The Spanish group Meliá Hotels International took advantage of the virtual version of the ILTM international travel show to present the development of its luxury offer in the business, lifestyle and resort segments. Among these, the Gran Melia chain will be establishing a a new benchmark establishment in Milan in 2023, in a historic building, the Palazzo Venezia, built at the end of the 19th century. Located in Piazza Cordusio, a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo, what was once the headquarters of Generali Insurance will be completely renovated to house 70 luxury suites, gourmet restaurants and a rooftop bar.
The brand, which now boasts 13 properties worldwide, notably in Spain, with the Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques in Madrid and the Gran Melia Colon in Seville, but also in Spain, with the Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques in Madrid and the Gran Melia Colon in Seville. in China with the Gran Melia Xi'an, is making Asia one of the key areas of its growth. Several fine business hotels are expected, in particular in Zhenghzou in the second quarter of 2021, with a 388-room and suite hotel in the city's new business district, joining the one opened this year in Chengdu, located between the city's old and new business districts.
Me by Melia: architecture and lifestyle
At the same time, while the lifestyle is undoubtedly the most attractive segment at the moment, the Spanish group is continuing to expand its range. Me by Melia design hotel collectionMe Dubai, which opened at the end of November in the Opus building, one of Zaha Hadid's last works. With its astonishing architecture, a sort of melting ice cube with a hole in the centre, the 93-room and suite hotel's interiors feature fluid lines and voluptuous curves. The lobby, lounges and reception area feature furniture designed or selected by Zaha Hadid. The brand will be strengthening its presence in the Middle East at the end of next year with the Me Doha, a hotel with 235 rooms and extensive MICE facilities.
However, Europe is not to be outdone. After Madrid, Sitges and Ibiza, the brand will continue to develop its contemporary offering in Spain with the ME Barcelona to be inaugurated in the first quarter of 2021. Located on the Passeig de Gracia, the hotel, crowned by a spectacular roof with swimming pool, will offer 164 rooms and suites and several high-tech meeting rooms.
With a focus on leisure, but also business tourism since the establishment will have a conference centre, an Me is also being prepared in Malta, in the seaside resort of St Julians. Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2022, it will also be designed by architects Zaha Hadid, with a 31-storey tower built on the foundations of a building dating back to 1903, Mercury House. Housing a 115-room hotel with fitness centre and infinity pool, the complex will also have its own shopping centre.
At the same time, as Melia has established itself as one of the world leaders in the resort segment, the Spanish group is going to expand its range of products and services. luxury leisure offer in Asia with the Gran Meliá Cam Ranh Bay, in Vietnam, expected in September 2021, followed by the Gran Meliá Ubud in 2023. Meanwhile, the upmarket all-inclusive Paradisus by Meliá brand will be strengthening its position in Latin America and the Caribbean, where it currently has 11 hotels in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. 2021 will see new openings in Cuba, with the Paradisus Los Cayos, and in Mexico with the Paradisus Playa Mujeres, expected in the first quarter of 2021.
Set between the beach and the lush jungle, this 498-room resort will showcase its commitment to sustainable development. responsible tourism of a group ranked seventh - and number one in the travel industry - in a list published by the Wall Street Journal of the 100 best sustainably managed companies.
