Rafael Nadal and Meliá Hotels International Announce New Hotel to Open 2025 in Sayulita, Mexico

Zel, the hotel brand created by Rafa Nadal and the Meliá group, begins its international expansion by signing a new hotel in the Mexican Pacific

Zel, the lifestyle hotel brand resulting from a partnership between tennis superstar Rafa Nadal and the Meliá Hotels International group, has just 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 unique Mediterranean lifestyle-inspired experiences to world-renowned destinations.

Sayulita, a picturesque seaside village located in the state of Nayarit, is the stage chosen for Zel's debut performance. Located on the Mexican Pacific coast, Sayulita stands out for its charm and natural beauty, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and golden sandy beaches, including Playa de los Muertos and Playa Carricitos. It captivates visitors with its relaxed vibe and its offer of outdoor activities, especially for surfers.

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. What's more, all this is perfectly combined with Mexico's warmth and hospitality. With 145 rooms, Zel Sayulita's beating heart is its large central courtyard, offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. This is the ideal place to have fun, chill outdoors and discover the region's gastronomic richness in the hotel's restaurants.

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

ME by Meliá signs its third hotel in Mexico.

Alongside Zel Sayulita, Meliá Hotels International has also announced that a ME by Meliá hotel has been added to its portfolio in Sayulita. This will be the third luxury lifestyle brand hotel in Mexico, joining ME Cabo and the future ME Guadalajara. This is also a newly built hotel, set to open, in its initial phase, by the end of this year. ME Sayulita will be located on the beachfront, very close to the famous Playa de Carricitos, and will feature 125 rooms and villas. Furthermore, true to the brand philosophy, it will offer the most experienced travellers an avant-garde luxury experience, with three restaurants, swimming pool, gym, spa, and a rooftop bar with its own pool and an extraordinary beach club.

The company is therefore boosting its expansion in Mexico, where it currently has 7 hotels. The company expects to double their presence in the next two years, thanks to the 6 properties that are in the process of opening, including the two in Sayulita.​