Partner Spotlight: Meliá Hotels International
Meliá Hotels International recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and, as one of our key strategic partners, we are delighted to see how it has become one of the world’s largest hoteliers.
Since being founded in 1956, Meliá Hotels International has grown from its first hotel in Mallorca, Spain, to a presence today in 40 different countries. It provides more than 350 hotels under seven brands, and there is no sign of slowing down. Meliá has been signing a new hotel every two or three weeks, and it plans opening 25 new hotels in 15 countries in 2016.
Internationalisation is therefore key to the growth and diversification of the company. Currently, Meliá earns 56% of its operating profit in the Americas, 23% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and 20% in Spain. In a recent statement, Meliá said it is transforming from a commodity product to a lifestyle hotel experience that meets the diverse needs and expectations of different types of guests, and providing new experiences and added value to the traditional “sun and beach” destinations.
Partnership built for growth
The Resort Group’s long-term success in luxury resort development in Cape Verde is largely strengthened by the partnership with Meliá Hotels International. As our partner, the company’s largest brand MELIÃ Hotels & Resorts is responsible for driving resort revenue through a global network of tour operators as well as delivering a five-star luxury experience for guests of our resorts.
MELIÃ Llana Beach Hotel on Sal island, Cape Verde, is one of the 25 hotels that Meliá will be opening in 2016. The hotel will boast 601 luxurious hotels suites – each one unique, stylish and developed to the highest standard. Facilities include a range of six restaurants to satisfy every taste, a selection of five traditional and contemporary bars, a sophisticated nightclub, and a YHI Spa and state of the art gym. Guests can also relax in the infinity pools set amongst lush tropical gardens. Additionally, MELIÃ Llana Beach Hotel will also have a designated area known as “The Level”, offering additional luxury and personalised service.
MELIÃ Llana Beach Hotel will be the third hotel on the island developed in partnership with Meliá Hotels International, following the already operational MELIÃ Tortuga Beach Resort and MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa, which have attracted over a million tourists combined.
MELIÃ Tortuga Beach Resort, which opened in May 2011, is finished to an exceptional high quality specification and, as a result, has won the World Travel Award for four consecutive years. The resort caters for couples and families seeking an idyllic location, impeccable service and exquisite resort facilities. Holidaymakers are able to enjoy the luxurious hotel suites, apartments and villas, fine restaurants and bars, two large swimming pools and a YHI Spa.
MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa, which opened in November 2014, is the largest hotel resort on the African continent and the number one hotel in Santa Maria in Cape Verde according to TripAdvisor. Beautiful inside and out, every aspect of the development oozes style and quality and is finished to the highest specification. It boasts 1,252 hotel rooms, apartments and villas, five swimming pools and a waterpark as well as 14 bars, six themed restaurants, a YHI Spa and hairdressing salon.
A future with Meliá
Our partnership with Meliá Hotels International is set to be replicated on Sal’s sister island, Boa Vista. In addition to our three resorts in Sal, we have a management agreement in place for White Sands Hotel & Spa on Boa Vista, which will transform Santa Monica into a truly luxurious beach destination. By working with Meliá, we will be able to meet the growing demand for high quality accommodation on the island and capitalise on the continuing growth in tourism.
White Sands Hotel & Spa, which began construction in December 2015, will be made up of 835 villas and hotel suites. Facilities include a choice of four themed restaurants and two large buffet style restaurants, a range of bars including a relaxing lobby bar, lively sports bar, late bar and nightclub, plus a champagne bar, and a selection of shops offering a variety of gifts, souvenirs and holiday essentials. In addition, guests will have access to six swimming pools, a YHI Spa and gym. For families, there will also be a kids’ club, playground and baby pools.
What’s clear is that Meliá Hotels International is instrumental in ensuring the guest experience at all of these resorts is first class and that the touristic flow continues in Cape Verde. Throughout its 60-year-history, Meliá has been at the forefront of the luxury hotel industry and, at The Resort Group, we will continue to enjoy working and growing alongside the hotelier in the future.