Meliá & tennis great Rafael Nadal soon to open Zel Punta Cana

Meliá Hotels International’s Zel and tennis great Rafael Nadal have announced their first property in Punta Cana will open on Dec. 12, 2024.

Zel Punta Cana is located fewer than 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and just a short walk from the white sands of Bavaro Beach.

The all-inclusive resort features 190 nature-inspired guestrooms with layouts ranging from 796 to 2152 sq. ft., including Suites, Master Suites and Swim-Up Suites with private gardens that lead directly to the pool.

The Casa Zel Swim-Up Suite features two bedrooms — both with king beds — separate living and dining space, a terrace with a whirlpool for two, and a Balinese bed in the garden.

The hotel also features two swimming pools, five tennis courts, dedicated meeting spaces, a full service spa, six dining experiences and a beach club.

Zel Punta Cana’s concept store will feature both local and international brands, including Romualda, Casa MariCruz, Chakana, OAS, Octaevo and Printworks.

“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. “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.”

With the love of the outdoors and philosophy of slow living serving as design inspiration, the rooms have been conceptualized with colours, textures and shapes that convey the natural world inspired by Mediterranean style.

As part of its culinary experiences, Parda is a Mediterranean-style buffet that invites diners on a journey through the vibrant cultures and rich traditions that inspired the Zel brand through local fresh ingredients.

Volcan captivates with its asador grill, where guests can dine among the delicious aroma of sizzling meats and fresh herbs.

At Tacorini, the fusion of Mexican folklore and Greek elegance comes to life, serving a delightful combination of tacos and gyros.

Nokyo will offer a unique blend of Japanese minimalism and Mediterranean charm, featuring a carefully curated selection of Japanese dishes.

Wine enthusiasts can sample the best selection of wines and spirits at Silvestre, a winery adorned in natural sunlight and wood furnishings.

Guests can also enjoy a wide variety of cocktails at Voltaje, a dynamic lobby bar embellished with gold touches and jewel tones, while the Beach Club pairs excellent food and a lively ambiance, perfect for relaxation by the beach.

Zel Club will also host expert-curated weekend retreats that will include sports and activities, relaxation on the beach, and social connection to the community, as well as festivals and day parties to celebrate the opening and closing of seasons, holidays and just-because occasions.

Weekly daytime programming at Zel Club will blend holistic wellness and entertainment in a social setting that cultivates connection for hotel guests and club visitors alike.

Partners leading the weekly activities at Zel Club include industry experts and renowned leaders in the health, fitness and wellbeing.

The hotel will also introduce a Fitness Residency, which will consist of  a series of exclusive classes and activities including running sessions, pilates and yoga, designed for both hotel guests and the public to partake in the active wellbeing activities.

The wellness area is dedicated to selfcare, with a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and private treatment rooms to enjoy massages, facials, body treatments, beauty services and more from the extensive menu of treatments.

The state-of-the-art gym welcomes guests to use its cutting edge equipment at their own pace or with the guidance of an on-property personal trainer to curate custom routines based on each guests’ needs.

Group activities, including guided yoga and meditations, are available, with an abundance of outdoor space on the beach or in the gardens serving as an ideal backdrop to get lost in a fitness routine.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.