NAOA has it all. Well, that might depend on who you ask, but for us racket sports aficionados, it really does have everything. It's rare to find a place where you can play three different racket sports across four different surfaces in one location. While the padel courts are, of course, our main focus, it would be remiss not to mention the pair of pristine red clay tennis courts, boasting the same surface as the courts of Roland Garros. The only drawback is that there aren’t more of them. Additionally, the club offers four pickleball courts for its more social members.

By now, you’re either fully convinced of the magic of NAOA or looking for more than just court facilities. If that’s the case, the next section might pique your interest.

Wellness—a term often tossed around like confetti, but not at NAOA. Here, it’s treated with the respect it deserves. Post-match recovery has never been easier: straight off the court and into an ice bath, then to the infrared sauna, and finished with some much-needed compression treatment. Unfortunately, our schedule didn’t allow us to participate in the TREMBLE Pilates classes, held on the lawn for weekend visitors. This aspect of the club elevates it from being just a social sports club to a haven of wellbeing and fitness.

As expected from an establishment with longevity at its heart, the culinary offerings are exceptional. The restaurant, helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, is the heart of the grounds, surrounded by discreet outdoor seating areas that provide a relaxed dining experience amidst natural surroundings. Long dining tables foster the social aspects of the club, encouraging large group visits and the hosting of casual sporting events.

The club also features a beautifully decorated workspace, a player lounge, and a pro shop to cater to all your needs.

Describing the atmosphere at NAOA is no easy task—it's something you truly have to experience for yourself. What stands out, however, is the quiet confidence of the members and their clear sense that the club is their sanctuary for relaxation and unwinding. This serene energy permeates every corner of the club.

So, how would we sum it up in three words?

Revitalizing, effortless, and unparalleled.

Whilst probably being a bit cliched, these words perfectly capture the essence of NAOA. You leave feeling revitalized. Everything feels effortless, yet is flawlessly executed. And unparalleled? While nothing in life is truly perfect, NAOA comes remarkably close.

Although the courts and wellness facilities are central to the club, it is the vibrant café, bar, and restaurant that truly captivate members. The café, open all day, offers exceptional freshly made pastries and organic coffee, making it a beloved spot for all-day relaxation. The restaurant, which we've already touched on, excels in crafting the finest locally sourced cuisine, with a seasonally curated menu designed by expert chefs. Meanwhile, the modern and creative bar ensures everyone’s desires are fulfilled with an impressive selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.

The team at NAOA are crucial in maintaining the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere of the club. They have an incredible ability to do your thinking for you and ensure that you are as care free as possible – that is until you step onto the padel court at which point you undoubtably become wrapped up in the frustrations of the sport all over again. 

Their team of coaches and wellness professionals host a variety of clinics and classes for everything you could need and are always keen to be dragged into a game as a fourth player. The genuine smiles of the staff set a positive tone that extends to the members as well, creating a welcoming and joyful environment.

Private lessons are part of the woodwork at NAOA especially for members with tennis experience looking to diversify their skills to padel. The club has a number of full time professionals there to host both private lessons and joint clinics. They have all the experience and knowledge to take you on to the next step on your padel journey, whether this be mastering the bandeja or polishing your vibora. The coaching provision also extends beyond padel to both tennis and pickleball so a couple of days here really should feel like a multi-sport bootcamp!

The clubs on-court offering is nothing short of exceptional, they make sure to have regular tournaments, exhibitions, Pro-Ams, coaching clinics and all round social padel. There is always something to get involved in. If you were lucky enough to be there at the beginning of July then you might have also been a part of the Wimbledon themed tournament over the three surfaces. Everyone in white, pimms and strawberries, they really thought it all through and kept every court busy all day!