Rafael Nadal has officially turned the page on one of the most legendary careers in sports, and the next chapter starts not with a serve but with a sea breeze. Fresh off his retirement from professional tennis, the Spanish icon has found his new rhythm far from the roar of center court.
Nadal is setting up a second home in the Dominican Republic's ultra-exclusive Playa Nueva Romana, a private enclave tucked between Santo Domingo and La Romana.
© Playa Nueva RomanaA Caribbean Court Fit for a King
In 2012, at the height of his tennis dominance, Nadal quietly bought a villa in this tropical sanctuary. According to HOLA! Spain, the price tag is around €495,000. Fast-forward to today, and after a series of upscale upgrades, that same property is now worth an estimated €2 million.
His two-story villa, which spans 227 square meters, is surrounded by lush golf course views and landscaped tropical gardens. It features three bedrooms, a modern kitchen, a light-filled dining area, a cozy fireplace lounge, and a private pool.
© Playa Nueva RomanaOutside, residents have access to every luxury you'd expect, including a beach club, spa, private marina, tennis club, gym, and the peace of a secure, gated community.
© Playa Nueva RomanaFrom Center Court to Centered Living
While fans might still be adjusting to the idea of a tennis world without Nadal battling on clay, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is leaning into a slower, more intentional lifestyle. But don't confuse "retirement" with slowing down.
Living between Mallorca and the Dominican Republic, Nadal's days now revolve around family, wellness, and business. He and his wife, Mery Perelló, will raise their two kids with all the benefits of Playa Nueva Romana.
© Rafael NadalBig Moves Beyond the Baseline
Off the court, Nadal's empire is only growing. With a reported net worth north of €310 million, he's building a post-tennis legacy through smart investments and purposeful ventures.
Rafael Nadal's portfolio showcases a diverse range of ventures that reflect his ambitions beyond tennis. It includes Tatel, a high-end restaurant group located in Madrid, Ibiza, and Miami, alongside luxury real estate developments in Spain and the Dominican Republic.
© Playa Nueva RomanaAdditionally, the Rafa Nadal Academy thrives in Manacor and is dedicated to helping the next generation of champions. At the same time, the Rafa Nadal Foundation provides education and sports opportunities to vulnerable youth around the globe. So, while Nadal may have traded in his Grand Slam trophies for a more extensive lifestyle, his hustle remains very much alive.
An A-lister Paradise
Nadal's new neighborhood isn't just stunning; it's star-studded. Playa Nueva Romana has quietly become a magnet for celebrities and ultra-high-net-worth individuals looking for a low-key escape with high-end perks. Marc Anthony, Romeo Santos, Will Smith, and others retreat to the area for its privacy and no-paparazzi lifestyle.
With 600 hectares of untouched nature, palm groves, and world-class amenities, it's not hard to see why Nadal chose this slice of Caribbean calm to start his new chapter.
© Playa Nueva RomanaStill Rooted in the Game
Even from afar, Rafa remains deeply connected to the sport that made him a legend. After the jaw-dropping Roland Garros 2025 final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Nadal took to social media to give both rising stars their flowers. "What an incredible Roland Garros final! Congrats, Carlos Alcaraz!" he wrote, "Congrats as well to Jannik Sinner for the great battle."
So, while Rafael Nadal may no longer be chasing titles on the court, he's clearly still playing to win, just in new arenas. Nadal is rewriting what greatness looks like in retirement.
