Melia Hotels International, Spain’s leading hotel group and the third largest in Europe, is set for significant acceleration across its luxury and lifestyle brands, with 23 new hotel openings confirmed for 2026.
From Southeast Asia to South America, Europe to the Indian Ocean, Melia will bring its signature Spanish hospitality to some of the world’s most compelling destinations for both incentives and meetings.
The expansion announcement follows a milestone year for the company in 2025, which saw the debut of several landmark properties, including ME by Melia hotels in Malta, Lisbon, Marbella and Malaga; Paradisus by Melia 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 Melia unveil a new generation of hotels, enhancing its existing portfolio through rebranding and repositioning while delivering experiences that combine elevated luxury with a commitment to purposeful global growth.
From Bali to Seychelles: Luxury Destinations
Among the most anticipated launches is Paradisus Bali, the brand’s first property in Southeast Asia, which just opened its doors on the shores of Nusa Dua.
Following the debut of Paradisus Bali, 2026 will also see the rebirth of a legend in Mexico with the reopening of Paradisus Cancun in April, following a transformative year-long renovation. Guided by the Wellness Designed by Destination philosophy, Paradisus Cancun will infuse 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.
Paradisus Bali and Paradisus Cancun join the growing global collection of Paradisus by Melia properties around the world, including award-winning resorts across the Caribbean and Canary Islands—spanning Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and, most recently, Fuerteventura—each bound by a commitment to immersing guests in the locale and promoting personal wellbeing.
In Dubai, Gran Melia Dubai Jumeirah will open in December 2026, offering sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and skyline, direct marina access and a collection of signature dining venues, wellness facilities and expansive event spaces.
Meanwhile, the Seychelles will welcome Melia’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.
Next year will also see The Melia Collection open its first luxury resort in the Maldives. Located on the picturesque Baa Atoll, the property will provide unparalleled access to the archipelago’s abundant marine life and dive sites.
The Melia Collection: Unique Stories
Within Melia’s boutique brand, The Melia Collection, the integration of global football icon Lionel Messi’s MiM Hotels marks a strategic milestone underscoring the brand’s commitment to experience-led hospitality. The six distinctive MiM properties in northern Spain and Andorra embody Messi’s personal vision of sleek design, curated memorabilia and a strong focus on sustainability and wellness.
In addition to the MiM portfolio, the Collection in 2026 will welcome a wider series of storied hotels designed to capture the true spirit of their destinations. In Buenos Aires, Casa Lucia has undergone a full refurbishment with a design paying homage to Argentina’s golden age, offering a luxury experience deeply rooted in local history and architecture.
Reinforcing the brand’s commitment to high-end luxury experiences across the region, The Melia Collection recently announced Terrazas del Guiterrez 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. Time to start planning ski incentives?
The Melia Collection also is expanding throughout Europe as existing properties join the brand, including the group’s fifth luxury hotel in Andalucía, Hacienda del Mar, Bahia Estepona, a terracotta jewel on the shores of the Costa del Sol. From its subtropical gardens to the striking lobby, Hacienda will make a fitting addition to the Collection in 2026, following a full refurbishment and rebrand.
In addition to Collection properties, 2026 will see ZEL properties open in Fuerteventura, Crete and Madrid, further illustrating Melia’s strategy to take existing assets and align them with the expectations of the modern luxury traveler while preserving their unique identity and sense of place.
For more information: meliahotelsinternational.com
