Rafa Nadal, one of Spain’s most successful and beloved sportsmen, has set his sights on expanding his legacy, by investing in developing luxury property on the Costa del Sol, gastronomy and the launch of his new Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in Marbella.
The tennis ace has already opened academies in multiple global locations, stretching from Mallorca to Mexico, and shortly a new academy set within the recently refurbished Don Carlos Hotel in Marbella will be added to the mix. Nadal’s expansion across the globe, is driven by his dedication to fostering talent and sharing the expert-led training techniques and high-quality facilities that can help up-and-coming players conquer the sport.
The philosophy in Marbella, will mirror the academy in Mallorca, offering personal coaching to teach Rafa’s personal methodology, techniques, strategies and fitness, for both adults and juniors. It could be said that it is more a racquet-sports club, as opposed to pure tennis; as in addition to the seven clay tennis courts, there are also two paddle courts, in acknowledgement of the growing popularity of the paddle tennis.
Rafa was quoted on the academy’s website as saying, “I am very happy that we are officially announcing the launch of a new Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Marbella, as it consolidates the project for the expansion of my methodologies throughout Spain.”
The creation of another academy is not only about expanding is tennis empire, instead it is more about creating a legacy and passing on the benefit of his knowledge, experience and passion to a new generation of players. Dedicated players not only get to learn from the best, they do it against a beachfront backdrop in one of the most sought-after locations in the world.
Property Costa del Sol
If you are looking for exclusive new apartments in Estepona or luxury Marbella Golden Mile property for sale with a sprinkle of celebrity gold dust, then you are in luck! Not content with being a sporting hero in Spain, Nadal has expanded his portfolio to include luxury property development on the Costa del Sol, more specifically in Marbella and Estepona.
Nadal’s new developments on the Costa del Sol are managed through his real estate company, Palya Invest, which was created in partnership with Abel Matutes Prats, the former Foreign Affairs Minister in the José María Aznar government. Working with Marbella property developer, Sierra Blanca, 100 luxury residences along the Costa del Sol are planned, with investment in the project pegged at around €200 million (figures according to Diairo Sur).
The first project in Estepona will occupy 37 hectares of prime beachfront land, which will be home to approximately six premium villas and 32 luxury new apartment in Estepona’s Los Llanos area. A second project in the upmarket enclave of Nagüeles on Marbella’s Golden Mile, will comprise a total of 45 apartments delivered in two phases.
Not content with delivery much desired luxury property for sale in Marbella, Nadal is also opening a new high-end dining venue on the site of Villa Tiberio, the legendary Italian restaurant which closed in March 2024.
The project is a joint venture between Rafa Nadal, fellow sports icon Cristiano Ronaldo and Pau Gasol, delivering a combination of beach club with pool service by day and a restaurant and entertainment when the sun goes down. The property is currently undergoing significant renovations and is expected to open in August 2025.
Set within a lushly planted private estate on Marbella’s Golden Mile, it will be the sixth Tatel restaurant, which are located in Madrid, Ibiza, Riyadh, Dubai and Valencia. The restaurant is aimed at wealthy international expats, visitors and celebrities, who will enjoy Tatel’s exquisite signature gourmet dishes and exclusive atmosphere.
It seems only fitting that the winner of two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cups, should continue to excel in his chosen career, whether as a sportsman, restauranteur or a property developer on the Costa del Sol.
If you would like further information about villas for sale in Marbella Spain, you are looking for property to buy in the Costa del Sol’s or you have a real estate development project that you would like to discuss, contact [email protected].
