Meliá Hotels International has expanded its Mediterranean portfolio with two new hotel openings offering distinctly different approaches to coastal travel.
Hacienda del Mar, a member of The Meliá Collection, has opened on Spain’s Costa del Sol as a beachfront retreat centered on wellness, gastronomy and family experiences. In Malta, INNSiDE by Meliá Bugibba introduces the company’s lifestyle brand to the island with contemporary accommodations, three dining concepts and a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean.
Together, the two properties give travelers new places to stay in Estepona and St. Paul’s Bay—one delivering a tranquil resort experience and the other offering a lively base for exploring Malta.
Hacienda del Mar Opens on Spain’s Costa del Sol
Hacienda del Mar has officially opened in Estepona, marking the arrival of The Meliá Collection on the Costa del Sol.
Facing the Mediterranean and surrounded by 45,000 square meters of gardens, the property has been designed as a resort where guests can combine relaxation, wellness and shared experiences. Direct beach access, three outdoor swimming pools and expansive open-air spaces encourage travelers to spend much of their stay outdoors.
The hotel celebrated its opening with an event inspired by the “eternal summers of the Mediterranean,” drawing upon nautical culture, southern Spain’s seaside lifestyle and the understated elegance of traditional coastal resorts.
Nearly 300 guests attended the celebration, which included an evening performance by Spanish singer Nuria Fergó.
A Renewed Costa del Sol Landmark
Hacienda del Mar originally opened in 1999 under the patronage of Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe, a figure closely associated with the development of luxury tourism on the Costa del Sol.
The property now begins a new chapter as a member of The Meliá Collection, the company’s portfolio of distinctive hotels with strong connections to their destinations.
Its 131 rooms and suites combine contemporary interiors with natural materials and architecture designed to complement the surrounding gardens and coastline. The emphasis is on creating restful spaces that feel connected to the landscape rather than separated from it.
The hotel is intended for couples, families and multigenerational groups, with open spaces and facilities suited to both private relaxation and time spent together.
Wellness at MAIA SPA
Wellness is a central element of the Hacienda del Mar experience.
The hotel’s wellness center includes six treatment rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath and dedicated relaxation areas.
MAIA SPA takes its name from Maia, a figure in Greek mythology associated with growth and nurturing. Its treatments combine health and beauty practices with modern techniques, extending the hotel’s wellness focus beyond conventional spa services.
Guests can balance time at the spa with walks through the gardens, swimming and leisurely days beside the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean Dining in Estepona
Hacienda del Mar has four dining and social venues, each designed around a different part of the day.
Neguri Beach Club occupies a beachfront setting and draws inspiration from traditional nautical clubs. Its menu is centered on seafood and relaxed Mediterranean dining near the water.
Burladero offers a contemporary interpretation of Andalusian cuisine, highlighting regional ingredients and familiar recipes from southern Spain.
Almenara serves breakfast in a setting that connects the hotel’s architecture with its natural surroundings. Umbral, the lobby bar, is designed as an informal meeting place where guests can enjoy drinks and slow down between activities.
Together, the venues reinforce the property’s connection to Andalusia and the culinary traditions of the Costa del Sol.
INNSiDE by Meliá Makes Its Malta Debut
While Hacienda del Mar focuses on relaxed resort living, INNSiDE by Meliá Bugibba introduces a more urban, lifestyle-oriented hotel experience to Malta.
The hotel officially opened on July 12, 2026, in the heart of Bugibba Square. Located just steps from the seafront in St. Paul’s Bay, the property provides convenient access to restaurants, waterfront attractions and coastal activities.
It also marks the first appearance of the INNSiDE by Meliá brand in Malta.
The location gives travelers a base for exploring the island while keeping them close to the active atmosphere of Bugibba. Valletta and Malta International Airport are within easy reach, while the surrounding St. Paul’s Bay area provides access to swimming, boating and other outdoor experiences.
Contemporary Rooms for Short and Extended Stays
INNSiDE by Meliá Bugibba has 86 rooms and suites across eight accommodation categories.
Options include sea-view rooms with balconies and spacious townhouse-style accommodations. This variety allows the hotel to serve guests visiting for short Mediterranean breaks as well as travelers planning longer stays.
The interiors follow INNSiDE’s contemporary design philosophy, with practical comforts and flexible spaces suited to modern travel.
Sustainability measures have also been incorporated throughout the property. Rooms use paper- and plastic-free collateral and include complimentary organic bathroom products, reflecting the environmental practices adopted across the INNSiDE brand.
Rooftop Views and Three Dining Concepts
Dining and social spaces play a prominent role at INNSiDE Bugibba.
O’Luna Restaurant begins the day as the hotel’s breakfast venue before transitioning into a relaxed evening restaurant. Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is accompanied by soft live music, creating an informal setting for dinner.
Above the hotel, O’Sole Rooftop combines a heated infinity pool with panoramic views of the sea. The pool remains open throughout the year, while the surrounding rooftop transitions from a sunlit retreat during the day to a social setting for cocktails in the evening.
At street level, We Proudly Deliver, also known as WPD, operates as an artisanal gelato shop directly on Bugibba Square. Its location connects the hotel with the activity of the surrounding piazza and gives visitors another casual dining option.
Fitness and Pet-Friendly Travel in Malta
Wellness facilities at INNSiDE Bugibba include the two-story InFit Gym.
The fitness center accommodates strength training, functional exercise, stretching and mobility work. The heated rooftop pool provides an additional option for guests looking to stay active or unwind after exploring Malta.
The hotel is also fully pet-friendly. Amenities include welcome gifts for pets, natural dog food available through room service and a local guide highlighting nearby pet-friendly attractions and services.
These features make the property particularly suitable for travelers planning extended stays or visiting Malta with a dog.
Two Different Ways to Experience the Mediterranean
Although both hotels reflect Meliá’s Mediterranean roots, they cater to different travel styles.
Hacienda del Mar offers a beachfront resort experience shaped by gardens, spa treatments, family time and Andalusian gastronomy. Its setting outside central Estepona appeals to travelers looking for space, privacy and a slower vacation rhythm.
INNSiDE Bugibba places guests in the middle of a lively Maltese coastal community. Its rooftop pool, contemporary rooms and central location are better suited to travelers who want to combine time at the hotel with sightseeing and nightlife.
The two openings demonstrate the range of experiences available around the Mediterranean—from a restorative Costa del Sol retreat to a design-conscious island hotel connected to the energy of its neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hacienda del Mar located?
Hacienda del Mar is located in Estepona on Spain’s Costa del Sol. The beachfront property is surrounded by extensive gardens and has direct access to the Mediterranean.
How many rooms does Hacienda del Mar have?
The hotel has 131 rooms and suites.
What wellness facilities are available at Hacienda del Mar?
The wellness center includes six treatment rooms, an indoor heated pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath and relaxation areas.
Where is INNSiDE by Meliá Bugibba?
The hotel is located on Bugibba Square in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, just steps from the seafront.
Does INNSiDE Bugibba have a rooftop pool?
Yes. O’Sole Rooftop features a heated infinity pool with panoramic Mediterranean views and remains open year-round.
Is INNSiDE Bugibba pet-friendly?
Yes. The property welcomes pets and offers dedicated amenities, pet food through room service and information about nearby pet-friendly places.
