TORONTO — Melia Hotels International’s newest brand, Zel, is on its way to the Caribbean.

That’s one of many updates courtesy of Sara Ranghi, Marketing & Brand Management Director, Americas, Melia Hotels International. She’s in Canada this week for partner meetings as well as travel advisor events in Quebec City, Montreal / Laval and Toronto.

Zel Punta Cana will open Dec. 12 in the D.R., with a vibe geared to “making your life easy, in a Mediterranean way”, as Ranghi tells Travelweek.

Rendering of Melia Casa Maya Cancun

The Zel brand is a joint collaboration by Melia’s President, Gabriel Escarrer, and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. The two men, both from Mallorca, are friends and now business partners too. Appropriately enough the first Zel property opened in Mallorca, plus there’s Zel Costa Brava too, and soon, Zel Madrid.

Hallmarks of the Zel properties range from Active MED by Rafa Nadal program, to yoga and meditation retreats, to wellness areas.

“It’s a lifestyle brand,” says Ranghi. “At check in, instead of being asked for their passport, guests will be asked if they want a drink. There’s a concept store at check-in, so guests can browse while they wait. The mood is easygoing and chill. It’s all about the Mediterranean way of life, ‘from fiesta to siesta’.”

Beachy Mediterranean decor is a signature style at Zel Punta Cana

While the Zel resorts are all-ages, there are no kids programs, meaning the clientele will tend to skew to couples and friend groups.

When Zel Punta Cana opens this December, it won’t be the only Zel in the Americas for long. By the end of 2025, Zel Sayulita will make its debut, in the surfing mecca that’s about 90 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. Ranghi describes the Sayulita vibe as hippie chic, making it a perfect fit for the Zel ethos. Not only that, but ME Sayulita is on its way too, giving Melia two brands in this part of Mexico.

And here’s one more resort to watch for: Melia Casa Maya Cancun, fully refurbished and reopening Dec. 1, 2024

EYE-OPENING STATS

In total Melia Hotels International has nine brands and more than 350 properties worldwide.

The stats and scope are an eye-opener for some Canadian travel advisors. “Canadian agents tend to associate Melia with Cuba,” says Ranghi.

That’s not surprising, given the strength of the Melia name in that destination, with 32 properties under brands including Paradisus, Melia, Innside and Sol.

Master Suite accommodation with swim-up living room at Zel Punta Cana

“The resorts in Cuba are incredible,” says Ranghi. “We want Canadian agents to continue to sell those properties, plus we want them to know about our properties in Mexico and the D.R. too.”

Melia’s flagship Paradisus brand is well represented in these two Canadian favourites, with Mexico properties including the adults-only Paradisus Los Cabos and Paradisus La Perla, and family-friendly Paradisus Cancun and Paradisus Playa del Carmen, and D.R. properties including Paradisus Palma Real, and Paradisus Grand Cana. Paradisus Palma Real emerged from a 50 million euro renovation last year.

Asked about the differentiators for the Paradisus brand – at a time when setting yourself apart from the completion is crucial for all-inclusives, especially as U.S.-based companies ramp up in this area – Ranghi is quick to note Paradisus’ ‘Destination Inclusive’ concept. “At Paradisus Cancun, that could mean a sunset cruise. At Paradisus La Perla, that could mean an excursion to a cenote with optional yoga. We have created these experiences that are included in the price, to allow guests to connect with the local culture. That’s what Destination Inclusive is all about.”

There are also culinary activities, and a full calendar of activations for guests looking for more out of their all-inclusive holiday.

Another amazing stat from Ranghi: sales from the Canadian market for Melia Hotels International have doubled year over year.

“We’re really putting a focus on the Canadian market,” she says. “We want to create that awareness, and that’s something we’ve been working on for the past three years.”

The company is well represented in Canada, with a dedicated sales team. Nathalie Carpentier holds down the fort in eastern Canada and Carlos Peralta looks out for western Canada.

Ranghi has high praise for Melia Hotel International’s great relationships with Canadian tour operators including ACV, Transat and Sunwing Vacations.

ME Sayulita, opening December 2025

Those relationships, together with Melia’s campaign to connect with Canadian travel advisors – and luxury travel advisors in particular – have led to another incredible statistic: the Canadian market is now #2 for Melia in the Mexican Caribbean, and the D.R. “We’re so excited,” says Ranghi about the company’s growth in this market.

Travel advisors looking to join MeliaPRO, offering real-time efficiencies for the travel trade, can click here. More information about the properties can be found here.