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COMING THIS SUMMER, THE FIRST HOTEL CAPPUCCINO

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FUERTEVENTURA | IBIZA | MALLORCA | MENORCA | BALI | VIETNAM

BEACH STYLE that’s ALL ABOUT the LOVE Desigual lends a stylish hand to Sol Beach House’s laid back, go-with-the-flow aesthetic.

FOR THESE HOTELS AND OTHER DESTINATIONS, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR VISIT MELIA.COM

Sol Beach House has partnered with Spanish fashion brand Desigual who will be bringing their signature chilled-out, vibrant design touches to everything from guestroom dĂŠcor to staff uniforms..

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EDITORIAL

T

he world is evolving at a very fast pace, and the times we are now living, at the beginning of the 21st century, have already been defined by many as “the fastest-changing period in history”.

Change, discovery and innovation are an inherent part of the traveller’s experience, and this is what Meliá Hotels International has been engaged in for the last 60 years. We could be described as “a young company over 60 years old” because, if we have been a leader for six decades, it has essentially been thanks to our ability to evolve and adapt, constantly reinventing ourselves.

This is why this issue of our magazine will show you how we keep evolving thanks to the innovations we introduce, the experiences we offer our clients, the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy in place at our hotels as a springboard for a better world, and the opening of exotic destinations that had been unexplored by our company until now.

Reading about the new Paradisus Los Cabos, you will discover the hallmarks and the “soul” of this brand of allinclusive luxury resorts which has renewed itself in order to keep growing in the main destinations in the Caribbean.

We will also show you the new hotels belonging to our “Sol House” brand in the Mediterranean such as the Sol House Mallorca, Sol House Ibiza and Sol House Aloha in Torremolinos (Spain). In addition, we have introduced a new “Katmandú Adventures” programme for family holidays that merges fantasy, innovation and classic adventures to bring you unforgettable vacations.

I am proud to say that here at Meliá we have known how to evolve: We are aware of – and are improving – the impact that our work has on the communities and natural environment where we operate; we call this “our legacy”, and our commitment can be summarised in a phrase: “Hotels for a better world.”

Thus, from the vantage point of “The Observatory”, in this issue you can read about our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, as well as a summary of some of the projects that we are championing via such diverse aspects in this field as environmental protection, employability of young people at risk of social exclusion, children, and the improvement of living conditions for the communities where the hotels operate.

Via this responsible and multidimensional approach, Meliá aims to keep being the benchmark of a sector – the hotel industry – that is strategic for the development and wellbeing of peoples, and we only can do it thanks to our valued customers who, like you, have always placed your trust in us.

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Gabriel Escarrer Jaume Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Meliá Hotels International

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THE MELIÁ HOT ELS INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

S T Y L E MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS VICE PRESIDENT,

María Umbert GLOBAL BRAND STRATEGY & MARKETING VICE PRESIDENT,

Anthony Cortizas CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER,

Ana Rubio CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM,

Gracia Vasco, Elisa Liu PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER,

Pepa Olmedo CORPORATE BRAND & MARKETING SERVICES DIRECTOR,

Enric D’Abadal CORPORATE BRAND & MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER,

Mario Tirado GLOBAL PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT PUBLISHED BY EDICIONES CONDÉ-NAST S.A. MANAGING EDITOR

Sandra del Río ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR

Vital R. García Tardón EDITORIAL OFFICE

Rosa Marqués (DEPUTY EDITOR) Andrea Morán (PHOTO EDITOR AND FEATURE PRODUCTION) Andrés Acosta (FASHION EDITOR) CONTRIBUTORS

Alex del Río, Marcela Cabal, Jerónimo Álvarez, Félix Lorenzo, Gonzalo Azumendi, Cristina Fernández.

FEATURE WRITERS: Arantxa Neyra, Gema Monroy, José María de Pablo, Vicky Vilches, Asun Cedena, Cristina Fernández.

ILLUSTRATORS: Jaime Martínez, Jorge Arranz.

TRANSLATOR: Paloma Gil COPY EDITOR: Monique Fuller.

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

RESEARCH

Reyes Domínguez (DIRECTOR) Cristina Verd, Eva Vergarachea.

PHOTO: JUAN RODRÍGUEZ.

PRODUCTION

Rosa Vicente, Juan Ignacio Bocos, Fernando Bohúa.

PHOTO LAB: Espacio y Punto.

PRINTING: Rotocobrhi y AGS. BINDING: Felipe Méndez CATALOGUE No. M-17889-2015 Ediciones Condé Nast S.A. is in no way responsible for any opinion expressed in the features as these are the sole responsibility of their respective authors.

Architectural design of Palma’s new Congress Centre by architect Francisco Mangado.The Meliá group manages this centre together with its adjoining hotel.

*Royal Bliss es una marca registrada de The Coca-Cola Company.

MASTERPIECES ARE NOT BORN IN THE COMFORT ZONE

THE MELIÁ HOT ELS INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

N O . 5 S P R IN G / S U MM E R 2 0 1 7

CONTENTS

S T Y L E COVER PHOTO: In a suite at the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, Malena wears a silk dress by Massimo Dutti; the sandals in the background are by Elisabetta Franchi.

Photography: Elena Olay Styling: Andrés Acosta Make-up and Hair: Ramón Ríos

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

that you always wanted for your children.

International group.

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142

THE JEWEL

On the island of Tenerife, the Meliá Golf

combines nature and exclusivity.

Hacienda del Conde – a paradise for golf lovers – celebrates the 2nd edition of the

FASHION

22

IN THE FIRST PERSON

Stewart Moore, CEO and founder of the prestigious EarthCheck company.

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ART

Let’s stay at Seville’s Meliá Lebreros hotel, a perfect haven for discovering the

Seve Ballesteros Memorial Tournament.

our visit to Madrid’s new Gran Meliá

146

Palacio de los Duques.

Introducing Fashion and Art; a tour of a

82 SO COOL

GOLF

The Paradisus Los Cabos hotel, in Mexico,

Model Malena Costa accompanies us on

Fragrances for this season.

THE GOOD LIFE

The latest news from the Meliá Hotels

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18

141

Sol Katmandú Adventure: the programme

SHOPPING

museum and VIP shopping in Madrid.

WHAT TO DO IN MADRID

A tour of the best venues to see and

148

remember; the best the city has to offer.

The Sol Magaluf Half Marathon

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sponsored by the Meliá Group, a truly SUNNY DAYS

Three exotic destinations to recharge your batteries: Bahamas, Bali and Zanzibar.

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SPORTS

popular race.

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OUR PARTNERS

The 2nd Skin Co fashion firm and THE OBSERVATORY

The Meliá Group as a world benchmark in sustainability and responsibility.

the Europcar Group are this section’s protagonists.

156

FOOD & BEVERAGE

city’s art and the heritage of the Duchess

108

of Alba thanks to an interview with the

The Meliá Group’s hotels in Paris’s

by chef Ángel León, known as the Chef of

19th Duke of Alba.

historical arrondissements.

the Sea, at the Meliá Sancti Petri hotel,

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ARCHITECTURE

IN THE CITY

We visit the Alevante restaurant, owned

on the coast of Cádiz (Spain).

TRENDY

Have you seen Palma de Mallorca’s new

If you are looking for a Mediterranean

160

Congress Centre (including its hotel)?

haven, the Sol Beach House hotels are

We take a look at the latest awards that

waiting for you.

recognize the Group’s path.

The Torres Brothers, owners of the

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162

Dos Cielos Madrid restaurant, at the

The Meliá Group is now in the authentic

The Gran Meliá Huravee in the Maldives

Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques.

and charismatic capital city of Myanmar.

is set to be a great success for 2017.

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GOURMET

NEW DESTINATION

AWARDS

NEXT DESTINATION

“My father, who founded the Group, was a pioneer and a visionary in this industry, and he has always said that tourism has a great ability to bring peoples closer together, overcome borders and generate development. ” Gabriel Escarrer (Page 98)

The never-ending vacation is about to begin.

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SO COOL

WOMAN

PRODUCTION: ANDRÉS ACOSTA PHOTOGRAPHY: OLGA MORENO

FRESH CARESS

Take note of the latest versions of the new classics in women’s perfumes.

Like a sea breeze, they now introduce new aromatic notes in their special re-editions.

1 2 3 4

5

1 BLACK OPIUM FLORAL SHOCK, by Yves Saint Laurent: opening top notes of bergamot, lemon, pear and freesia.

2 ELIE SAAB LE PARFUM, RESORT COLLECTION: with floral notes of red tangerine and frangipani.

3 CLASSIQUE ESSENCE,

by Jean Paul Gaultier: oriental flowers with spicy ginger softened by a touch of Chantilly.

4 ALAÏA EAU DE PARFUM BLANCHE: almond, heliotrope, musky animal notes and absolute vanilla.

5 OLYMPIA INTENSE, by Paco Rabanne: salty vanilla notes blended with amber.

Armchair Cala by Doshi Levien Sofa & Table Mesh by Patricia Urquiola

SHOWROOMS KETTAL LONDON: 567 Kings Road SW6 2 EB. T. (44) 20 7371 5170 PARIS: 80, Blvd Malesherbes. T. (33) 01 43 59 51 44 MIAMI: 147 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida. T. (1) 786 552 90 22 MARBELLA: Ctra Cรกdiz, Km 179. T. (34) 952 77 89 89 BARCELONA: Aragรณn 316. T. (34) 93 488 10 80

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SO COOL

MAN

SENSUAL TOUCH

1 MAGNETIC SEDUCTION NO. 3; Aguas for men by Victorio & Lucchino: vetiver from Haiti is enlivened by the exoticism of patchouli.

