In Brief: Meliá Hotels International and Rafael Nadal have opened ZEL Cozumel, a 209-room resort on Santa Pilar Beach and the brand’s first property in Mexico.
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ZEL Cozumel – Image Credit Meliá Hotels
Meliá Hotels International and Rafael Nadal announced the opening of ZEL Cozumel as part of their joint venture.
The property, formerly Meliá Cozumel, has 209 rooms and suites and is on Santa Pilar Beach in the island’s northern hotel zone. It is ZEL’s second property in the Americas, following the March 2025 opening of ZEL Punta Cana.
The resort is approximately 3.4 miles from downtown San Miguel and the ferry terminal and 4.2 miles from Cozumel International Airport. It is also the closest resort to the departure point for Isla de la Pasión.
The property dates back to the late 1970s. Its architectural features include arched corridors, open-air spaces and a garden palapa. Accommodations include Casa ZEL rooms and suites, as well as rooms and suites with garden, ocean and oceanfront views. The lobby has a Concept Store.
Guests can choose between all-inclusive and bed-and-breakfast options. The resort has two swimming pools, fitness and wellness facilities, and gathering spaces. Family facilities and activities include Kidsdom Kids Club, daily activities, a batting cage, tennis and basketball courts, an 18-hole miniature golf course and water-based activities.
Fitness and wellness programming includes Vinyasa yoga, Pilates, sound healing, social runs, beach walks, functional training and aquatic fitness. Other activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, catamaran experiences, pickleball and tennis.
The Training Studio is open 24 hours, while a separate Fitness Studio provides space for yoga, meditation and other sessions. AUA Spa offers massages, facials and body treatments. An on-property Care Center operated in collaboration with Saint Luke’s Hospitals provides medical services at an additional cost. The resort also offers fitness residencies and wellness retreats with specialist partners.
Dining venues include Parda Beach Club, which serves seasonal cuisine and cocktails and has daily DJ programming. Other entertainment includes live music, beachside movie nights, unplugged performances and cultural celebrations.
Caramba serves an international buffet, while Volcán offers grilled dishes. Tacorini combines Mexican and Greek influences, Café de Finca serves coffee specialties, and Dolcelato offers ice cream, sorbets and popsicles.
The resort offers packages for participants in events on the island, including Ironman Cozumel, Ironman 70.3 Cozumel, GFNY Cozumel and Oceanman Cozumel.