Among the many pleasures and reasons for well-being that holidaying in Kenya can inspire, sport is a staple.
In Watamu, the most fashionable tourist destination with the upswing in travel and the return to enjoying all-round holidays, the list of water and non-water disciplines is now enriched by one of the 'anti-stress' and all-round sports that is becoming increasingly popular in Europe.
We are talking about padel (or paddle), the sport that is a little bit tennis and a little bit squash, born in Mexico in the 1970s and exploded a few years ago in Spain and Italy.
On the initiative of three Italian friends, Giovanni Umberto and Lino, who have been frequenting the splendid coastal resort for more than twenty years and who share a passion not only for Kenya but also for this new, dynamic and fun sport, suitable for everyone, the Watamu Padel House was recently set up.
The Watamu Padel House has three regulation courts with approved materials imported from Italy, from the transparent walls to the synthetic mats for the court floors, as well as rackets and balls.
The centre is still taking shape and already many fans have come together to play, organising the first tournament with cups and trophies. The idea is to create a real sports and recreational club that can offer a leisure and entertainment alternative linked to sport. Not only for the young and very young, but for all ages and all levels, all that is needed is a quick reflex and a desire to play and have fun.
The centre, located on Jacaranda Road opposite Paparemo Beach, is open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. For those wishing to take lessons, Watamu Padel House has hired a young first-rate instructor from Italy. For information and reservations, call Niccolò, Tel. 0746474393