With the tennis season in full swing, players and fans alike are seeking destinations where they can enjoy their favourite sport.
In southern Spain, the five-star Don Carlos Marbella serves up a Mediterranean resort that is anchored by elite tennis. Set along the Costa del Sol, the property combines beachfront relaxation with structured, academy-level training.
At its core is Spain’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, positioning the resort as a must-visit for sports travellers looking to sharpen their game while enjoying one of Europe’s most iconic coastal escapes.
Rafa Nadal Tennis Center: a flagship for tennis tourism
The defining feature of Don Carlos Marbella is its Rafa Nadal Tennis Center – the first of its kind in Spain – bringing the methodology of the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar to the Costa del Sol. Designed for players of all levels, the centre blends professional training with an accessible resort environment.
The facility includes nine courts in total, with seven clay courts and two padel courts, allowing guests to experience Spain’s traditional playing surface alongside one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. Programmes are structured around the academy’s proven training philosophy, developed through more than 15 years of elite competition experience.
A key differentiator is the integration of the Wingfield System, a cutting-edge performance analysis tool that tracks and analyses gameplay in real time, delivering detailed insights into technique and match play. Combined with professional coaching and the option for casual matches, the centre caters equally to serious players and leisure travellers.
Beyond training, the on-site exhibition showcasing some of Nadal’s most iconic trophies adds a storytelling dimension, while the pro shop – stocked with Nike and Babolat equipment – completes a fully immersive tennis experience.
The centre also features Break Point, an informal café-bar, plus an indoor and outdoor gym.
In 2026, Don Carlos Marbella will host two official ITF World Tennis Masters Tour tournaments at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, from 6-12 April and 21-27 September.
Sports facilities: beyond the baseline
While tennis is the headline act, Don Carlos Marbella offers a well-rounded sports infrastructure that supports a broader active travel experience. Guests have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, outdoor training areas, and additional racket sport facilities including padel.
The resort’s coastal setting also enables beach-based activities, while landscaped grounds provide space for functional training and recovery sessions. This multi-sport approach aligns with the growing demand for destinations that cater to diverse athletic interests rather than a single discipline.
Activities: a holistic approach to active travel
Don Carlos Marbella positions itself as more than a training base – it is a destination for holistic wellbeing. The resort is home to the Don Carlos Spa, which features 1,600 sqm of space dedicated to wellness.
Daily programming extends beyond the courts, with activities such as yoga, fitness classes, and guided sessions designed to balance performance with recovery.
Accommodation: Mediterranean comfort with a sporting edge
Accommodation at Don Carlos Marbella mirrors the resort’s dual focus on performance and leisure.
With 308 newly renovated rooms, suites, and one- or two-bedroom residences, the spaces are designed with a contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic, offering views across gardens, pools, or the sea.
For sports travellers, the layout allows for seamless transitions between training, rest, and social spaces. Spacious interiors, private terraces, and proximity to the tennis centre make it particularly appealing for longer stays, training camps, or group bookings.
Dining and lifestyle: completing the resort experience
Complementing its sports offering is a strong focus on dining and lifestyle. Restaurants across the resort serve Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, alongside lighter, performance-oriented options suited to active guests.
Los Naranjos is the “culinary soul” of Don Carlos Marbella, while Break Point, located next to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, is a perfect spot for refreshment after time on the courts.
For more information see doncarlosresort.com
Image credits: Don Carlos Marbella