PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has officially entered a new stage of his life, choosing the Dominican Republic as the backdrop for both personal retreat and professional expansion. Following his retirement from competitive tennis, Nadal has taken up residence in a luxury villa alongside his wife, Mery Perelló, settling into the tranquility of Playa Nueva Romana.
The couple’s home, discreetly located within the exclusive Bahía Príncipe residential complex, is valued at approximately US$2 million. Originally acquired in 2012, the villa has transformed from a vacation escape into the family’s main sanctuary. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and Caribbean waters, the property offers the privacy and comfort ideal for the next chapter in Nadal’s life away from the global spotlight.
Nadal’s move to the Dominican Republic also reflects a strategic expansion of his business ventures. In collaboration with Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International, he recently launched the first international property of the ZEL Hotels brand. The 190-room resort, located in Punta Cana, blends luxury hospitality with a strong wellness and sports focus, aiming to attract vacationers, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes from around the world.
This new hotel project marks an important step in Nadal’s evolving legacy. It also aligns with the Dominican Republic’s growing reputation as a prime destination for high-end tourism and international investment.
In addition to hospitality, Nadal is also investing in the future of tennis through the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, now operating in the Dominican Republic. The academy is designed to identify and train promising young athletes while promoting sports tourism. It offers a unique combination of world-class coaching, education, and facilities, serving as a hub for both local talent and international students.
The academy represents Nadal’s enduring commitment to the sport, even as he steps away from competition. It also reflects his belief in the Dominican Republic as fertile ground for athletic and economic development.
As Nadal embraces a quieter lifestyle, his presence in the Caribbean is helping shape a broader impact. From developing tourism infrastructure to nurturing youth talent, his influence extends well beyond tennis. Through his ventures in Punta Cana and Playa Nueva Romana, Nadal continues to build a legacy rooted in excellence, community, and long-term vision.
With this new chapter, Rafael Nadal has shown that retirement does not mean retreat—it’s simply a redirection of passion and purpose. In choosing the Dominican Republic as his new home and business hub, he’s contributing to the region’s growth while enjoying the serenity that only a place like this can offer.
