Zel Punta Cana review: Rafael Nadal's wellness resort tested
It seems wellness has deeply woven itself into every aspect of our lives, spanning far beyond our day-to-day routines and into our holidays too. It's no longer something we leave at home, as evidenced by reports that suggest the wellness tourism industry is set to be worth a staggering $8.5 trillion by 2027. Clearly, our wellbeing is proactively shaping where we go – and what we do once we're there.
As someone who works out regularly but still wants their holiday to feel like, well, a holiday, I wasn't sure where I fit into all this.
I enjoy a morning gym session, sure, but I also want slow breakfasts, long lunches, poolside naps, and the freedom to switch off my alarm. So when I heard about Zel Punta Cana, tennis legend Rafael Nadal's new all-inclusive resort with Meliá in the Dominican Republic, I was intrigued. It promised a more relaxed take on wellness: workouts if you want them, cocktails if you don't.
I set out to see whether a fitness-friendly trip could actually feel like a proper break, not a bootcamp in disguise. Here's what I found after my six days at Zel Punta Cana...
Zel is a lifestyle hotel brand from Spanish group Meliá, created in partnership with Rafael Nadal, with existing locations in Mallorca and Madrid (and more on the horizon – watch this space). Its latest opening, Zel Punta Cana, brings the brand's signature mix of Mediterranean style and mindful movement to the Caribbean coast, with a promise to help guests unleash their inner athlete. Active wellbeing is at the heart of everything here.
From my recent stay, I can confirm Zel Punta Cana ticks all the tropical escape boxes – beachfront setting, two palm-lined pools, garden suites with direct access to the water, and six standout restaurants, but what sets it apart is the sheer range of health and fitness-focused activities on offer (more on those below). This is far from your average all-inclusive.
You can plan your day however you like (whether that's five fitness classes or zero) and all classes are included. Extras like tennis lessons or spa treatments cost extra and book up fast, so it's worth booking early. Spa treatments start at £37.
If, like me, you're not into hardcore detoxes but still like to keep moving on holiday (I'll take a quick gym session in the morning and a margarita by sunset, thanks), Zel strikes the perfect balance. It's energising without being intense. You can move, you can rest, and you'll feel really good doing both.
Book here
I started my first full day with a guided walk along the beach. It's about a 15-minute walk from the resort, or you can hop in a buggy if you're feeling fancy. We then stuck by the water for a Hobie Cat sail — which, if you're wondering, is a small catamaran-style boat (I had to Google it too). It was less about actual sailing and more about kicking back and soaking up those dreamy Caribbean views (which suited me just fine).
Later, I gave Pound a go, a high-energy workout that uses drumsticks and music to get your legs seriously burning. I'd never tried it before, but it was fun, sweaty, and surprisingly addictive.
From there, every day struck its own perfect balance of chill and challenge, tailored entirely to how I felt. AeroYoga definitely tested me; I thought I was pretty flexible, but those poses pushed me harder than I expected. Thankfully, the instructor was great, guiding me through even the trickier moves like the inverted pigeon pose.
Then there was BRRN, a slideboard workout where you wear slippery socks and glide back and forth to upbeat music. It sounds easy, but trust me, it really fires up your lower body and was unlike any workout I'd done before. There were also paddleboard yoga sessions, HIIT circuits, and group cycling.
The five tennis courts are a major draw at ZEL Punta Cana – no surprise, given this is Rafael Nadal's project. And there's more on the way: the Rafael Nadal Tennis Centre, opening in September 2025, will expand the facilities with four padel courts, six pickleball courts, a gym, changing rooms, and a gift shop. I booked in for a private lesson (currently free of charge), but the courts are also open for casual games at no extra cost if you fancy a rally with your mates.
If golf is more your thing, there's a 27-hole course nearby. Meliá guests get 50% off green fees, with a golf cart included. Prices start from around £75 for either 9 or 18 holes.
When it was time to unwind, I took full advantage of the spa's extensive facilities (note: access without a treatment costs £37 per person). There's a wide massage menu available for an extra cost, along with fantastic reflexology sessions. I can't recommend the ice bath enough — it's included in the all-inclusive package, and honestly, starting your day with a freezing cold plunge is oddly invigorating.
Wellness here isn't just about exercise. I also got hands-on with local culture by painting a traditional Dominican espresso maker, the perfect keepsake from the trip. There were also candle-making classes with a local artisan, which added a lovely creative touch to the experience. Best of all, these classes are included in the price of your stay, so I'd 100% recommend getting stuck in!
Booking's a breeze: you get a QR code on arrival to browse and sign up for everything from fitness classes to artsy workshops.
Food is, without question, one of my favourite parts of any holiday — so I was thrilled that Zel Punta Cana offers six distinct dining venues, all included in the all-inclusive price. Breakfast was always at Parda, a buffet dream with fresh tropical fruits (I'm still thinking about that pineapple), made-to-order omelettes, and vibrant green juices.
For lunch, we alternated between the Mediterranean buffet at Parda, perfect for creating your own salad, and Tacorini, a poolside spot with exceptional tacos and guacamole. My favourite, however, was Neguri, the beach bar. With its laid-back Ibiza-style atmosphere, rattan furniture, and ocean views, it's the ideal place to relax — especially during their late-night DJ sessions.
Dinner was equally impressive. Volcán stood out for its smoky grilled meats, while Nokyo offered an entertaining teppanyaki experience with chefs preparing meals tableside. If you prefer something quieter, the à la carte menu is a great option.
And when the night calls for it, Voltaje, the lively lobby bar, is the perfect spot for cocktails and dancing.
Room rates start from £299 per night, all-inclusive. As mentioned earlier, some activities and alcohol have an additional add-on fee.
Zel Punta Cana might feel like a splurge, but the all-inclusive setup means there's a lot rolled into the price. All meals across six restaurants, unlimited drinks (including daily restocked mini bar), and access to a wide range of fitness classes — from paddleboard yoga to AeroYoga — are all included. Even things like open-air cinema nights and creative workshops come at no extra cost.
Given the quality of the food, the variety of activities, and the freedom to do as much or as little as you like, it offers great value. The only drawback? Spa access isn't included unless you're booked in for a treatment — a small detail, but worth noting in a place that leans into wellness.
Zel Punta Cana genuinely shifted my perspective on what a holiday can be. I'm someone who enjoys a cheeky cocktail or two but also can't skip my daily workout — and this place struck the perfect balance between the two without ever feeling like a strict fitness retreat.
What impressed me most was the flexibility it offers. Whether you choose to begin your day with a refreshing run or a yoga session, then spend the afternoon relaxing poolside with a margarita, everything unfolds on your terms. There's no rigid itinerary or intense 'wellness bootcamp' pressure, making it an ideal destination for both a girls' getaway or a couples' retreat where everyone can pursue their own rhythm.
Six days honestly wasn't enough time to soak it all in. I left feeling recharged and eager to return, already thinking about when I can go back.
Prices for a 7-night stay at Zel Punta Cana start from £299 per night on an all-inclusive basis (not including flights and airport transfers)
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