Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, First in Southeast Asia, to be Built in Lombok
The first Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Southeast Asia has been confirmed for construction in the Samara Lombok area, Torok Aik Belek, Selong Belanak Village, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The presence of this international-standard sports facility is believed to further strengthen Lombok’s position as a world-class sport tourism destination.
Maribel Nadal, Deputy General Manager of the Rafa Nadal Academy, stated that Lombok has significant potential to develop into an international sports destination. This is evidenced by the construction of various international-standard venues, such as the Mandalika Circuit and Sky Lancing. “Lombok is a destination with extraordinary international potential. We are confident this project will help bring our methodology and passion for sport to a new generation of players and families from around the world,” she said in an official statement on Tuesday (28/7/2026).
The world-class facility is scheduled to open alongside the first phase of Samara Lombok in the first quarter (Q1) of 2028. The development will also mark the arrival of the first Destination by Hyatt in Southeast Asia. She noted that the announcement reaffirms Lombok’s position as a destination with significant long-term growth potential. Prior to selecting Samara Lombok, the Mallorca, Spain-based Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre had only operated one main overseas academy, located in Kuwait.
“This sports centre in South Lombok will be equipped with four world-class tennis courts and four padel courts,” she said. “All programmes will be designed for players of all ages and skill levels, based on the training methodology developed by Rafa Nadal’s technical team over more than two decades on the professional tour.”
Meanwhile, Samara Lombok Co-Founder Steve Ebsworth stated that the arrival of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre aligns with the area’s concept as a lifestyle and recreation destination. “Samara is built to be a playground in the truest sense. Bringing Rafa Nadal’s methodology to South Lombok provides a rare sporting experience for guests of all ages, while also aligning with the destination we are building,” he said.
In addition to presenting world-class sports facilities, Samara Lombok is developing an integrated area on the south coast of Lombok, located approximately 25 minutes from Lombok International Airport. “In its initial operational phase in 2028, the area will feature three boutique hotels and approximately 150 villas out of a total planned 500 villas. The development is also complemented by various supporting facilities, ranging from culinary centres to marine activities and water sports,” he added.
The inclusion of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is expected to enhance Samara Lombok’s appeal as a destination for property investment and second homes for both domestic and international markets. Samara Lombok currently offers 500 villa units with 12 design choices, ranging from two to five bedrooms. These villas are marketed for private residence and long-term investment, while several turnkey units have already been made available to early-stage investors. “With the presence of international sports facilities, a global hotel network, and a strategic location, Samara Lombok is expected to become one of the main drivers of tourism and investment development on Lombok Island,” he concluded.