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Development Rebranding

Meliá Hotels International and Rafael Nadal Expand ZEL Hotels to Mexico with the Opening of ZEL Cozumel

Meliá Hotels International continues the international expansion of ZEL, the lifestyle brand created in partnership with sports icon and tennis legend Rafael Nadal, with the opening of ZEL Cozumel. As part of a comprehensive renovation and repositioning, the property will transition from Meliá Cozumel, marking the brand’s first lifestyle resort in Mexico and its second in the Americas, following the successful opening of ZEL Punta Cana in March 2025. Further strengthening the brand’s presence in the Caribbean and guided by the philosophy, “Where Mediterranean lifestyle blends with Caribbean vitality,” ZEL brings its signature approach to active and social wellbeing, centered on movement, outdoor experiences, shared moments, and a strong sense of community, all inspired by the Mediterranean way of living, to one of Mexico’s most beloved island destinations in the Fall 2026.

ZEL
Cozumel, Mexico
Appointment

Henry Walther has been appointed as General Manager at InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa

Walther served as Managing Director of the Fairmont Princess in Acapulco. With more than 25 years of hotel experience, Walther previously served as Managing Director of Posadas de Mexico where he was responsible for seven Fiesta Americana resorts throughout Mexico. Walther previously gained experience in Mexico as General Manager of Cancun’s first AAA Five-Diamond Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Resort while also overseeing the operations of the resort division with hotels located in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Cozumel. Raised and educated in Switzerland, Walther served on the committee charged with revising the AAA Five Diamond Rating Quality Guidelines, effecting the evaluation of more than 55,000 establishments in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean.

IHG
Cozumel, Mexico