Rafa Nadal's ZEL Brand Is Opening Its First Canary Islands Hotel in Fuerteventura This May

ZEL Arrives in the Canary Islands

The ZEL hotel brand — co-created by Rafa Nadal and Meliá Hotels International — is opening its first Canary Islands property this May, bringing its signature blend of relaxed luxury and active Mediterranean living to Sotavento Beach on the southern coast of Fuerteventura.

The new ZEL Fuerteventura has 142 rooms and suites, direct beach access, and an infinity pool. It sits within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — an area internationally recognised for its natural value — and occupies one of the island's most sought-after coastal locations.

Food, Drink and Wellness

The hotel opens with four food and drink outlets:

• Cafe de Finca — speciality coffee
• PARDA — Mediterranean dishes made with local Fuerteventura produce
• Beach club — lighter meals and snacks by the water
• Voltaje bar — cocktails and evening drinks

The wellness offering includes running and cycling routes, group fitness classes — barre, HIIT and POUND — plus diving and other water-based activities run with local professionals.

Sotavento: Spain's Windsurfing Capital

The location is deliberate. Sotavento, in the municipality of Pájara, is widely regarded as one of Europe's premier destinations for wind-powered watersports, drawing professionals and enthusiasts from across the continent every year. The nearby René Egli by Meliá school offers windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foiling — a natural partner for ZEL's active, outdoors-first positioning.

Golf and diving are also readily available in the surrounding area, and the wider south of the island offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and some of the Canaries' best beaches.

A Brand Growing Across Europe and Beyond

The Fuerteventura opening marks the brand's entry into the Canary Islands and adds to an expanding ZEL portfolio. The brand currently operates four hotels — in Mallorca, the Costa Brava and Punta Cana — with further openings planned in Madrid, Cozumel and Crete.

Built around the concept of open-air spaces, connection with the natural environment, and a relaxed but active lifestyle, ZEL has positioned itself as something distinct from traditional luxury hotel brands — and Fuerteventura, with its extraordinary natural setting, is a convincing next chapter.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published April 30, 2026.