Spain’s greatest ever tennis player, Rafael Nadal, is branching out from the world of sport by launching his own hotel brand, with plans to open at venues across Europe including London, Paris and Madrid.

But the first location for a ZEL will be the 36-year-old’s home island of Mallorca, Nadal teaming up with Meliá Hotels International – also based in Mallorca – for the new project that will focus on creating a Mediterranean-style hospitality.

“As a Spaniard, a Mallorcan and a global traveller, the launch of this hotel brand is a project that I have had in my mind for a long time,” said Nadal. “ZEL will be synonymous with feeling good and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle. I was really attracted to this new concept with Meliá from the start and I am confident that ZEL will be a huge success and will be enjoyed by every type of traveller.”

ZEL will aim to embody the feel of the Mediterranean, with a focus on the outdoors and the cuisine associated with the region. There will also be an opportunity for guests to rejuvenate their body and soul through well-being experiences, with personal and group activities focused on physical exercise and fitness – very much part of the Nadal philosophy. 

Initial plans are to create 20 ZEL hotels in the next five years, with the Mallorcan project due to open sometime in 2023.