Meliá Hotels International Announces 2023 Luxury Hotel Expansion

Meliá Hotels International has announced plans to launch eight properties across the globe in 2023, including several new luxury resorts. 

The luxury brand is rooted in Mediterranean heritage and was born in Palma de Mallorca in 1956. This year, the hotel added its first carbon-neutral prototype, Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá in Menorca. It strengthened the brand’s position, which is elevated further with key upcoming luxury hotel openings: Palazzo Cordusio, a Gran Meliá Hotel in MilanNgorongoro Lodge, a Meliá Collection Hotel in TanzaniaME Malta, ME Lisbon, ME Guadalajara in Mexico, Paradisus Gran CanariaParadisus Salinas in Lanzarote, and Gran Meliá Nha Trang in Vietnam.

 Palazzo Cordusio, a Gran Meliá Hotel in Milan
The reception at Palazzo Cordusio, a Gran Meliá Hotel in
Milan.
(Melia Hotels International)

Palazzo Cordusio, a Gran Meliá Hotel in Milan will be housed in Palazzo Venezia, a Renaissance building. Opening in Q3 2023, the Palazzo Cordusio sets a major milestone in being Gran Meliá’s first Milanese property and reaffirms Meliá’s strengthening footprint in Italy. The hotel will preserve the building’s cultural prestige with the hotel’s historic façade while renovating the 84 guestrooms, restaurants and rooftop bar. The interior will be done by in-house architect Álvaro Sans.

The most recent brand addition to the hotel group, The Meliá Collection, is also opening a new property next year. Further afield to the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Meliá will launch its fourth luxury hotel in the African country and its first within the Crater itself—Ngorongoro Lodge, a Meliá Collection Hotel. Opening in June 2023, this five-star lodge will complete the brand’s safari circuit, and heighten Meliá’s commitment to sustainability and respectful exploration of the destination with Ngorongoro Conservation Area being a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a rare site where wildlife coexists with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists.

The newly renovated 56-key hotel will display local artwork and traditional designs, coupled with views across the surrounding landscape and the Crater, plus subtle nods to Meliá’s Spanish heritage via guest experiences and culinary concepts. With considered environmental initiatives, such as producing the hotel’s own electricity, solar energy and drinking water, employing local Maasai tribe members and collaborating with the Moshi-based NGO Born to Learn, Ngorongoro Lodge will introduce a cultural and eco-conscious hotel for travelers. 

Ngorongoro Lodge, a Meliá Collection Hotel in Tanzania
Ngorongoro Lodge, a Meliá Collection Hotel in Tanzania (Melia Hotels International)

Across the Mediterranean, ME Malta will launch on the island’s eastern coast in St. Julian’s in the second half of 2023, presenting a new social and cultural center for cosmopolitan travelers. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, it will be the second ME by Meliá hotel created solely by the late Hadid, following ME Dubai. The hotel’s 140 rooms and suites, spa and meeting spaces will be accompanied by innovative culinary offerings and ME by Meliá’s signature Radio Rooftop Bar where expert mixologists, professional DJs and events will attract local and international guests. 

Another ME by Meliá hotel will launch as the brand’s first in the country, with ME Lisbon opening in Q2 2024. Located near Parque Eduardo VII, the hotel arrives as the city’s first luxury lifestyle hotel joining the high-end hospitality scene and marks a further milestone for Meliá’s European expansion.

Further afield, ME Guadalajara will open in Q4 2023 as the second ME by Meliá hotel in Mexico as well as the brand’s first urban hotel in the country. ME Guadalajara will comprise 152 rooms and suites, as well as a sky pool and signature rooftop area. In line with other global ME hotels, it will also offer a wide range of dining experiences.

ME Lisbon
ME Lisbon (Melia Hotels International)

Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels International’s fourth luxury brand, and currently solely located in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, marks significant news in 2023 with its inaugural European openings: Paradisus Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, in January and Paradisus Salinas, Lanzarote, in March. These resorts will be a blend of the brand’s family-friendly luxury approach with Paradisus’ new concept, "Destination Inclusive." This concept that elevates the "all-inclusive" notion to a new level, ensuring that the destination is now an essential part of the holiday experience. Each guest will be able to have a fully unique, immersive and authentic taste of the locality. Paradisus Salinas will be housed in a building designed by Spanish architect Fernando Higueras, which is part of Lanzarote’s artistic and cultural heritage. The luxury resort will enable guests to discover the island’s culture, explore its natural beauty and delve into a holistic experience.

Exclusive destination experiences such as Yoga Masterclass by a cenote or guided tours through Lanzarote’s most iconic spots designed by artist and nature activist Cesar Manrique will be included for guests who choose to upgrade to the brand’s Reserve or Niktè’ top rooms and suites. Paradisus’ The Reserve offers an alternative to the main hotel and instead, is a separate adult-only oasis offering a unique and superior experience, with the most exclusive suites, lounges, private areas and selected restaurants with signature and local cuisine. There is also another category, the Nikté Superior Upgrades, ideal for families looking for experiences regardless of age, with fully customizable activities for each member of the family.

Paradisus Salinas
Paradisus Salinas (Melia Hotels International)

Meliá is already set to become one of the largest international hotel brands in Vietnam with the forthcoming opening of Gran Meliá Nha Trang in Vega City, Vietnam, in Q2 2023. The ultra-luxury hotel’s 99 exclusive beachfront private villas offer elevated space and privacy, with guest experiences pivoting around gastronomy and well-being. Meliá’s signature Mediterranean roots are seen through the culinary offering blending Spanish cuisine with local ingredients, accompanied by swimming pools, a Beach Club, a spa and fitness center.

To learn more, visit www.melia.com.

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