2 THE TRAGEDY OF LORD GEORGE, from Penhaligon’s Portraits: with notes of brandy, shaving soap and tonka bean.

3 LUNA ROSSA CARBON, by Prada; with bergamot and pepper in its opening top notes.

4 WOODISSIME; LES EXCEPTIONS

by Mugler: an overdose of woodiness where Oud wood prevails.

5 DAVIDOFF HORIZON EXTREME: with opening top notes of grapefruit, ginger and rosemary.

The most seductive woods blend with refreshing notes to enhance the purest essence of masculinity.

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IN THE FIRST PERSON

MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL LEADS BY EXAMPLE

Stewart Moore The CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, an Asia Pacific leading organization in the business of measuring and benchmarking sustainability in travel and tourism, manages the operations of the company and its dealings with its 1,800+ clients across the world (70% in the Asia Pacific region).

Many of these clients have been working with EarthCheck for over 15 years.

He is also the Executive Director of the APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism (AICST) and Chairman of the National Centre for Studies in Travel and Tourism (NCSTT), both of which are not-for-profit research centres. He works with a number of centres for research excellence, such as the Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT).

Last year, Meliá Hotels International celebrated 60 years of service excellence, tourism development and innovation. We also celebrated 30 years of EarthCheck – the world’s leading certification and business advisory group for sustainable tourism – which has helped clients in more than 70 countries to realise over $500 million in operational savings while reducing their footprint on the environment. What makes this celebration significant is that both companies have committed to work together to deliver another 60 years of leadership in hospitality, tourism services and sustainable infrastructure across the world.

Meliá and EarthCheck have established a global partnership to work together on identifying new forms of visitor experience development, sustainable design and construction at a destination level and smarter and more responsible business practices that will not only benefit their staff but the communities in which we operate. We both not only have a vision but the conviction and energy to make that vision a reality.

In 60 years, Meliá has grown from a small company to a multinational group with nearly 100,000 rooms in 43 countries, but they have never lost the family spirit nor the values.

It is precisely thanks to these values – and a united and talented team – that they have been able to achieve responsible and sustainable growth and maintain their global leadership. Meliá’s deeper partnership with EarthCheck fits well with their growth strategy and ensures the company is fully prepared to face the future as market leaders.

One of the first steps of the new partnership will be to certify existing and new Meliá developments across the world under the EarthCheck Certified programme including the redevelopment of Calviá Beach resort, which was one of the first dedicated resorts developed by Gabriel Escarrer and his family.

In addition EarthCheck, as a CDP compliant programme, will assist Meliá to meet all of its future carbon reporting obligations and continue its leadership in water and energy efficiency through integration with

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its internal SAVE program.

˜

RENOVATIONS

HOTEL MELIÁ LEBREROS

A TRADITIONALLY ANDALUSIAN HOTEL IDEAL FOR

the summertime

Springtime is here, and in Seville it is celebrated everywhere in the city. From late April, the temperatures rise and the courtyards, terraces and shady spaces outdoors are a welcome relief. Recently renovated, the Meliá Lebreros hotel is a breath of fresh air in the heart of Seville, just a stone’s throw from the city’s train station, airport and historical centre.

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Above, the cool, laid-back ambiance at the poolside Mosaico restaurant where breakfast is served every day of the week.

Top, the swimming pool garden lit up at night.

Opposite, the hotel’s façade, renovated last year; and the 270-m² outdoor swimming pool.

T

he Meliá Lebreros’s reopening last September

was a total success. This hotel, linked to the city’s evolution, and located in the traditional shopping district of Nervión, offers a variety of places and outdoor areas where both guests and the public in general can enjoy Seville’s mild temperatures. In fact, since it reopened, it has become an elegant local meeting point. Its avantgarde cocktails, outdoor breakfasts with freshly-squeezed juices and superb buffets, and its All Day Dining lunches finally won over even the sceptics.

This is in addition to the success of the Elyxr vermouth and cocktail bar in the lobby area, a veritable oasis for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Not forgetting the cool atmosphere at the Pool Club bar where, in the summer, relaxing around its 270-square metre swimming pool is a true delight. The contemporary and fun ambience of the Abril disco, inspired by NY’s great nightclubs from the 80s such as Studio 54 and The Loft, must also be mentioned. La Taberna la Dehesa, which surprises both locals and foreigners with its very exclusive products from the region, is also a bit hit. Having a glass of sherry with From top to bottom, different dining options at the Meliá Lebreros: high tables and stools inside the Mosaico restaurant; cocktails at the Bar Elyxr, which serves breakfast and midday vermouths, as well as cocktails in the evening; and La Dehesa tavern, with typically Sevillian food where diners can try the most traditional local cuisine.

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w w w.ro s a g re s .c o m

Right, personalised attention at The Level service, a boutique hotel within the hotel, has its own reception area.

Below, clockwise, the Gran Premium room at The Level; and the bathroom of the Junior Suite.

Bottom, whirlpool bathtub in the Gran Premium room.

a dish of pata negra Iberico ham before, during or after a business meeting is also a luxury.

However, the highlight of the Meliá Lebreros is a truly distinctive feature: the new The Level service; a boutique hotel within the hotel, targeted at guests who desire a more comfortable, intimate and luxurious stay. An open bar, pillow and fragrance menus, Loewe amenities, and exclusive private spaces for them are some of the advantages of booking one of its 47 rooms.

In general, all the renovated rooms are spacious, elegant and comfortable, and bathrooms have taken the leading role they deserve today. And for those who come to enjoy Seville with their families, the Family Kids & Co rooms STYLE

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(56m²) are just perfect.

˜

www.leds-c4.com

Invisible series by GROK

ART

SEVILLA

THE ESSENCE OF ANDALUSIA

T

he city’s cultural and

TORRE DEL ORO

REALES ALCÁZARES

artistic scene is truly extensive.

Pº de Cristóbal Colón; visitasevilla.es

Patio de Banderas; alcazarsevilla.org

Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance,

The metro (Line 1) will take you

This group of palaces, close to

and an explosion of Baroque in its

to the Torre del Oro by the river:

the Cathedral and the Archives

architectural monuments, sculptures

a perfect starting point for any

of the Indies, is spectacular for

and, above all, paintings – with

walk in the city centre with a view

its architecture and gardens with

great masters such as Murillo (the

to enjoying art. In the past, the

bubbling fountains as well as a

fourth centenary of his birth will be

Torre del Oro was covered in gold

mixture of all kinds of styles, from

celebrated next year) and Velázquez

tiles – hence its name. Dating back

Mudejar to Renaissance. It was built

– are only the tip of the iceberg. See

to 1220 it used to be connected to

in 913 by Abdurrahman III. There

how to visit a small sample of each

the Almohad city wall. Today, it

are usually long queues so, if you

by taking the metro just outside the

is the site of the Naval Museum

would like to visit, it is advisable to

door of your hotel.

that houses interesting documents

get your tickets online.

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Text: ROSA MARQUÉS.

of Seville, models of ships, etc.,

CHURCH OF SAN LUIS

showing how Seville is linked to the

DE LOS FRANCESES

river and the sea. The items on show

Calle San Luis, 27; andalucia.org

include examples of Renaissance,

The spectacular Baroque ensemble

Romantic, classicist, historical,

of this recently restored church

epigraphic, and Baroque work.

that has been reopened to the

he also designed the churches of the Salvador, San Telmo and La Magdalena. It boasts a large altarpiece by Pedro Duque Cornejo and paintings by Domingo Martínez and his disciples that, together with the crypt, are the PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / AGE.

highlights.

View of the Guadalquivir River as it flows through Seville, dividing the city in two, with the Torre del Oro in the foreground.

Below, a courtyard of the Hospital de los Venerables in the Santa Cruz district.

LOS VENERABLES HOSPITAL

Plaza Venerables, 8; www.focus.abengoa.es In the quiet square of Los Venerables, in the heart of the Jewish district known as Santa Cruz, the Focus Abengoa Foundation public deserves special attention.

designed between 1699 and

established its headquarters in this

Built by the Jesuits, it is one of

1731 by Leonardo de Figueroa,

former priests’ house.

the best examples of Baroque

who is considered to be Seville’s

The permanent Velázquez

architecture in Europe and was

Baroque architect par excellence;

exhibition here is a must-see.

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Above, Baroque interior of the Santa María La Blanca church built in the 13th century and granted by King Alfonso X to the Jews living in Seville to use as a synagogue.

Opposite, a courtyard in Seville’s Reales Alcázares; horse-drawn carriages at the Patio de Banderas in the Reales Alcázares; and façade and entrance of the city’s Fine Arts Museum.

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It will also be home to the Year of

– and its murals that used to be

work by Alejo Fernández, Dürer,

Murillo (another great master

intertwined with paintings by

Pace Gazini and Aprile de Carona;

from Seville) in 2018.

