Senior Pickleball Report
NOW OPEN: MARGARITAVILLE BEACH RESORT AMBERGRIS CAYE IN BELIZE WELCOMES FIRST GUESTS
This week, Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize officially opened its doors
Last Updated on March 17, 2023 by Daily News Staff
AMBERGRIS CAYE, Belize /PRNewswire/ — This week, Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize officially opened its doors, welcoming guests to experience a world of adventure at the secluded, sustainable, family-friendly hideaway just north of San Pedro and steps away from a stunning beach that’s home to the second largest coral reef in the world. The beach resort beckons with unforgettable activities and experiences, spacious accommodations, island-inspired dining options, and more.
“We are thrilled to welcome our first guests to Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye,” said Daniel Lozano, Vice President of Operations at Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “This family-friendly, sustainable resort invites guests to immerse themselves in a beautiful off-the-beaten-path destination while still enjoying a luxury vacation experience.”
After reaching the resort by private boat shuttle, guests can recharge in the gorgeous, Victorian-inspired open-air lobby — margarita in hand, indulge in soothing services at the best spa on the island, or enjoy dips in two lagoon-like pools — one oceanfront and one exclusively for families — and fill every moment with live music and entertainment. Grand Opening rates begin at $285/night and can be booked now through April 15, 2023 for travel through January 2, 2024.
“We’re excited to welcome Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye to our portfolio,” said Shamim Lodin, Executive Director of Development at Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts, while on property. “We can’t wait to introduce more guests to the untapped beauty of Belize and endless adventures that await at the resort.”
Dive into Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye
One of the world’s best-kept secrets, Ambergris Caye is surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear Caribbean waters and a 190-mile-long barrier reef teeming with marine life. Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island, just on the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, a short drive from the bustling city of San Pedro. Guests may fly into Belize City, which is well connected to the United States as well as both Mexico City and Cancun. From Belize City, the adventure continues with a combination of scenic flight and a spectacular boat transfer right to the hotel pier.
Spacious Accommodations That Feel Like Home
Designed with group travel in mind, the family-friendly resort features 55 suites inspired by a combination of the Island’s tradition and culture, with a relaxed design that entices guests to feel at home. Travelers will find their ideal escape with 4 suites to choose from including 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom layouts and a 2-bedroom Penthouse Suite with a wraparound terrace. Many of the suites boast beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea or the lush mangrove and all feature oversized terraces with Adirondack chairs, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a combination of king beds, queen beds, and pull-out sofa beds. Additional features include a 55″ Smart TV, amenity kit, wireless phone, luxury bathrobes, bathroom, rain shower, hairdryer, and vanity mirror. Select suite categories feature a complete kitchen. Guests can also conveniently customize their in-room offerings through Smugglers Cove, an on-site store blending gourmet offerings with everyday essentials.
Island-Inspired Eats Await
Delicious flavors are only steps away when guests stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort at Ambergris Caye. Whether they’re cooking up fresh catch from a fishing trip, craving locally sourced, island-inspired eats at Riddles in the Sand, a little bit of shore-side grilling at Sun-Baked BBQ picnic area, drinks indoors at The Sandbar, or vacation libations poolside at The Boat Drinks, they’ll find plenty of ways to satisfy their cravings at the resort.
In addition to the restaurant and bars, Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye features BBQ pits. Located at the heart of the resort, the tranquil, shaded location is the perfect place to host a gathering of family or friends. Guests can take advantage of four purpose-built BBQ and picnic areas, plus BBQ kits available for guests to brush up on grilling skills while they take in stunning ocean views — or have a private chef take care of the cooking. Bonfires and events will also be hosted bi-weekly.
Unwind or Explore
Guests can dive deep into all the beauty and adventure of beautiful Ambergris Caye with on-site activities that take full advantage of the surrounding natural splendor or slip into serenity at the St. Somewhere Spa. Guests can grab a snorkel, mask, and fins and hit the crystal-clear waters to spot an impressive array of exotic marine life and vibrant coral or enjoy a deep-sea fishing excursion, non-motorized water sports, and more. Additionally, travelers can connect with fellow guests with cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, pickleball matches, beachside bonfires, culinary and mixology classes, and so much more.
For those seeking rest and relaxation, the St. Somewhere Spa features 5 individual treatment “bungalows,” including one specifically designed for couples and a full-service beauty salon. Set in the lush landscape, each bungalow is self-contained and carefully designed to calm and inspire the mind. The wide-ranging offerings include locally designed treatments such as an invigorating local fruit Body Scrub, Gingerita Body Scrub, or a Watermelon Basil Vodkatini Pedicure. Guests can also pamper themselves with a refreshing facial or chill out with one of the skilled massage therapists.
