Photo: Hotel Villa Le Blanc, Gran Meliá

The Gran Meliá luxury brand, whose hotels are inspired by the so-called Spanish “life well lived", was recognised for its three most iconic hotels at Beyond Luxury Awards. These hotels and the exceptional experiences they offer their guests through design and gastronomy took centre stage at the latest edition of the most important awards in the luxury hotel industry in Spain. 

Hotel Villa Le Blanc in Menorca received the award for Best Interior Design, with the judging panel highlighting how the hotel respects its surrounding environment, focusing on sustainability and integration with the Mediterranean. The hotel opened its doors a year ago following a renovation project designed by Álvaro Sans Architecture Studio that converted it into a luxurious refuge by the sea where guests can enjoy a unique experience in which the culture and gastronomy of Menorca take centre stage. Villa Le Blanc was also included in the 10 Best List by Beyond Luxury Awards, which makes an exhaustive selection of the best luxury hotels. 

Located in Mallorca, Hotel de Mar was recognised for its exclusive gastronomic offering, specifically for its 5-course breakfast created by Michelin star chef Marga Coll. Understanding that gastronomy plays an essential role in a luxury experience, this breakfast goes beyond the conventional, offering a 2-hour sensory tasting experience that takes diners on an exquisite journey through the cuisine of the Balearic Islands. 

Another of Gran Meliá's iconic luxury hotels is the Hotel Palacio de Isora in Tenerife, which won Best Swimming Pool in a Luxury Hotel at this year's awards. With spectacular views of the Atlantic, it is the best saltwater infinity pool in Europe. This emblematic hotel blends seamlessly into its exceptional natural surroundings with large outdoor spaces that make up a unique seafront oasis backing onto Mount Teide. 

The Best Hotelier of the Year was awarded to Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International. The first executive of Meliá Hotels International also took over the role of Chairman in 2023, now leading Spain's first hotel brand that has over 60 years of experience and more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening worldwide. 

The company is also expanding its luxury brands whose hotel portfolio will grow more than 40% in the next few years. Two of the most anticipated openings from the Gran Meliá brand are Palazzo Cordusio in Milan, which will open in 2023, and Torre Melina, which is expected to become an emblematic luxury hotel in Barcelona.​