Murillo, all come together to create

Montañés and Mesa; Murillo,

a spectacular scene.

Cano and Zurbarán; Pedro Duque Cornejo and

CHURCH OF SANTA MARÍA LA BLANCA

MONASTERY OF THE CARTUJA

Pedro Roldán. Abandoned during

Calle Santa María la Blanca, 5;

AND CAAC – ANDALUSIAN

the Napoleonic invasion, it later

archisevilla.org

CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

became a pottery and porcelain

This former Jewish synagogue

Avda. Américo Vespucio, 2; caac.es

factory but then lay empty

that was built, in turn, on a former

This monastery, on the shore of

for many years. Renovated for

mosque, and was then converted

the Guadalquivir River, and a

the 1992 Universal Expo, it is

into a Gothic church in 1391, is

work of art in itself, was built on

now the Andalusian Centre of

another of Seville’s hidden Baroque

the spot where the Virgin of

Contemporary Art.

gems. Its plaster reliefs of angels,

Las Cuevas supposedly appeared.

flowers, fruit and geometric motifs

First, in 1399 a hermitage was

ESPACIO SANTA CLARA

– illuminated by a gilt background

built that gradually gained

CULTURAL CENTRE

prominence. A regular visitor

Calle Becas;

was Christopher Columbus, but

espaciosantaclara.org

it also was a spiritual retreat for

From an old Almohad palace to

Philip II and Teresa of Jesus. It

the residence of Don Fadrique, it

houses important collections of

then became a Poor Clare Sisters

the Giralda – one of Seville’s iconic landmarks. The terrace will be the highlight of your visit.

SEVILLE’S FINE ARTS MUSEUM

Plaza del Museo, 9; museodebellasartesdesevilla.es The Fine Arts Museum not only houses Seville’s best Baroque art, convent, and has finally been

THE STUDIO AND HOUSE

with paintings by Zurbarán, Murillo

turned into today ’s magnificent

OF THE PAINTER OF LA GIRALDA

and Valdés Leal, but also the old

culture and art centre. The Espacio

Plaza de Doña Elvira, 7;

convent of La Merced de la Calzada,

Santa Clara is the site of both

fundacionamalio.com

where most of the events for the

Seville’s Flamenco Biennial and

In the small iconic Doña Elvira

Fourth Centenary of Murillo

the Early Music Festival in the

square, the studio and house of

will take place from October 2018

spring. But it is worth a visit too,

Amalio, the painter of La Giralda,

to January 2019.

just as an artistic and cultural

is another place where one can be

ensemble.

carried away by the love for muses that Sevillian artists had. Brimming with works by this painter, every floor also offers wonderful views of

˜

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ART

The 19th DUKE OF ALBA Carlos Fitz-James Stuart y Martínez de Irujo has 40 noble titles, 12 of which make him a Spanish Grandee. He is the 19th duke of Alba, the eldest of six siblings and son of the recently deceased Duchess of Alba, owner of one of the most important art collections in the world. He has just opened his mother’s favourite residence in Seville, the Palace of Las Dueñas, to the public. This city was one of Cayetana de Alba’s passions, together with flamenco, bullfighting and painting.

Text: CARMEN REVIRIEGO. President of Callia and the Iberoamerican Prizes for Patronage of the Arts

D

Photos: JERÓNIMO ÁLVAREZ

espite the hot weather, the walls of the

Palace of Las Dueñas and the huge expanses of green

bougainvillea, palms and box hedges, as well as in the

areas help make the building cool. Just before entering

exquisite, completely unostentatious ceramics. The albero

the palace, the first feeling you have is that you are

colour – yellow – of the sand in these courtyards is also

not visiting a “dead” monument, but a living place – a

present on the walls. In the Mudejar courtyard – in the

dwelling (the Duke lives in Madrid, but he uses the

centre of the Duke of Alba’s Palace – I feel that I am at

second floor of this palace), a personal place filled with

the centre of the House of Alba: at the centre of titles,

wonderful corners, gurgling fountains and gardens.

marquisates, duchies, Spanish Grandees and seigniories

The first impression as soon as you enter, where the

34

unmatched in the world. The Duchess appeared in the

stables are on the right, is that of a solid, history-laden

Guinness Book of World Records for the sheer number of

palace. Large arches, ample spaces and, on view, a

titles she had.

saddle that belonged to the French Empress – Eugenia

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culture, can be felt among the geraniums, rosebushes,

Her estate is priceless, and goes beyond just material

de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III –, a Mexican poncho,

value. How much is King Ferdinand the Catholic’s

and objects of popular art from that country, which recall

original will worth? – a document that marked the

the bonds between America and Spain – and, above

birth of Spain as several kingdoms and a single

all, Seville. Next is the courtyard “where the lemon tree

Crown. How much are her paintings by Murillo and

matures”, as poet Antonio Machado, who spent his

Ribera, her drawings by Leonardo and Goya worth?

childhood years here, wrote. Just a few steps on, and all

All this is managed by the Foundation of the House

of a sudden, the art, the history, the Roman, Visigothic,

of Alba that includes the Liria Palace in Madrid, the

Muslim pasts, and Spain’s identity as a country, and its

Monterrey Palace in Salamanca, and the Dueñas Palace, today open to the public not just for the sake of more efficient management, but also to fulfil the express wish of the Duke of Alba: to open one of the most iconic interiors in Seville to its citizens and to the entire world.

Dueñas is now finally open to the public in Seville, one of the most visited cities in the world.What would your mother have thought of this?

I am not sure that she would have been thrilled, but she would have understood it perfectly. My idea was to show the downstairs part – and not upstairs, the more personal and intimate (not open to the public) section, and my mother would have agreed with this. She had a special regard for Dueñas because of what it meant to her, to her own biography… I was absolutely aware that, when my turn came, “they would come for me” – in the sense of wanting the House to be open to the public. I

has. And then the foliage makes it a miniature botanical

received a letter from the Council telling me that they

garden with tropical trees and plants. It is very special, a

would like us to open it – as is specified by current law.

product – just like everything else – of the House’s history

But the Council did not force or demand anything from

and its relationship with America. However, rather than

us, and waited until my mother passed away. I promised

American, it is tropical, from Latin America: this kind of

that at that moment, I would open up the house, and

vegetation softens the light and makes it very special.

they trusted my word What is your first memory of the palace?

Look, it happened right there (pointing out towards the courtyard-garden). Machado’s first memory was the lemon tree, mine was a stumble and colossal fall that, I believe, left my nose like this. (He smiles as he looks back.)

The columns, the Mudejar style, the gardens… so much beauty.

It is very Oriental: it has magic, just as Seville in general

Above these lines, several rooms at the Las Dueñas Palace, in Seville.

Opposite, the 19th Duke of Alba.

Ferdinand the Catholic’s handwritten will, Columbus’s blood in your veins… so many historical documents!

In Madrid [at the Liria Palace] there are so many of them,

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“

This palace has magic, it is very Oriental while also has lush tropical vegetation, just as Seville in general has

”

truly many, and lots of researchers are always working there. Here, in Dueñas, there are no documents, so the idea is to visit the house – whereas in Madrid, both things can be done. Now I am digitalising the archives.

I have digitalised over 30,000 documents. I did a lot last year: it is essential for researchers and scholars. There are lots of people interested in 15th- and 16th-century documents, for University papers and PhD theses.

Was the exhibition at the Meadows Museum – Dallas, EEUU, – designed to making the House of Alba a bit more known internationally?

No, it was a bit of an exception. I do not want my house to

away with her grandfather who was a diplomat. On her

be half empty. It is uncomfortable when things are not in

return, she had to rebuild the Liria Palace as it had been

their place. As an exceptional thing, I will allow it: I loan

destroyed. It had burnt to the ground.

specific paintings for specific exhibitions. But I do not want

Do you have any relationship with other European royals?

70 paintings and 40 pieces of furniture to go, because then

Well, unfortunately I do not know the European royal

I am left in an empty house which is terribly sad.

families. I have had some contact with them, with the

Your mother witnessed very important moments in history.

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European aristocracy. But to be honest, not a lot, which

Yes. My mother was born in 1926 and she witnessed

is a very Spanish thing since we are very local, not

World War II. During the Spanish Civil War, she was

particularly internationally-oriented – which began with my mother. In my opinion, perhaps I did not cultivate relations abroad enough. And now I do not feel like doing it. Of course, some of my responsibilities demand it and I do know some people. But making new friends is difficult.

˜

Above, a Mozarabicstyle courtyard.

Opposite, Carlos Juan Fitz-James-Stuart y Martínez de Irujo.

ARCHITECTURE

THE BUILDING BY THE SEA

PHOTOS: JUAN RODRÍGUEZ

The goal was to turn Palma into one of the most innovative cities in the world for congresses and conventions.The opening of the brand-new Congress Centre and adjoining hotel in Palma de Mallorca, whose management will be undertaken by the Meliá group, is now a reality.

are at the disposal of very citizen).

Moreover, hospitality towards the rest of the world is guaranteed due to the adjoining hotel, also managed by the Meliá group: a hotel in which the coastal landscape is the absolute protagonist.

The conception, or “architectural

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Above, a view of the development of the work on the Congress Centre, by the town’s promenade.

Below, plans by architect Francisco Mangado.

