Could Rafael Nadal be the next Conrad Hilton?

The 26-year-old Spanish tennis star, who recently won his first title since returning to competitive play after a seven-month absence, has confirmed that U.S.-based hotel management company AMResorts will operate two hotels he purchased in Cozumel.

“I got to know this place a few years ago and I loved it,” said Nadal. “That’s why we invested in it; it’s also an island and there’s a connection with the place where I live as well, which is the (Spanish Mediterranean) island of Mallorca.”

Nadal, who arrived in Cozumel earlier in the week after winning a tournament in Sao Paulo – his second event after a seven-month hiatus due to a knee injury – confirmed in a press conference that his hotels will be managed by AMResorts, which is headed by Mexico’s Alejandro Zozaya.

“It’s nice to invest in a place where you really feel good. The possibility of investing here in Cozumel came up. I love nature, I love the sea, this is a natural paradise,” said the former world No. 1 and 11-time Grand Slam champion.

“In addition to the economic investment, it’s a nice, emotional investment for my future,” said Nadal, who will compete in next week’s Mexican Open in Acapulco.

Zozaya said Nadal’s Secrets Aura Cozumel hotel was remodeled at a cost of $14 million and will cater to high-end clientele and that the Sunscape Sabor Cozumel, also owned by the tennis star, will be ready in the second half of 2013.