To learn more about Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye or to book your stay, visit: karismahotels.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-belize.
About Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye
Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye opened in March 2023 as the first Beach Resort between Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels & Resorts – delivering award-winning attention to detail, laidback vibes, and personalized service. Situated just north of the coastal town of San Pedro and steps away from a stunning beach that’s home to the second largest coral reef in the world, the secluded boutique resort features 55 suites, one restaurant, two bars, a BBQ and picnic area, two pools, St. Somewhere Spa, and ample opportunity for adventure. For more information on Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, visit the website and follow on Instagram and Facebook.
SOURCE Karisma Hotels & Resorts
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Sports
Paddletek Group Launches: What the New Multi-Brand Merger Means for Performance Pickleball
Paddletek forms the Paddletek Group with ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow—plus a new performance paddle line coming next month.
Last Updated on January 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Pickelball multi-ethnic female team with concentrated expression about to play in an outdoor court
Paddletek Group Launches: What the New Multi-Brand Merger Means for Performance Pickleball
Pickleball’s growth has been loud, fast, and impossible to ignore. Now the equipment side of the sport is starting to consolidate in a way that could shape what players swing next season. On Dec. 19, 2025, Paddletek announced the creation of the Paddletek Group, a new umbrella organization that brings together Paddletek, ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow under one platform. The goal: accelerate innovation in high-performance pickleball paddles (and padel rackets), expand athlete support, and build a bigger engine for growth as both sports continue to surge.What is the Paddletek Group?
At its core, the Paddletek Group is a multi-brand merger designed to unify product development, athlete partnerships, and go-to-market momentum across several recognized names. The announcement positions the new entity as a “unified platform” for:- Innovation in performance equipment for pickleball and padel
- Support for sponsored athletes
- Scaling growth as participation expands
Why this merger matters to players
Most players don’t wake up thinking about corporate structure. They wake up thinking about feel, control, pop, spin, and whether their paddle is helping or hurting them in tight points. This merger matters because it combines two distinct strengths:- Paddletek’s legacy in performance design and manufacturing
- ProXR’s performance-driven approach
A milestone moment for the brand (and the sport)
Curtis Smith, Founder of Paddletek, framed the move as bigger than a business headline. He said the formation of the Paddletek Group “marks an important milestone” for the brand and for pickleball and padel, adding that bringing the brands together “amplifies our ability to innovate to support both recreational and elite players.” That “recreational and elite” line is worth paying attention to. It suggests the group wants to build a product pipeline that spans:- approachable paddles for the everyday player
- high-performance models for advanced and tournament-level athletes
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
The numbers: one million paddles, made in the USA
Paddletek also highlighted a major manufacturing and brand milestone: more than one million paddles sold, with products “proudly made in the USA.” In a category where manufacturing origin is part of the brand story (and sometimes part of the buying decision), that’s not a throwaway detail—it’s a positioning statement. The release also notes that, with the merger, the Paddletek Group becomes the No. 2 paddle brand among advanced players, citing the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).What’s coming next: a new performance paddle line
The most immediate product news is this: the Paddletek Group says it will introduce a new performance paddle line next month, combining “the strength and expertise from both great brands.” While the release doesn’t share specs, pricing, or model names, it does set expectations that this won’t be a minor refresh. It’s being framed as a true “combined” line—likely the first public proof point of what the merger unlocks.Padel expansion is clearly on the roadmap
Pickleball may be the headline, but padel is not an afterthought here. The group says plans are underway to expand innovation into padel, which is seeing rapid growth globally. For equipment companies, padel represents a bigger international footprint and a different performance profile—meaning more R&D opportunity and, potentially, a broader athlete ecosystem.The leadership angle: Thirty-5 Capital steps into the spotlight
The release also spotlights Thirty-5 Capital’s role. Ron Saslow, Founder and Managing Partner at Thirty-5 Capital, is named CEO of the Paddletek Group. Saslow described the moment as “exhilarating” given the global growth of pickleball and padel, and said the group brings together “respected brands with complementary strengths, and tremendous technologies to create an even bigger, bolder, better company.” Private equity involvement doesn’t automatically mean “good” or “bad” for players—but it often means the company is gearing up to scale: more product launches, more marketing, more athlete signings, and more distribution.What to watch as this rolls out
If you’re a player, coach, or gear-head, here are the practical questions this announcement raises:- Will the new paddle line create a true performance leap, or mostly consolidate existing tech?
