New luxury hotels on the Horizon for Meliá Hotels in 2026
New luxury hotels on the Horizon for Meliá Hotels in 2026
  Investments  |  Economy  |  Tourism  |  Hotels

New luxury hotels on the Horizon for Meliá Hotels in 2026

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RE+D magazine
09.12.2025

Spain’s largest hotel group and Europe’s third-largest, Meliá Hotels International, is accelerating its global expansion, with 23 new hotels planned for 2026.

With a presence spanning Southeast Asia, South America, Europe, and the Indian Ocean, the Meliá Group is strategically strengthening its luxury and lifestyle portfolio, bringing its signature Spanish hospitality to premier destinations worldwide.

The announcement follows a highly productive 2025 for Meliá, during which landmark properties under ME by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, and ZEL opened, including ZEL Punta Cana, the Caribbean’s first lifestyle all-inclusive resort created in partnership with Rafael Nadal. In 2026, the company will unveil “a new generation of hotels with soul,” combining rebranding, repositioning, and new openings to elevate its portfolio to a global benchmark.

Leading the 2026 openings is Paradisus Bali, the brand’s debut property in Southeast Asia, recently launched in Nusa Dua. The resort fully embodies the philosophy “Wellness Designed by Destination,” offering wellness and cultural experiences inspired by the island’s traditions and natural elements.

In April 2026, the fully renovated Paradisus Cancún—one of the brand’s most iconic resorts in Mexico—will reopen, blending contemporary luxury with authentic local character, complemented by the signature “Destination Inclusive” program. Expansion continues in Dubai, with the Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah opening on December 1, 2026, offering unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf, world-class gastronomy, and premium wellness facilities.

For the first time, Meliá will enter the Seychelles with a 120-room integrated resort and branded residences, as well as the Maldives, where its new Meliá Collection luxury resort in Baa Atoll will provide access to some of the planet’s most spectacular diving sites.

The Meliá Collection and Lionel Messi Collaboration

The boutique Meliá Collection further enhances its international presence through the inclusion of Lionel Messi’s MiM Hotels. The six properties showcase a contemporary, personalized approach to luxury, emphasizing sustainability and design.

The collection is also preparing new openings in Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Milan, Andalusia, and Gozo, Malta, highlighting historic buildings and unique locations through curated architecture and authentic cultural storytelling.

In 2026, major renovations will also be carried out across ME, Paradisus, and ZEL properties in Crete, Fuerteventura, and Madrid, as part of Meliá’s strategy to fully leverage existing assets and align them with the expectations of modern, high-end travelers. The Group collaborates closely with leading design studios, including ASAH Studio, to ensure a cohesive and culturally nuanced aesthetic across all new and renovated properties.

Sustainability and Global Recognition

Meliá integrates ESG principles throughout its operations via the “Travel For Good” program, promoting environmental stewardship, cultural heritage preservation, and support for local communities. This commitment contributed to its recognition as one of the world’s most trustworthy companies for 2025 by Newsweek and Statista.

Meliá COO André Gerondeau stated, “2026 opens a new chapter for luxury and lifestyle travel experiences,” emphasizing that each new opening represents “a gateway to authentic cultural discovery and personal transformation.”