Spanish hospitality group Meliá Hotels International is gearing up for major global expansion in 2026, with 23 hotel openings on the cards for the year.
The company says the growth will bring its “signature Spanish hospitality to some of the world’s most compelling destinations,” spanning Southeast Asia, South America, Europe and the Indian Ocean.
“Each new property is not just a hotel, but a gateway to authentic cultural discovery, personal transformation, and unforgettable experiences,” Chief Operating Officer André Gerondeau said. “Spanish hospitality is the soul of our brand, and as we continue to grow, be it through strategic new openings or extensive refurbishments, we remain dedicated to sharing it with the world in the most responsible and inspiring ways.”
The announcement follows a landmark year in 2025, which saw the debut of several flagship properties including new ME by Meliá hotels in Malta, Lisbon, Marbella and Málaga; Paradisus by Meliá in Fuerteventura; and ZEL Punta Cana, the first lifestyle all-inclusive in the Caribbean created with Rafael Nadal.
The hotly anticipated Paradisus Bali, the brand’s first Southeast Asia property, opening this month in Nusa Dua, introducing the group’s new Wellness Designed by Destination ethos. The philosophy “integrates the island’s healing traditions, mindful rituals, and sensory landscapes into every aspect of the guest journey.”
Meanwhile, its Destination Inclusive program will offer curated cultural experiences, from melukat purification ceremonies to visits to Uluwatu and Tanah Lot temples.
In April, the company will reopen Paradisus Cancún following a transformative renovation, positioning it as “one of the brand’s most elevated expressions of luxury all-inclusive.” The refreshed resort will blend contemporary design with the “soul of the Yucatán Peninsula,” offering family-focused wellness experiences and excursions such as cenote explorations and encounters with Mayan artistry.
Beyond the Paradisus brand, Meliá will broaden its high-end footprint with openings such as Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah in December 2026 and the company’s first mixed-use development in the Seychelles. The Meliá Collection will debut a resort in the Maldives and welcome the integration of Lionel Messi’s MiM Hotels, a move the company calls “a strategic milestone” for its boutique luxury offering.
Additional new Collection properties from Buenos Aires to Milan, Ronda, Estepona, Cádiz and Gozo will continue the company’s focus on storied hotels rooted in cultural heritage.
Meliá also emphasised its commitment to sustainable growth through its enhanced Travel For Good program, which aims to embed ESG principles into operations, from carbon neutrality efforts to cultural preservation initiatives.
