Pickleball is trending, and SPA Group’s Vanshika Kajaria is already several steps ahead… And, how!

As this fast-growing racquet sport sweeps across global communities… from LA to Lucknow… real estate developers in India are sitting up and taking notice. But for Vanshika Kajaria, Head of Sales & Marketing at SPA Group, it’s more than just a trend. It’s a lifestyle shift that perfectly aligns with how future-forward communities are being designed.

In a candid conversation with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Vanshika Kajaria, Head of Sales & Marketing, SPA Group, breaks down how pickleball is becoming a litmus test for culturally aware, wellness-driven living… and why Ecocity is tapping into that energy at exactly the right moment.

From pickleball courts set in landscaped green zones to themed parks, curated fitness hubs, and even mindfulness pods, Vanshika Kajaria is reimagining what “amenities” look like in a post-pandemic world. In her world, wellness isn’t a buzzword… it’s a blueprint. And pickleball? Just the beginning.

Pickleball Talks: Over To Vanshika Kajaria, Head of Sales & Marketing at SPA Group

1. What first signaled to you that pickleball was becoming more than just a passing trend? Was there a specific moment or data point that caught your attention?

We first noticed the surge during community visits—residents of all ages were organically taking to pickleball. Its rapid adoption, coupled with data showing it as the fastest-growing sport globally, confirmed it wasn’t a fad.

2. Many celebs are taking to pickleball in a big way. Could you tell us a bit about that? How is this shaping your approach to designing community spaces at Ecocity?

Celebrity adoption made pickleball aspirational, but its true strength is accessibility. At Ecocity, we design courts that allow everyone—from children to retirees—to play side by side, creating the same sense of inclusivity and it reinforced our belief in designing lifestyle spaces that resonate culturally while remaining community-driven.

3. What kind of response have you seen from buyers and residents when they discover a pickleball court in the community?

Buyers are often pleasantly surprised to see pickleball included. Many say it signals that the community is forward-thinking and lifestyle-driven, not just functional.

4. From a developer’s standpoint, what makes pickleball such a smart amenity to invest in? Could you share how it compares in terms of cost and space usage with other amenities?

It’s space-efficient, cost-effective, and appeals to a wide demographic. Compared to traditional courts, it has lower maintenance, delivers higher usage and delivers more engagement per square foot.

5. How are you integrating pickleball into the broader design philosophy at Ecocity? Is it part of a larger “wellness + community” blueprint?

Pickleball aligns with Ecocity’s focus on wellness and community—it’s active, social, and inclusive. We’ve placed the courts within landscaped green zones so they double as spaces for play and casual interaction, reinforcing our vision of everyday wellness through design.

6. What’s next for SPA Group in terms of wellness and community-focused innovations?

At SPA Group, wellness is not an add-on—it’s built into the master plan of every project. At Ecocity, we’ve strategically designed nine themed parks catering to every age group, ensuring open, green spaces become part of daily life. Our resort, Vismaya, extends this vision with a dedicated wellness spa, while the community’s architecture and landscape design integrate open parks, natural light, and biophilic elements that promote balance. For us, space itself is wellness—and our goal is to make it an everyday experience, whether through parks, sports hubs, or hospitality. This philosophy will continue to shape all our upcoming projects.

7. Beyond pickleball, are there other “under-the-radar” lifestyle trends you’re betting on?

Absolutely. Pickleball is just the beginning. We see strong momentum around padel, another fast-rising racquet sport, and endurance-based activities like Hyrox and marathons, which resonate with millennials seeking performance-driven fitness. On the wellness side, sleep optimization is becoming a serious focus, with wearables like WHOOP and other health-tech tools gaining traction. Stress management and mental health are also shaping community expectations, so we’re exploring spaces designed for outdoor yoga, mindfulness zones, and work-from-nature pods—all complemented by curated dining courtyards that bring people together around balanced lifestyles.