- How will athlete rosters evolve across Paddletek and ProXR sponsorships?
- Will “made in the USA” remain central as the group scales?
- How aggressively will the group push into padel, and will that influence pickleball R&D priorities?
Learn more
- Paddletek: https://www.paddletek.com/
- Thirty-5 Capital: https://www.thirtyfivecapital.com/
Disclosure: This article is based on a press release distributed via PRNewswire on Dec. 19, 2025. Sources: PRNewswire press release page: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-paddletek-group-advancing-the-future-of-performance-pickleball-302646989.html
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Sports
Ace Pickleball Club Launches National Player Development Series to Elevate Skills for Every Level of Play
Ace Pickleball Club launches a national Player Development Series with four training levels, plus free Intro to Pickleball clinics. Learn what’s included and how to sign up.
Ace Pickleball Club Launches National Player Development Series to Elevate Skills for Every Level of Play
Pickleball keeps pulling in new players for one simple reason: it’s easy to start and hard to stop. But once the “first game” excitement wears off, a lot of people hit the same wall—How do I actually get better without guessing what to practice next? Ace Pickleball Club (APC) just rolled out a clear answer. On December 17, 2025, Ace Pickleball Club announced the nationwide launch of its new Player Development Series—a four-stage training pathway built to help players learn fundamentals, build consistency, and progress toward competitive play over time.A four-stage pathway built for real progression
APC’s Player Development Series is structured as a multi-tier program with four progressive levels of instruction, designed to meet players where they are and give them an obvious “next step.” Here’s how the series breaks down:- Starter Series (available now nationwide): An eight-session program focused on core fundamentals, guided drills, and confidence-building play.
- Essentials Series (select locations now; nationwide in early 2026): Built to help players develop consistency and prepare for intermediate-level games.
- Performance Series (rolling out first half of 2026): Focused on strategy, court awareness, and competitive growth.
- Precision Series (rolling out first half of 2026): The final stage, centered on fine-tuning technique and advanced shot-making.
Beginner-friendly entry point still available (and free)
Alongside the new series, APC will continue offering its Intro to Pickleball clinic at all locations at no cost. This is a smart move because it removes the most common barrier for new players: feeling unprepared. According to APC, the Intro clinic provides everything needed to step onto the court, including:- Paddles
- Balls
- A welcoming, skilled instructor
- A beginner-friendly introduction to rules, movement, and the spirit of the game
Why APC is betting on development right now
Pickleball’s growth is bringing in players with wildly different goals—some want a fun weekly workout, others want to climb into competitive brackets. Joe Sexton, President of Ace Pickleball Club, said the new series is designed to serve that full range: “Our Player Development Series gives every member a clear next step, whether they’re touching a paddle for the first time or working toward advanced competitive play.” He also emphasized that APC is aiming to strengthen the community-first culture that keeps people coming back.Included as part of the member experience
APC says the Player Development Series is included as part of the Ace Pickleball Club Member experience, reinforcing its mission to keep the sport accessible, fun, and growth-oriented across ages and skill levels.About Ace Pickleball Club
Ace Pickleball Club is a national pickleball franchise built around a member-focused model and all-inclusive pricing. APC promotes an “open play on demand” approach—meaning players don’t need to coordinate groups, plan far in advance, or reserve a spot just to get on the court. APC currently has 22 locations open nationwide, with more planned for 2026. Clubs feature professional-grade cushioned courts and a climate-controlled playing environment.How to learn more or sign up
To learn more or register for a Player Development Series session, visit:Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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Food and Beverage
White Castle’s House of Crave: The Ultimate White Elephant Gift Guide for 2025
White Castle’s House of Crave has the ultimate White Elephant gifts for 2025—from viral Crocs to nostalgic plush dragons. Find steal-worthy, laugh-inducing gifts that’ll win your holiday exchange. Free shipping Dec 10!
Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Daily News Staff
White Castle crocs are just one of many items available at White Castle’s House of Crave online store. They make ideal white elephant gifts!
White Castle’s House of Crave: The Ultimate White Elephant Gift Guide for 2025
If you’ve ever been stuck staring at a gift table wondering which White Elephant present to steal, you know the struggle. The best gifts? They’re the ones that make people laugh, spark conversation, and get snatched up twice before the game even ends. This year, White Castle is stepping into the White Elephant arena with a lineup that’s equal parts hilarious and surprisingly practical. Their House of Crave online store is now stocked with holiday gifts that’ll have your friends and family fighting over who gets to take home the White Castle Crocs. Yes, you read that right. White Castle Crocs.What Makes a Great White Elephant Gift?
