One might think an accomplished Grand Slam champion such as Rafael Nadal would take some time off after participating in his final season, but his next move in transitioning to life after sports was swift—opening his third Zel resort in collaboration with Meliá Hotels International.

The idea had started with a conversation over a cup of coffee and a blank piece of paper, according to André P. Gerondeau, chief operating officer of Meliá Hotels International. When he asked what Nadal’s ideal hotel would be, he answered, “I would like this to be a Mediterranean home, like your casa Mediterranean.” Less than two years later, in a 50/50 partnership with Meliá Hotels, Nadal opened the first Zel hotel in his birthplace, Mallorca, and a year later in 2024, a second one on the Costa Brava in Spain. Now, he has celebrated the newest location: Zel Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic.

Gabriel Escarrer Jaume and Rafael Nadal

Zel Punta Cana debuted in December 2024, with an official opening celebration in March. It kicked off with an announcement from the tennis superstar and Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, followed by Spanish music and dancing. Speaking in Spanish, Nadal said, “Both for Gabriel and I, we are very enthusiastic about the new opening of another hotel, the first outside of Spain, and that it is here in Punta Cana.”

An all-inclusive resort, Zel Punta Cana is a short distance from the stunning white-sand Bavaro Beach. Described as an energetic hotel brand by Meliá, Zel aims to infuse the “work hard, play hard” mantra into the atmosphere of the hotel, similar to a Mediterranean lifestyle, with sports-related and craft activities available, such as painting, a memorable catamaran ride, or aerial yoga, as well as a fitness centre and Aua spa—a serene spot with a sauna, steam room, pools, and a menu of treatments.

Nadal was involved in a number of elements in the vision of the Zel brand. For the Punta Cana location, he worked with Meliá and the architecture firm Alvaro Sanz to bring the feel of the Mallorca location to the Dominican Republic through the resort’s tapestry and textiles, as well as wooden furniture. Rooms are simply yet smartly appointed, with macramé hanging from lamps and larimar-blue accents—a nod to the stone only found in the Dominican Republic.

Dining options include a buffet and a Greek-Mexican fusion restaurant next to the pools, plus a Japanese restaurant and Silvestre wine cellar and bar—ideal for a memorable meal without leaving the comforts of the hotel before an evening cocktail in the hotel’s bar, Voltaje, or one of the indoor-outdoor bars. For those who opted to spend the day under the Caribbean sun, Zel’s beach club offers a bar and menu for casual dining on Bavaro Beach.

“We work hard, but we know how to enjoy ourselves, and this is pretty much the Mediterranean lifestyle,” Gerondeau says. He notes that Zel is derived from cel, which is “sky” in Catalan and Mallorquin but was changed for ease of pronunciation in other languages.

Nadal and Meliá are working on opening 20 new properties in the next five years, with new locations set to debut within the next 18 months in Madrid and Sayulita, Mexico. A Zel hotel in Ko Samui, Thailand, is in development.

For Zel Punta Cana, a new addition this year is the first of Nadal’s eponymous tennis academies in the Dominican Republic (fully operational by September), featuring coaches and trainers serving a high standard of lessons and experiences for all levels of tennis players. An ace, indeed.

Photos courtesy of Meliá Hotels International.

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