ZEL Cozumel, From Rafael Nadal and Meliá, Opens With 209 Rooms

November 12, 2026

ZEL Cozumel, the resort brand from tennis champion Rafael Nadal and Meliá Hotels International, has officially opened on Cozumel, Mexico. It is a conversion of the former Meliá Cozumel, a property with roots on the island going back to the late 1970s, and follows ZEL Punta Cana, which opened in 2025.

The resort

209 rooms on Playa Santa Pilar on the island’s northwestern coast, about 3.4 miles from downtown San Miguel and the ferry terminal.
Guests choose all-inclusive or bed-and-breakfast. Room types include garden-view, ocean-view, oceanfront, suites and Casa ZEL.
Dining: Parda Beach Club, Tacorini (Mexican and Greek), Volcán steakhouse, Caramba buffet, Café de Finca and Dolcelato.
Sports: tennis and pickleball courts, a 24-hour training studio, yoga and Pilates, group runs, kayaking, paddleboarding and catamaran trips.
AUA Spa, two pools, a kids’ club, basketball courts, a batting cage and 18-hole mini golf.
Opening day and rates: not stated (TBA).

What it means for airline travelers

Cozumel (CZM) has limited nonstops from the U.S. If loads look heavy, list for Cancún (CUN) and take the ferry from Playa del Carmen; the resort is about 3.4 miles from the Cozumel ferry terminal.
Industry or airline-employee rates were not mentioned in the opening news; ask Meliá directly.