Before we dive into White Castle’s offerings, let’s talk strategy. The best White Elephant gifts hit three key notes:- Unexpected: Nobody sees it coming, and that’s what makes it memorable
- Conversation-starter: It gets people talking, laughing, or scratching their heads
- Steal-worthy: It’s so good (or so ridiculous) that people actually want it
Top White Elephant Picks from White Castle’s House of Crave
White Castle Crocs
Let’s start with the obvious winner. These aren’t just any Crocs—they’re White Castle Crocs. Cozy, comfortable, and guaranteed to turn heads at the grocery store or your next backyard BBQ. Perfect for the Craver in your life who takes their fast-food loyalty seriously. Why they’ll get stolen: They’re practical footwear with a sense of humor. Plus, Crocs are having a major moment right now.Willis the Dragon Plush
If you grew up in the ’80s, you might remember Willis the Dragon from White Castle’s kids’ meals. This plush green dragon is pure nostalgia wrapped in soft, huggable fabric. It’s the kind of gift that makes millennials and Gen Xers feel all the feels. Why they’ll get stolen: Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Plus, who doesn’t love a cuddly dragon?White Castle Craver Casserole Dish
Here’s where things get unexpectedly practical. This casserole dish is perfect for White Castle’s famous Slider-based stuffing (yes, that’s a thing), but it also works for any holiday meal. It’s functional, it’s branded, and it’s the kind of gift that’ll actually get used. Why they’ll get stolen: It’s useful and funny. The best White Elephant gifts walk that line perfectly.Annual Holiday Mug
Classic, festive, and perfect for sipping cocoa while you munch on Sliders. This mug is a no-brainer for anyone who loves seasonal drinkware or just needs another vessel for their morning coffee. Why they’ll get stolen: Everyone needs mugs. Bonus points if it becomes a yearly tradition.More White Elephant Gold from House of Crave
White Castle didn’t stop there. Their online store is packed with dozens of other gift-worthy items that fit perfectly into the White Elephant vibe:- Pickleball paddle set: For the competitive friend who’s always looking for their next match
- Classic tin lunchbox: Retro, practical, and perfect for packing Sliders (or, you know, regular lunch)
- Beanies, bucket hats, and T-shirts: Wearable Craver pride for the fashion-forward fast-food fan
- Beach towels and bathing suits: Because White Castle goes to the beach, apparently
- Pint glasses and tumblers: Perfect for toasting holiday cheer or your next Slider feast
- Tote bags: Practical, portable, and proudly Crave-forward
- Friendship bracelets: A sweet way to commemorate your fellow Cravers
Why White Castle’s White Elephant Strategy Works
Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle, put it perfectly: “White Elephant exchanges are where personality really shines. The House of Crave has dozens of items designed to bring a smile, spark a laugh or make someone feel like the Craver they truly are.” And that’s the secret sauce. White Castle isn’t just selling merchandise—they’re selling personality. These gifts work because they’re fun, affordable, and totally unexpected. Nobody walks into a White Elephant exchange expecting to leave with White Castle Crocs, but once they’re on the table? Game on.How to Shop White Castle’s House of Crave
Ready to snag your White Elephant gift? Head over to White Castle’s House of Crave online store and browse the full collection. With dozens of items to choose from, you’ll find something that fits your budget and your sense of humor. Pro tip: White Castle is offering free shipping on all House of Crave merchandise on December 10. Mark your calendar and save on shipping while you stock up on gifts.The Bottom Line: White Elephant Gifts That Actually Deliver
White Elephant exchanges are supposed to be fun, and White Castle’s House of Crave delivers exactly that. Whether you’re going for laughs, nostalgia, or something genuinely useful, this lineup has you covered. So skip the generic candles and boring gift cards. This year, bring the Crocs. Bring Willis the Dragon. Bring the casserole dish. Bring something that’ll make people smile, laugh, and fight over who gets to take it home. Ready to win your White Elephant exchange? Visit White Castle’s House of Crave and find your perfect gift today. Don’t forget—free shipping on December 10!About White Castle White Castle is America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, serving hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business operates about 340 restaurants and has earned accolades including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine. Known for passionate fans (Cravers) and legendary team engagement, White Castle has been Great Place to Work® Certified for five consecutive
Source: White Castle Press Release – PRNewswire
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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