Love on the High Seas: Inside Rafael Nadal’s $10 Million Anniversary Voyage
The Mediterranean sun, a gentle breeze, and the rhythmic sound of waves against a pristine hull—this was the setting for the ultimate romantic gesture. To celebrate their wedding anniversary, tennis legend Rafael Nadal and his wife, Mery “Xisca” Perelló, embarked on a breathtaking getaway aboard their luxury yacht. While the “King of Clay” is known for his relentless intensity on the court, this trip revealed a different side of the champion: a man deeply devoted to his family and the quiet beauty of the Balearic Islands.
The Vessel: A Floating Masterpiece
The centerpiece of this celebration is Nadal’s prized possession—the 80 Sunreef Power Great White. Valued at approximately $10 million (or 250 billion VND), this custom-built catamaran is a marvel of modern naval architecture. Spanning 80 feet, the yacht offers over 4,000 square feet of living space, designed specifically to meet the needs of a world-class athlete who values privacy and comfort above all else.
Stepping onto the deck, one is immediately struck by the seamless blend of luxury and functionality. The yacht features:
A Master Suite to Rival Any Hotel: Boasting a walk-in dressing room, a bright en-suite bathroom, and a private fold-out balcony that allows the couple to wake up literally over the water.
The Massive Flybridge: Where Rafa and Mery spent most of their time, featuring a bar, a spa pool, and oversized sunpads perfect for soaking up the Spanish sun.
The Garage of Dreams: Tucked away in the stern is a garage capable of housing jet skis and a collection of water toys, though on this trip, the focus was firmly on relaxation.
A Celebration of Partnership
For Rafa and Mery, who have been together for nearly two decades, this anniversary wasn’t just about a milestone; it was about reclaiming time. The couple, captured in rare, intimate moments, looked more relaxed than ever. Dressed in a crisp white linen shirt and dark trousers, Nadal mirrored the effortless elegance of the yacht itself. Beside him, Mery radiated grace in a flowing floral summer dress, her natural beauty highlighted by the soft, golden-hour lighting.
They spent their days cruising the crystal-clear waters of Mallorca and Ibiza. Far from the flashbulbs of the paparazzi, the couple enjoyed long, leisurely lunches on the aft deck, prepared by a private chef, featuring fresh Mediterranean seafood and local delicacies.
Why the Great White?
Nadal has often spoken about his deep connection to the ocean. Growing up in Manacor, the sea is in his DNA. “As someone from an island, as I am, the sea is part of our lives,” he once said in an interview. For him, the yacht isn’t just a status symbol; it is a sanctuary. It is a place where the 22-time Grand Slam champion can disconnect from the grueling demands of the ATP tour and reconnect with his roots and his wife.
The stability of the catamaran design was a key choice for the couple, ensuring that even when the Mediterranean gets a bit choppy, the “Great White” remains a steady, peaceful home on the water.
The Itinerary: Hidden Gems and Azure Horizons
The couple’s journey took them to some of the most secluded coves in the Balearics. They were spotted anchored near Cala Deià, a picturesque coastal village known for its rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. With other luxury yachts visible in the far distance, Rafa and Mery enjoyed the luxury of space and silence.
As the sun dipped below the horizon each evening, painting the sky in shades of orange and violet, the yacht’s ambient lighting took over. The couple reportedly spent their evenings on the upper deck, watching the stars—a stark contrast to the bright lights of Center Court at Roland Garros.
Legacy Beyond the Court
This $10 million anniversary gift serves as a reminder that even for global icons, the greatest luxury is the ability to share a quiet moment with the people they love. Nadal’s investment in the Great White is an investment in his future with Mery—a space where they can raise their son and build memories far away from the scoreboard.
As the yacht eventually sailed back toward the harbor of Porto Cristo, the smiles on their faces told the whole story. The “King of Clay” may have conquered the tennis world, but on the deck of his magnificent yacht, with his wife by his side, Rafael Nadal has clearly found his true paradise.