A New All-inclusive Resort From Rafael Nadal's Hotel Brand Just Opened in the Dominican Republic — With Swim-up Suites and Idyllic Pools

The wellness-focused Zel Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic is a short walk from Bavaro Beach.

Exterior of the Zel Punta Cana resort — Exterior view of the Zel Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic. Photo: Courtesy of Meliá Hotels

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal launched his hospitality brand, Zel, in collaboration with Meliá Hotels International in 2023 — with the first property on Mallorca, Spain, and the second in Costa Brava, Spain. The third Zel outpost, Zel Punta Cana, just opened on the east coast of the Dominican Republic.

While the all-inclusive property doesn’t front Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana’s idyllic stretch of waterfront, it is a short walk and takes advantage of its serene location to offer a quieter, more wellness-oriented experience. The resort has 190 suites, five tennis courts, a full-service spa, two swimming pools, eight restaurants and bars, and a beach club.

resort swim out bar — The Parda Swim Out Bar.Courtesy of Meliá Hotels

Zel Punta Cana’s spacious rooms — from 800 to 2,200 square feet — have terraces or patios with private hot tubs overlooking the resort’s lush gardens. Guests can also book swim-up suites with separate dining and living rooms and a thatched-roof daybed in a private garden.

Zel Swim-Up Master Suite pools — The pool and cabanas at the Zel Swim-Up Master Suite.Courtesy of Meliá Hotels

A bedroom at Zel Punta Cana — Interior of the ZEL Master Suite Swim Up Bedroom.THIAGO DA CUNHA/Courtesy of Meliá Hotels

Zel Punta Cana provides its guests with plenty of opportunities to stay active through weekend wellness retreats, yoga classes and meditations, water sports, or trainer-led workouts at the hotel’s gym. An upcoming fitness residency initiative will offer both hotel guests and the public the opportunity to participate in exclusive running sessions, pilates classes, and other activities.

Rounding out the wellness offerings, the property’s AUA Spa has an impressive slate of face and body treatments, plus access to a sauna and steam room.

A Terrace at Zel Punta Cana — A lounger on the Casa Zel Terrace.Courtesy of Meliá Hotels

“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,” said Gabriel Escarrer, chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure. “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.”

The resort spa — The entrance to the AUA Spa.Courtesy of Meliá Hotels

Zel Punta Cana fitness room — Aerial yoga hammock’s in the resorts fitness studio.Courtesy of Meliá Hotels

The resort features a Mediterranean buffet with outdoor seating, a Japanese restaurant, and a Greek-Mexican fusion spot. For prime Caribbean views, guests can dine at the hotel’s casual beach club, while oenophiles might try Silvestre wine cellar and bar.

There are already two more Zel hotels in the works — in Madrid and Sayulita, Mexico. The average nightly rate at Zel Punta Cana is $450, and you can book your stay on melia.com.