W

drawing” as he prefers to call it, was the result of ten years’ work by hen the starting point of an

With an exceptional location on

Mangado – Patxi to his friends – who

ambitious project has the backing

the city’s promenade, and only five

has designed such iconic buildings

and clout of many social forces, both

minutes from the historical centre

as the Asturian Museum of Fine Arts

public and private – among them

and the cathedral, the new building

(2015), the Spanish Pavilion for the

the drive of a group such as Meliá

is the work of the recognised

Zaragoza Expo (2008), and Álava’s

Hotels International – dreams can

architect from Navarra, Francisco

Archaeological Museum (2009). In

come true.

Mangado. It not only offers a space

addition, his professional path has

for all kinds of events, but also, thanks to its spectacular design, invites local residents to enjoy what it offers (restaurants, terraces, spa… and the cultural installations

PHOTOS: JUAN RODRÍGUEZ

recently been recognised by Berlin’s

jeopardise its thermal maintenance”;

Academy of Arts (Akademie der

energy efficiency is also among

Künste) by awarding him with this

the most innovative aspects of this

year’s Art Prize in the category of

building’s approach and has been

Architecture.

designed in such a way that every

“The building overlooks the

space can work autonomously

sea,” he remarks. “The escalators

without affecting the whole, thus

connecting all the building’s units

reducing maintenance costs.

40

– 1,665m² and 865 m² will also allow the Centre to host the fairs that take place in Palma. The ceiling height – 11 metres from the ground floor, and almost 8 from the first floor – was designed so that spectacular events of all kinds could be organised; the lobbies of the auditoriums were also designed as exhibition areas that can

are placed on this façade so that

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The Congress Centre provides the city, at last, with suitable premises for hosting the growing demand for conventions and congresses in a town as popular with tourists as Palma is, and for overcoming the seasonal character of its tourism.

visitors can go up and down while

PREPARED FOR ALL KINDS

either merge with a larger exhibition

looking at the sea, just as if they

OF EVENTS

area or remain self-contained.

were walking along the promenade

Everything has been planned so

itself.” But this has been done always

that – together with big congresses

will be a new meeting point for

trying to avoid “an excess of sunlight

– events and smaller meetings can

citizens. “The building was planned

entering the building that could

also be held here. The Congress

to dynamise and be of service to the

Centre has two large rooms, one with seating for 1,978 people, and a smaller one with 462 seats. On the ground and first floors are the exhibition rooms whose dimensions

The café bar on the ground floor

CONTEMPORARY RESORTS AND URBAN HOTELS

CABO

CANCUN

SITGES (2017)

MADRID

CARACAS (2017)

IBIZA

MALLORCA

DUBAI (2017)

MILAN

MIAMI

BARCELONA (2018)

LONDON DOHA (2019)

Information & Reservations at your travel agency or mebymelia.com

PHOTOS: JUAN RODRÍGUEZ

city of Palma”, comments Mangado.

be its managing director – one who

There are many spaces conceived

has a proven reputation within the

for it. For example, the top floor

group: Ramón Vidal Castro, who

where “the big restaurant becomes

has been in charge of the General

a big terrace overlooking the sea”

Management of Madrid’s Meliá

and that will certainly be one of this

Castilla hotel, the Meliá group’s

summer’s fashionable places.

international flagship in the MICE

of health and beauty treatments.

segment, for the last six years.

On the hotel’s 7th-floor roof is a

A HOTEL FOR THE ENJOYMENT

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Open, interconnected spaces overlooking the sea that also make good use of sunlight.

A building designed for the enjoyment and use of the local inhabitants: a café bar, restaurant, spa, exhibition rooms, conferences, concerts...

As regards the hotel, it will have

be another place for enjoying the light of the Mediterranean while having a drink. And its 715-m² spa, located on the hotel’s lower floor, is an invitation for guests and local residents to relax and enjoy a series

solarium and outdoor swimming

OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS

268 rooms – including twelve

pools that overlook the sea.

Palma’s Congress Centre will be

stunning suites, one of which has a

The views are truly spectacular.

among the very few buildings of

private terrace – and was designed

its kind that incorporates a hotel.

to be directly connected with the

spaces for the convenience of both

Furthermore, Meliá has chosen one

Congress area via the mezzanine

speakers and visitors attending

of its best hospitality managers to

floor. The fact that the management

the various events.

is in the hands of a well-known international group – such as Meliá – is thus a guarantee that its operations will be flawless. The lobby bar on the ground floor will

There are also 282 parking

˜

GOURMET

DOS CIELOS MADRID RESTAURANT BY THE TORRES BROTHERS

A WELL-ROUNDED RESTAURANT

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In 2017, their Barcelona restaurant Dos Cielos, located on the 24th floor of the Meliá Barcelona Sky hotel, will be a decade old.This same year, in January, the Torres brothers, Javier and Sergio, Sergio and Javier, inaugurated their second “home” in Spain, in Madrid at the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques.

Interview: ARANTXA NEYRA

R

ound numbers are their thing – or rather,

rounding off everything they do. Perhaps this is why they were born on the same day, and together; perhaps this is why their surname, Torres (a plural, [meaning towers]), was a premonition of what their careers would be like – rising and solid –; and perhaps, for that same reason, the name of their first restaurant is also most suitable and perfect for a city whose motto is “From Madrid to Heaven” (a motto to which they allude several times in their menu).

It had been some time since Javier and Sergio, Sergio and Javier were eager to open something in the capital city, and they have done it just when it seems that no other city has more creative energy in the culinary field than this one. While it is true that Madrid has always been famous for its lively ambience, its nightlife, and hustle and bustle every day of the week and all the time, it has been enjoying a booming trend for some years now as an indisputable benchmark of haute cuisine.

The Torres brothers did not want to miss this party.

So, they are making an impressive debut in Madrid, impelled by the success of their restaurant in Barcelona, by their Michelin star, and at a sweet and high-profile moment filled with projects. And they are doing it, again, hand in hand with Meliá Hotels International in a very attractive place, the Gran Meliá Palacio de Los Duques, a five-star hotel in a historical building in the city centre.

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How would you define, in your own words, the new Dos Cielos?

It is a restaurant with a personality of its own: the building is 250 years old, and it has very good vibes.

In the private dining room, for example, we have placed an impressive table made with beams we rescued from the renovation works. It is a unique space in Madrid and it has a fantastic terrace.

A skyscraper and old stables, the spaces of both restaurants – in Madrid and in Barcelona – are very different. Does this have an influence on the menus?

Both spaces are different but they share the Torres Brothers’ philosophy. Each venue has acquired its own personality; in Madrid, it has more touches typical of the capital city, yet without forgoing our personal hallmark, and in Barcelona it is more Mediterranean.

What do both restaurants have in common, and what differentiates them? What do you most like about each of them?

In Barcelona; the views of the city, and being on the 24th floor. In Madrid; having such an iconic and history-laden location, inspired by the work of Velázquez.

In the private “dining room, for

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example, we have placed an impressive table made with beams we rescued from the renovation works. It is a unique space in Madrid and it has a fantastic terrace.

”

Right, tuna, free-range egg and vegetable salad.

Below, XXL homemade cannelloni au gratin.

Opposite, the Torres brothers; and inside the Dos cielos Madrid restaurant by Hermanos Torres.

“

It is a very balanced menu, and we change it quite often according to the produce and the seasons.

”

Why Madrid? What does the capital city have that led you to open your second “home” here?

After opening in Barcelona, we received offers to open in other places, but for us Madrid was important since we like this city and also because we have many customers in Barcelona who are from Madrid.

How do you see Madrid’s gastronomic landscape today?

Very strong, there is a very solid offer, which overall is a good thing.

What is the menu at Dos Cielos Madrid like?

The food here is very varied. It is a very balanced menu, and we change it quite often according to the produce and the seasons. While both restaurants have similar dishes, each one has its own personality.

You include a short welcome note for diners in your menu.What would you say in person to someone who comes here for the first time? If they only could have one dish, which would you recommend for them to understand your kind of food?

Our foie-gras ravioli with chestnuts and black olives: STYLE

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season, technique and flavour.

“Madrid’s hug”, cod tripe… What do you like the most about Madrid’s gastronomy?

Madrid has incredibly skilled chefs and a broad culinary offer. We like that a lot and it will show on our menu as it will constantly evolve and bring lots of surprises.

A highlight for us is that people in Madrid like trying new things and going out.

2017 seems an important year for you: you have a new restaurant in Madrid, and turn a decade old in Barcelona.

What else is in store for you?

We are working on two books and on a gourmet product range called Consentido [a pun on the word “Pampered” as when separated into two words it means “Makes Sense”], and something else that we cannot talk about yet.

“

Madrid has incredibly skilled chefs and a broad culinary offer.

”

Above, marinated Galician Rubia beef.

Far right, Madridstyle cod tripe with chickpeas, a very typical recipe revisited by these celebrity chefs.

Right, steamed mollete bun stuffed with oxtail, mole sauce and pico de gallo.

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Tea time is Mmmm time‌

Make time for tea with the Lipton pyramid experience.

Left, one of the brothers’ most popular desserts, made with apple and cucumber.

Below, the interior of the Dos cielos Madrid

by Hermanos Torres restaurant, in the former stables of the Palace.

