Perks of the job! Rafa Nadal relaxes on beach with childhood sweetheart Maria Francisca Perello before his Mexican Open win

PUBLISHED: 12:25 EST, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 02:45 EST, 7 March 2013

He spends most of his time flying around the world to compete in tennis tournaments.

But Rafa Nadal's jet-setting lifestyle certainly has its perks as he spent a relaxing day on the beach in Cozumel with girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello last week in between matches at the Mexican Open.

Taking time out from his grueling training schedule, the former world number one treated himself to a little down time with his childhood sweetheart.

Quality time together: Rafa Nadal and long-tern girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello relax on the beach in Cozumel in between the Mexican Open matches

The 26-year-old tennis ace, who went on beat fellow Spaniard David Ferrer and win his second title in Mexico on Saturday, decided to have some fun while he was in the country.

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Looking as in love as ever, the long-term partners spent Rafa's day off lounging around on the white sands with their arms wrapped around each other.

Maria, who usually shuns the spotlight and is rarely seen out with her famous other half, seemed happy and relaxed as she strolled around the beach in a strapless olive green bikini.

Holding on tightly: The couple spend much of the day with their arms wrapped round each other, treating themselves to an indulgent break

Long-term love: The couple, who have been together since they teenagers, rarely get to spend a little alone time together, but took the opportunity while in Mexico

Later in the day she changed into an eye-catching pink string bikini, wandering around with a loose-fitting white T-shirt and a pair of short denim shorts thrown over the top.

Rafa showed off his toned physique as he spent most of the day wearing just a pair of sky blue swimming trunks with his mop of brown hair slicked back after a dip in the water.

The pair treated themselves to a couple's massage during their indulgent day, making the most of their time to unwind before Rafa's matches.

Taking a break: Rafa seems happy to have a little time away from his grueling training schedule, lounging on the white sands

Quick change: Later in the day Maria changes into a pink string bikini while other half Rafa wears just a pair of sky blue swimming trunks

Later in the day the former Wimbledon champion clearly felt the need for a few thrills, hiring a jet ski and whizzing around the bay while his girlfriend looked on.

Maria, who has a full-time job in insurance, doesn't always jet around the world with her other half, but made an exception for her trip to Mexico.

'Travelling together everywhere, even if I could, would not be good either for him or for me,' she said back in 2011.

'He needs his space when he is competing, and just the idea of me hanging around waiting on his needs all day wears me out. It would asphyxiate me,' Maria added.

Getting his thrills: After some down time Rafa hires a jet ski and whizzes around the bay

Gearing up for his win: Rafa picked up his second Mexican Open title on Saturday, after beating fellow Spaniard David Ferrer

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good for rafa, he's a stand up guy

- sanenick , Berkeley CA, 07/3/2013 03:43

Click to rate Rating 41

The childhood sweetheart has the real curves, unlike Kim Kardashian.

- RdS , California, 07/3/2013 03:41

Click to rate Rating 57

Her body is "THE" body. Curves in the right place. Very natural. Wow.

- ElainePepe , São Paulo, Brazil, 07/3/2013 03:02

Click to rate Rating 69

cute butts

- FooFoo , APrivatePlace, Qatar, 07/3/2013 02:39

Click to rate Rating 18

"he looks far from happy in these pictures. He's scowling most of the time! - Gloria , Ashington, 06/3/2013 19:39" You would probably be scowling too if you private us-time was being invaded by some strangers taking pictures of you.

- tateroifeyo , Dedza, 07/3/2013 01:41

Click to rate Rating 31

in picture 5 she's saying this is how big he thinks his little man is!

- SensiblePerson , Kent, UK, 07/3/2013 01:28

Click to rate Rating 1

Serious physique for a tennis player. Look at the worlds elite follow suit, copying his physical appearence in order to be as succesful...

- VivaUtd84 , Galway, Ireland, 07/3/2013 01:22

Click to rate Rating 17

I'm going to be honest and frank here. Neither of them have drop dead gorgeous faces, but they do have incredible bodies and it's clear that they only have eyes for each other. Good for them!

- Asantewa Watkins , Bronx, United States, 07/3/2013 01:16

Click to rate Rating 25

Good bodies!

- LiveWell , Dublin, Ireland, 07/3/2013 00:59

Click to rate Rating 22

Beautiful couple.

- RealSurrealK , St Albans, England, 07/3/2013 00:45

Click to rate Rating 29

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