*Premier Pickleball Destination, as seen in* *Pickleball Magazine. Photo provided by the Lake Nona Wave Hotel.*

What started as a quick hotel search near the USTA National Campus in Orlando, the largest tennis facility in the nation, turned into an unexpected exploratory day around the Lake Nona Region, known as “a modern mecca for technology, innovation, and community,” close to the popular Walt Disney World attractions and just minutes from the Orlando International Airport.

In the heart of the Lake Nona Town Center is the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, the first hotel of its kind with a stunning architectural structure gleaming with a high-tech vibe and more than 200 guest rooms, including 16 one-bedroom suites and two penthouse suites, state-of-the-art technology within each room all controlled by voice or the in-room tablet, and access to amenities nearby such as the Lake Nona Performance Club offering the option to work out with professional trainers while visiting.

As you enter the lobby, you’re greeted with the most vibrant-colored, modern furniture and a gallery wall as you walk toward the 50,000-square-foot Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, available to the public as an outdoor gallery featuring iconic pieces that are recognized globally—including the famous Charging Bull sculpture garden and features a dramatic open theater-style kitchen, signature cocktails, signature dishes and pastries to complete the experience.

Head up to the rooftop and relax by the Haven Pool—the most colorful pool scene—and order signature cocktails and dishes to enjoy poolside.

One of the most unexpected perks of the Lake Nona community was walking a short distance from the hotel and coming across Boxi Park, featuring a fun and social vibe, live music stage, multiple restaurants within the iconic box structures, beer taps and cocktail bars, and ice cream, just to name a few. Take your friends and enjoy the sand volleyball courts and let the kids enjoy the play area at the park.

If these adventures weren’t enough, we got in the car and traveled just a few minutes to the Nona Adventure Park to enjoy the inflatable aqua park and obstacle course, watched as kids moved around the Nona Wake cable park on wake boards and knee boards, and grabbed some food at the on-site restaurants to soak up the sun.

While visiting the Lake Nona Region, play pickleball at one of the best facilities in the world just 2 miles away, the USTA National Campus, home of 100 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts and four padel courts. Reserve a court, sign up for professional lessons or visit specifically to play in the PPA Orlando Cup, hosted December 1-4, 2022.

For more highlights from the Lake Nona Region, follow @PickleballintheSun.