“

We say “From Madrid to Dos Cielos”.

The next thing is that we will be very focused and do an excellent job.

”

How will you organise yourselves between Madrid and Barcelona? Will you be in Madrid often?

Of course we will be in Madrid! Although we won’t be there every day, we have a great team here and most of them trained at the Dos Cielos Barcelona.

You say that you like that your food is akin to a return to childhood, to memories.What memory would you return to time and again?

Our favourite piece of cutlery is the spoon, so clear, delicate broths that also have a lot of personality.

DOS CIELOS MADRID The high-profile Torres Brothers’ new restaurant is located

“From Madrid to Heaven,” says the city’s motto. Now that

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in the old stables of what is now the Gran Meliá Palacio de los

you are here, what is next?

Duques hotel, very close to Madrid’s Plaza de Oriente and

We say “From Madrid to Dos Cielos”. The next thing is

the Opera House.Although its executive chef is Damián

that we will be very focused and do an excellent job. We

González, trained at the kitchen of the Dos Cielos restaurant in

want it to be a restaurant with a present and a future,

Barcelona, Javier and Sergio Torres are behind every creation.

and not a flash in the pan.

Try their Grandma Catalina’s cannelloni, with black truffle

˜

and Parmesan cheese, or their ravioli made with foie-gras, sundried tomatoes and Kalamata olives.

The menu changes depending on the season, just like the tasting menu.Their cellar has a total of 166 wines: sparkling, wines from France and Madrid, and also wines by the glass (melia.com).

www.teka.com

FAMILY

HOLIDAYS

The legend THAT TRAVELLED TO THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST

Having breakfast with Boro the Yeti and his little nieces and nephews… Doesn’t it sound like a wonderful memory of a holiday with your family? The Sol by Meliá hotels are launching a programme filled with activities, workshops and surprises for all ages that revolves around the legend of the Yeti.

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Left, having breakfast with Boro the Yeti; and children having fun on the Sol Hotel’s Katmandú Adventures programme.

Below, 3-D fun at the Sol Katmandú Park & Resort; and a view of the hotel.

A

very long time ago, an adventurer

called Kilgore Goode decided to travel to the Himalayas, to a beautiful country called Katmandú. He wanted to find a precious gem endowed with magic powers.

It was the Red Jewel which, according to legend, allowed its owner to travel across time and space. Did Kilgore Goode know that at that moment he would be catapulted from the icy snows of the Himalayas to the mild temperatures of the Mediterranean coast?

However, not only did the legendary gem buried under one of the high Himalayan peaks have to be found, so did its fearsome and legendary guard, Boro the Yeti, who guarded it so that nobody could get hold of its powers.

Despite this, Kilgore the adventurer threw himself into searching for the gem, finding it in a dark, freezing cold cave. Yet, just as the legend had warned, a human-like creature whose body was covered in hair – called Boro the Yeti by the locals – appeared just as the adventurer was darting down the hill, taking the gem with him. The creature followed Kilgore to his home where the gem

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Left, enjoying the Sol’s Katmandú Adventure programme with the monitors.

Below, Boro the Yeti’s Cave, an attraction at the Sol Katmandú Park & Resort; and the Haunted House, another attraction at the park.

started to vibrate and sent them both (lucky things!) to comfortable accommodation in a paradise of beaches and sun: the Sol Hotels, surrounded by a dream-like world of fun beings – Katmandú Adventures.

Wouldn’t you like to come and stay here, too? Can you imagine, sharing a holiday with your family in a beach world designed for children?

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The adventure starts right when you check-in and lasts to the end of your holiday. The heart of all these activities

The new entertainment programme, designed by

are the mini-clubs themselves, perfectly adapted to every

professionals for the Meliá Hotels International group,

age: Dreamers, from 8-month-old babies (to 4-year-olds);

is now being progressively introduced for children of all

Explorers (from 5 to 8); Rangers (from 9 to 12) and Teen

ages at its Sol Hotels. Activities, workshops, daily shows,

Kaves (from 11 to 15). In fact, the entire hotel is immersed

surprises… inspired by mythology and imagination,

in this world, from the swimming pool and gardens, to the

where your children are always supervised and

breakfast areas. For instance, having breakfast with Boro

accompanied by childcare, teaching, education and art

the Yeti and his nieces and nephews (whose appearance

professionals.

is somewhat friendlier and so less scary for the younger children) is one of the most-eagerly anticipated activities.

And so, that breakfast of giant muffins and toast, and freshly-squeezed juices becomes a party.

“The philosophy of this entertainment programme began at the Sol Katmandú Park & Resort, a successful

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family resort in Mallorca which

DELIGHTED PRE-TEENS

has a theme park wonderfully

The aesthetics surrounding the

integrated into it,” explains

legend of Katmandú, based

Marian Vallés, Marketing

on the genre of steampunk, is

Manager for the Meliá Hotels

appealing for these age groups.

International’s Mediterranean

“This way, families with 7- or

region. “The experience of

8-year-old children who also

working closely with Katmandú

have 13- or 14-year-olds will

Park was so positive that it permeated the activities

find fun and tranquillity for the entire family at these

and entertainment programmes for children

hotels,” says Vallés, since pre-teens feel very comfortable

at other Sol Hotels, all of them with a more family-

with the activities and the approach they are offered.

oriented profile”

Steampunk is a genre that comes from literature and film

In Mallorca, the legend of Boro the Yeti is widely

and has become consolidated in today’s popular culture,

known by children and families who visit the island and

encompassing a wide variety of arts. The interior design

the hotel’s surroundings, but in other places where it

of the mini-clubs and the characterisation of the hotel’s

can also be found this world is not quite as familiar yet.

entertainers for children delve deep into a genre that

This is the case with Benidorm, Lanzarote and Málaga.

brims with Victorian watches and artefacts, typical of

“This is why we have designed a fantastic show about

adventurers in the style of Jules Verne and other classics

the legend; it includes dancers and singers from the arts

of literature for the young.

and theatre who will make the world of Boro the Yeti

In addition, the Katmandú experience even has a

more popular by the day” at each of the hotels where the

language of its own, Kat Lingo, some of whose words

activities programme has been already introduced.

end up being used by the whole family.

˜

KATMANDÚ ADVENTURE HOTELS The philosophy, interior design, activities that started at the Sol Katmandú Resort & Hotel, and the warm welcome of the product by the families who visited it in Magaluf, Mallorca, was so successful that today they are found in many of the company’s hotels. In 2016, this entertainment programme was tried out at STYLE

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three hotels: the Sol Alcudia, the Sol Barbados and the Sol Calas, all three on the island of Mallorca; and, in 2107, it will extend to the Sol Príncipe in Málaga and the Sol Pelícanos in Benidorm, the Sol Palmanova in Mallorca, the Sol Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, and the all-inclusive Sol Falcó and Sol Milanos Pingüinos hotels in Menorca (www.melia.com).

Above, Boro the Yeti sunbathing with two teenage guests.

Left, Atlantis Splash, the pool waterslides at the Sol Katmandú Park & Resort and, below, detail of an explorer’s helmet, and a soft toy for the youngest children at the Sol Katmandú Park & Resort.

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MEXICO’S HIDDEN PARADISE THE JEWEL

Ivory sand beaches, quiet waters frequented by migrating whales, and a small town that invites you to party. Los Cabos, on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, between the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean, is one of Mexico’s most coveted destinations.

The latest Paradisus Los Cabos has just been inaugurated there.

Text: ASUN CEDENA Photos: ALEX DEL RIO

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os Cabos is located at the tip of the warm

southern Baja California Peninsula, a hidden spot in Mexico between the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean.

Idyllic scenery of palms and coves with transparent waters, perfect for whale watching on the open sea or wandering through the colourful street markets on land, enjoying horse riding on the beach or indulging in delicious Mexican gastronomy. You can have fun even in the sky: hang-gliding flights offer an enviable panorama of this stunning setting from above.

Mexico boasts exceptional places such as the Lagunas

de Montebello National Park in Chiapas, the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende and the beaches of the Mayan Riviera. That said, Los Cabos is one of the most exclusive places in the country. A good part of the celebrities who visit Baja California – including George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston and Enrique Iglesias – stay along its Tourist Corridor, which stretches over 30 kilometres between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It is a luxury destination, particularly if you have the opportunity of staying at the Paradisus Los Cabos: a tribute to excellence in travelling, a resort that has just opened its doors on six hectares by one of the quietest and most spectacular beaches in Los Cabos. Here, gazing at the Sea of Cortés is a favourite pastime for guests – but not because there are no other options, since the resort has a YHI Spa, fitness centre, four swimming pools, seven bars (including a swim-up pool), seven restaurants with a select variety of international cuisines, and it is just a stone’s throw from the Cabo Real golf courses.

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Left, an aerial view of the resort, in a crescent-shaped cove by the Sea of CortĂŠs.

The resort is on an 18.5-acre plot in Los Cabos.

Below, the Master Suite Family Concierge rooms with a balcony overlooking the ocean are perfect for travelling with your family; and the hotel lobby, surrounded by lush gardens and outdoor terraces.

Opposite, another view of the lobby.

