Padel Šolta

Situated on arguably what is Europe’s most scintillating coastline, the Adriatic, Padel Šolta is a luxury padel resort situated on the serene island of Šolta, just an hour’s ferry ride from the bustling tourist hub of Split (a city which, itself was the breeding ground for Ivanišević, Ančić et al). Nestled among the more noteworthy islands of Hvar and Brač, Šolta itself remains largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving its rural charm and traditional reliance on olive oil and honey production.

The resort itself features two newly built Dalmatian stone houses, offering seven twin bedrooms between them. Each house boasts its own kitchen and living spaces, with views that open up to an enticing infinity pool. In most cases, this would be the focal point of the property, and in many ways, it is. With an outdoor kitchen, barbecue, sunbeds, and breathtaking views of Split and the Brač Channel, this space is the epitome of Adriatic luxury. But as a padel resort, it’s the courts that truly captivate.

Beyond the padel, the resort offers a range of activities through their partners, including scuba diving, cycling, as well as food and wine tasting experiences, all designed to immerse you in the unique geography and culture of the island. Your stay will be made even more special with a personal host (who, in a nice twist, happens to be Bergkvist’s son, David) on hand to facilitate any excursions, showing you the island from the comfort of the Padel Šolta Land Rover.

Whether you’re here for a padel getaway, a business retreat, or simply a holiday with friends or family, the resort’s facilities and the island’s attractions will keep you entertained throughout your visit.

The vision behind Padel Šolta was to create “a place that is not at all difficult to reach, but still gives you the feeling that you have ended up in a place far from ordinary. A place made to long for. A holiday paradise.” While this may be one of the more clunky marketing slogans we’ve heard - if it ever was meant as such - it just about delivers the feeling you’ll come away with from Padel Šolta. Bergkvist’s concept is one of a kind, it is a first for Croatia, a first for this appealing part of the Adriatic, yet it’s unlikely it will be the last. Why? Because it works. Boy, does it work. The cocktail of world-class padel courts alongside traditional Croatian architecture, views of the Med, the freshest seafood, a social space to spend time alongside friends, family or colleagues, this is an experience to savour.

As an area famed for its unspoilt nature, the quality of food and drinks here is unsurprisingly high calibre. Thanks to its climate, geographical position, soil, and sunny days, the island is famous for its olive oil, wine and rosemary honey, all of which contribute to a wholesome, fresh culinary experience. The resort offers breakfast, lunch and dinners on request, with the regular BBQ nights not to be missed. For those looking to explore the island’s culinary scene, Bergqvist junior can also transport you to some of the best local restaurants, where you can sample the region’s famed delicacies away from the confines of the villa.

Šolta’s very own Dobričić red wine

The team is headed by founder and owner Tom Bergqvist, who brings over 20 years’ experience managing an executive search agency that he founded. A lifelong tennis player, Tom discovered padel in 2017 and was inspired to create this unique resort. His son David doubles up as the head padel coach and resort guide, managing both the coaching and various events on offer at Šolta. He is supported by his own team of coaches, meaning that during your stay you will have access to your own padel coach for at least two hours per day, not to mention someone who is also your host, guide, and holiday companion. Tom, David and their team become a part of the family and ensure your stay is up to the standards that they once expected of a visit to Croatia themselves (albeit their own trips had one missing ingredient: padel).

Padel Šolta’s two courts are a marvel, perhaps due to the fact that it’s not a sight you expect to see. Coastal tennis, tick. Coastal swimming, tick. Coastal padel? Not so much. Until now, and until Bergqvist got his hands on this small slice of Šolta, and seamlessly blended the spectacular location with a top tier playing experience. Constructed by Padel Lands, the same team behind London’s acclaimed Padium, these courts are designed to impress. The panoramic location allows mid-point glances across the turquoise ocean and, cleverly, one court is raised a meter above the other to ensure the view prevails no matter which court you are on. With olive green surfaces contrasting with the bright blue backdrop, the courts’ aesthetics have been prioritised, every detail well thought through.

During your stay, as well as the access to coaching from David or one of his team, you will have unlimited use of the court. Padel haven, this most certainly is.

Alongside the regular coaching and match play, the club also organises special events, such as clinics with professional padel coaches, or trips including match play against the best local padel players Croatia can offer at Padel Centar Split. The resort also recently hosted the popular coaching setup Tasty Padel for their “Play Hard” padel camps, which have been a huge success and will continue to be part of the resort’s expansive offering as it rolls out into its first full year of operation in 2025. 

Whether you’re seeking intense padel training or a more relaxed experience, Padel Šolta caters to your every need. The resort welcomes business trips, group bookings, or the more horizontally inclined who yearn for some a slowly-does-it padel holiday. The customisable programs also allow you to make the most of the resort’s premium facilities.

It’s a case of bring your own (but one of the Padel Šolta baseball caps to keep you shielded from the blazing Balkans sun wouldn’t be amiss on any visit).