Latest news with #MeliáHotelsInternational
Forbes
13-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Meliá Grows Luxury Portfolio With Historic Hotels And Rafa Nadal Lifestyle Brand
The restaurant at Casa de las Artes, Meliá Collection, in Madrid Meliá Hotels International has long been known for its portfolio of hotels across both business and leisure sectors. In recent years, however, it has been dipping its toes into more premium brands that help it compete with larger hospitality names. The Mallorca-based company is no newbie. It dates back to 1956 when it opened the Altair Hotel on the Spanish island's largest city, Palma. Today, its reach covers North and South America as well as properties across Europe, Asia and Africa. Over the past few years, the company has been adding more high-end properties with strong local heritage and existing reputations to its luxury and lifestyle collections. By bringing them into the Meliá family, this sort of soft brand collection helps to round out its existing network of hotels. Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá in Rome 'Soft hotel brands leverage storytelling to create unique and memorable guest experiences,' says Daniel Lesser, co-founder, president and CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors. 'This approach allows for differentiation from traditional hotel chains and fosters a stronger connection with guests, ultimately driving loyalty and brand recognition.' A guest room at Palacio de los Duques, a Gran Meliá Hotel, and member of The Leading Hotels of the World Among its most premium hotels are Gran Meliá properties, often situated in historically significant or locally important buildings. These luxury hotels tell a story, something that Gabriel Escarrer, chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International believes is an ongoing trend with travelers looking for authenticity and deep local connections when they travel. The hotel list includes Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá in Milan, Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá in Rome and Palacio de los Duques in Madrid. Some of these hotels also belong to The Leading Hotels of the World group, yet another indication of their high standards. The gardens in Madrid's Palacio de los Duques Palacio de los Duques was once the regal residence of the Duke of Granada and also served as the Convent of Santo Domingo. Today, the palace is a virtual museum of artifacts, some on loan from neighboring museums, and reproductions of Diego Velázquez's art. Its gourmet Jardin de los Duques restaurant, specializing in typical cuisine from the capital, is located in the former stables. The hotel's design is testament to the history of the building and the city, and that's exactly what the brand wants. There are no skyscraper or airport-centric properties in Meliá's luxury brands. Gran Meliá hotels embrace neighborhood storytelling into their design. Its latest brand continues that theme, but one where the hotel name does not directly include the Meliá name. The Meliá Collection is a soft brand, much like The Luxury Collection with Marriott or Curio Collection with Hilton. These properties have their own identity although remain connected to the larger Meliá landscape through their reservation systems, loyalty programs and brand standards. For example, Casa de las Artes in Madrid belongs to The Meliá Collection, but is known simply as Casa de las Artes. One of the original buildings that now belongs to Casa de las Artes in Madrid Escarrer says distinctiveness and independent character are key to deciding which hotels fit well into the collection. The company started the brand during the tail end of the pandemic in 2022 when travel was at an all-time high and authenticity and splurging on cultural experiences was top of mind. It represents independent, boutique properties that benefit from Meliá's reach, but have their own story to tell like Casa de las Artes in Madrid. This hotel specializes in combining several art forms (fashion, music, cinema, art and literature among others) throughout its design and via numerous events open to the public. Its rooms blend contemporary style with the historic nature of the interconnected buildings (the indoor swimming pool is a standout feature in such a historic building). The surprisingly modern indoor pool at the historic Casa de las Artes in Madrid A calendar of weekly events invites the community in for poetry readings, fashion shows, musical performances and film screenings (the hotel has its own cinema). Dalí lithographs are on display, and each room showcases Gustave Doré's drawings from a historic copy of Don Quixote. Escarrer points out this is a next-level type of neighborhood immersion, where the hotel is symbolic to the area, but also invites locals to participate in it. Another property, Maison Colbert in Paris, is the closest five-star hotel to Notre Dame and makes up the former residence of Simone de Beauvoir. It takes its design inspiration from the works of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, who had a strong connection to Paris. The outdoor terrace at Ngorongoro Lodge overlooking the crater Safari-bound travelers will discover Meliá Collection properties in Tanzania with the Serengeti Lodge and Ngorongoro Lodge, both near the Ngorongoro Crater. Both properties