Meliá Hotels International and tennis champion, Rafael Nadal,
have announced the grand opening of ZEL Cozumel, the brand’s first resort in
Mexico, as part of a joint
venture.
The resort, located on Santa Pilar Beach pairs Mediterranean
living with Caribbean vitality and relaxed island rhythm with a signature
approach to active and social well-being in a destination renowned for its
natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Formerly the Meliá Cozumel, the resort features 209 rooms
and suites along one of the island’s longest stretches of beachfront. Dating
back to the 1970s, the property’s distinctive character is reflected in its
architectural details with arched corridors, open-air spaces and a garden
palapa connecting to its tropical surroundings. The transformation preserves a
sense of place while introducing a contemporary Mediterranean-inspired
aesthetic with natural textures, warm tones, and light-filled spaces.
“ZEL Cozumel marks an important milestone in our expansion
in the Americas as we introduce the brand’s distinctive lifestyle concept to
Mexico,” said Gabriel Escarrer, President and CEO of Meliá
Hotels International in a statement. “This resort allows us to bring
together the energy of Mediterranean living and the natural beauty of the
Mexican Caribbean, creating an environment where movement, wellbeing,
gastronomy and social connection are part of the experience from morning to night.”
The resort is also designed to bring guests fitness,
wellness, gastronomy, music, cultural experiences. At ZEL Cozumel, this
approach takes shape through opportunities to socialize, recover, create and
explore, from fitness and wellness programming to shared meals and lively
beachfront gatherings, sunset celebrations and festive evenings that bring
people together and foster a sense of community.
Activities include Vinyasa yoga, Pilates, sound healing,
social runs, beach walks, functional training, aquatic fitness and two swimming
pools. Guests can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, catamaran experiences,
pickleball and tennis, along with family-friendly programming that includes a batting
cage, tennis and basketball courts, an 18-hole miniature golf course and
water-based fun.
Culinary and social experiences include Parda Beach Club,
pairing seasonal cuisine and cocktails with views of the Caribbean Sea with DJ
programming, live music, beachside movie nights and cultural celebrations. Caramba
serves an international buffet, while Volcán focuses on fire-led cooking and
grilled specialties in a contemporary steakhouse setting. Tacorini combines
Mexican and Greek influences, Café de Finca serves coffee specialties and
Dolcelato offers ice creams, sorbets, and more.
Located in the island’s northern hotel zone, ZEL Cozumel is
approximately 3.4 miles from downtown San Miguel and the ferry terminal, and 4.2
miles from Cozumel International Airport. Downtown sports shops and restaurants
while the island’s renowned coral reefs draw divers and snorkelers from around
the world. Punta Sur Ecological Park features protected landscapes and diverse
ecosystems, and the San Gervasio Archaeological Site provides insight into
Cozumel’s pre-Hispanic history and its significance in Maya culture.
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