Grand Palladium pickleball getaway features Ben Johns, sold out weeklong trip

Pickleball players looking to combine instruction, resort downtime, and local excursions will head to the Mayan Riviera next week for a weeklong Pickleball Getaway at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa. The January 16–23, 2026 retreat packs more than 7.5 hours of structured instruction, a pro exhibition, skill-based meetup play, and unlimited open play across a reported 4 permanent and 11 temporary courts set up for the event.

A major draw for attendees is Ben Johns, who is scheduled to join portions of the trip for a clinic, a play-with-the-pros session, an exhibition match, and a Q&A. That lineup adds rare on-court learning and hangout time with one of the sport’s top pros, which helps explain the listing showing this specific trip instance as sold out.

The program balances coaching and social programming. Daily clinic blocks and meetup play sessions are organized by skill level so you can work on dinking, third-shot consistency, or doubles court movement with peers at your pace. Social elements include welcome and farewell dinners, a trivia night, and the pro Q&A—designed to connect instruction with camaraderie off court. Optional tours such as a catamaran cruise and a Tulum and cenote excursion are offered for players who want to mix sightseeing with their pickleball routine.

Logistics are spelled out for attendees on the trip page: airport transfers from Cancun are available and recommended flight windows are provided to help coordinate arrivals and departures. Pricing and booking information including single and double-occupancy rates and deposit amounts were listed on the trip page; however, this specific week is shown as sold out, so players should watch for waitlist options or future dates if they still want a resort-based, coach-led getaway.

For pickleballers thinking about a resort retreat, the scale of courts and the mix of structured and open play here means lots of ball time—good for addressing specific weaknesses and getting match reps. Bring a second paddle for partner rotation, court shoes suitable for hardcourt movement, sunscreen, and a travel plan that aligns with the recommended airport transfer schedule.

The takeaway? If you want pro access, concentrated instruction, and a vacation vibe, these retreats are worth targeting early—especially when stars like Ben Johns are on the docket. If you missed this one, keep an eye out for repeat drips of resort trips and sign up for waitlists so you’re ready to serve when the next getaway opens.