Claudio Spilatro, a resident of New Jersey and owner of Pelican Shops, a ski and snowboard rental company, shared his experience of having a younger partner after his 18-year marriage ended. Despite facing criticism from others who claim his 25-year-old girlfriend, Atadja, is only interested in his money and doesn’t truly love him, Spilatro believes that relationships should be mutually beneficial.
Spilatro and Atadja connected on a dating app called Seeking in 2017 and have been inseparable ever since. Spilatro describes Atadja as everything he was looking for—a beautiful, young, and active partner. He appreciates the ability to offer her opportunities to travel and make connections, while he benefits from having a vibrant and attractive companion.
Atadja, an estate agent and content creator from New Jersey, explains that she was tired of dating unsuccessful men and finds happiness and authenticity in her older partner. She values Spilatro’s problem-solving skills and the fact that he allows her to be herself, which she believes many other men lack the confidence to do.
Since they started dating, the couple has embarked on numerous luxurious adventures around the world, flying first class, staying in five-star resorts, hiring private chefs, and enjoying monthly vacations. Spilatro’s ex-wife was not interested in traveling, which led to their divorce. Now, the couple spends most of their time traveling together, only returning home for short periods.
Their journeys have taken them whale watching in Hawaii, skiing in the Alps, and visiting their second home in the Dominican Republic, among other experiences. Atadja expresses her euphoria and amazement at the opportunity to explore the world and create incredible memories, often questioning if it’s all real.
Although their families are supportive of their relationship, Atadja jokingly referred to herself as a “gold digger” in some TikTok videos, which initially worried her family until they realized it was meant as comedy. Now, they view Spilatro as her boyfriend and nothing more.
While marriage is a possibility for the couple, they currently find their relationship perfect as it is. Atadja playfully remarks that she hasn’t seen a ring yet, but they both express openness to the idea of marriage in the future.