are geared around connecting guests with the sounds of nature and viewing the park's wildlife. There are currently more than 10 projects underway to expand the brand in destinations like Albania, Malta and China. On its home turf of Spain, where name recognition is already high, the brand has plans to grow in Mallorca and Andalusia. A new resort in the Maldives is coming soon to The Meliá Collection, too. INNSiDE Elounda on the Greek island of Crete Beyond the luxury-focused soft brand, the larger pipeline consists of 69 projects across all its brands. This year, ME Málaga, ME Lisbon and INNSiDE Elounda in Greece will open. These are just a handful of the more than 20 properties it plans to open in 2025. The U.S., however, remains fertile ground for growth. There are two properties open now: Meliá Orlando and INNSiDE New York Nomad. Escarrer says that the U.S. is a significant outbound market for its brand, but as part of the expansion strategy, he is keen to grow in the domestic market. 'We are actively seeking opportunities to expand in the key 'gateway cities' of the U.S., such as Miami and New York, as well as in destinations with a strong 'bleisure' component, an area where we particularly excel,' adds Escarrer, referring to the trend of travelers mixing business and leisure during the same trip. Zel Mallorca is part of the brand's partnership with Rafa Nadal A partnership with Spanish super-athlete Rafael Nadal and Meliá has led to ZEL, a hospitality concept that 'mixes Mediterranean values and lifestyle,' says Escarrer. This brand mixes relaxation, sports and fitness into one resort while focusing on enhancing 'social connection,' too. Inspired by Mediterranean homes, ZEL hotels target the laid-back yet active lifestyle. Its first hotel opened in Mallorca in 2023 with a second in Costa Brava, Spain the following year. Late last year, ZEL Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic opened with more planned for Sayulita in Mexico and Vlora, Albania, marking its expansion into non-Spanish-speaking territory. The rooftop terrace at Madrid's Palacio de los Duques overlooks the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. Recent McKinsey research points to the fact that some segments of the luxury travel market are growing quickly to meet demand. This is, in part, due to an 'expanding base of aspiring luxury travelers with net worths between $100,000 and $1 million, many of whom are younger and increasingly willing to spend larger shares of their wealth on upscale travel options.' According to Lesser, however, hotel brands should focus on differentiation, not just addition. He argues that the entire lodging industry, including the luxury segment, is 'way overcrowded' with brands, which could lead to some confusion among travelers and dilute brand identity. He believes a wise strategy should be to enhance existing brands to meet specific customer needs rather than create new ones. This approach not only provides clarity to consumers but also strengthens brand resilience in a competitive market, he adds. The lobby lounge at Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá, which also belongs to The Leading Hotels of the World Still, operating multiple and diverse brands allows hotel groups to appeal to a wider range of travelers and capture a broader spectrum of the market, from budget-conscious to luxury travelers, says Lesser. Meliá's approach follows right in line with these recommendations. It was missing a larger piece of the higher-end luxury segment, which it is now growing. It also is providing differentiation by adding recognized, historic properties to its collections rather than launch new brands where it had to start from scratch. Each Meliá Collection property is unique McKinsey's study points out that not all luxury travelers are wealthy. A growing number of brands may seem dizzying, but Lesser says it gives a wider range of options for different travel styles and budgets. People are looking for more than just a place to stay, but also a brand they can identify with, which is why differentiated products can make sense, adds Lesser. Whether that is staying somewhere affiliated with a famous athlete or in a historic palace, the consumer ends up with more choice. Escarrer believes there is plenty of space for expansion, and instead sees the biggest challenge for hospitality to be sustainability. He says the main responsibility should be generating a positive impact on destinations, which the brand is doing with its Menorca property. Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá is the flagship for the brand's sustainability efforts. Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá in Menorca became the brand's prototype in 2022 for maximizing efficiency and environmental responsibility. It was also the island's first grand luxe hotel, and late last year, completed the last step to become a 'net zero' hotel. S&P later recognized Meliá's as the most sustainable European hotel company in 2024. 'Sustainability has become increasingly important to travelers when choosing a hotel, with significant numbers indicating they prioritize and are willing to pay more for eco-friendly accommodations,' says Lesser. 'Implementing sustainable practices can improve a hotel's brand reputation, attract eco-conscious travelers, and create a competitive advantage.'
