Although Rafael Nadal is primarily associated with the Roland Garros courts and his Spanish temperament on court, his latest life chapter is unfolding… in the Caribbean. After concluding his professional tennis career, the sports legend has embraced peace, business, and new challenges – specifically in the Dominican Republic.
Is Rafael Nadal connected to the Dominican Republic?
Absolutely. Rafael Nadal has not only taken up residence in the Dominican Republic but is also actively developing his professional and private ventures here. Following his official retirement from professional tennis, he and his wife, Mery Perelló, moved into a villa valued at approximately $2 million, located within the exclusive Bahía Príncipe complex in Playa Nueva Romana. Interestingly, he purchased the property back in 2012, but it has only now become his primary residence.
Nadal’s relocation coincided with the expansion of his business activities into the Dominican market. In collaboration with Meliá Hotels International, he opened the first ZEL Hotels brand outside of Spain in Punta Cana – a modern facility with 190 rooms, catering to both tourists and athletes. Nadal also runs the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy project in the country, which supports young talents and combines sports promotion with local tourism. Although he has withdrawn from the spotlight, he has not ceased his activities. He is building his legacy at a new pace – this time, a Caribbean one.
Rafael Nadal’s Property in Playa Nueva Romana
In 2012 – while still at the peak of his career – the Spanish champion purchased a villa in the luxurious Playa Nueva Romana complex, situated between Santo Domingo and La Romana. At the time, the property cost approximately $565,000; today its value exceeds $2 million – and this is unsurprising, given its standard and location. The two-story, approximately 227 m² home is an ideal place for a peaceful family life, yet not without its luxuries.
Inside, there are 3 bedrooms, a modern kitchen, a dining room with a large window, a cozy living room with a fireplace, and a private swimming pool. Tropical gardens stretch around the property, and the estate offers views of a golf course (a pity it’s not a tennis court 😉). For Nadal, this is not just a property, but a true home – a place where he can relax from the pressures of sports and media, while simultaneously pursuing new business projects.
Luxury Facilities and Celebrity Neighbors
The choice of Playa Nueva Romana was not accidental. It is one of the most prestigious locations in the Dominican Republic, offering comprehensive recreational facilities and a high level of privacy. Residents have access to a sports club, beach club, modern gym, spa, private marina, and tennis club – everything needed to lead an active lifestyle without leaving the complex. It is also a place that attracts celebrities. Nearby residents include Marc Anthony, Romeo Santos, Beyoncé, and Will Smith. For Nadal, this is a natural environment – only now without line judges.
Tennis and Business Combined
As mentioned, Rafael Nadal has not only settled in the Dominican Republic but is also actively developing his brand here – together with Meliá Hotels International, he opened the first ZEL Hotels branded hotel outside of Spain in Punta Cana. However, this is not the end. The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center is also under construction in Punta Cana, with its opening scheduled for January 2026. This will be the eighth such center in the world, designed for individuals wishing to train professionally or recreationally. The center will include 5 tennis courts, 4 padel courts, 6 pickleball courts, as well as a gym and a fully equipped sports shop. Nadal remains true to sports – only now from a new perspective: as a mentor, investor, and ambassador for an active lifestyle.
In Summary…
Rafael Nadal divides his life between his native Mallorca (main residence) and the Dominican Republic. This allows him to maintain a balance between his private life, health, and professional activities. The Caribbean residence provides space for rest and contact with nature, while remaining perfectly connected to his projects – both hospitality and sports-related. Nadal does not slow down: he invests in gastronomy (including the Tatel restaurant), develops the real estate sector, and continues his mission of supporting young athletes through his tennis academies. Instead of competing on the court, today… he competes for a better tomorrow for his family and young athletes.
Do you want to be like Rafael Nadal? Invest in Dominican real estate.
