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
health and wellness
“Protect Your Skin: Celebrate Sunscreen Day”
“May 27th is Sunscreen Day! Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun safety practices.”
Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Sunscreen Day is a day dedicated to promoting the importance of wearing sunscreen and protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. Observed annually on May 27th, this day serves as a reminder that sunscreen is not just for the beach or pool, but an essential part of our daily routine.
The sun emits two types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin.
Unfortunately, many people still do not wear sunscreen or do not wear it correctly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 30% of Americans regularly use sunscreen. This is concerning, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year.
To ensure that sunscreen is effective, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF 30 provides adequate protection for most skin types. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
It is also important to remember that sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin from the sun. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) can also help reduce your risk of sun damage.
Sunscreen Day is a great opportunity to start incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning before leaving the house, and keep a bottle in your car or bag for reapplication throughout the day. Encourage your friends and family to do the same, and spread awareness about the importance of sun protection.
In conclusion, sunscreen is a crucial aspect of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and incorporating it into our daily routine, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer and premature aging. So let’s celebrate Sunscreen Day by making a commitment to protect our skin and encouraging others to do the same!
For more information heres a link to the Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/
Sports
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated Partners With CityPickle to Expand Urban Pickleball Access in NYC
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated partners with CityPickle to expand NYC pickleball access, adding Central Park, Times Square and LIC courts to easy online booking.
New York City’s pickleball boom is getting a little easier to navigate. CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated, a North America–wide platform for booking sports facilities, announced a strategic partnership with CityPickle that will bring several of the operator’s most recognizable NYC courts onto CatchCorner’s reservation network.
The launch includes three CityPickle locations: Wollman Rink in Central Park, the flagship facility in Times Square, and indoor courts in Long Island City. A fourth site at Brooklyn Bridge is expected to open soon, expanding the footprint even further. The idea is simple: players can discover and book court time through CatchCorner in “just a few clicks,” with real-time availability and built-in payment options.
Why this partnership matters
Pickleball’s growth has been fueled by accessibility, but in dense cities the biggest barrier is often logistics: finding courts, knowing what’s available, and actually locking in a time slot. By pairing CityPickle’s high-profile, high-traffic venues with CatchCorner’s booking infrastructure, the partnership aims to reduce friction for everyone from first-timers to regular players.
CatchCorner CEO Jonathan Azouri framed CityPickle as a key player in expanding access, pointing to the way the operator is repurposing iconic city spaces into “dynamic hubs for sport, community, and social connection.” CityPickle’s Director of Strategic Operations, Nate Hamowy, echoed that community-first approach, saying the company’s mission is to create a place where “everyone can enjoy the game,” and that CatchCorner’s platform helps players find and connect across sports.
The bigger trend: racquet sports go urban
The announcement also signals a broader shift in how racquet sports are being built into city life. Instead of relying solely on traditional clubs or hard-to-access public courts, operators are increasingly activating prominent locations and creating event-like environments around play. In a place like NYC—where space is scarce and demand is high—partnerships like this can be the difference between pickleball feeling like a trend and pickleball becoming a permanent part of the city’s recreation ecosystem.
What to watch for next
- Brooklyn Bridge expansion: The upcoming fourth location could be a major demand driver, especially if it mirrors the visibility and foot traffic of the Central Park and Times Square sites.
- More venue additions: CatchCorner’s model is built for scale. If the CityPickle rollout performs well, it could accelerate additional urban racquet-sport partnerships.
- Community programming: The most successful city courts tend to pair bookings with leagues, clinics, and social play—expect more structured programming as these venues attract new players.
Players looking to reserve court time can do so through CatchCorner’s platform at www.catchcorner.comor via the CatchCorner app on the App Store and Google Play.
The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.
https://stmdailynews.com/sports
Senior Pickleball Report
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion Starts in Roseville; Sleeves SPR Has Full Details
West Coast pickleball players could see more indoor options soon as Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion becomes statewide. The first club opens in Roseville with 11 indoor courts.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pickleball Kingdom, which calls itself the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, announced a landmark agreement to develop locations across California, with multi-unit franchisees Parminder and Komal Saini leading the statewide expansion.
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion
The company said demand is rising across the Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire, and that future clubs are expected to include professional-grade indoor courts, coaching and clinics for all skill levels, youth development programs, leagues and tournaments, a pro shop, and social areas.
The first California location is set to open in Roseville with grand opening activities the weekend of March 28. The club will feature 11 professional-grade indoor courts across approximately 32,900 square feet at 10251 Fairway Drive, Roseville, CA 95678.
For more context on the announcement and what the rollout could mean for California players, Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report published a full write-up here: https://sleeves-spr.com/pickleball-kingdom-announces-major-california-expansion-first-club-opens-in-roseville/Pickleball Kingdom also said it is seeking additional franchise partners in California. More information is available at https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/
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/
