Meliá and Nadal’s Zel brand goes international

Pictured: Zel Mallorca. Image © Meliá International
Zel, the lifestyle hotel brand resulting from a partnership between tennis superstar Rafa Nadal and the Meliá Hotels International group, has signed an agreement for its first Mexican hotel.

Operating under the name Zel Sayulita, this new property represents an important milestone in the brand’s growth strategy and its goal to take Mediterranean lifestyle-inspired experiences to world-renowned destinations.

International first

This is the first project for the lifestyle line outside its home market of Spain.

Zel debuted in Mallorca earlier this year, with plans to open in destinations on the Mediterranean coast and in major cities such as Madrid, Paris and London.

Beachfront location

The Mexican site’s location is Sayulita, a seaside village located in the state of Nayarit, on the Mexican Pacific coast.

Strategically located on the beachfront, Zel Sayulita will capture the essence of Mediterranean culture, reflecting the passion for the outdoors – one of the brand’s fundamental cornerstones.

Vibrant design

With 145 rooms, the hotel’s heart is its large central courtyard, offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can also discover the region’s gastronomic richness in the hotel’s restaurants.

The newly built Zel Sayulita is set to open in 2025.

Global adventure

Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International, said: “Zel’s Mexican debut marks the beginning of an exciting global adventure that will take our Mediterranean essence to exclusive destinations around the world.”

In Mexico, the group is also expanding the ME by Meliá brand. It recently signed ME by Meliá Sayulita alongside the new Zel site. The 125-key newbuild is set to open by the end of this year and will offer three restaurants, swimming pool, gym, spa, and a rooftop bar with its own pool and a beach club.

Also in the pipeline are  ME by Meliá San Miguel de Allende, bringing 140 keys online in Q3 2025 and ME by Meliá Guadalajara, delivering 152 rooms in 2024. Melia’s Mexican pipeline currently totals seven properties, representing a doubling of its existing national portfolio.

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