Meliá Hotels International strengthens its luxury and lifestyle offering with new openings in 2026

Meliá Hotels International – Spain’s leading hotel group and the third largest in Europe – is preparing for a significant expansion of its luxury and lifestyle brands, with 23 new openings confirmed for 2026. From Southeast Asia to South America, and across Europe and the Indian Ocean, Meliá will bring its renowned Spanish hospitality to some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

This announcement comes after a historic year for the company in 2025, which marked the debut of several flagship hotels, including ME by Meliá in Malta, Lisbon, Marbella and Málaga; Paradisus by Meliá in Fuerteventura; and ZEL Punta Cana, the Caribbean's first all-inclusive lifestyle hotel created in collaboration with tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

Building on this growth foundation, 2026 will see Meliá unveil a new generation of hotels with soul and history, enriching its existing portfolio through rebranding and repositioning processes, and offering experiences that combine elevated luxury with a firm commitment to purposeful global growth.

FROM BALI TO SEYCHELLES: LUXURY DESTINATIONS

In 2026, Meliá will bring its Mediterranean warmth and authenticity to some of the world's most sought-after destinations. Among the most anticipated openings is Paradisus Bali, the brand's first property in Southeast Asia, which will open its doors this month on the shores of Nusa Dua.

At Paradisus Bali, the new Wellness Designed by Destination philosophy takes center stage: an approach that carefully integrates the island's healing traditions, mindful rituals, and sensory landscapes into every aspect of the guest experience.

From spa therapies inspired by Balinese purification practices to movement sessions based on the island's energy flow, the resort invites guests to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and the natural rhythm of Bali.

As part of its entertainment offerings, the resort will feature the brand's signature Destination Inclusive® program, giving guests the opportunity to explore the island's culture and beauty through curated activities both on and off the property. These experiences include the timeless purification melukat, where sacred Balinese waters cleanse, heal, and renew; moments of connection with nature at Tibumana Waterfall; guided cultural tours to the temples of Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, or Taman Ayun; and family evenings at the Devdan Show at the Nusa Dua Theater, a vibrant celebration of Indonesian culture through dance, music, and acrobatics.

Following the debut of Paradisus Bali, 2026 will also mark the rebirth of a legend in Mexico with the reopening of Paradisus Cancún in April, after a year-long transformation. Now one of the brand's most elevated expressions of all-inclusive luxury, the renovated resort blends contemporary sophistication with the soul of the Yucatán Peninsula, with a special focus on families. Guided by the Wellness Designed by Destination philosophy, Paradisus Cancún incorporates local rituals, natural materials, and coastal energy into every detail, while its Destination Inclusive offering enriches the stay with curated activities—from exploring sacred cenotes to encountering Mayan art—that invite guests of all ages to connect deeply with the destination.

These openings reflect Meliá's response to the growing demand from discerning travelers seeking worry-free all-inclusive getaways where they can reconnect with nature, culture, and themselves. Paradisus Bali and Paradisus Cancún join the expanding global collection of Paradisus by Meliá properties around the world, including its award-winning resorts in the Caribbean and the Canary Islands—from Lanzarote and Gran Canaria to, most recently, Fuerteventura—all united by a commitment to immersing guests in the destination and fostering their personal well-being.

In Dubai, the Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah will open on Jumeirah 1 in December 2026, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the skyline, with direct access to the marina and a curated selection of signature restaurants, wellness facilities, and extensive event spaces. Meanwhile, the Seychelles will welcome Meliá's first mixed-use development, combining a 120-room hotel with branded residences, a rooftop bar overlooking Eden Island and Sainte Anne Marine Park, and a variety of leisure facilities, setting a new benchmark for the integrated resort living concept in the region.

Next year will also see The Meliá Collection open its first luxury resort in the Maldives, located in the picturesque Baa Atoll, which will offer unparalleled access to the archipelago's abundant marine life and renowned diving spots.

UNIQUE STORIES

Further expanding the luxury offering within Meliá's boutique brand, The Meliá Collection, the integration of Lionel Messi's MiM Hotels marks a strategic milestone that reinforces the brand's commitment to exceptional, experience-driven hospitality. The six distinctive MiM properties—located in Sitges, Sotogrande, Mallorca, Ibiza, Baqueira Beret, and Andorra—reflect Messi's personal vision of contemporary luxury, characterized by cutting-edge design, memorable curated displays, and a strong focus on sustainability and well-being. This collaboration allows MiM Hotels to maintain its individuality while benefiting from Meliá's global reach, distribution network, and brand management expertise.

