A New All-inclusive Resort From Rafael Nadal’s Resort Model Simply Opened within the Dominican Republic

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal launched his hospitality model, Zel, in collaboration with Meliá Resorts Worldwide in 2023 — with the primary property on Mallorca, Spain, and the second in Costa Brava, Spain. The third Zel outpost, Zel Punta Cana, simply opened on the east coast of the Dominican Republic.

Whereas the all-inclusive property does not entrance Bavaro Seaside, Punta Cana’s idyllic stretch of waterfront, it’s a quick stroll and takes benefit of its serene location to supply a quieter, extra wellness-oriented expertise. The resort has 190 suites, 5 tennis courts, a full-service spa, two swimming swimming pools, eight eating places and bars, and a seaside membership.

Zel Punta Cana’s spacious rooms — from 800 to 2,200 sq. toes — have terraces or patios with personal scorching tubs overlooking the resort’s lush gardens. Company can even guide swim-up suites with separate eating and dwelling rooms and a thatched-roof daybed in a personal backyard.

Zel Punta Cana gives its company with loads of alternatives to remain lively by means of weekend wellness retreats, yoga lessons and meditations, water sports activities, or trainer-led exercises on the resort’s gymnasium. An upcoming health residency initiative will supply each resort company and the general public the chance to take part in unique working classes, pilates lessons, and different actions. 

Rounding out the wellness choices, the property’s AUA Spa has a powerful slate of face and physique remedies, plus entry to a sauna and steam room. 

“Along with Rafa, we determined to embark on this journey to share our worry-free values and heat tradition with our company around the globe,” mentioned Gabriel Escarrer, chairman and CEO of Meliá Resorts Worldwide, in a press launch shared with Journey + Leisure. “The Caribbean is a vacation spot with an abundance of its personal particular appeal that completely enhances the Zel model, creating a vacation retreat in contrast to another.”

The resort encompasses a Mediterranean buffet with outside seating, a Japanese restaurant, and a Greek-Mexican fusion spot. For prime Caribbean views, company can dine on the resort’s informal seaside membership, whereas oenophiles would possibly attempt Silvestre wine cellar and bar.

There are already two extra Zel inns within the works — in Madrid and Sayulita, Mexico. The typical nightly fee at Zel Punta Cana is $450, and you’ll guide your keep on melia.com.