Zel Punta Cana

Great place for a relaxing trip, combining some good wellness activities (yoga, pilates etc.) with relaxation.

Overall Impression: Zel Punta Cana is a visually stunning resort with a sophisticated, Mediterranean-Caribbean aesthetic. The architecture and landscaping are top-notch, and it never felt over-crowded, which is a rare find. However, while the physical property is 5-star, the service and communication currently feel closer to a 3-star experience. The Highlights: The Property: Absolutely beautiful. The pools and "secret" spaces are well-designed. A huge plus was never having to "fight" for a pool chair; we found a canopy bed or palapa every time we wanted one. The Room: We stayed in a Master Suite, which was massive. The private whirlpool tub in the back was a highlight of the trip. Dining Hits: The buffet selection was fresh with plenty of greens and fruit. Nokyo was our absolute favorite meal. The coffee from the cafe was also excellent. Areas for Improvement: Service & Language Barrier: This was our main struggle. We encountered significant communication gaps that we haven't experienced at other resorts. At one point, we ordered a White Russian and received a Screwdriver; another time, a bartender didn't recognize a Gin Martini or Manhattan. We eventually switched to wine just to keep things simple. Inconsistency: We had multiple appetizers never show up, and the follow-up from staff was hit-or-miss. At Tacorini, we were told there was no menu and received a tiny portion of beef souvlaki, which forced us to go to the buffet afterward to actually finish dinner. Logistics: The pools were quite chilly in February—a little more heat would have been welcome. Also, the beach area is nice but desperately needs more umbrellas for shade. Pro-Tip for Travelers: Check out FunRepublic for live music! It wasn’t well-advertised, but it’s a great spot. Also, the QR code menus can be tricky with the language barrier; I’d recommend the resort move to bilingual paper menus so guests can point to what they need.

We had a great time together ar the Zel. The staff was friendly and the grounds and pools were calming and just beautiful! ❤️

Ricardo at Neguri beaxh club in the ZEL Punta Cana hotel was absolutely outstanding. From the moment we arrived, he made us feel genuinely welcomed and taken care of. His service was warm, attentive, and incredibly professional — the perfect balance of friendly and polished.

Ricardo was truly the best part of our stay at Melia. From the moment we arrived at the beach each day, he anticipated everything we needed before we even asked. His energy, professionalism, and genuine kindness made such a difference in our experience. He wasn’t just a beach attendant — he elevated our entire trip. Attentive without being intrusive, always smiling, and consistently going above and beyond. It’s rare to encounter someone who takes so much pride in what they do, and it absolutely shows. Thank you, Ricardo, for making our vacation so special. Melia is lucky to have you! VIP