Meliá Hotels International Announces Twenty-Three New Luxury Hotel Openings in 2026, Expanding Its Global Footprint from Bali to the Seychelles

Published on December 10, 2025

Meliá Hotels International, Spain’s leading hotel group and the third-largest hotel operator in Europe, will make giant leaps in 2026 with the addition of 23 new hotels under its various luxury and lifestyle brands. The company will expand into several continents, from South-East Asia and South America to Europe and the Indian Ocean, offering its signature Spanish hospitality in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

The announcement follows a milestone year in 2025, with Meliá having launched a series of landmark properties, including ME by Meliá hotels in Malta, Lisbon, Marbella, and Málaga, as well as Paradisus by Meliá in Fuerteventura, and the ZEL Punta Cana, the first lifestyle all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, created in collaboration with tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

New Paradisus Hotels: Bringing Mediterranean Warmth to Global Destinations

Paradisus Bali will embody the brand’s Wellness Designed by Destination philosophy, a concept that integrates Bali’s healing traditions with contemporary luxury. From spa therapies inspired by local purification practices to movement sessions grounded in Bali’s energy, the resort invites guests to reconnect with themselves through holistic wellness experiences. The resort will also feature the Destination Inclusive® program, offering guests curated experiences such as sacred melukat purification rituals, guided tours of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot Temples, and cultural shows like the Devdan Show.

This opening follows the reopening of Paradisus Cancún in Mexico after an extensive renovation. The transformed resort blends contemporary sophistication with the soul of the Yucatán Peninsula, offering an enhanced luxury all-inclusive experience with an emphasis on family and wellness. The resort’s Destination Inclusive philosophy will include activities like exploring sacred cenotes and encountering Mayan artistry, deepening the connection between guests and the destination.

Expanding Luxury Offerings in Dubai and Seychelles

Meliá’s luxury portfolio will also expand with the opening of Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah in December 2026. The property, located at Jumeirah 1, will offer sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and skyline, complemented by signature dining venues, wellness facilities, and extensive event spaces, marking another milestone in the brand’s growth in the Middle East.

In Seychelles, Meliá will debut its first mixed-use development, combining a 120-key hotel with branded residences, a rooftop bar with panoramic views over Eden Island and St. Anne Marine Park, and a range of leisure facilities. This integrated resort will set a new benchmark for luxury in the region, providing a unique combination of resort living and exclusive vacation experiences. Additionally, the brand will launch its first luxury resort in the Maldives, located on Baa Atoll. This resort will offer unparalleled access to the archipelago’s rich marine life and dive sites, further strengthening Meliá’s position in the Indian Ocean region.

The Meliá Collection: Expanding Luxury Boutique Hotels

Meliá’s commitment to exceptional hospitality is further reinforced through the growth of The Meliá Collection. The portfolio will integrate MiM Hotels, a series of luxury properties in partnership with global football icon Lionel Messi. This collaboration underscores the brand’s focus on experience-led luxury, with MiM Hotels combining sleek design, curated memorabilia, and a strong emphasis on wellness and sustainability. The properties, located in Sitges, Sotogrande, Mallorca, Ibiza, Baqueira Beret, and Andorra, will offer guests an immersive experience centered around Messi’s personal vision of contemporary luxury.

Beyond MiM Hotels, The Meliá Collection will expand with new openings in Buenos Aires and Milan. In Buenos Aires, the newly refurbished Casa Lucia will offer a luxury experience steeped in local history, while in Milan, Residenza del Cardinale will combine historic architecture with modern elegance, providing a refined cultural hub for design and fashion lovers.

Repositioning and Rebranding Hotels for Modern Luxury Travelers

As part of its global strategy, Meliá continues to reposition and rebrand several of its properties. Following successful transformations like ME Marbella and Paradisus Fuerteventura, Meliá will continue to enhance its offerings, with ZEL properties in Fuerteventura, Crete, and Madrid joining the lifestyle portfolio in 2026. These projects reflect the brand’s approach to unlocking the full potential of existing assets, while staying in tune with the expectations of today’s luxury travelers.

Sustainability and Purposeful Growth at the Core of Meliá’s Strategy

For Meliá, the precept of sustainability remains a cornerstone of their growth strategy. Through its Travel For Good program, the company places equal emphasis on environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community empowerment in all its operations. Meliá’s sustainable luxury extends into partnerships that promote carbon neutrality, local education, and cultural initiatives to ensure the brand leaves a positive legacy in every destination it serves.

With its focus on purpose-driven growth, Meliá has earned recognition globally, including a third-place ranking in Newsweek’s list of the World’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2025, underlining the company’s approach to doing business in an ethical and sustainable way. Poised for aggressive expansion in 2026, Meliá Hotels International is committed to redefining the global luxury hotel landscape with new properties that blend innovative design, local culture, and a deep commitment to sustainability. From its diverse offerings in luxury, Meliá keeps being a global leader in high-end hospitality to provide travelers with unforgettable experiences because of its authenticity, wellness, and purposeful growth.

Image Source: Meliá Hotels International