Beyond the court

There’s a new player in town, and it’s bringing more than just a game to Kuta. Set against the spectacular coastline of South Lombok, Laga Padel is bringing together sport, wellness, dining and beachfront living in a destination designed for more than just what happens on the court.

The vision belongs to three founders who each bring something different to the game. Adam Murray is an entrepreneur with an eye for opportunity and experience in developing hospitality and lifestyle concepts. Will McIntyre brings expertise in development, events and business strategy, while Frankie Langan, a former British number one padel player, brings an in-depth understanding of the sport.

Together, they are creating a place where competitive rallies meet long lunches, exercise leads into relaxation, and a game can easily turn into an afternoon by the pool. More than a sporting venue, Laga aims to become a social hub for Kuta — somewhere locals, expats and visitors can play, connect and spend time together.

Building a vision

Behind Laga Padel is ATOMA Group, the development company financing the project and known for large-scale hospitality ventures in Asia, including Ulu Cliffhouse in Uluwatu, Bali.

For Adam Murray, Co-Founder and CEO of ATOMA Group, the story began long before the idea of Laga took shape. He acquired the beachfront site in Kuta in 2008, recognising its potential well ahead of the area’s current development momentum. His experience as an entrepreneur and investor has given him a strong foundation for bringing hospitality concepts to life.

In 2014, Adam also co-founded Mandala Group, which developed Mandala Club, a wellness club in Singapore’s central business district, and Mandala Racquets Club in Sentosa.

“We knew from the beginning that if we were going to do this, we had to do it to the highest standards,” he says. “And that is exactly what we are doing. Now we look forward to sharing it with the ever-growing community in South Lombok as well as the growing tourism market.”

Frankie Langan brings a different perspective. A former Great Britain number one padel player and National Junior Coach, he brings international sporting experience and will oversee Laga’s sports programme. His role is to help establish a high-quality padel offering while making the sport accessible to players of different abilities.

“What makes Lombok so special is that it’s a place with natural beauty, lots of space and a sense of connection. It perfectly reflects the spirit of padel.”

Will McIntyre, Co-Founder and Development Director, completes the team. Originally from South Africa, he has lived and worked in Lombok for nearly five years, bringing valuable local knowledge and an on-the-ground presence to the development. His experience across events, marketing, business development and complex projects is particularly important as construction progresses.

“The right partners, the right team, the right location. Everything about this project has been chosen with care and passion to build the best Padel Club in Asia.”

Together, the founders combine entrepreneurial vision, sporting expertise and local understanding — a mix they believe is essential to creating a destination that feels right for Lombok.

A conversation with the founders

Why did you choose Kuta for the project?

The decision was shaped by both the location and the timing. Adam had owned the land for around 18 years, having recognised its potential long before the area began attracting its current level of investment and attention.

With the international airport, Mandalika and the wider development of South Lombok helping to transform the region, the founders saw an opportunity to create something that would complement Kuta’s evolution. The beachfront setting, close to town, was a natural fit for a project that combines sport, hospitality and socialising.

Padel also felt right for the moment: a fast-growing sport that brings people together and fits naturally into an active, social lifestyle.

What does each founder bring to the table?

The founders see their different backgrounds as one of the project’s greatest strengths. Adam brings entrepreneurial experience and a wider vision for building businesses across Southeast Asia and the UK. Will contributes experience in large-scale events, marketing, business development, real estate and complex projects across Southeast Asia. Frankie brings specialist padel knowledge, coaching experience and an understanding of what makes a successful sporting programme.

The combination allows each founder to focus on a different part of the vision, from the overall development and business strategy to the sporting experience and day-to-day operations.
What do you feel Kuta is missing, and how will Laga help fill that gap?

The founders see an opportunity to create a central community hub — a place where people can meet whether or not they are playing padel.

With courts, a restaurant, a swimming pool, wellness offerings and a beachfront beach shack, Laga is being designed to encourage people to stay beyond their match. The aim is to bring sport, food, relaxation and social connection together in one setting, creating a space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Why padel, and why now?

Padel’s rapid international growth is part of the appeal, but its accessibility is equally important. It combines elements of familiar racket sports with a social format that makes it easy for newcomers to join in. The founders also see strong potential in Indonesia, where racket sports already have an established following.

The name Laga, meaning a match or contest in Bahasa Indonesia, reflects that spirit. But the founders’ ambition goes beyond the game itself. As more people look for ways to combine travel with movement, wellness and social experiences, padel offers a natural starting point for a broader lifestyle destination.

How do you want people to feel when they visit Laga?

The aim is for visitors to leave feeling energised, inspired and relaxed. Whether someone is an experienced player or picking up a racket for the first time, the atmosphere should feel welcoming and inclusive.

And the experience does not need to end when the match does. With food and drinks, a pool, wellness offerings and the beach nearby, visitors can make a whole day of it — or simply drop in to enjoy the setting and company.

How do you hope Laga will contribute to the local community?

Creating a place that brings people together is central to the founders’ vision. They want Laga to connect local residents, the expat community and visitors through a shared interest in sport and socialising, rather than serving only one group.

The team is also exploring ways to make padel more accessible to local people. Beyond the sporting side, Laga intends to work with organisations including EcoDasa and Honest Maid on issues relating to waterways and waste. The founders also see local involvement in construction and operations, alongside strong relationships with the surrounding village, as important parts of the project.

The ambition is for Laga to become a positive addition to South Lombok — creating opportunities, encouraging connection and contributing to the area’s continued development.

What advice would you give to someone who has never played padel?

Quite simply: give it a go. Padel is approachable for beginners, with a shorter learning curve than tennis for many first-time players. It is exercise, but it is also about having fun, spending time with friends and enjoying a little friendly competition.
And if things do not go to plan, there is always someone else to blame — preferably your partner!

Beyond the fun, padel offers an opportunity to stay active and build social connections at the same time. You do not need to be an athlete or arrive with any experience. Just bring a little curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

So don’t be shy, grab a racket, bring a friend and come have a Laga. After all, that’s what it’s all about. Have a match, have some fun and enjoy yourself!

Beyond the game

As Kuta continues to evolve, Laga Padel reflects a growing appetite for experiences that bring together movement, hospitality and community. Its ambition is to offer more than a place to play: a destination where sport becomes a reason to connect, the beachfront becomes part of the experience, and a quick match can turn into a full afternoon.
For the three founders, the court is only the beginning. The bigger vision is to create a place that feels connected to the spirit of South Lombok — active, welcoming and social, with room for both the local community and the visitors discovering the area.

And that, ultimately, is what lies beyond the court.