Just days after hanging up his tennis racket, Rafael Nadal has revealed the new location of his hotel chain. The tennis legend played his final match on Tuesday ( November 19) following a singles defeat by Dutch player Botic van de Zandschlup. His retirement was confirmed after Spain's doubles loss to the Netherlands, with Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers succumbing to Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof, who is also retiring this week.
Not one to rest on his laurels, the 38-year-old quickly announced major plans for his hotel chain, ZEL Born, revealing a new location in the Dominican Republic. Nadal co-founded the chain with Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Melia Hotels International, last year. Their vision was inspired by traditional Mediterranean homes and their outdoor culture.
The luxurious ZEL Punta Cana, their first hotel outside Spain, will be located on Cortecito Beach. The stunning spot on the Bavaro coast is a dream destination for any holidaymaker looking to enjoy sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The hotel, boasting 190 rooms, is the third of its kind, following the opening of ZEL Mallorca last year and ZEL Costa Brava earlier this summer.
Escarrer shared his vision, crafted with Nadal, on why the Caribbean was their top choice for business expansion. "We consider ZEL to be a true Mediterranean embassy and we hope to introduce our lifestyle experience in Punta Cana," he said. "Together with Rafa, we decided to embark on this adventure to share our laid-back v.