ZEL Punta Cana: Meliá and Rafael Nadal's new Mediterranean gem in the Caribbean

Could you tell us about ZEL's new addition?

Of course, thank you very much for the opportunity for this interview. The ZEL brand is the result of a collaboration between Meliá Hotels International and Rafa Nadal. Our president, Gabriel Escarrer, and Rafa share many passions: the Mediterranean, family, gastronomy, and sports. We wanted to create a brand that reflected precisely those values.

ZEL is conceived as an "embassy of the Mediterranean" in every destination where it opens. To date, two hotels have already opened in Spain: one in Mallorca and another on the Costa Brava. However, ZEL Punta Cana marks the beginning of its international expansion, being the first hotel outside of Spain. The official opening took place in December, followed by a grand celebration in March. We are very proud to bring this offering to the Dominican Republic, as it perfectly embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle.

The ZEL concept is geared toward an "active community": people who enjoy healthy living, sports, and cultural exchange. A typical day might include activities such as enjoying a morning coffee, participating in a group run, relaxing at the Neguri Beach Club, enjoying the pool with live music, and attending Pound or yoga classes. Additionally, on Tuesdays we celebrate "la verbena," a party with live music and traditional cuisine, such as paella. The day concludes at our "Voltaje" bar, where guests can socialize and relax.

What is the objective of your participation in DATE 2025 and how important is this fair for your brand?

DATE is one of the most important tourism trade shows in the Dominican Republic, and it's essential for us to be present. Meliá maintains a very close relationship with the country, where we currently operate five hotels, while two more are undergoing renovations. Our relationship with the Ministry of Tourism and the government has been excellent, as we value the efforts they have made to position the destination internationally.

Participating in DATE allows us to strengthen relationships with current partners and establish new strategic contacts. This event is an excellent platform to showcase our properties and publicize our initiatives. In the Dominican Republic, we have two Meliá hotels, two Paradisus hotels, and one ZEL hotel, each focused on different traveler profiles. This diversity allows us to offer options for both those seeking luxury and those who prefer a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

What are your main source markets in the region?

Currently, the United States remains our largest market, although it has recently seen a slight decline. Canada also occupies an important place in our statistics. However, we have seen significant growth in Latin America, especially in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.

To meet this demand, we have developed specific strategies for Brazil and Argentina, which have established themselves as key markets. We are delighted to be able to attract Latin American visitors to our hotels in the Dominican Republic and continue to strengthen our presence in the region.