Rafael Nadal, widely regarded as the greatest Spanish sportsman of all time, brought his illustrious sporting career to a close in Málaga – the very province where he is now launching his latest real estate ventures. Alongside Abel Matutes, former Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister José María Aznar, Nadal has co-founded a real estate company named Palya Investe. Together with Marbella-based developer Sierra Blanca, the firm plans to invest €200 million in the construction of 100 luxury residences along the Costa del Sol, according to Diario Sur.
The first development will comprise 42 premium apartments and six luxury villas in the Los Llanos area of Estepona. The 36-hectare beachfront site was originally acquired in 2019 by Mabel Capital, a group led by former politician and businessman Manuel Campos Guallar, who is no longer involved in the project.
The second, though not final, phase of this venture is set in Marbella’s exclusive Nagüeles district. There, 45 luxury apartments will be developed in two phases: the first delivering 33 homes, followed by a second phase with the remaining 12.
A tennis club on standby
Just over a month ago, it was confirmed that Spain's first Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre will be opening in Marbella. The centre will be housed within the iconic and recently renovated Don Carlos luxury hotel, set to welcome guests this summer. Aimed at high-net-worth individuals, the facility reflects the exclusive nature of Nadal’s brand. However, the former Mallorcan tennis star is now considering the creation of an additional club bearing his name, this time in collaboration with developer Sierra Blanca.
Sierra Blanca initially planned to build the tennis club in the car park surrounding the José María Martín Carpena Sports Arena in Málaga, home to the Unicaja Málaga basketball team.
That plan, however, has since shifted slightly south, though it remains within the Carretera de Cádiz district. The new proposed site is at the Inacua sports complex, located near the landmark Málaga Towers and Sierra Blanca Towers. This location, however, would require extensive remodelling and expansion – an endeavour that appears challenging given the current constraints of the site.
The land in question is publicly owned and is currently under an operations contract held by Serveo, a company formed by the Portobello investment fund and construction firm Ferrovial. The contract still has ten years remaining. For the City Council to release the land for public tender, Serveo would need to be financially compensated for the early termination of the agreement.