Small groups of women, one beautiful home in Quinta do Lago, and days built around padel, long lunches and good company. Come with your friends, or come on your own and leave with new ones.
Racket and Rosé Retreat is hosted from a private home in Quinta do Lago by Alicia, who lives here and looks after every detail, so you turn up, drop your bags, and let the holiday happen.
From the moment you land to your last evening, the logistics are taken care of. Here's what your trip is built around.
Every room has air conditioning you control, deeply comfortable beds with extra-soft sheets, and ample closet space with a hairdryer. All are en suite with walk-in showers. Two also have a separate bath, and two open onto private balconies with furniture to relax on.
Take your coffee or tea on one of our many balconies, out by the pool, or inside the air-conditioned kitchen. Expect something a bit different each day, with choices such as eggs, oatmeal pancakes, yogurt with granola, fruit, overnight oats or cereal, plus your favourite flavours of jam with toast, fresh croissants or bagels.
Court bookings at Quinta do Lago's best clubs, all arranged. Luxury transfers to and from Faro airport (on suggested flights only), to and from the courts each day, and to and from lunch when it is away from the padel club. No hire cars, no maps, no faff.
Each morning starts with an hour of coaching, then time on court to put it into practice. Across the trip there's a light-hearted round-robin: gentle enough for first-timers, fun enough that the whole group's invested by the final point. If the morning coaching isn't enough, your host can arrange a private lesson in the afternoon for an additional cost.
On your first evening, your host will prepare a light dinner at the villa, accompanied by a welcome drink. It's a relaxed way to settle in, get to know everyone, and start your stay.
Your other evenings are completely up to you. Dinner isn't included in the package, but your host will be happy to recommend some of the many wonderful restaurants around Quinta do Lago or down by the beautiful local beaches.
If you'd like, your host can also make the reservations for you in advance, so you can simply relax and enjoy your evening without having to worry about finding a table.
Spa afternoons, beach time, a boat trip or a round of golf. If you want to add it, your host knows exactly who to call and where to go.
Four en-suite bedrooms, each sleeping one or two, plus a pool, cinema room, bar and a chef's kitchen. Space to gather, and space to slip away for a quiet hour.
Small groups run through the year, with prices shifting by season and group size. Sample trips below. Get in touch for live dates and to hold a place.
Warm courts, quiet beaches, the Algarve before the crowds.
Long days, late dinners and the Algarve at its liveliest.
Warm courts, quiet beaches and the Algarve after the crowds.
* Enquire to see possible dates
Every trip is 4 nights. Private group bookings can be designed around your dates.
** Final price depends on season, group size and room occupancy
Every trip includes round-trip Faro airport transfers (on suggested flights), a welcome drink and light dinner at the villa on your first night, breakfast daily, courts and coaching with transfers to padel, and lunch on padel days. Dinners out are your own choice. Your host will suggest and book to suit your preferences. Prices from, per person sharing; flights not included. Trips run for 4–8 guests, with single-occupancy rooms available for a supplement and add-ons (spa, golf, boat days) on request.
Welcome to my website! My name is Alicia. I'm originally from New York and have spent much of my career in the travel industry. I began working for American Airlines before moving into corporate travel. In 1993, I relocated to the UK and continued my career in retail travel.
After a few years, I decided it was time for a new challenge. In 1994, I started my own business, An Extra Pair of Hands, an agency providing childcare and domestic support. It was a wonderful experience running my own business and a refreshing change from the travel industry.
In 1997, my first son was born, and after another year of working, my husband and I decided that I would stay at home to raise our family. It's a decision I have never regretted. We welcomed our second son in 2000 and our daughter in 2005, and without question, my three children are my greatest achievement.
For the past 27 years, our family has spent our holidays in Quinta do Lago, Portugal. We fell in love with the Algarve, and in June 2022, we finally fulfilled our dream of buying our own villa there.
It was in the Algarve that I discovered my passion for padel. For me, it's the perfect sport, a fantastic way to keep fit while having fun, meeting wonderful people, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. There's something special about finishing a game and being just a short walk from some of the Algarve's most stunning beaches, all under glorious sunshine.
Since buying our villa, I've had the pleasure of hosting many friends and family, introducing them to the game that has genuinely changed my life. Watching them discover the same enjoyment and enthusiasm for padel has been incredibly rewarding.
That experience inspired me to combine my two greatest passions: travel and padel.
I now offer women the opportunity to stay in my beautiful villa and enjoy an unforgettable padel holiday, whether you're already an experienced player or you're picking up a racket for the very first time.
I can't wait to welcome you, share this wonderful sport with you, and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Alicia
Pine forests, a tidal lagoon, blue-flag beaches and some of Europe's finest courts, courses and restaurants, all within a few sunlit minutes of the front door.
Figures are indicative. Final details confirmed per trip.
A group that's been meaning to do a trip for years. Bring four to eight of you and travel together, with the trip arranged around your group. We'll handle everything but the laughing.
Travelling solo? You're exactly who this is for. Small groups, shared meals and a sport that breaks the ice fast. Most guests leave with a new WhatsApp group.
Not at all. Trips welcome complete beginners through to advanced players, and coaching is on hand throughout, so you will be learning whatever your starting point.
Yes. Groups are put together by standard rather than mixed at random, so you will be playing with women of similar ability. Some trips are beginner-focused, others are set up for more advanced players, and coaching and match play will suit the skill level of the group. Tell your host your level when you enquire and she will place you on the right trip, or build a trip around your group if you are booking together.
Nothing is compulsory. This is simply how most days tend to flow, so pick what you fancy.
No. Plenty of guests come on their own. The whole format is designed so solo travellers feel at home from the first evening: a small group, a shared home, and meals together.
Round-trip airport transfers from Faro (on suggested flights), your room in the villa, a welcome drink and light dinner on the first night, breakfast every day, court bookings and coaching with transfers to padel, lunch on padel days, and the friendly Americano. Dinners out, flights and travel insurance are yours to arrange, though your host will happily suggest and book restaurants. Spa, golf and boat days can be added on request.
In your host's home in Quinta do Lago, with shared living areas and a pool. The en-suite bedrooms take one or two guests each, so trips run from four (a room to yourself) up to eight (sharing a twin). Single-occupancy rooms are available for a supplement. Just ask.
Fly into Faro (FAO), roughly three hours direct from the UK, with easy connections from Dubai and the US. The house is about twenty minutes from the airport, and arrival transfers can be arranged.
Yes. With a group of four to eight, your host can design a private trip around you, with the dates and length that suit your group. Mention it in your enquiry and you'll get options back.
Tell us a little about you and which trip's caught your eye. Your host replies to every enquiry personally, usually within a day.
Racket and Rosé Retreat