In an ambitious move set to redefine luxury travel in Southeast Asia, Spanish hospitality giant Meliá Hotels International has announced the addition of two new properties to its Thailand portfolio. The introduction of Meliá Pattaya City and Paradisus Jomtien Resort marks a significant enhancement in the region’s hospitality offerings. It underscores Meliá’s commitment to expanding its high-end accommodations through a strategic partnership with Asset World Corporation (AWC), Thailand’s premier integrated lifestyle real estate group.
The Paradisus Jomtien Resort, poised to open its doors in 2028, is especially notable as it will be the inaugural Paradisus-branded property in Asia. This development promises a blend of luxury and local charm with a design that maximizes its prime oceanfront location. The resort will feature a 43-floor tower providing panoramic sea views, 698 exquisite rooms, and select units with outdoor plunge pools seamlessly integrating into the scenic skyline.
In contrast, Meliá Pattaya City is set to welcome guests much sooner, with its opening scheduled for December 2024. The property will comprehensively renovate the existing Grand Sole Pattaya, transforming the three-star, 234-room facility into a beacon of Spanish elegance right in the heart of Pattaya. This extensive refurbishment will elevate the property to Meliá standards and infuse local cultural elements into its design, particularly in the new dining and entertainment venues.
Both properties underscore Meliá’s focus on sustainable luxury. The Paradisus Jomtien Resort, for example, will integrate vertical tropical greenery into its façade, embracing the brand’s global eco-ambitions while enhancing its aesthetic and environmental footprint.
Gabriel Escarrer, CEO and Chairman of Meliá Hotels International expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, noting, “These additions are a milestone in our long-term partnership with AWC and reflect our confidence in Thailand’s growing appeal as a premier global travel destination.” Escarrer’s vision is echoed by Mrs Wallapa Traisorat, President and CEO of AWC, who highlighted the strategic importance of Pattaya’s vibrant cultural scene and proximity to Bangkok as critical factors in choosing these locations.
This expansion brings Meliá’s total footprint in Thailand to six operational hotels, with two more in the pipeline. It establishes the group’s presence across five key Thai tourism hubs: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket, and Pattaya. The new hotels are expected to attract international luxury travellers and create significant economic benefits for the local communities, enhancing Pattaya’s profile as a luxury and sustainable tourism destination.
Meliá’s commitment to blending luxury with local experiences provides a unique proposition for global travellers seeking unforgettable stays. With these developments, Meliá is not just opening doors to new hotels—they are unlocking new possibilities in luxury travel, setting new benchmarks in hospitality, and contributing to the vibrancy and dynamism of Thailand’s tourism sector.
Written by: Kanda Limw
