From social tennis to soul-nourishing escapes—how two Sydney women created a community of connection, confidence, and courtside fun.
What began with two Sydney mums—Mary–Louise Battilana and Lisa Leonard—organising a casual weekly tennis hit has grown into something quietly powerful. Queens of Aces is now a thriving women’s tennis collective where confidence is rebuilt, friendships are formed, and wellbeing is nurtured in the most joyful, stylish way possible.
Their next chapter? A four-day boutique retreat at The Sundays, Hamilton Island’s newly opened luxury hotel. From August 7–10, 2025, guests will immerse themselves in a curated program that combines daily social tennis, sunrise yoga, boutique luxury, and heartfelt community—all with panoramic views over the Coral Sea.
A Richly Curated Retreat Experience
This isn’t your typical tennis retreat or wellness weekend—it’s a carefully crafted escape designed for women who want movement, meaning, and a little indulgence. Each day blends energising activity with relaxed island time.
Retreat Highlights:
- Daily Round-Robin Tennis: Fun, friendly, and all-levels-welcome (no pressure, no pretense)
- Optional Sunrise Yoga to begin the day with intention
- Breakfast Daily at The Sundays’ serene open-air restaurant
- Water Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swims at Catseye Beach
- Scenic Island Walks through Hamilton’s national park trails
- Friday Night Dinner at Coca Chu: Vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine with views
- Saturday Picnic Lunch overlooking the water
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Sunset Seafood Dinner at Josh Niland’s Catseye Pool Club
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Custom Welcome Tote featuring luxe gifts from The Upside, Naked Sundays, and other Australian wellness and style brands
- Plenty of Free Time to nap, read, sip, spa, or just breathe
Where You’ll Stay
The retreat is hosted at The Sundays, Hamilton Island’s newest boutique luxury hotel, which opened in April 2025. Set high above Catseye Beach, the hotel offers:
- Private balconies and ocean or garden views
- Chic, calming interiors
- A peaceful, adults-only atmosphere
- A breezy mix of barefoot luxury and island minimalism
It’s the ideal backdrop for both solo reflection and group connection.
More Than Tennis—It’s About Belonging
What sets Queens of Aces apart is how deeply community is woven into everything they do. You don’t need to be a tennis pro—many women come after years away from sport or never having picked up a racquet.
Whether you’re navigating a life change, looking to reconnect with yourself, or just craving laughter and movement, this retreat is about saying yes to you.
Founders in Focus: Mary–Louise & Lisa
Q: What inspired Queens of Aces?
Mary–Louise: It really started with friendship. Lisa and I were juggling everything—family, work, life—and we craved something social and fun. We began organising casual doubles games and quickly realised how many women were craving the same thing.
Lisa: We wanted to offer something inclusive, a bit stylish, and always uplifting—no pressure, just play.
Q: What’s your mission?
Mary–Louise: To redefine what it means to show up and play—to help women reconnect with joy, confidence, and community.
Lisa: We’re not reinventing tennis—we’re reinventing how it feels to be part of something. Fun, freeing, and fabulous.
Q: Any challenges along the way?
Lisa: Definitely—we’ve ruffled a few traditional feathers, especially in the existing tennis spaces. But we weren’t trying to disrupt—we just wanted to create a fun space for woman to enjoy social tennis.
Mary–Louise: And we’ve grown quickly, because what we offer is real. Women are showing up for themselves and each other.
Q: What’s next?
Lisa: More retreats—including Port Stephens, Byron Bay, and Bali.
Mary–Louise: And continuing to give back, especially through our support of Bayside Women’s Shelter. Community is at the core of everything we do.
What They’re Saying
“I came for the tennis, but stayed for the incredible women.” – Catherine, Willoughby
“The retreat was seamless, stylish, and so full of heart.” – Kristin, Byron Bay
“You walk in nervous, and walk out buzzing—with sore cheeks from laughing.” – Claire
“Everything is so well organised, stylish, and fun. You can come solo and feel instantly part of something.” – Nhat, Vaucluse
“It’s everything I didn’t know I needed—connection, fun, and a bit of competition.” – Sara, Woollahra
“We built what we couldn’t find: fun, inclusive tennis without pressure or pretense.” – Mary–Louise
Retreat Snapshot
Queens of Aces Hamilton Island Retreat
Dates: 7–10 August 2025
Location: The Sundays Hotel, Hamilton Island
Packages:
• Twin Share: $2,950 AUD pp
• Single Occupancy: $4,550 AUD pp
Includes:
Boutique accommodation, 3x breakfasts, 2x curated dinners, welcome tote, daily tennis program, optional yoga, paddleboarding, beach activities, and guided island walks
Bookings & More: queensofaces.com.au
