On Location: Relaxation & style at the new Zel Punta Cana

A little taste of Europe has landed in Punta Cana!

During a recent press trip to the Dominican Republic in June, PAX immersed itself into the world of Zel, a new lifestyle brand launched by Meliá Hotels International.

After launching in Spain, the brand, created in collaboration with former tennis pro Rafael Nadal, made its debut in the Caribbean this winter with the Zel Punta Cana. The champion was present on March 7 for the official opening of the property.

Designed to offer a balance between well-being, sport, relaxation, and gastronomy, this all-inclusive, boutique-style resort is located approximately a 10-minute walk from Bávaro Beach and 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.

I particularly appreciated the resort's small, accessible format. With only 190 suites, which foster an intimate and peaceful atmosphere, it's a small, easy-to-navigate hotel with a welcoming lobby terrace, designed differently from traditional all-inclusives.

Spacious suites, nature-inspired design

I stayed in a spacious and modern Zel Master Suite. It offered garden views, a large terrace with an outdoor whirlpool tub, a beautiful separate living room with a sofa bed, a spacious dining area, a shower and bathtub, as well as a well-stocked minibar and an espresso machine.

Guests can choose from several other room categories:

• Zel Suite
• Zel Two-Bedroom Master Suite
• Zel Swim-up Suite
• Zel Swim-up Master
• Zel Two-Bedroom Master Suite

The Casa Zel Suites, meanwhile, are equipped with a full kitchen, ideal for families or extended stays.

The Zen-like yet natural decor is inspired by organic textures and soft tones. Special mention should be made of the large terraces, Balinese beds, and outdoor whirlpools in the most luxurious suites.

Land & sea cuisine

In terms of dining, the offerings are quite varied, although during the low season, not all restaurants were open.

Among the options:

• Parda, a Mediterranean buffet;
• Tacorini, which uniquely fuses Mexican and Greek cuisine;
• Nokyo, for lovers of Japanese cuisine—our group really enjoyed the teppanyaki experience!
• And Volcan, a grill for meat and fire-cooking fans.

In addition, there's the Niguri Beach Club, located about a 10-minute walk from the hotel (or a five-minute shuttle ride), with a beach restaurant that I found both good and pleasant.

Bars include the Silvestre wine bar and Voltaje, the main lobby bar. You'll also find the lounge-style Tensión bar, where a karaoke night was held during our visit. A pool bar is also available.

Finally, Café Gusto rounds out the offerings with specialty coffees.

The hotel is adjacent to other Meliá hotels, but we didn't have access to their beverage and restaurant services.

The Zel way of life

The main pool, surrounded by vegetation, is pleasant and ideal for relaxation. There are plenty of Balinese beds and lounge chairs throughout the property. It's easy to find shade for a nap among the palm trees.

Note: the soundtrack, predominantly American and focused on electronic music, is played at a high volume for much of the day. It may not be suitable for all types of guests.

In terms of wellness, the Zel Club offers a comprehensive program: yoga, Pilates, running, and themed retreats. The complex also houses the AUA Spa, with a sauna, steam room, and private treatment rooms. Coaches are available upon request for personalized sessions.

The hotel has a small gym and will soon offer several tennis courts (a Rafael Nadal academy is scheduled to open early next year). Guests also have access to the Cocotal Golf & Country Club.

Although the overall atmosphere is sophisticated and geared more towards adults, children are welcome. But there were very few of them during our stay.

We were there during the low season and, as a result, the hotel seemed less than half full.

It's a quiet property, but I appreciated its location not far from the bustling center of Punta Cana. Uber rides were affordable.

Note: when returning from a night out around midnight, there were no restaurant services available. So, it's best to plan to eat on the road if you're coming back late.

In the evening, the atmosphere is chic and relaxed. One evening, a live band performed, another, a talented saxophonist entertained on the terrace. Two painting workshops were also offered during our stay—all in a cozy atmosphere, far from the exuberance of party resorts.

Now available through Air Canada Vacations, this Mediterranean-style hotel is an attractive option for relaxation and remote working, with several quiet areas equipped with high-performance Wi-Fi and electrical outlets.

It will particularly suit guests who appreciate trendy boutique hotels but also want to take advantage of a convenient all-inclusive package.

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