Hospitality Net
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
A New Chapter in the Mediterranean: Meliá to Open a New Hotel in Sardinia and Double Its Italian Portfolio
Meliá Hotels International continues to expand its Mediterranean portfolio with the addition of a new hotel in one of Italy's most captivating coastal destinations. The company has announced the signing of the Hotel Corte Rosada, Affiliated by Meliá, a 4-star beachfront retreat set to open in summer 2025 in Alghero, on the island of Sardinia, located just 15 minutes from Alghero - Riviera del Corallo Airport. This strategic opening reinforces the Group's ambition to offer authentic leisure experiences in unique locations, while expanding its presence in Italy—from 8 operating hotels to a projected 15 properties by 2027. Nestled along the pristine coast of Alghero, within the protected Porto Conte Regional Natural Park, Hotel Corte Rosada will offer guests an exceptional setting where nature, wellness, and the Mediterranean lifestyle converge. The hotel enjoys direct access to sandy beach and is surrounded by crystal-clearwater, lush pine forests, and dramatic cliffs, and scenic forest trails - making it ideal for both relaxation and outdoor exploration. The hotel will feature 152 rooms, a wellness centre, and a diverse range of dining options including a restaurant, bar, and breakfast venue—all designed to deliver a relaxed and immersive island experience. Alghero, an enclave of Catalan origin and language, with a valuable historic center and ancient fortifications, located on Sardinia's northwestern coast, is a destination known for its natural beauty and cultural charm. With a vibrant old town and access to iconic sites such as Capo Caccia, Neptune's Grotto, Punta Giglio, and Monte Doglia, as well as its proximity to nature reserves, vineyards, and diving spots, it offers the perfect balance of sea, heritage, and outdoor adventure for modern travellers. The Hotel Corte Rosada marks the second property by Meliá on the island—joining Bellevue Sardinia, Affiliated by Meliá, which opened in 2024—and becomes the fifteenth hotel in the company's growing Italian portfolio. In addition to Alghero, Meliá is set to debut new properties in Venice and Milan later in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to key cultural and tourism hubs across the country. Hotel website
Time Out Dubai
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah: All the new restaurants coming to the hotel
The culinary lineup has been revealed for the Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah. One of the new luxury hotels coming to Dubai, the resort is expected to open in Jumeirah 1 at the beginning of 2027. Bringing with it 380 impressive rooms and suites looking out from one of the peninsulas of Port de la Mer, there will also be a selection of luxe dining experiences. If you like this: The unbelievably cool Dubai hotels launching in 2025 and beyond Having already announced that Zuma Beach House (the first in the GCC), would be becoming a permanent feature, Meliá Hotels International has now confirmed four additional restaurants. Here is everything we know is coming to the Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah so far. Zuma Beach House (Credit: Supplied) Zuma Dubai Beachhouse will be located at La Mer, adjacent to the upcoming Gran Melia Dubai hotel and will overlook the Port de La Mer marina. The space promises to feature a sleek pool with day beds and a resident DJ playing throughout the day. There will also be a lounge and bar overlooking the sea as well as access to the private beach. If you're spending the day there, you can also enjoy Zuma's creative mixed drinks and an izakaya menu, which we're hoping will be similar to the offering at Zuma Dubai. Mini miso black cods perhaps? Novikov Bringing some European glamour, the global dining experience will be bringing Italian and Mediterranean flavours to the table. You'll be able to dig into handmade pastas, wood-fired specialities and of course, a huge selection of fresh seafood. Park Chinois (Credit: Supplied) Expect 1930s Shanghai glamour at this fine dining spot. Sitting pretty on the 360-degree rooftop at the Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah, the restaurant will be an