crafted with genuine care. Every group dinner here is an event in itself. Fresh fruits, vibrant vegetables, locally sourced proteins, and traditional Guatemalan touches on every plate.

Every venue has been handpicked. Nothing is generic. From the hotel to the courts to the dinner table — every detail of where you spend your time has been chosen with intention.

STAY , PLAY AND EAT

WHERE YOU'LL

YOUR HOME BASE

YOUR HOTEL

YOUR DINNER TABLE

YOUR COURTS

MORE ON CLUB 14 ---

Locally inspired massages, facials, and salon services — surrounded by views of mist-covered volcanoes and the serene ambiance of local coffee plantations. Contact the spa in advance to book your appointment.

ON SITE RECOVERY

ALL

EVERYTHING COVERED

INCLUSIVE

From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, everything is handled. No hidden costs, no meal math, no logistics stress — just show up and be fully present.

Luxury Accommodations

Handpicked boutique hotel in the heart of Antigua. Comfortable, stylish, and designed for recovery between sessions.

A customized court sessions daily at a 4:1 player-to-coach ratio. Strategy, technique, mindset, and live game coaching — all of it.

World Class Coaching Sessions

Evening sessions breaking down high-level match footage and unpacking the mental side of competitive pickleball.

Film Study & Mental Performance

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day — buffet breakfast at Porta Hotel, Club 14 /Cerveceria 14 for lunch , and dinner at Hector's Bistro.

All Meals Included

A curated visit to a local farm where your food actually comes from — meet the growers, see the land, taste the difference.

Farm-to-Table Experience

visit to a working macadamia farm in the Guatemalan highlands — a rare behind-the-scenes look at the land and the harvest.

Macadamia Farm visit

Daily guided mobility, flexibility, and yoga-infused movement to prime your body for peak performance and keep you injury-free all week.

Morning Reset Sessions

Airport transfers and all ground transportation throughout the retreat are fully arranged and included.

All Transportation

Learn to salsa from local instructors in one of the world's greatest cities for it. Equal parts fun, culture, and footwork — and yes, it counts as cross-training.

Salsa Lessons

Guatemala grows some of the world's finest cacao. This hands-on workshop takes you from raw cacao bean to finished chocolate bar — a sensory experience unlike anything else.

Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop

A guided walk through Antigua's UNESCO-protected streets — colonial ruins, hidden courtyards, volcanic views, and the stories behind one of the most beautifully preserved cities in the Americas.

Antigua City Walking Tour

Shared meals, evening events, and an intentionally small group create the conditions for real connection — with the game and with each other.

Community & Connection

black sconce lamp on brown wooden railings

WORLD CLASS

PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTION

COACHING

Daily instructional clinics. Open play with the pros. Round robins. Film study. Mental game training. We pack more purposeful development into one week than most players get in a year.

  • 12+ hours of world-class pickleball instruction

  • 10+ hours of play with the pros

  • Open play with the pros every single day

  • 4:1 ratio of students to coaches, or better

  • Fully customized curriculum based on your goals —no two experiences are ever the same

  • Open play with the pros every single day

  • 1.5-hour Mental Game Clinic — the session players consistently call the most unexpected highlight

  • 1.5-hour Film Study Session— breaking down high-level match footage with your coaching team

A 5.0 player with over 10 years of playing and teaching experience. Originally from Billings, MT — now in University Place, WA. Has taught with top-level pros in Florida, Hawaii, and Costa Rica.

✓Guest teaching pro — Ben Johns & Dekel Bar Pickleball Getaways

✓US Open Men's Gold · USAPA National Medalist · 3x SoCal Gold · Canadian National Medalist

A 5.0 player with over 10 years of teaching and playing experience. Born and raised in SLC, Utah — now based in Ravensdale, WA. Has taught all across the US alongside some of the top playing pros in the world.

✓Guest teaching pro — Ben Johns & Dekel Bar Pickleball Getaways

✓Silver & Bronze Medalist, National Tournaments

A 5.0 player and PPR Certified Pro Trainer with 9 years of playing and teaching experience. Born and raised in Seattle — now on Orcas Island, WA. Creator of The Pickleball Experience Training Guide. Teaches across the US and internationally.

✓Guest teaching pro — Ben Johns & Dekel Bar Pickleball Getaways

✓Senior Pro Gold Medalist

PETER - THE PICKLEBALL EXPERIENCE COACH
PETER - THE PICKLEBALL EXPERIENCE COACH

The Pickleball Experience is built around a coaching team that's genuinely one of a kind. Brian, Peter, and Jem have been teaching together since 2018 — and when all three step on the court together, something special happens. They're down to earth, genuinely funny, and the kind of coaches who have a way of changing lives in ways that go far beyond pickleball. Players come expecting to improve their game. They leave with something they didn't see coming.

COACHES

MEET THE

THE COACHING TRIFECTA

Brian Ashworth

Peter Hudachko

Jemuel Morris

Meet the "Trifecta" high caliber coaching team. Three elite 5.0 coaches. One unforgettable experience.

CHOOSE YOUR

2027 PICKLEBALL RETREAT DATES

EXPERIENCE

Two sessions available in February 2027. Choose the dates that work for you.

BONUS OPPURTUNITY

One Shot Guatemala Pickleball Tournament — Starte on March 4, 2027. Finishing the Feb 22 session puts you right in Antigua for the tournament. Stay on, compete, and make the most of your time in Guatemala.

SESSION 1

Arrive Saturday, February 13

Depart Saturday, February 20

7 nights at Porta Hotel Antigua

6 full days of coaching at Club 14

All experiences & meals included

FEB 13 – 20

Single Occupancy

$3,720

Double Occupancy

$3,250 /person

SESSION 2

FEB 22 – MARCH 1

Arrive Monday February 22

Depart Monday, March 1

7 nights at Porta Hotel Antigua

6 full days of coaching at Club 14

All experiences & meals included

Single Occupancy

$3,720

Double Occupancy

$3,250 /person

Reserve with $1,000 deposit (single) · $1,200 deposit (double)

🏆 Stay & Compete

One Shot Guatemala Pickleball Tournament — March 4. Finish the retreat on March 1 and stay on just a few extra days to compete..

Reserve with $1,000 deposit (single) · $1,200 deposit (double)

BONUS OPPURTUNITY

One Shot Guatemala Pickleball Tournament — March 4, 2027. Finishing the Feb 22 session puts you right in Antigua for the tournament. Stay on, compete, and make the most of your time in Guatemala.

Important Details

Transportation

You should plan to fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) on April 7th and fly out on April 14th. 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.

(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


(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


(Day 3)

  • 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


(Day 4)

  • 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


(Day 5)

  • 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


(Day 6)

  • 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


(Day 7)

  • 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


(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!


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.

Retreat Start Date: April 7, 2026
Full Payment Due: February 1, 2026

121+ Days Before Start Date

Cutoff Date: December 7, 2025

  • 75% refund of the deposit (minus transaction fees), or

  • Full transfer of deposit to a future retreat (within 12 months)

91–120 Days Before Start Date

Date Range: December 8, 2025 – January 6, 2026

  • Loss of the initial deposit

61–90 Days Before Start Date

Date Range: January 7 – February 5, 2026

  • 50% refund of the total amount paid (minus transaction fees)

60 Days or Fewer Before Start Date

Date Range: February 6 – April 6, 2026

  • 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.

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.

Cheryl 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,

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.

international team