Our 3-Day Group Training Experience at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Cancun, Costa Mujeres

The Rafael Nadal Academy in Cancun, Costa Mujeres attracts tennis players from all over the world. Whether your goal is to improve your game, immerse yourself in the Nadal philosophy, or simply enjoy a unique tennis experience in a paradisiacal setting, expectations are naturally high.

We spent three days attending group training sessions, and here is our honest, nuanced, and experience-based review, designed to help players make an informed decision based on their level and objectives.

World-class facilities built for tennis

From the moment you arrive at the Rafael Nadal Academy Costa Mujeres, one thing is immediately clear: everything is designed around sport and performance.

The facilities include:

• 8 red clay tennis courts, including 3 covered courts
• 1 pickleball court
• 1 padel court (a second one was under construction during our stay)
• A small mini-soccer area
• Terraces overlooking the courts
• Official Rafael Nadal shop
• Rafael Nadal Museum
• A small café, perfect between sessions

The quality of the courts is outstanding, both in terms of bounce and maintenance. The environment is calm, pristine, and highly conducive to focus and progression.

Structure of the group training sessions

Group sessions took place in the morning, lasting 2 hours per day. The organization was smooth and very professional.

Group setup

• 3 coaches
• 4 to 6 players per court (we played on the 3 covered courts)
• Players are grouped by skill level during drills
• Free court access for players enrolled in training sessions

This structure ensures quality coaching while allowing players to train with others of a similar level.

Typical session breakdown

Each session followed a clear and consistent structure:

1. Warm-up (approximately 20 minutes)

A complete and progressive warm-up focused on mobility, muscle activation, and preparation for clay-court movement.

2. Footwork training

Strong emphasis on movement, balance, and positioning — core pillars of the Nadal training philosophy.

3. Forehand and backhand drills

Repetitive, well-structured drills aimed at consistency, stability, and shot quality.

4. Point-play situations with serve

Match-like scenarios designed to apply technical and tactical concepts in real-game situations.

5. Team doubles

A more playful segment, but still competitive, encouraging communication and court awareness.

Water breaks were included after each longer exercise, allowing players to maintain intensity without unnecessary fatigue.

Coaching approach and intensity

The overall intensity of the sessions was solid and consistent.

Each training session also included a 10-15 minutes tactical talk, where one of the coaches addressed the entire group. Topics included:

• Point construction
• Game intentions
• Court positioning
• Decision-making

The coaches were highly competent, clear in their explanations, and fully aligned with the Nadal Academy philosophy.

Who are group sessions best for?

Ideal for:

Group sessions are especially well suited for:

• Beginner with good base foundation to intermediate players
• Players who don’t regularly take lessons
• Players who want to:
  • Build strong technical fundamentals
  • Better understand the basics of the game
  • Experience an immersive tennis environment
  • Meet players from around the world

Considerations for advanced players

If you:

• Regularly take private lessons
• Are an upper-intermediate or advanced player
• Are in excellent physical shape

Group sessions may leave you wanting more.

The explanations are often very fundamental. They are useful and well delivered, but can feel repetitive for players already accustomed to technical coaching. Additionally, with 4 to 6 players per court, the physical load may not be demanding enough for more advanced or highly conditioned players.

Even after two hours on court, there was still a strong desire to keep hitting.

The social aspect: a major advantage

One of the biggest strengths of group training is the social experience.

It’s an excellent way to:

• Meet players from all over the world
• Experience different playing styles
• Easily find hitting partners outside of scheduled sessions

The atmosphere is welcoming, and it’s very easy to integrate into existing groups.

Court access and logistics

• Players enrolled in training sessions receive free court access
• Staying at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres also includes complimentary court access
• Outdoor courts can only be reserved 24 hours in advance

This flexibility makes it easy to combine structured training with free play and match practice.

What we would do differently

With hindsight, for an upper-intermediate or advanced player, the ideal setup would be:

👉 1 group session and 2 private lessons

• The group session is perfect for discovering the Nadal methodology and connecting with other players & know the coaches.
• Private lessons allow for:
  • More precise technical adjustments
  • Higher, more personalized intensity
  • Targeted work on individual strengths and weaknesses

In our opinion, this combination offers the best balance between experience, progression, and enjoyment.

Final thoughts

The Rafael Nadal Academy in Cancun, Costa Mujeres is an exceptional destination for tennis enthusiasts. The facilities are outstanding, the coaching is solid, and the overall experience is deeply inspiring.

Whether you’re traveling to improve your game, train in a professional environment, or simply enjoy tennis in a world-class setting, this is a destination well worth considering.

🎾 A true playground for tennis lovers.