Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Arrives in South Lombok

‍Rafa Nadal Brings the First Southeast Asian Tennis Center to South Lombok

South Lombok has just gained another internationally recognised name.

The Rafa Nadal Academy will open Southeast Asia’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Samara Lombok in the first quarter of 2028.

The centre will feature four tennis courts and four padel courts, offering programmes based on the methodology developed by Rafael Nadal and his technical team.

It is exciting news for tennis fans. But for those following South Lombok’s development, the bigger story is what this decision says about the destination.

More Than a Famous Name

Founded in Rafael Nadal’s hometown of Manacor in 2016, the Academy has developed into an international sports and education platform built around discipline, humility, resilience, respect and continuous improvement.

Its network now includes academies in Mallorca and Kuwait, alongside tennis centres in destinations such as Mexico, Greece, Hong Kong, Marbella and Punta Cana. Brazil is also scheduled to join the network in 2028.

The Academy has worked with established names including former world No. 2 Casper Ruud and rising international players such as Alex Eala, Martín Landaluce, Coleman Wong and Ivan Ivanov. In June 2026, it celebrated six associated players reaching the ATP and WTA Top 100.

This is not simply a celebrity-branded facility. It is an established international concept with a clear methodology, global operating experience and a growing record of developing professional talent.

What the Decision Says About South Lombok

International brands of this calibre do not select new destinations based on scenery alone.

A long-term commitment requires confidence in accessibility, destination appeal, the quality of the local development partner and the potential to attract an international audience.

The new centre will sit within a 150-hectare resort development around 25 minutes from Lombok International Airport. According to the Academy, the project will combine sport, tourism and high-quality hospitality while introducing its methodology to players and families from around the world.

That makes the announcement a meaningful signal for the broader South Lombok market.

The region is evolving beyond its reputation as a surf and beach destination. Hospitality, wellness, residential developments, restaurants, family experiences and now internationally branded sports facilities are creating a more complete destination.

Each new concept strengthens the wider ecosystem.

More reasons to visit. More reasons to stay longer. And greater international awareness of what South Lombok is becoming.

What This Means for Our Investors

For Baraca investors who positioned themselves in South Lombok early, this is encouraging news.

Early positioning means entering a market before its full development story becomes obvious. It means recognising the fundamentals while international awareness, infrastructure and the wider destination offering are still taking shape.

The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center is another visible step in that process.

A globally recognised organisation has reviewed the region, selected South Lombok for its first Southeast Asian centre and committed to becoming part of its long-term development.

Our investors were already positioned before that international recognition arrived.

Explore the South Lombok Story

The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center is only one part of a much broader transformation taking place across the region.

Our Lombok Guide explores the infrastructure, tourism growth and key developments shaping the future of South Lombok.

Interested in understanding the market more clearly?

Request your copy of the Lombok Guide.

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