Spanish Hotel Group Meliá Hotels International is building its luxury brand presence in Southeast Asia with two new Thailand hotels, including the launch of the first Paradisus by Meliá-branded property in the region. The new hotels will come online as Meliá properties through an expanded partnership with Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, Asset World Corporation (AWC).

The addition of Meliá Pattaya City and Paradisus Jomtien Resort will further enhance Meliá’s presence in partnership with AWC, bringing the total number of hotels under their umbrella to six in the country. They first established a presence in the tropical destination with the opening of Meliá Koh Samui in 2020. Paradisus Jomtien Resort will be the first Paradisus announced to open in Asia. Meliá’s luxury all-inclusive brand focuses on memorable local experiences in addition to upscale dining options and is already well-established in South America and Spain.

Meliá Pattaya City will start welcoming guests in December 2024 following a full renovation. Situated in the beachside resort town of Pattaya, a popular and convenient weekend getaway from Bangkok, Meliá Pattaya City will involve a renovation of the three-star, 234-room Grand Sole Pattaya, which will bring the hotel into alignment with Meliá’s Spanish ethos and charm. The new property will embrace its coastal location by expanding F&B seafood offerings with an all-day dining restaurant inspired by a local fisherman’s village. New bars and MICE spaces will draw their design from local culture. A kids club, fitness facilities and a theater will also be added.

Paradisus Jomtien Resort will debut in 2028. With its prime oceanfront location, the new-build will make the most of the ocean views with a 43-floor tower and 698 keys. In line with Meliá’s global eco-ambitions the new hotel will sport a more dynamic and sustainable facade, incorporating vertical tropical greenery into the exterior. Forty-four rooms will feature outdoor plunge pools merging with the skyline from their terrace. The property will also include multiple restaurants, a gym and spa, convention center and meeting rooms.

“The addition of these two hotels to our portfolio marks a major milestone in our long-term relationship with AWC,” said Gabriel Escarrer, CEO and Chairman of Meliá Hotels International. “We will build on the success of Meliá Koh Samui, Meliá Chiang Mai, and most recently INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit in Thailand with AWC.”

“AWC and Meliá share a commitment to sustainable tourism. We are delighted to expand our portfolio and strengthen Pattaya’s position as a global luxury lifestyle destination by introducing the flagship Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand and Paradisus by Meliá all-inclusive luxury brand to this vibrant beachfront city,” said. Wallapa Traisorat, President and CEO of AWC. “Pattaya’s unique positioning – with its close proximity to Bangkok, exciting activities, a variety of attractions, renowned seafood and international cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene – combined with Meliá’s extensive beachfront resort expertise, creates a special offering for global travelers seeking an unforgettable experience as well as strengthening Pattaya as a global sustainable tourism destination.”

“The Meliá Pattaya City, located within AWC’s mega mixed-use Aquatique, will strengthen the area to a new level of luxury with a world-renowned hotel operator and a variety of activities, while Paradisus Jomtien Resort will be one of the first luxury all-inclusive hotels, transforming and enhancing Pattaya into another luxury destination for leisure and MICE groups,” added. Wallapa Traisorat. “This collaboration will create significant value for the surrounding community and contribute to the Thai economy.”

Meliá Hotels International currently operates four hotels in Thailand and with this signing, the group brings the total number of properties (including pipeline) to eight across five major tourism destinations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket and Pattaya.