Punta Cana, Dominican RepublicBavaro
Zel Punta Cana
Active Mediterranean resort
Bavaro Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort DesignOutside the door
The house
MeliaActive Mediterranean resort
Spanish coastal culture shapes the daily rhythm, balancing tennis and group fitness with unhurried open-air living.
What it’s good at
Listed
Mediterranean styling across 190 suites with turquoise ceramic tiles and rattan accents.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On private resort grounds in Bávaro, with Bávaro Beach reached by a dedicated property shuttle.
1 of 6
The rooms
Swim-Up Suites step directly into canal pools from private garden terraces facing the water.
The fitness pavilion
Bring a swimsuit.
Turquoise silks hang in the covered pavilion, where daily classes include AeroYoga above polished marble floors.
The spa
Reflecting pools flank open-air corridors under thatch, leading to treatment suites with sunken whirlpool tubs.
At the table
Parda serves Mediterranean fare under a soaring conical thatch roof. Across the lobby, Café de Finca pulls Spanish espresso.
How it began
Tennis champion Rafael Nadal launched the Zel brand with Meliá, transforming an existing resort into their first Caribbean property.
Punta Cana
More like this
Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort
“Secluded couturier cove”
The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort
“Sculpted coastal flagship”
Eden Roc Cap Cana
“Riviera-inspired coastal enclave”
TRS Turquesa Hotel
“Adults-only beach redoubt”
Live Aqua Punta Cana
“Sculpted coastal refuge”
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
“Adult all-inclusive playground”
Sanctuary Cap Cana
“Cliffside fortress resort”
Secrets Tides Punta Cana
“All-inclusive pool playground”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.