With 23 openings in its 2026 pipeline, Meliá Hotels International is set for significant acceleration across its luxury and lifestyle brands…
From Southeast Asia to South America, Europe to the Indian Ocean, Meliá is planning to bring its signature Spanish hospitality to some of the world’s most compelling destinations. The announcement follows a milestone year for the company in 2025, which saw the debut of several landmark properties, including ME by Meliá hotels in Malta, Lisbon, Marbella, and Málaga, Paradisus by Meliá in Fuerteventura, and ZEL Punta Cana – the first lifestyle all-inclusive in the Caribbean created in partnership with tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
Building on this momentum, 2026 will see Meliá unveil a new generation of storied hotels with heart, enhancing its existing portfolio through rebranding and repositioning, whilst delivering experiences that combine elevated luxury with a commitment to purposeful global growth.
Image caption: Paradisus Bali | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Among the most anticipated launches is Paradisus Bali, the brand’s first property in Southeast Asia, which will open its doors on the shores of Nusa Dua this month. Here, the brand’s new Wellness Designed by Destination philosophy takes centre stage—an approach that thoughtfully integrates the island’s healing traditions, mindful rituals, and sensory landscapes into every aspect of the guest journey. From spa therapies inspired by Balinese purification practices to movement sessions grounded in the island’s flow of energy, the resort invites guests to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones and the natural rhythm of Bali.
Image caption: Paradisus Bali | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
As part of the 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 in and outside the hotel. These experiences include the timeless melukat purification, where sacred Balinese waters cleanse, heal and renew; moments of connection with nature at Tibumana Waterfall; guided cultural visits to the temples of Uluwatu, Tanah Lot or Taman Ayun; and family-friendly evenings at the Devdan Show in the Nusa Dua Theatre, a vibrant celebration of Indonesian culture through dance, music and acrobatics.
Following the debut of Paradisus Bali, 2026 will also see the rebirth of a legend in Mexico with the reopening of Paradisus Cancún in April, following a transformative year-long renovation. Now one of the brand’s most elevated expressions of luxury all-inclusive, the renewed resort blends contemporary sophistication with the soul of the Yucatán Peninsula and places a special emphasis on families. Guided by the Wellness Designed by Destination philosophy, Paradisus Cancún infuses local rituals, natural materials and coastal energy into every touchpoint, while its Destination Inclusive offering enriches the experience with curated activities—from explorations of sacred cenotes to encounters with Mayan artistry—that invite guests of all ages to connect deeply with the destination.
Image caption: Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
In Dubai, Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah will open at Jumeirah 1 in December 2026, offering sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and skyline, with direct marina access and a carefully curated collection of signature dining venues, wellness facilities and expansive event spaces. While the Seychelles will welcome Meliá’s first foray into a mixed-use development, combining a 120-key hotel with branded residences, a rooftop bar with views over Eden Island and St. Anne Marine Park and an array of leisure facilities – setting a new benchmark for integrated resort living in the region. Next year will also see The Meliá Collection open its first luxury resort in the Maldives, located on the picturesque Baa Atoll, it will provide unparalleled access to the archipelago’s abundant marine life and dive sites.
Image caption: MIM Baqueira | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Further diversifying the luxury offering within Meliá’s boutique brand, The Meliá Collection, the integration of global football icon Lionel Messi’s MiM Hotels marks a strategic milestone that underscores the brand’s commitment to exceptional, experience-led hospitality. The six distinctive MiM properties, located in Sitges, Sotogrande, Mallorca, Ibiza, Baqueira Beret and Andorra, embody Messi’s personal vision of contemporary luxury, characterized by sleek design, curated memorabilia and a strong focus on sustainability and wellness. This collaboration allows MiM Hotels to retain their individuality while benefiting from Meliá’s global reach, distribution and brand expertise
Image caption: Casa Lucia | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
In addition to the MiM portfolio, the Collection will welcome a wider series of storied hotels designed to capture the true spirit of their destinations in 2026. In Buenos Aires, Casa Lucia has undergone a full refurbishment, inviting guests to rediscover the iconic Mihanovich Building in the Retiro neighbourhood. 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 offering high-end luxury experiences across the region, The Meliá Collection recently announced Terrazas del Guitérrez in Patagonia. Set to open in 2028, the 99-key property will be located in Bariloche, serving as a gateway to the region’s breathtaking mountainscapes.
Residenza del Cardinale Milan will marry historic architecture with contemporary elegance in the heart of the city, offering a refined cultural hub for design and fashion lovers from next year, with a fine dining restaurant overseen by famed Italian chef Carlo Zarri, specialising in Piedmontese cuisine.
Image caption: Me Malaga | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
In Spain’s Andalucía region, new Collection properties in Ronda and Estepona will celebrate the area’s dramatic landscapes, Moorish heritage, and rich culinary traditions, offering travellers an elevated lens through which to explore southern Spain. Marking the group’s fifth luxury hotel in Andalucía, Hacienda del Mar, Bahia Estepona – first opened in 1999 under the patronage of Prince Alflonso of Hohenlohe – stands as a terracotta jewel on the glistening shores of the Costa del Sol. From its subtropical gardens to the striking lobby, every space tells a story, making it a fitting addition to the Collection in 2026, following a full refurbishment and rebrand.
Building on the brand’s presence in Spain, Casa Alameda in Cádiz will revive an 18th-century Baroque casa-palacio, originally built for the Marquessa de Casa Recaño and classified as an architectural heritage site. Following a meticulous restoration, the two adjoining buildings will be transformed into a 36-key boutique retreat overlooking the Alameda Apodaca. While on the Maltese island of Gozo, the brand will open properties in San Lawrenz and Raba, each bringing their own distinct narrative to the Collection, whilst fortifying 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 revel in Gozo’s weekly festivals, scenic hiking trails and world-class dive sites.
Image caption: MIM Sotogrande | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
As Meliá strengthens its luxury and lifestyle footprint, several hotels around the world are being reimagined, rebranded, and repositioned. Following the successful transformation of ME Marbella and Paradisus Fuerteventura in 2025, next year will see ZEL properties in Fuerteventura, Crete and Madrid join the lifestyle portfolio. These projects exemplify Meliá’s strategy to unlock the full potential of existing assets, aligning them with the expectations of the modern luxury traveler, while preserving their unique identity and sense of place.
Meliá collaborates closely with leading design partners, 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 refurbishment delivers not only aesthetic excellence but a coherent brand identity that runs across Meliá’s luxury brands globally – unifying the portfolios whilst allowing each property to celebrate its own story and cultural context.
Sustainability remains a defining pillar of Meliá’s growth. The newly enhanced Travel For Good program reflects the company’s ambition to create luxury experiences that go beyond economic value, focusing on environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and community empowerment. The program integrates ESG principles into every aspect of operations – from carbon neutrality initiatives to partnerships that support local education and culture – embodying Meliá’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in every destination where it operates.
André Gerondeau, Chief Operating Officer of Meliá Hotels International said, “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, be it through strategic new openings or extensive refurbishments, we remain dedicated to sharing it with the world in the most responsible and inspiring ways.”
Main image credit: Meliá Hotels International
