In the presence of President Luis Abinader, Tourism Minister David Collado, and renowned tennis player Rafael Nadal, Meliá Hotels International officially opened the first Zel branded hotel in the Caribbean, setting a new mark as it targets tennis fans, offering wellness and gastronomy. The event also marked the start of construction on the first “Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy” in America, located within the same resort complex.
Joining the inauguration were Meliá’s President and CEO Gabriel Escarrer, and Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz.
Situated in the province of La Altagracia, the all-inclusive Zel Punta Cana resort boasts 190 suites designed for groups and families, offering direct pool access, multiple restaurants, a gym, an event hall, and expansive terraces for relaxation and wellness.
President Abinader emphasized the significance of Meliá Group and Rafael Nadal’s continued investment in the country, urging other Spanish and international groups to follow suit in breaking records, as seen in the previous year. He highlighted a bright future for the nation in this regard.
Tourism Minister Collado described the alliance between the Meliá Group and legendary tennis player Rafael Nadal as a milestone and a significant step forward in developing Dominican tourism. This new hotel project aligns with Mitur’s strategy to diversify tourism beyond sun and beach, also promoting luxury and sports tourism.
Collado underscored the new hotel brand is inspired by Rafael Nadal’s global prestige and seeks to attract higher-value, more profitable client segments, especially tennis fans.
Zel Punta Cana is ideally situated less than 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and just a short stroll away from the stunning white sands of Bavaro Beach. Inspired by the welcoming homes, outdoor culture, and spontaneous lifestyle of the Mediterranean, Zel brings this unique vision to destinations with their own distinct cultures.
“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.
The opening of the Punta Cana hotel follows the Zel’s now already popular in Mallorca and Costa Brava, Spain. Following the success of its inaugural hotel, Zel Mallorca, in 2022 and the opening of its second location, Zel Costa Brava in 2023, this hotel marks the brand’s expansion into the Americas.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Tourism
Zel Punta Cana
Journal des Palaces
Listin Diario
11 March 2025