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Clockwise, a general view of one of the four swimming pools at the resort – in particular, the one at the exclusive Royal Service; the Palapa restaurant, also at the Royal Service, which serves international cuisine; tables at one of its terraces at sunset; a Margarita cocktail; owner of a ranch in Los Cabos; and the Gabi Club bar, next to the beach.

LIFESTYLE The so-called “Corridor” connects the towns of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The first is a quiet, typically Mexican village with cobbled streets and colonial buildings. Cabo San Lucas is a laid-back invitation to partying, filled with restaurants and noisy bars open until the small hours where you can see musicians and conga dancers who have drunk as much tequila as the public. The relative closeness to the United States is reflected in the lifestyle and the many shopping malls.

And between both towns are kilometres of ivory sand beaches of the Gulf of California. The gentle tides at El Chileno Beach are ideal for swimming, kayaking STYLE

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and snorkelling. In the very town of Cabo San Lucas is one of the liveliest, Médano Beach, with transparent waters and a sandy three-kilometre-long beach.

And a hundred metres from the famous Arch is Amor Beach, the last on the Sea of Cortés before it meets the Pacific Ocean.

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Left, Amor Beach, accessible only by boat or by climbing down the rocks.

Below, sea lions that live near the Arch, a distinctive local rock formation.

Left, pelicans following the boats.

From the beach, one of the most magnificent natural arches in the world can be seen. The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is a rock formation that emerges from the ocean at the tip of the Peninsula. It is also known as “Land’s End”: if you draw a straight line from here towards the south, the next section of terra firma, more than 12,000 kilometres away, is Antarctica. It served as a natural shelter for pirates who, in the 16th century, would hide in wait for Spanish galleons loaded with gold and silver to appear (the Sea of Cortés was discovered by Hernán Cortés, hence its name). Today, the Arch is the natural icon of Los Cabos.

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in the sea and home to a colony of sea lions. Because of such natural wealth, the famous French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau christened this marine spot “The World’s Aquarium”: it has almost 40 per cent of the total species of marine mammals in the world, and a fantastic underwater world.

COMING TO RIO DE JANEIRO…A TASTE OF SPANISH LUXURY Gran Meliá is opening its doors at the iconic Hotel Nacional, with a promise of excellence and innovation.

B R A Z I L • C H I N A • I N D O N E S I A • I TA LY • P U E R TO R I C O • S PA I N

Information & reservations at your travel agency or granmelia.com

• VENEZUELA

PHOTO: GETTY.

There are more whale sightings in Los Cabos than in any other place in the world. From December to March, there is no better place to see this spectacle of nature.Whales make a 19,000-km journey, staying along the coast of Mexico throughout the winter, and start their return journey at the end of March.

WHALE WATCHING The migration of hundreds of whales from the freezing waters of Siberia and Alaska to the cool currents of Baja California is one of the most astonishing natural spectacles in the Pacific Ocean. The best time to watch it is from November to early April. Whales make a journey of thousands of kilometres to give birth and breed their calves in these warm, shallow waters that brim with marine life. Up to eight different species of whale come to the coasts of Los Cabos on a six-month journey which is the longest made by any migratory species on the planet.

You can watch these cetaceans in their natural habitat on board speedboats, or even with binoculars from the beach at the whale sanctuary lookout points on Bahía Magdalena and San Ignacio Lagoon.

Another virtue of this southernmost tip of Baja STYLE

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California is its varied gastronomy. Every day a feast makes its way from the sea to the table: fish, seafood and fresh shellfish from the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean. Guests at the Paradisus Los Cabos can enjoy great food at the Gastrobar by Martín Berasategui, a Basque chef who has been awarded eight Michelin

WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

Indulge in the world’s most luxurious beachfront all-inclusive resorts. Enjoy 5-star dining, lavish accommodation, world-class YHI SPA and impeccable service. Discover our ROYAL SERVICE, an exclusive area for Adults Only and our Family Concierge, a VIP experience for families.

Dominican Republic • Mexico • Cuba • Costa Rica (2018) PARADISUS.COM

stars. Guests can choose from the restaurant’s á la carte

Royal Service grill by the swimming pool). Those who

menu or an elegant tasting menu designed by the chef.

prefer a more festive ambience can try any of the bars

In addition to this haute cuisine restaurant, the food

and lounges at the resort, including the Avenue Bar, Wet

experience is rounded off by the restaurants Naos Fresh

Bar, Swim-up Pool Bar, and Gabi, a two-storied beach

Market (international buffet), Bana (contemporary

club with a roof terrace and views to the sea.

Asian cuisine), Market Grill (Italian-Argentinian), Mole (modern Mexican cuisine), and La Palapa (exclusive

And together with the infinite blues of the sea… the desert. If the slogan at other latitudes is “Sea and Mountain”, here “Desert and Beach” prevails (although there are also mountains). While you can ride a horse on the beaches, in the desert you can take camel safaris and off-road tours that take you through dunes, rocky landscapes and imposing cardon cacti. This spot in Baja California is Mexico’s hidden secret, and there is nothing like staying at the Paradisus Los Cabos to enjoy it.

˜

PARADISUS LOS CABOS An all-inclusive luxury resort only 25 minutes from the Los Cabos international airport, the Paradisus Los Cabos is located in a special place next to a quiet beach by the Sea of Cortés on the Baja California Peninsula. It is very close the Cabo Real golf courses and has a stunning view of the mountainous landscape. It has 350 rooms, including 98 Royal Service Suites with personalised butler service – the ideal choice for weddings and honeymoons –, 30 Family Concierge Suites offering a holiday experiences for families, and 28 Swim-up Suites with views of the sea (melia.com).

Above, the Cabo Real Golf & additional Golf courses.

Right, a view of the resort’s natural surroundings with direct access to the sea, and perfect for travelling with your partner and also for family holidays.

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FASHION

Madrid

GRAN MELIÁ PALACIO DE LOS DUQUES

IS FASHIONABLE RECENTLY INAUGURATED, THIS OLD PALACE IN MADRID’S HISTORICAL HAPBSBURG DISTRICT HAS ONCE AGAIN BECOME A UNIQUE SITE FOR THE CITY AND ONE OF THE MOST EXCLUSIVE HOTELS TO BE SEEN IN. Styling: ANDRÉS ACOSTA / Fashion photos: ELENA OLAY / Make-up and hair: RAMÓN RÍOS (Ten Agency)

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HAVING DINNER WITH ART The hotel’s restaurants, whose atmosphere is suffused with references of the painter Velázquez and his work, have become the trendiest places to eat in the city. In the photo, the Coroa Royal Gallery and Garden.

UNIQUE VIEWS OF MADRID From the terrace, with the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of La Almudena in the background, Malena Costa wears a printed silk dress,

by Antonio GarcĂ­a.

Her gold sandals are

by Jimmy Choo.

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HISTORY AND THE PRESENT Behind its magnificent Isabelline façade, this old palace – now converted into a hotel – is embodied by an artistic and cultural ambience.

The lobby (right, and below left) conveys the traveller to a dreamlike world. Below, on the right, the main staircase preserves the splendour of the past, combined with contemporary details such as the designer chandelier.

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ETERNAL MOMENTS In front of a reproduction of one of the most famous paintings by Velรกzquez, the model wears a black dress by Dsquared2.

The choker and ring are by Rabat.

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IN A LAID-BACK MOOD On the bed of one of the rooms of The Level service, Malena wears lingerie

by Eres and a silk shirt

by Benjamin Friman.

The chain with a moon-shaped pendant and her rings are by Rabat.

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CLASSIC ELEGANCE The palette of colours of this so-called “painter of painters” inspired the interior design of the rooms.

Left, simple lines and top-quality materials in one of the rooms – the 40-m² Deluxe Red Level Room – oozes elegance and comfort.

Below, the bathroom of one of the suites, with toiletries by Clarins and, on the right, access to one of the two terraces of the Presidential Penthouse suite.

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A PERFECT END TO THE DAY The penthouse is one of the hotel’s most sought-after spaces.

The outdoor swimming pool, the Jacuzzi and the panoramic views over the Teatro Real, the Cathedral of La Almudena and the old Hapsburg district, make it a delightful place to enjoy a cocktail or relax in its solarium.

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A HAVEN OF PEACE You will hardly believe that you are in the centre of Madrid. Sitting by the pool, Malena Costa wears a navy blue swimsuit by Eres, a trench coat by Massimo Dutti and sunglasses by CĂŠline.

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MALENA COSTA

INTERVIEW WITH

Her father is from Mallorca, her mother is Swedish, and Malena Costa Sjögren is one of Spain’s most successful models – also one of the most influential on social networks.

She has strutted down the best catwalks modelling high-end brands. A lover of spinning, equestrian sports, painting and Pilates, she is in love with Madrid while confesses to being addicted to her island, Mallorca.With Malena as our guide, we visit the sophisticated and brand-new Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques.

By ANDRÉS ACOSTA.

