Rafael Nadal and Meliá Open First Zel Hotel in Mexico on Cozumel

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Meliá Hotels International and former tennis star Rafael Nadal have opened Zel Cozumel, the first property under the Zel brand in Mexico, at Playa Santa Pilar.

The resort has 209 rooms and suites and forms part of the company’s expansion strategy across the Americas. The opening marks another step for Zel, which began operations in Punta Cana in March 2025 with a concept that blends accommodation, wellness, sport and social experiences.

An Old Cozumel Hotel, Rebuilt for Zel

The new resort occupies the site of the former Meliá Cozumel, a property that dates to the late 1970s and was renovated to fit the brand’s hospitality concept, inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle.

The work preserved original architectural elements of the building while adding natural materials, warm colors and open spaces designed to create contemporary settings.

Among its main facilities are two swimming pools, a 24-hour gym, areas for yoga and meditation, and a spa. Guests also have access to courts and spaces for tennis, pickleball, basketball and minigolf.

Nadal Bets on Sports Tourism

Nadal, an investor and co-founder of the Zel brand, is betting on sports tourism in Cozumel: one of the resort’s main targets is visitors who travel to the island for international competitions.

The events in focus include Ironman 70.3, GFNY Cozumel and Oceanman, all part of the destination’s sporting calendar. For that segment, the hotel plans special packages and experiences built around exercise, rest and recovery.

On the food side, the property includes several restaurants: Caramba, which specializes in an international buffet; Volcán, serving grilled cuts; and Tacorini, which fuses Mexican and Greek influences. There is also Parda Beach Club, a seafront space offering food, cocktails, live music and DJ sessions.

The hotel sits about 5.5 kilometers from downtown San Miguel and the ferry terminal, and 6.8 kilometers from Cozumel International Airport. From there, visitors can reach attractions such as the island’s coral reefs, the Punta Sur Ecological Park and the San Gervasio archaeological site.

The opening strengthens Meliá’s presence in Mexico, where the company already operates in several tourist destinations. Gabriel Escarrer, the company’s president, had announced four Zel openings for 2026 — in Madrid, Fuerteventura, Crete and Cozumel — as part of its international expansion.