Tennis icon Rafael Nadal and his business partner hotel magnate Abel Matutes Prats have secured final approval to move ahead with an exclusive residential development in Estepona, on one of the last prime seafront plots available in the Costa del Sol. Their project, backed by the firm Palya Invest, now has the full urban planning go-ahead following environmental clearance from regional authorities.
Final planning approval clears the path
The final approval of the urban planning reform for the “Los Llanos” sector has come into effect, enabling the developers to proceed with the construction of approximately 50 luxury villas and apartments, all according to Spanish press reports. The land, measuring just under 37,000 square metres, was acquired in 2019 for an estimated €20 million, mainly from Vee Inmuebles Estepona.
Behind the project is Palya Invest, formerly known as Mabel Capital Global. Steering the operation is Palya Casa del Mar S.L., replacing Mabel Casa del Mar as the promoter of the urban development plan. Abel Matutes Prats and Sebastián Nadal Homar—Rafael Nadal’s father—feature prominently in the corporate structure behind the scheme.
Mediterranean-style residences with a low environmental footprint
According to Spanish press reports the development will feature around 50 homes on a net plot area of 22,646 square metres, averaging one home every 452 square metres. The new planning framework replaces former classifications of detached and semi-detached homes with a more cohesive “Mediterranean village” style. Building height will be limited to ground floor plus two levels and an attic, while frontline beach units will be capped at one level plus attic, helping to minimise visual impact.
This approach is also intended to reduce the project’s ecological footprint. Architects plan to preserve much of the land’s mature eucalyptus groves and avoid undue disruption to the existing landscape.
Better road access and public realm benefits
Road layouts within the area will be reorganised to enhance traffic flow and accessibility. Public beach access will also see an improvement through increased parking and pedestrian connections.
Notably, the developers have agreed to cede land to help complete the Senda Litoral, a continuous coastal footpath that aims to link the entire Malaga coastline. This gesture could help soften community concerns regarding coastal privatisation, a common point of contention with prime beachfront developments.
A premium project on rare land
The Los Llanos site is considered one of the last undeveloped stretches of seafront land available for building in the region, making it a highly attractive investment. The decision to reduce building density, preserve green space, and soften visual impact reflects an awareness of growing scrutiny around sustainable coastal development.
With the political and administrative hurdles cleared, all eyes now turn to the next phase: breaking ground and, inevitably, the marketing blitz that will likely accompany what’s set to be a high-end addition to Spain’s upmarket property landscape.
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