Obbürgen, 2nd April 2024
Press release
AHEAD OF THE GAME: BÜRGENSTOCK
RESORT LAKE LUCERNE LAUNCHES PICKLEBALL AT THE DIAMOND DOMES IN COLLABORATIONWITHLUXTENNIS
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne becomes the first resort in Switzerland to offer pickleball, announcing its latest collaboration with LUX Tennis and providing guests with an innovative new programme of personalised pickleball experiences. The multifaceted resort encourages guests to embrace Spring’s vitality by actively engaging in its plethora of in and outdoor pursuits.
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, situated in the heart of Swiss Alps and 500m above the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne, is pleased to announce the launch of pickleball at the resort’s sporting facility called the Diamond Domes. Described as a fusion of tennis, table tennis, and badminton accessible for all levels and ages, pickleball is a sensation sweeping the globe, having captivated over 4.8 million enthusiasts in the United States alone. With a global increase in popularity of almost 40% from 2019 to 2021, this sport is set to continue its established position as the fastest-growing sport in 2024 and beyond.
Pioneers within the hospitality industry, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is excited to be collaborating with longstanding partners LUX Tennis and its team of professionals, to encourage guests to discover this up-and-coming leisure activity and sport enthusiasts to perfect their pickleball skills at the iconic Diamond Domes. Recognised as a top 100 tennis facility globally with its two indoor and one outdoor tennis courts, the architecturally stunning Diamond Domes provide the ideal place in which to get to grips with this popular new sport in style, with unrivalled Alpine views to match.
The tailored programme at Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne features the pickleball experience, including court rental, rackets and balls for up to 4 players (CHF 80/hour), private lessons taught by LUX Tennis professionals (CHF 160/hour on weekdays and CHF 180/hour on weekends plus CHF 40 per additional player), and Pickleball Discovery Sessions every Friday at 4pm for both guests and tennis members - an action packed programme ensuring players of varying skills and ages can bond and enjoy the sport together amidst the resort’s stunning backdrop. In the future, the resort is planning to organise tournaments with pickleball celebrities and fellow resort guests, as well as LUX Tennis Star Events, offering guests the chance to meet and play with professionals and key personalities in the pickleball community, during Meet & Greet sessions. Previous star-studded tennis events have included icons such as David Ferrer, Timea Bacsinszky, Iva Majoli and Belinda Bencic.
Off the court, guests may look forward to relieving tired muscles in the expansive 10,000m 2 Alpine Spa: home to 5 different pools, 15 treatment rooms offering a variety of stimulating massages, facilities range from a saline floatation bath through to hammam - and for braver guests, the outdoor “Eco-Pool” and the cryotherapy Ice Lab await. Tapping into the energy of Spring, active guests in seek of further adventures may enjoy a wide variety of activities, from hiking, e-biking to golfing, in the resort’s diverse surroundings. For more adrenaline, the Hammetschwand Lift, the highest outdoor elevator in Europe, reopens after its winter hibernation to welcome guests for an impressive mountain ascent.
More on pickleball: What is it?
A 2-4 player sport, suitable for all ages, pickleball is a paddle sport and may be enjoyed both indoors or outdoors as the weather starts to warm up. Pickleball is distinguished from tennis by its smaller court size, with two pickleball courts fitting within the space of a singular tennis court. Its leisurely pace makes it accessible to players of varying skills, ensuring inclusivity and enjoyment for everyone. With lightweight paddles, perforated plastic balls and underhand serves, pickleball provides a refreshing alternative for those seeking a challenging yet fun new sporting experience.
Among the global growth in pickleball, Switzerland is seeing a particular rise in demand for the sport, due to its accessibility and attractiveness to individuals of varying age ranges and fitness levels, as well as the array of health and wellbeing benefits. With pickleball communities forming across Switzerland, players are increasingly looking to connect, compete and socialise, all the while increasing their fitness.
LUX Tennis
Founded in 2017 and currently present in 40 properties worldwide, LUX Tennis specializes in providing personalized tennis management for their luxury resort partners. Managed by Joan Soler (Founder & CEO) and Tony Rajaobelina (Co-Founder & COO), LUX Tennis is overseeing a repertoire of former and current ATP/ WTA level tennis professionals, padel tennis and pickleball professionals, coaching private clients, VIP’s and celebrities, individually and at luxury resorts globally. In-depth knowledge, education, performance improvement and fun are being perfectly mixed and matched for tennis, padel and pickleball lovers globally, whether they are on holidays at luxury destinations or at their private residence.
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
The Bürgenstock Collection is one of Switzerland’s largest deluxe hotel groups, operating Hotels and Residences with a combined total of 667 rooms and 67 residence suites. The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne (348 rooms), the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa (99 rooms), the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne (196 rooms) and The Adria in South Kensington, London (24 rooms) dazzle guests from all over the world with their rich heritage, elegant, contemporary design, leading spas and their exceptional culinary offers, while remaining completely true to the timeless Swiss traditions of hospitality, service and discretion.
The Bürgenstock Collection
The Bürgenstock Collection is one of Switzerland’s largest deluxe hotel groups, operating Hotels and Residences with a combined total of 667 rooms and 67 residence suites. The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne (348 rooms), the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa (99 rooms), the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne (196 rooms) and The Adria in South Kensington, London (24 rooms) dazzle guests from all over the world with their rich heritage, elegant, contemporary design, leading spas and their exceptional culinary offers, while remaining completely true to the timeless Swiss traditions of hospitality, service and discretion.
About Katara Hospitality
Katara Hospitality is a global hotel owner, developer, and operator, based in Qatar. With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, Katara Hospitality actively pursues its strategic expansion plans by investing in peerless hotels in Qatar while growing its collection of iconic properties in key international markets. As the country’s flagship hospitality organisation, Katara Hospitality supports Qatar’s long-term economic vision.
Katara Hospitality currently owns properties spread across four continents in Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand and United States of America. While it partners with some of the finest hotel management companies, Katara Hospitality operates owned and non-owned hotels through its standalone operating arm, The Bürgenstock Collection and Murwab Hotel Group.