There was a time when tennis in the Hamptons meant early morning matches at a country club or the occasional public court reservation squeezed in before the beach. That era is quietly being replaced. Today, racket sports are at the center of a new kind of Hamptons social life, one that blends athleticism, wellness, and a curated sense of community.
Leading the moment is The Racquet Lounge at Southampton, a private members club that has quickly become a magnet for those who want more than just court time. Powered by Kent Hospitality Group and founded by former collegiate and professional athletes, the club brings tennis, pickleball, and padel together in one polished setting. With seven tennis courts, six pickleball courts, and four padel courts, it offers an all-in-one experience that feels both serious and social.
What sets The Racquet Lounge apart is its atmosphere. Yes, members can book matches, train with professional instructors, and compete in tournaments and camps. But just as important are the moments in between. Social programming ranges from lobster bakes to casual barbecues, and a central clubhouse with elevated viewing balconies makes it easy to linger, watch, and connect. It is the kind of place where you come for a match and stay for the scene.
The Racquet Lounge is part of a broader wave sweeping across the Hamptons, where private clubs centered on tennis and wellness are redefining what membership looks like.
In Southampton, NAOA Life Club opened in May 2024 as an eight acre wellness focused destination. With ten tennis courts, including European red clay and har tru surfaces, along with padel and pickleball courts, NAOA leans into performance and recovery in equal measure. Saunas, cold plunges, a restaurant, and a bar round out a space designed for those who treat wellness as a lifestyle rather than a trend.
Further east, Brisas East Hampton has introduced a more intimate take on the movement. Positioned as East Hampton’s first padel sanctuary, Brisas blends padel courts with wellness offerings, a cafe, curated retail, and an emphasis on genuine connection. It feels relaxed, intentional, and unmistakably Hamptons.
And in Montauk, Privé Padel brings the sport seaside. Located at the Montauk Yacht Club, the outdoor padel club offers waterfront courts, certified instruction, and thoughtfully curated programming that fits seamlessly into Montauk’s laid back luxury.
Together, these clubs signal a shift in how people gather out east. Tennis and its sister sports are no longer just about play. They are about where you spend your time, who you meet there, and how sport, wellness, and social life now move together in the Hamptons.
