Following the overwhelming success of ZEL Mallorca and ZEL Costa Brava, the company is presenting its first hotel of the brand outside Spain, which becomes the third opening.
More and more people are looking to make their holidays a lifestyle experience wherever they are, always keeping their active and social well-being as their main objective. With this inspiration, Meliá Hotels International and Rafa Nadal created ZEL, a lifestyle brand dedicated to capturing and celebrating the irresistible charm of the Mediterranean. After two successful openings in Spain with ZEL Mallorca and ZEL Costa Brava, ZEL is now crossing the Atlantic to bring the characteristic lifestyle of our country to where it is always summer: Punta Cana.
The Dominican Republic has been the third destination chosen for the new ZEL, which is positioned as the first all-inclusive lifestyle hotel in the Caribbean. This innovative concept breaks with the traditional all-inclusive approach and redefines the panorama of resorts of this type.
The heavenly enclave selected to house ZEL Punta Cana is Cortecito Beach, an idyllic corner on the Bavaro coast known for its soft sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. And all this in an ideal location less than 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. The area has become a perfect getaway for those looking to enjoy the sun, explore the essence of the Dominican Republic and relax in an environment that combines serenity and authenticity.
Active and social wellness experiences with ZEL CLUB
ZEL Punta Cana is conceived as a hotel with the purest Mediterranean energy under the Caribbean sun, where the balance between active wellness and rest is the true protagonist. Thanks to its renowned entertainment program, ZEL CLUB, guests can enjoy activities to take care of their health and physical and emotional balance, whether with sessions at the 'AUA' spa and its two idyllic pools, or with yoga classes, interactive fitness, facial fitness, barre or even Croatian embroidery workshops. These unique activities will take place in 'The Studios', three studios focused on wellness, fitness and training activities that will also house a gym and group or personalized training sessions, led by certified trainers. In addition, weekly activities will be organized for all guests such as group running sessions, weekend retreats, KO boxing sessions or creative cooking classes. These active experiences can be accompanied by moments of social life and connection with the community, such as a beer at sunset or a special coffee in the hotel's cozy Mediterranean patio, a unique meeting point.
The cheerful and festive touch will be provided by the ZEL Punta Cana outlets, which will celebrate activities such as social vermouths or evening parties, which will mainly be hosted by PARDA, a buffet restaurant with the best Mediterranean delicacies.
In short, a selection of unique experiences that offers each hotel guest the freedom to live a stress-free experience, with the warmth of a Mediterranean home in the heart of the Caribbean and the possibility of connecting with a community of active and sporty lifestyles.
Sport is a key pillar in the philosophy of the ZEL brand, which seeks to integrate physical well-being and fun into each experience of its guests. In this new hotel, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy five tennis courts, ideal for practicing Rafa Nadal's favorite sport, in an environment designed for both beginners and more advanced players, with guided and free dynamics for all tastes. In addition, golf lovers will be able to perfect their technique and experience unforgettable moments on the prestigious Cocotal Country Club golf course, which has several holes surrounded by a unique tropical landscape. This sports offering ensures activities for all types of athletes, making each day an active and enriching experience.
“We consider Zel to be an authentic Mediterranean “embassy” and we look forward to introducing our lifestyle experience in Punta Cana,” said Gabriel Escarrer, President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International. “Together with Rafa, we decided to embark on this adventure to share our relaxed values and warm culture with our guests from around the world. The Caribbean is a destination full of its own special charm that perfectly complements the Zel brand, creating a vacation retreat unlike any other.”
The best Mediterranean cuisine comes to the Caribbean
ZEL Punta Cana will have up to seven restaurants that will offer guests the best Mediterranean cuisine fused with local gastronomy. As mentioned above, PARDA will be the Mediterranean buffet that will host nightlife activities, such as social vermouths or evening parties. There will also be restaurants that will fuse the best gastronomic flavours, such as Tacorini, where the elegance of Greek food is combined with Mexican folklore, or Nokyo, a unique space where you can taste Japanese cuisine with Mediterranean touches. For carnivores there will be Volcán, a grill that will offer the best grilled meats. And, for fans of nightlife, the hotel has Silvestre and voltaje, which will become the place to be for those who wish to try a unique selection of wines or the most refreshing cocktails. This wide offer is crowned with a Beach Club where you can enjoy the sea breeze and relax in front of the most vibrant beach.
A hotel with a Mediterranean spirit in the Caribbean paradise
ZEL Punta Cana has 190 rooms and suites perfectly integrated into the environment. The rooms have appliances from CREATE®, and the room amenities are specially selected creations from the personal care firm HAAN®. The brand has revolutionized the panorama with its innovative and disruptive products, as well as with its discourse in favor of caring for the planet.
In terms of its design, the hotel adopts the philosophy of “outdoor living” and biophilic design, integrating itself into the natural environment, respecting the original architecture and using materials that connect guests with the space. With the love for the outdoors and Mediterranean energy, which serves as inspiration for the design, the rooms have been conceptualized with colors, textures and shapes that transmit the natural world inspired by said Mediterranean style. Guests set their own pace, and each room is a place of relaxation, well-being and rejuvenation. With Meliá’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental harmony as a priority, the hotel’s interior pays homage to its natural surroundings as well as its many Mediterranean influences, with an unmistakable warmth complemented by maritime touches.
The public areas combine relaxation and inspiration, evoking a homely atmosphere. The best example is the hotel’s main courtyard, which is the ultimate expression of Mediterranean style and serves as a meeting point to enjoy a specialty coffee from Café de Finca or purchase local souvenirs. Guests can also check in and out independently through kiosks.
Source: Meliá Hotels International.