In addition to the MiM portfolio, the Collection will welcome a broader range of historic hotels in 2026, designed to capture the true spirit of their destinations. In Buenos Aires, Casa Lucía has been completely renovated, inviting guests to rediscover the iconic Mihanovich Building in the Retiro district. Its design pays homage to Argentina’s golden age, offering a luxury experience deeply rooted in local history and architecture. Reinforcing the brand’s commitment to luxury experiences in the region, The Meliá Collection recently announced Terrazas del Gutiérrez in Patagonia. Scheduled to open in 2028, this 99-room hotel will be located in Bariloche, serving as a gateway to the region’s stunning mountain landscapes.

Residenza del Cardinale Milan will combine historic architecture with contemporary elegance in the heart of the city, offering from next year a sophisticated cultural center for design and fashion enthusiasts, with a fine-dining restaurant helmed by renowned Italian chef Carlo Zarri, specializing in Piedmontese cuisine. In Spain’s Andalusian region, new Collection properties in Ronda and Estepona will celebrate the area’s stunning landscapes, Moorish heritage, and rich culinary tradition, offering travelers an elevated vantage point from which to explore southern Spain. Marking the group’s fifth luxury hotel in Andalusia, Hacienda del Mar, Bahía Estepona—originally opened in 1999 under the patronage of Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe—stands like a terracotta jewel on the glittering shores of the Costa del Sol. From its subtropical gardens to its striking lobby, every space tells a story, making it a perfect addition to the Collection in 2026 following a complete renovation and rebranding.

Strengthening the brand's presence in Spain, Casa Alameda in Cádiz will revive an 18th-century Baroque palace-house, originally built for the Marchioness of Casa Recaño and listed as an architectural heritage site. Following meticulous restoration, the two adjacent buildings will be transformed into a 36-room boutique retreat overlooking the Alameda Apodaca. Meanwhile, on the Maltese island of Gozo, the brand will open properties in San Lawrenz and Raba, each contributing its own narrative to the Collection and solidifying the island's growing status as a vibrant hub of culture and curated luxury. With just 15 and 17 rooms respectively, these boutique retreats invite guests to enjoy Gozo's weekly festivals, scenic trails, and renowned dive sites.

Taken together, these investments reaffirm the Collection's ambition to elevate high-end hospitality, intertwining carefully crafted narratives with distinctive boutique stays that transcend the ordinary.

MASTERS OF REPOSITIONING

As Meliá strengthens its presence in the luxury and lifestyle segments, several hotels worldwide are being reinvented, renovated, and repositioned. Following the successful transformation of ME Marbella and Paradisus Fuerteventura in 2025, the ZEL properties in Fuerteventura, Crete, and Madrid will join the lifestyle portfolio next year. These projects exemplify Meliá's strategy to unlock the full potential of its existing assets, aligning them with the expectations of the modern luxury traveler, without losing their unique identity or connection to their location.

Meliá collaborates closely with renowned design studios, including ASAH Studio, whose work reflects a deep understanding of today's luxury consumer and how design can shape a memorable guest experience. These partnerships ensure that every renovation delivers not only aesthetic excellence but also a coherent brand identity that spans all of Meliá's luxury brands globally, unifying the portfolios while allowing each property to celebrate its own history and cultural context.

BRAND VALUES

Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Meliá's growth. The revamped Travel For Good program reflects the company's ambition to create luxury experiences that transcend mere economic value, focusing on environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. The program integrates ESG principles into all aspects of operations—from carbon-neutral initiatives to partnerships that support local education and culture—embodiing Meliá's commitment to leaving a positive legacy in every destination where it operates.

This focus on purposeful growth and empowering communities has earned Meliá global recognition, including a recent third place in the World's Most Trustworthy Companies 2025 ranking compiled by Newsweek and Statista, a testament to its transparent and ethical approach to business.

André Gerondeau, Chief Operating Officer of Meliá Hotels International, stated: “2026 represents the next chapter in our journey to redefine luxury and lifestyle travel. Each new property is not just a hotel, but a gateway to authentic cultural discovery, personal transformation, and unforgettable experiences. Spanish hospitality is the soul of our brand, and as we continue to grow—whether through strategic new openings or extensive renovations—we remain dedicated to sharing it with the world in the most responsible and inspiring way.”

Source: Meliá Hotels International