Zel Punta Cana Celebrates Its Grand Opening in the Caribbean With Raphael Nadal

Updated: March 11, 2025, 5:42am CDT

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Table of Contents

What Is Zel?
Zel Punta Cana
How To Book Zel Punta Cana
Final Thoughts

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Zel Punta Cana is a new all-inclusive lifestyle resort that just celebrated its grand opening in star-studded fashion. Designed as a partnership between Meliá Hotels International and tennis star Rafael Nadal, Zel Hotels is a relatively new and exciting brand.

Zel Punta Cana is the brand’s third location worldwide and first in the Caribbean.

What Is Zel?

Zel is a collaboration between Meliá Hotels International and tennis star Rafael Nadal, and it was introduced at the beginning of 2023. This lifestyle brand blends wellness, outdoor activities, and Mediterranean culture to create a unique guest experience. Each hotel offers a fresh and festive aesthetic centered around a Mediterranean patio.

Zel Punta Cana is the brand’s third location. The first opened in 2023 in Mallorca, followed by a location in Costa Brava, Spain. Additional locations are planned for Madrid, Albania, and Sayulita, Mexico.

Zel Punta Cana

Located just 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), Zel Punta Cana is located near popular Bavaro Beach (one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic) and is the brand’s first Caribbean location.

“The grand opening of Zel Punta Cana marks an exciting milestone for the Zel brand as we bring our Mediterranean lifestyle to the Caribbean,” said Gabriel Escarrer, chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, the brand’s parent company.

Melia Hotels International CEO Gabriel Escarrer and Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal — Gabriel Escarrer and Raphael Nadal at Zel Punta Cana. Image Credit: Zel Punta Cana

Meliá Hotels International partnered with tennis star Rafael Nadal to develop the Zel brand and its newest location in Punta Cana. “Here, guests can experience the best of both worlds — the refined energy of Mediterranean hospitality while embracing the rich culture and traditions of Punta Cana,” said Nadal. “I am proud to be part of the team bringing the Zel brand to the Americas, sharing our unique vision of hospitality with this remarkable destination.”

What Guests Can Expect at Zel Punta Cana

Zel Club blends fitness, community, and wellness for a series of weekend retreats and weekly programming available to guests. Guests also have access to the Fitness Residency, a rotating series of classes including running, Pilates, and yoga. For guests looking to unwind, there’s AUA Spa, which includes a steam room, sauna, whirlpool baths, and private treatment rooms.

The hotel features 190 suites inspired by nature and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Premium suites include Master Suites and Swim-Up Suites that feature private gardens.

Zel Punta Cana Master Suite Swim Up Living Area — A Master Suite at the hotel. Image Credit: Zel Punta Cana

Zel Punta Cana has multiple bars and restaurants, including Nokyo, a Japanese restaurant; Parda, for all-day Mediterranean-inspired dining; and Tacorini, a spot that combines Mexican and Greek cuisines. Silvestre is the resort’s wine bar, while Voltaje is the lobby bar.

How To Book Zel Punta Cana

Before booking Zel Punta Cana, you’ll want to check the rates on various hotel-booking websites as well as the hotel’s own website.

Be sure to use a credit card that earns extra points on travel or hotel purchases. Some of our favorites include the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, which earns 3x points per $1 spent on hotel purchases or the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, the American Express^® Green Card*, or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card, all of which earn 3x points per $1 spent on travel purchases.

You can even use points to book Zel Punta Cana. While Zel Hotels doesn’t participate in a big chain loyalty program like World of Hyatt or Hilton Honors, you can still use points to cover your costs.

This would be a great opportunity to use your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You can use your Capital One miles to cover travel purchases within 90 days of a travel purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You’ll earn 2 Capital One miles per $1 spent on your purchase, too.

*The information regarding the American Express^® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Final Thoughts

Zel Punta Cana is a new Caribbean all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. This lifestyle hotel that celebrates Mediterranean culture is a collaboration between Meliá Hotels International and tennis star Rafael Nadal. It’s the brand’s third location overall and its first in the Caribbean.