Five steps to achieving the Mediterranean lifestyle 

Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafa Nadal doubled up with Meliá Hotels International to launch his Zel hotel brand in 2024. The collection includes two in his native Spain (Mallorca and Costa Brava, with Madrid also debuting in 2025); one in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and an upcoming opening in Mexico.

Each Zel location has been chosen for its proximity to unspoilt nature and glittering panoramas, whether that’s the palm-fringed Caribbean coastline or a serene sandy cove. The group takes inspiration from the basic tenet of the Mediterranean lifestyle: healthy living, regular exercise and strong social connections, for an overall sense of wellbeing.

Indoor-outdoor design

Zel hotels focus on the welcoming, open-plan layout of Mediterranean living and draw influence from Rafa Nadal’s own home. An indoor-outdoor patio area is the focal point of each property, where guests sip on coffee between morning workouts, tennis games and watersports.

Mediterranean design embraces soothing, natural tones and organic materials that evoke the southern European landscape. At Zel Costa Brava, woven textiles, pale wood and warm sandy hues are offset by vibrant patterns and pops of rich colour to create a warm, zestful style. Rooms range from junior suites to three-bedroom duplexes, some with kitchenettes and all wrapped by views of the surrounding gardens, mountains and sea.

Live life the Mediterranean way

Zel is inspired by the Mediterranean ‘siesta and fiesta’ lifestyle, which balances relaxation, exercise and socialising. A morning tennis lesson or a hike through the mountains is followed by a languid lunch by lapping waves, while energetic evenings bring live music and sundowner drinks.

At Zel Costa Brava, an active social calendar for all ages runs throughout the summer months, ranging from parties on the beach to food trucks serving Spanish bites. For smaller guests, there is a kids club for children from five years old, as well a playground, mini golf and bike hire.

Community wellbeing

It is no secret that the Mediterranean way of living is linked to a long and healthy life. Zel Costa Brava’s packed programme of outdoor activities has been inspired by Nadal’s own active lifestyle. Explore scenic trails by bike or on foot, winding through lush forestry and craggy peaks, before returning to the hotel for a one-to-one tennis lesson. Watersports include scuba diving, paddle-boarding and snorkelling on the shimmering azure waters.

For something more restorative, there are yoga and Pilates classes, as well as tennis and swimming. Drop by the spa for a dip in the heated pool overlooking the mountains or a signature massage before beelining for a balinese bed by the pool.

Community sits at the heart of Zel’s wellbeing offering, whether joining a game of group volleyball, learning the art of jiu-jitsu or a guided excursion.

Embrace the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet has long been lauded as the ‘gold standard’ of healthy eating, rich in olive oil and nuts, alongside plenty of fish and seafood. At Zel Costa Brava, plates of paella and firewood-grilled octopus are served at beach club restaurant PARDA, or try “Cim i Tomba,” a fisherman’s stew that reflects the town’s maritime heritage.

It’s not just what you eat, but how you eat it. Conviviality is key, such as multi-generational dining and shared meals around a long table, which might last all afternoon. Warm and welcoming hospitality completes the offering, often with music and entertainment.

Shared values

Zel works with a number of brands that reflect its commitment to an active, balanced lifestyle and eco-conscious design. Each hotel has an onsite concept store curated with likeminded labels to enhance your stay, such as shirts, shorts and swimwear by Swedish resort brand OAS and sportswear by Lululemon. Throughout the hotel you’ll find Haan toiletries, a Barcelona brand noted for its cruelty-free, plant-based products and joyfully brightly packaging.

Café de Finca, a coffee roaster from Barcelona, is Zel’s official coffee partner and reflective of the hotel group’s independent spirit.

From serene outdoor spaces to sport, wellness and togetherness, Zel encapsulates the Mediterranean lifestyle at its best and most rewarding. When to book? Well, the ball’s in your court.