Melia Just Opened Its New Resort in the Dominican Republic, With Help from Rafael Nadal 

Two years ago, it was a new resort centered around a theme park. This year, it’s a new property designed in partnership with a tennis legend. Melia has been trying some new things in the Caribbean, and the latest result is Zel, an all-inclusive resort designed in collaboration with Rafael Nadal. 

The new Zel Punta Cana, which officially opened its doors this month, is what Melia is calling a “lifestyle” resort, with a focus on what it calls a blend of Mediterranean and Caribbean vibes. 

Despite the Nadal alliance, don’t think of it by any stretch as a tennis resort. It’s pretty much a classic all-inclusive: think pools, swim-up suites, a beach club and a soft focus on fitness programming. 

The property is designed for the “rhythm of your own well-being,” according to Melia. 

So what else do you need to know about it? 

Well, for starters, it’s a transformation of the former Reserve at the Paradisus Palma Real, with 190 rooms — practically a boutique by the standards of most Punta Cana-area resorts. 

All of the rooms are suites, ranging from a garden-view “Zel Suite” to a “Zel Swim Up Suite” to a two-bedroom “Casa Zel” swim-up suite, which comes with its own private garden. The rooms are all light and airy, with Mediterranean-influenced blues and whites. 

On the culinary side, you’ll find eight food and beverage concepts, ranging from a cocktail bar called Voltage to a fire-grilled eatery called Volcan.

And yes, don’t worry — there are tennis courts, too. But not Rafa’s favorite clay courts. 

What about prices?

A standard Zel Suite starts at about $356 per night. A swim-up master suite will run you $385 per night — a small price to pay for what is always a significant upgrade. 

What about flights? You can get more options at Google Flights.