Who’s feeling stuck for wellness content right now? If it’s not morning Pilates followed by a smoothie on Stories or a marathon workout dominating my TikTok For You page, it’s a couple sweating it out at boot camp in Ibiza. Think about it. Back-to-back HIIT classes, green juices, lights out until 9pm…not at all how I remember Ibiza.
Wellness is deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives, and it seems to extend far beyond everyday life and into the holidays. Wellness is no longer something you leave at home, as evidenced by a report suggesting the wellness tourism industry is set to reach a staggering $8.5 trillion in value by 2027. Clearly, our wellbeing actively shapes where we go and what we do once we get there.
I don’t know if all of this applies to me, as I work out regularly but like to spend my days off like they’re holidays.
While morning gym sessions are definitely fun, I also crave leisurely breakfasts, long lunches, naps by the pool, and the freedom to turn off my alarm clock. So when I heard about tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s new all-inclusive resort with Melia in the Dominican Republic, Zel Punta Cana, I was intrigued. You are guaranteed to be more relaxed and enjoy your health. Train if you want, and enjoy cocktails if you don’t.
I decided to see if a fitness trip could actually feel like a proper vacation and not a boot camp in disguise. Here’s what I found after six days in Zel Punta Cana.
What kind of place is Zel Punta Cana?
Zel is the lifestyle hotel brand of Spanish group Meliá, founded in partnership with Rafael Nadal, with existing locations in Mallorca and the Costa Brava (more locations in the pipeline – watch this space). The newest opening, Zel Punta Cana, brings the brand’s signature combination of Mediterranean style and mindful movement to the Caribbean coast, promising to help guests unleash their inner athletes. Active health is at the heart of everything here.
A recent stay confirms that Zel Punta Cana has all the right tropical escape boxes: a beachfront setting, two palm-lined pools, garden suites with direct water access, and six outstanding restaurants. But what sets it apart is the wide range of health and fitness-focused activities on offer (see details below). This is far from the all-inclusive average.
You can plan your day however you like (5 or 0 fitness classes) and all classes are included. Options such as tennis lessons and spa treatments come at an additional cost and book well in advance, so we recommend booking early. Spa treatments start from £37.
If you’re like me and aren’t interested in a full-on detox, but still want to keep moving on your days off (I’ll do a quick gym session in the morning and have a margarita before sunset, thank you), Zel strikes the perfect balance. It gives you energy without being intense. You can move or rest, and it feels really good to do both.
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What activities are there?
The first full day started with a guided walk along the beach. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the resort, but you can also take a buggy ride if you’re feeling a bit more luxurious. Then we were stranded on the water’s edge for Hobie Cat sails. This is a small catamaran style boat (I had to google it too). It was less about actual sailing and more about relaxing and soaking up the dreamy Caribbean scenery (which suited me perfectly).
Then I tried Pound. This is a high-energy workout that uses drumsticks and music to really burn your legs. I had never done it before, but it was fun, sweaty, and surprisingly addictive.
From there, each day was the perfect balance of cold and challenging, depending on my mood. AeroYoga definitely tested me. I considered myself pretty flexible, but these poses taxed me more than I expected. Thankfully, the instructor was great and was able to guide me through difficult movements like the inverted pigeon pose.
Next up was BRRN, a slideboard workout where you wear slippery socks and slide back and forth to upbeat music. It sounds easy, but believe me, this really activates your lower body and is unlike any workout you’ve ever done. There were also paddleboard yoga sessions, HIIT circuits and group cycling.
A big draw to Zel Punta Cana are its five tennis courts. No surprise considering this is Rafael Nadal’s project. Additionally, the Rafael Nadal Tennis Center, which opens in September 2025, will feature expanded facilities including four padel courts, six pickleball courts, a gym, changing rooms, and a gift shop. I booked a private lesson (which is currently free), but if you want to enjoy a rally with your buddies, the courts are also open for casual games at no extra charge.
If golf is more your thing, there’s a 27-hole course nearby. Melia guests receive 50% off green fees, including golf carts. Prices start from around £75 for 9 or 18 holes.
When it was time to relax, we took full advantage of the spa’s extensive facilities (note: it costs £37 per person without treatments). A wide range of massage menus are available for an additional fee, as well as excellent reflexology sessions. Ice baths are not recommended. Included in all-inclusive package. Honestly, starting the day on a freezing cold day is oddly refreshing.
Wellness here is about more than just exercise. We also got to experience the local culture by painting a traditional Dominican espresso maker, the perfect souvenir of our trip. We also had a candle making class with a local artisan, which added a nice creative touch to the experience. Best of all, these classes are included in the price of your stay, so we encourage you to attend!
Reservations are easy. Get a QR code on arrival to browse and sign up for everything from fitness classes to artistic workshops.
What is the food like at Zel Punta Cana?
Food is definitely one of my favorite parts of holidays. That’s why we were thrilled to learn that Zel Punta Cana offers six different dining venues, all included in the all-inclusive rate. Breakfast was always Parda, a dreamy buffet of fresh tropical fruit (I’m still thinking about pineapple), made-to-order omelets, and bright green juices.
For lunch, we alternated between Parda’s Mediterranean buffet, which was great for making your own salads, and Poolside Tacolini, which served exceptional tacos and guacamole. But my favorite was the beach bar Neguri. With its relaxed Ibiza-style atmosphere, wicker furniture and sea views, it’s the perfect place to relax, especially during late night DJ sessions.
Dinner was equally impressive. While Volcán was known for its smoky grilled meats, Nokyo offered a fun teppanyaki experience with chef-prepared meals tableside. If you prefer something quieter, the a la carte menu is perfect.
When night falls, the lively lobby bar Voltaje is the perfect place for cocktails and dancing.
What is the cost?
All-inclusive rates start from £299 per night. As previously mentioned, some activities and alcohol come with an additional charge.
Is Zel Punta Cana worth the money?
The Zel Punta Cana may feel like a luxury, but it’s an all-inclusive setup, so you get a lot for the price. All meals at six restaurants, unlimited drinks (including a daily-restocked minibar), and access to a wide range of fitness classes from paddleboard yoga to aeroyoga are all included. You can also participate in outdoor cinema nights and creative workshops at no additional charge.
It’s great value considering the quality of the food, the variety of activities, and the freedom to do as much as you like. The only downside? Spa access is not included unless you book a treatment. A small detail, but worth noting in a place that values wellness.
Honest review of Zel Punta Cana
Zel Punta Cana truly changed my perspective on what a holiday is. I’m someone who enjoys a cheeky cocktail or two, but can’t resist a daily workout. And this place struck the perfect balance between the two without feeling like a strict fitness retreat.
What impressed me most was its flexibility. Whether you start your day with a refreshing run or yoga session, or spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool with a margarita, everything will unfold just the way you want it to. It’s an ideal destination for both girls’ getaways and couples’ getaways, where everyone can explore their own rhythms without the intense pressure of strict itineraries or “wellness boot camps.”
Honestly, 6 days wasn’t enough time to enjoy it all. I left feeling refreshed and wanting to go again, and already thinking about when I would be able to return.
Prices for a seven-night stay at Zel Punta Cana start from £299 per night, all-inclusive (flights and airport transfers not included).
Enjoy your wellness journey even more this way…
