Tennis legend Rafael Nadal launched his hospitality brand, Zel, in collaboration with Meliá Hotels International in 2023 — with the first property on Mallorca, Spain, and the second in Costa Brava, Spain. The third Zel outpost, Zel Punta Cana, just opened on the east coast of the Dominican Republic.
While the all-inclusive property doesn’t front Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana’s idyllic stretch of waterfront, it is a short walk and takes advantage of its serene location to offer a quieter, more wellness-oriented experience. The resort has 190 suites, five tennis courts, a full-service spa, two swimming pools, eight restaurants and bars, and a beach club.
Courtesy of Meliá Hotels
Zel Punta Cana’s spacious rooms — from 800 to 2,200 square feet — have terraces or patios with private hot tubs overlooking the resort’s lush gardens. Guests can also book swim-up suites with separate dining and living rooms and a thatched-roof daybed in a private garden.
Courtesy of Meliá Hotels
THIAGO DA CUNHA/Courtesy of Meliá Hotels
Zel Punta Cana provides its guests with plenty of opportunities to stay active through weekend wellness retreats, yoga classes and meditations, water sports, or trainer-led workouts at the hotel’s gym. An upcoming fitness residency initiative will offer both hotel guests and the public the opportunity to participate in exclusive running sessions, pilates classes, and other activities.
Rounding out the wellness offerings, the property’s AUA Spa has an impressive slate of face and body treatments, plus access to a sauna and steam room.
Courtesy of Meliá Hotels
“Together with Rafa, we decided to embark on this adventure to share our worry-free values and warm culture with our guests around the world,” said Gabriel Escarrer, chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure. “The Caribbean is a destination with an abundance of its own special charm that perfectly complements the Zel brand, creating a holiday retreat unlike any other.”
Courtesy of Meliá Hotels
Courtesy of Meliá Hotels
The resort features a Mediterranean buffet with outdoor seating, a Japanese restaurant, and a Greek-Mexican fusion spot. For prime Caribbean views, guests can dine at the hotel’s casual beach club, while oenophiles might try Silvestre wine cellar and bar.
There are already two more Zel hotels in the works — in Madrid and Sayulita, Mexico. The average nightly rate at Zel Punta Cana is $450, and you can book your stay on melia.com.
