Meliá Hotels International expands its footprint in the middle east with its first hotel in Bahrain

The Middle East continues to strengthen its position as a key player in global tourism, serving both as a significant source market and a destination focused on immersive experiences. Meliá Hotels International has accelerated its regional expansion with plans for a debut property in Bahrain, located on Amwaj Island’s exclusive development.

Scheduled for a 2027 opening, the forthcoming Meliá Hotels & Resorts will feature 256 units—150 guest rooms and 106 Branded Residences—all managed by the Spanish hospitality group. This hybrid approach combines luxury accommodation with residential ownership opportunities, catering to the region’s demand for premium lifestyle offerings amid rapid economic development.

True to the brand’s ethos, the property will emphasize wellness-centric design and personalized service. Guests and residents will benefit from high-end amenities and thoughtfully crafted spaces reflecting Meliá’s contemporary hospitality vision.

The destination will feature five swimming pools, diverse culinary and retail venues, wellness facilities, botanical gardens, and comprehensive event spaces. Adding distinctive flair, the resort will host Beso Beach—an internationally recognized beach club concept offering curated dining, private cabanas, and members-exclusive areas.

Bahrain’s tourism market has shown remarkable growth, supported by strong governmental strategy, modern infrastructure, and economic diversification efforts. The country attracted over 10 million visitors in 2023, with national tourism strategy projections anticipating 14 million arrivals by 2026.

Amwaj Island provides an ideal setting for the property, offering seclusion while maintaining accessibility—just 15 minutes from Bahrain International Airport. The artificial island is celebrated for its serene beaches, marine activities, and elevated lifestyle offerings spanning gastronomy and wellness.

Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, emphasized Bahrain’s strategic importance, noting: “This expansion aligns with our vision to grow in markets reshaping global tourism. Bahrain’s emergence as both destination and source market creates significant opportunities for our brands.”

Majed Al Khan, CEO of developer Infracorp, commented: “Collaborating with Meliá represents a transformative step in positioning Bahrain as a world-class tourism hub. Our combined expertise will deliver sustainable, innovative hospitality experiences that redefine luxury on Amwaj Island.”