What does travelling mean

It is also very important for me that

general, people living in Madrid

to you? Has it made any kind of

there is no traffic noise in the room,

– both those from there and from

impact on you?

and that the beds and pillows are

elsewhere – are open-minded. Here,

It is one of life’s pleasures. It makes

very comfortable. Obviously, I also

making friends is very easy: the city

you grow within and transforms

notice cleanliness, good service

has an incredible social life. Yes, this

you. I love to see the world, it’s a

and quality food for breakfast

is what I miss about Madrid. Yet

source of inspiration for me and,

and lunch. Since I have become a

as I have to come often for work, I

as I’m a lover of photography too,

mother, the possibilities offered by

take every opportunity to visit my

I always take my cameras with me

the hotel for children are another

friends and in-laws, and to go to

and take photos of everything.

factor that I take into account.

my favourite restaurants. Madrid

Besides, when I’m travelling,

80

offers all kinds of plans: shopping,

lover. Is it important for you to be

sports… a fabulous range of cultural

I am to live in such a beautiful place

able to travel with your pet?

activities, top-class restaurants,

as Spain, particularly as I have

For me, taking my pet with me

fantastic hotels, street markets…

been living abroad at times for a

everywhere when I travel is

It has everything.

while now.

of the utmost importance but,

What are your must-visit places

unfortunately, Spain is very

in the city?

what do you most value when

backward regarding this. I can’t

Concerning food, Filandón, Sushi

choosing a hotel?

take my dog Roco practically

99, La Máquina, El Paraguas,

My priorities have changed a lot.

anywhere: I would like to take

Streexo and La Habanera. For a

We used to look for quiet hotels

him shopping, or for a walk in the

walk, I love the park of El Retiro

– this depended a lot on the sort

centre of Valencia, but you’re

and the district of Salamanca. A

of trip it was – with a more or

not allowed to even enter a

perfect plan is a visit to the Prado

less central location. Today, the

bookstore with a dog. It’s as if we

Museum and then taking a walk

most important thing is that it

were taking a criminal on a leash

in the area, which is splendid.

is cosy. I don’t like big hotels or

instead of a trained dog. This is a

Or going to Plaza de Oriente,

resorts that much and so prefer a

pity, because Spanish laws force

which has a completely different

boutique hotel with a much more

your dogs to stay indoors at home

atmosphere; or Fuencarral Street,

customised service. In addition,

much longer than they should be.

another perfect place for strolling

when we travel, we like to know

And whenever you want to go

and shopping. Indeed, in Madrid

everything about the destination.

somewhere with your dog, people

there are a thousand areas with

Now that you are a mother,

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You are also a great animal

I always think how fortunate

make it hard for you.

How do you define Madrid? Do you miss living here?

I love Madrid. It is a very lively and multicultural city and, in

promenade, and the very beautiful Gran Meliá del Mar. Name a Meliá hotel that you would like to visit…

They have many hotels in very exotic beach destinations… For instance, the Meliá Zanzibar and the Paradisus Los Cabos.

A dream trip you would like to come true...

The thing is that my dream trip was a safari in Africa, and when I met Mario, my partner, he made my dream come true. Now, I dream of a trip to the Galapagos Islands or some other destination where I can enjoy nature and the sea. Or a cruise along the Italian coast… I would like to travel more extensively all over Spain, that’s another priority of mine.

What are the essential items that you always pack in your suitcase?

I always pack a bikini, clothes for a special evening, my cameras, my vanity case, my 9NIN sunglasses and my sunscreens.

Is there any new professional project that you would like to PHOTO: ELENA OLAY.

share with us…?

I am working on many different things. The world of fashion has changed and photography or editorial campaigns are no longer the only things that matter.

different atmospheres. There are

you feel like staying and relaxing

THROUGH

Social networks now have a very

always many choices for doing

in the hotel for a few days. I love

THE LENS

important role and are given great

something different.

its location. Without it being on the

Did you know the Gran Meliá

very Gran Vía itself, you are near

Palacio de los Duques hotel?

everything. The interior design, the

I didn’t know it, but I’ve found it

staff, and everything in general…

lovely and very cosy, even in such

I’ve had a truly enjoyable stay.

a central location. As you come in,

Have you stayed at other hotels belonging to the Meliá group?

Yes, I have been to several of them.

Two that I love are in Mallorca and we often visit them: the Gran Meliá Victoria, on the

Model Malena Costa always travels with her

prominence. I still have my blog

cameras. In the hotel’s

with Glamour, and what I like the

central lounge, Malena

most is that my profession allows

wears a printed dress

by Just Cavalli and

me to enjoy my personal life

ankle boot sandals by

and spend a lot of time with my

Pura López.

daughter Matilda.

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WHAT TO DO IN

MADRID Not since the famous “movida madrileña” [a musical and cultural movement] in the 80s, has Madrid seen a situation like today’s.

TEXT: GEMA MONROY

A

family of intellectuals and wall to

Ega, is full of light, elegance and

a city of important art museums and

wall with a 13th-century Dominican

grace. It has 180 rooms with cutting-

art centres – with over 70 museums

convent, – literally two steps away

edge automation and bathroom

–, and finally taking off as the most

from the Teatro Real that is more

amenities by Clarins; a spa brought

appealing culinary destination

lively and active than ever, as well as

from Thailand piece by piece; the

of the moment, the capital city is

from the Plaza de Oriente Gardens

most sought-after restaurant of the

becoming more sophisticated by

and Hapsburg Madrid.

moment; and a spectacular rooftop

fter reasserting its standing as

leaps and bounds. Streets are being

In order to preserve the heritage

Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques

outdoor bars proliferate – at last

to honour its previous owners, the

value of this Neoclassical building

up high as well –, and historical

Duke and Duchess of Granada de

and recover its original essence as a

unknown perspectives of the city.

Young designers find their place in multi-purpose venues with ephemeral uses, the most alternative districts are open to all publics, and hardly a weekend goes by without a gastronomic or music festival, or a designer fair… in the streets, in the squares, at the latest fashionable venue. The near future promises more restaurants with Michelin stars and the arrival of luxury hotels that are part of big international chains.

A historical building on the Cuesta de Santo Domingo – right in the heart of the Hapsburg district – is home to the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques hotel. Opened some months ago, it is the hotel group’s big statement in the capital city – where it already has the Gran Meliá Fénix, – and it is one step ahead of other five-star hotels that will soon be inaugurated in Madrid. It is the first hotel of this category that has a truly central location in the city – in the 82

terrace with a swimming pool.

pedestrianised and full of cyclists,

buildings are renovated and offer

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The new hotel, rechristened the

old residence of a 19th-century noble

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK AROUND THE HOTEL

If you would like to have a casual lunch of tapas, the San Miguel Market close to the Plaza Mayor is a lively place with food stands where you will want to try everything.

Another recommendable route is

that of the tapas (and drinks) bars in the La Latina district. If you prefer to have a sit-down lunch, apart from the hotel’s restaurant, Dos Cielos Madrid, there are lots of casual eateries and restaurants in

Above, afternoon tea at the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques.

Left, the hotel’s terrace, by the swimming pool.

Opposite, entrance to the hotel-palace.

the surrounding area that have been palace, they collaborated once again

designed exclusively for the Gran

there forever. The most outstanding

with Álvaro Sans, the architect who

Meliá hotels.

are La Bola (Calle de la Bola, 5),

transformed Nero’s mother’s house

Breakfasts are served in the old

famous for its cocido madrileño

on the Gianicolo Hill into the Gran

palace’s rooms, the hundred-year-

[a Madrid-style stew of chickpeas

Meliá Rome. Around the palace’s

old trees in the large inner courtyard

and different meats]; the historic

spectacular staircase, spaces were

were already here when this was

Taberna del Alabardero (Calle

designed in white, gold and ochre.

a convent – later on, it would be a

Felipe V, 6) to have tapas; and the

And certain fragments of Velázquez’s

school playground –, and the lobby

iconic Café de Oriente (Plaza de

paintings appear on bedheads, doors,

is in the old cloister. Even more

Oriente, 2), a perfect place to enjoy

and walls, as leitmotifs. The place

interesting is the rooftop terrace, with

a cocktail and a jazz concert on a

exudes quietness, the good life, and

a Jacuzzi and a summer swimming

Friday evening, or to have brunch

the scent of Intuitive – a fragrance

pool, and unbroken, panoramic

in the sun at its outdoor tables on

views that stretch to the mountains of the Sierra de Madrid. The impression is that by simply reaching out, you can touch the buildings in the Callao and Gran Vía areas.

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WHERE TO EAT A LITTLE FURTHER

Aparecida (Jorge Juan, 8), Alabaster

FROM YOUR HOTEL

(Montalbán, 9), Marcano (Castelo,

If you want to turn your visit to

31), Taberna Pedraza (Ibiza, 38),

Madrid into a gastronomic route

Meating (Valenzuela, 7), and La

of today’s foodie restaurants and

Tasquería (Duque de Sesto, 48).

don’t mind moving further away

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from the hotel, in addition to

WHERE TO DRINK

very well-known and awarded

Before having the last drink at

restaurants such as Dstage

the hotel’s bar – also a good place

(Regeros, 8) – Diego Guerrero’s

to have the first, – check out the

Sundays. La Lonja del Mar (Plaza de

newest venue and chef also at

good live music at La Coquette

Oriente, 6), made up of three spaces

Club Allard (Ferraz, 2) –, it is

(Hileras, 14) – an iconic blues bar,

with three different kinds of food

worth booking a table at La Cabra

– or the lively ambience at the

deserves special mention: rice and

(Francisco de Rojas, 2) or at Gaytán

above mentioned Raw Bar and

fish dishes at La Mar, cocktails and

(Príncipe de Vergara, 205) – both

Café de Oriente – both in the

smoked food and raw fish tapas at

owned by the very young Javier

Plaza de Oriente, – or in the always

the Raw Bar, and more substantial

Aranda, the most outstanding

seductive El Amante (Santiago,

dishes at the elegant Lonja. Another

representative of new Spanish

3). And if you feel like dancing,

good choice for a quick bite – but

cuisine; – at Punto MX (General

take a taxi to the Cha Chá Club

in style – is to go up to El Corte

Pardiñas, 40) – the Mexican

(Cedaceros, 7) or go to the

Inglés’s gourmet floor at Callao:

restaurant that is in fashion now

Café Berlín (Costanilla de los

stunning views of the Gran Vía and,

(and rightly so); – or at La Tasquita

Ángeles, 20), two streets away from

among the different food stands,

de Enfrente (Ballesta, 6) – an eatery

the hotel. Weren’t you told how

great street-style creations by chef

that has created a new style.

difficult it is to get to bed

David Muñoz.

