Zel Punta Cana by Melia opened on 12 December 2024 in the central Bavaro area of Punta Cana. The all-inclusive resort marks the expansion of the tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s lifestyle all-inclusive hotel brand in the Americas. The brand had first launched in Mallorca and Costa Brava, Spain.
Right on a white-sand beach, Zel Punta Cana invites guests to experience the white sand beach and play on quality tennis courts, while enjoying the comforts of the hotel designed in a blend of the Mediterranean lifestyle and Caribbean Island charm.
The all-inclusive resort boasts 190 guest rooms designed to accommodate couples, groups of friends, and families.
The five tennis courts are designed for beginners and elite players in mind, with coaching available for both levels. A Fitness Residency is scheduled to offer classes and activities include running, pilates, and yoga. The invitation is for both hotel guests and locals to embrace an active, vibrant lifestyle.
There are two swimming pools and a full-service spa. The AUA Spa features a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and private treatment rooms for massages, facials and body treatments. The state-of-the-art gym provides guests the option to work with a personal trainer.
There are eight restaurants and a lively beach club by the shore.
A signature feature of the brand, Zel Punta Cana’s concept store offers a selection of local and international brands to shop from, including Romualda, Casa Mari Cruz, Chakana, OAS, Octaevo, and Printworks.
Active well-being remains at the heart of Zel through the renowned Zel Club, a community centered on balancing a healthy lifestyle and fostering social connections. Guests can join expert-curated weekend retreats combining sports, beach relaxation, and community connections.
To embody the festive Mediterranean spirit, Zel Club has plans to host seasonal festivals and parties to commemorate special occasions and allow guests to celebrate with their nearest and dearest.
“We consider Zel to be a true Mediterranean embassy and look forward to introducing our lifestyle experience to Punta Cana,” said Gabriel Escarrer, chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International. He goes on record saying: “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. 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.”
Zel is the new lifestyle brand created together with Rafa Nadal. A collection of hotels inspired by the welcoming homes, outdoor culture and spontaneous lifestyle of the Mediterranean. A new hotel concept with a refreshing aesthetic based on the spontaneity, energy and family values of the Mediterranean. The first hotel of the brand opened in 2023 in Mallorca. The next hotels of this brand are expected to open in Madrid and Sayulita.
Zel Punta Cana is a Melia and Grupo Popular of the Dominican Republic investment. In 2024, Banco Popular’s investment fund manager (Administradora de Fondos de Inversión Popular – AFI Popular) invested US$63 million in two of the Meliá group’s assets in Punta Cana: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa and ZEL Punta Cana. With this transaction, carried out through a capital increase, the Fondo Cerrado de Desarrollo de Sociedades Popular acquired 25% of the Meliá subsidiaries that own these hotels.
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Melia
Grupo Popular
7 January 2025