Sayulita, a seaside village in Nayarit province on Mexico’s Pacific coast, will be home to Meliá Hotels International’s first Zel-branded property in Mexico and a ME by Meliá hotel.

Zel, the lifestyle hotel brand resulting from a partnership between tennis superstar Rafael Nadal and the Meliá Hotels International group, has signed an agreement for a new-build property. Operating under the name Zel Sayulita, it is expected to open in 2025.

Popular with surfers and outdoor enthusiasts, Sayulita is known for its natural beauty and golden beaches, including Playa de los Muertos and Playa Carricitos.

Strategically located on the beachfront, Zel Sayulita will capture the essence of Mediterranean culture while reflecting a passion for the outdoors – one of the brand’s fundamental cornerstones. It will offer 145 guestrooms, a large central courtyard, and restaurants focused on the region’s rich gastronomy.

Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International, said: “Zel’s Mexican debut marks the beginning of an exciting global adventure that will take our Mediterranean essence to exclusive destinations around the world.”

ME by Meliá signs its third hotel in Mexico.

Alongside Zel Sayulita, Meliá Hotels International has also announced that a ME by Meliá hotel has been added to its portfolio in Sayulita. This will be the third luxury lifestyle brand hotel in Mexico, joining ME Cabo and the future ME Guadalajara.

Also a new-build, it is set to open, in its initial phase, by the end of this year. ME Sayulita will be located on the beachfront, very close to the famous Playa de Carricitos, and will feature 125 rooms and villas, three restaurants, swimming pool, gym, spa and a rooftop bar with its own pool and an extraordinary beach club.

Meliá’s Mexico portfolio currently consists of seven hotels. The company expects to open six properties, including the two in Sayulita, in the next two years, doubling its presence in the country.