impressive sight when it opens. First launching in London in 2015, the restaurant is set to offer a cosmopolitan feel as well as exceptional Chinese gourmet dishes. Cazibeli Taking inspiration from the Turkish sofra, the restaurant will be all about communal dining and a selection of traditional flavours. Decorated with some incredible Arabic decor and scented with oud, you'll be able to watch on into the show kitchen and watch your dinner being put together. Rubia Gallega The Spanish steakhouse is set to be a sizzling addition to the hotel and is known for its premium Galician beef. From the famed txuleton steak to traditional tapas and a thoughtfully curated grape list, you'll be treated to a real flavour of northern Spain. Hungry for more? New Dubai restaurants: The just-opened spots you need to try next The new dining spots you need on your radar 34 lively indoor brunches in Dubai to try next Let the fun vibes continue It's official: The 10 best Thai restaurants in Dubai to try now These are the best places to eat Thai food in Dubai
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Forbes
Rafael Nadal's New Caribbean Hotel, Europe's Top Wine Destinations And More Travel News
. Meliá Hotels International In 2023, a year before he retired from tennis, Rafael Nadal prepared for life after the sport by launching the Zel hospitality brand with Meliá Hotels. This month, after opening properties in Mallorca and Spain's Costa Brava, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is serving up his third hotel—Zel Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The 190-suite property has eight restaurants, a spa, beach club and, yes, plenty of tennis courts. 'I have been traveling for 20-something years,' Nadal told Forbes Travel Guide at the hotel's opening. 'I have been lucky enough to visit, probably, the best hotels in the world, and I learned what I like and what I don't like. It's a completely different experience [now].' . air france This spring, Air France is upgrading its first class service, La Première, on selected flights between Paris and New York's JFK. The new suites measure 38 square feet, feature the longest bed in the air (at 6.5 feet) and span five windows to flood side suites with natural light. (The shades also have translucent and blackout options.) Two 32-inch 4K screens will offer 1,500 hours of entertainment viewable from the suite's seat or its chaise longue. As for the cuisine, Dominique Crenn, a three Michelin-starred chef and owner of Atelier Crenn and Bar Crenn in San Francisco provides several options on flights departing the U.S.; another three-star chef Emmanuel Renaut of Flocons de Sel restaurant in Megève creates dishes for flights leaving from Paris. . Paul Allen/Andfotography2 There are many reasons to visit Europe this summer, but great wine makes all of them better. Europe's Best Destinations has just released its list of Europe's best wine destinations for 2025, having surveyed more than 280,000 wine lovers from 92 countries. This year, Plovdiv, Bulgaria —with a 5,000-year tradition of making wine—was named Europe's top wine capital while Spain's La Rioja and Bordeaux, France rounded out the top three. . getty Those thinking about a second passport should consider how powerful it is—meaning how many countries does it allow a bearer to visit visa-free? According to a new report by Astons, the global investment immigration company, Spain has the world's most powerful passport for 2025, with visa-free access to 177 countries, followed closely by Greece, France, Italy, Germany and 10 other nations tied with entry to 176. . Courtesy of Apukka Resort / Visit Finland If they seem a little smug in Helsinki right now, perhaps it's because Finland was named the world's happiest country for the eighth year in a row. The 2025 World Happiness Report ranks more than 140 countries based on a number of factors, including life expectancy, freedom from corruption, and generosity. The other Nordic countries are also on top of the world this year, with Denmark, Iceland and Sweden filling out the top four and the Netherlands ranking fifth. The United States hit a new low in 2025, dropping to 24th, but cheer up, Americans, there's still a lot of real estate to go before we hit bottom—Afghanistan is ranked 147th.