To find out about where the new

in Madrid?

tastes of the future (and their awards) are being concocted, consider going to the Retiro area, in the Salamanca district, that boasts restaurants such as La Bien

PHOTOS: ©MADRID DESTINO / GETTY / AGE.

WHERE TO GO SHOPPING

Plaza de Oriente and the Sabatini

Also worth a visit are the Conde

Just as you leave the hotel, up the

Gardens… with Madrid’s most

Duque Cultural Centre (Conde

hill are Plaza de Callao, the Gran

beautiful skies, particularly at

Duque, 9; condeduquemadrid.

Vía and the entire shopping area

sunset. From here, you can choose

es), fifteen minutes away, where

around Calle Preciados, with FNAC,

to walk by the Royal Palace and the

there is always something on:

El Corte Inglés and La Central

Almudena’s Cathedral, with open

shows, exhibitions, lectures and, in

bookstore as its shopping beacons.

views over Madrid’s green balcony

the summer, a cinema and urban

On your way, stop along the Calle

and the park of Casa de Campo;

beach in the courtyard of this old

Santiago to buy wonders of saffron

or take a walk in the Hapsburg

military barracks; close by is the

at La Melguiza (Santiago, 12) or

district to the Plaza Mayor. It takes

ABC Museum (Amaniel, 29; museo.

heavenly pastries made by the

five minutes to get from the hotel to

abc.es), devoted to drawing and

nuns from convents all over Spain

Puerta del Sol – the point from which

a museum that has become more

at Jardín del Convento (Calle del

all roads in Spain are measured; nine

relevant lately. If you are feeling

Cordón, 1). On Sundays, it is a

minutes to the Plaza Mayor; eleven

peckish, this area offers several

tradition to take a stroll in El Rastro,

to the La Latina district; and sixteen

places to eat something good, such

at Plaza de Cascorro, enjoy an

to the Malasaña neighbourhood.

as “signature” sandwiches at Crumb

aperitif and watch the lively Sunday

In less than half an hour, a pleasant

(Conde Duque, 8), brunches, crepes

ambience.

walk will take you to the Prado

and homemade cakes at Olive

Museum, the Reina Sofía, the

(Conde Duque, 24), flamenquines

SIGHTS

Thyssen and Caixa Forum crossing

and almadraba tuna at La Gloria

Just outside the hotel, and down the

the lively Las Letras district – filled

(Noviciado, 2), or Oriental recipes

hill, you will find the Plaza de Ópera

with places of literary importance,

at Lamian by Soy Kitchen (Plaza

and Calle Arenal, the Royal Theatre

gorgeous interior design shops and

Mostenses, 4). Close by is the best

(teatro-real.com; with interesting

many art galleries. Much closer to

cheese shop in Madrid: Quesería

daily visits to see its interior), the

the hotel, the Descalzas Reales

Conde Duque (Conde Duque, 15).

Convent (Plaza de las Descalzas, s/n; tel. 91 454 88 00), still inhabited by some twenty cloistered nuns, offers a very interesting – and little known – artistic and cultural visit.

Above, Sunday morning ambience at Madrid’s street market of El Rastro, in the La Latina district.

Above left, inside the Monasterio de las Descalzas.

Opposite, outside view of the Palacio Real and inside the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum.

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SUNNY DAYS

ISLANDS PARADISE

IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT

4

of the Meliá Hotels International group’s most exotic and paradiselike islands offer experienced travellers a new challenge – immersing themselves in a new adventure. Each hotel has a distinct personality afforded by the island’s Nature and their people.

When thinking about paradise, an image comes to mind of an island carpeted in white sand and palms swaying in a gentle breeze. In their shade, we imagine a young, tanned couple with white smiles drinking coconut water while enjoying a day at the beach.That perfect idea can be found in some places on the planet, but not all paradise-like islands are like that.

Text: JOSE MARÍA DE PABLO

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BAHAMAS,A JAMES BOND SETTING

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Just in front of one of them called Cable Beach, outside

Some of the extravagant resorts on Paradise Island have

the city and a few kilometres from the airport, is the

been the perfect setting for scenes in some of the James

Meliá Nassau Beach, an all-inclusive hotel where you

Bond films. However, the archipelago of the Bahamas,

can enjoy the Bahamas as you please, either relaxing

made up of over 700 islands and cays does not only boast

on the beach or taking part in some of the activities and

of being a great cinematographic destination, but also of

live shows organised here. The Bahamas were a haven

its wonderful people who are its greatest asset as they are

for pirates and adventurers, the forced destination of

among the happiest and kindest in the entire Caribbean.

thousands of slaves, and a British colony that was key for

Of all the islands, the liveliest is New Providence. It is

trade between America and Europe. This mixture led to a

home to Nassau, the capital city of this country that has

unique culture that can be discovered via such fun dishes

managed to balance the charm of the criollo culture – born

as “conch salad” – a salad made with giant conch that

of a fusion of cultures that lasted for hundreds of years

can only be bought directly from the fishermen at the

– and the development of tourism around its fantastic

picturesque Potter ’s Cay market. One-day excursions to

urban beaches.

the Exumas Islands – a favourite for lovers of the seabed and brightly coloured fish – depart from the docks of this cay every day.

Less traditional, but no less interesting, is Paradise Island. A marina was built there around a shopping mall where big yachts moor.

The Meliá Nassau Beach hotel enjoys a wonderful location on Cable Beach, just a few minutes from the town centre and the nightlife action. In addition, thanks to its Kid’s Club with a swimming pool, it is ideal for families; in total, it has three swimming pools with waterfalls and views of the sea, and two outdoor whirlpool tubs.

THE MELIÁ NASSAU BEACH This hotel located on the paradise-like Cable Beach, only a few minutes from the centre of Nassau, has sunny, modern rooms with views of the exuberant surrounding nature: either of the sea, the garden or one of the hotel’s three swimming pools with cascades.

The Meliá Nassau offers its exclusive The Level service,WiFi throughout the entire complex, seven restaurants, four bars, a 24hour gym and an array of activities and shows organised for children at the Kids’ Club, and for adults in the 3,810-m² ballroom, ideal for celebrating weddings (melia.com).

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2

INDONESIA, EXCLUSIVE EXOTICISM A volcanic land of surprisingly gorgeous islands, the south of Bali has captivated travellers for decades. They come to these faraway spots on the planet to discover a lifestyle in an environment of stunning beaches brought about thanks to a mix of local and Western culture – the latter brought here by the first tourists.

Large hotel chains that created small private microparadises in Bali have also contributed to the island’s boom. This is the case of the Meliá Bali-The Gardens Villas, a resort surrounded by lavish gardens and a huge swimming pool that meanders through the premises from which guests have easy access to the Nusa Dua Beach. In addition to enjoying the sea, Bali offers an exceptional combination of landscape and culture. Denpasar, its administrative capital city with its bustling streets and markets brimming with surprising and exotic fruit is an ideal place for getting to know the real Indonesia.

Inland, apart from Ubud, the cultural capital city, the most visited sights are the 2,000-metre-high cones expelling puffs of steam reminding us that we are in a land of still active volcanoes. In the east of the island the landscape has been tamed and the terrain transformed by the creation of beautiful terraces where farmers go to great lengths to harvest their rice – a basic staple for

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millions of people.

The Meliá Bali-The Garden Villas, located in Nusa Dua – one of Bali’s fashionable areas – is perfect for unwinding and letting oneself get carried away by its exotic energy and its closeness to the sea.

Families, couples and friends will find their dream haven in these villas. It also has a Yhi Spa with top-quality treatments.

THE MELIÁ BALI-THE GARDEN VILLAS Just a stone’s throw from the Bali Collection shopping mall, and right on Nusa Dua Beach, this hotel offers luxurious rooms most suitable for newly-married couples, families and groups of friends who can choose to enjoy the exclusive The Level service. Its broad culinary offer caters for all tastes and encompasses Mediterranean, Japanese,Asian and international cuisines.The Meliá Bali-The Garden Villas was the first hotel in Asia to obtain the EarthCheck Platinum certification that recognises its effective sustainability and its management of the environment.

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3

ZANZIBAR,THE SPICE ISLAND On the opposite side of the Indian Ocean, almost touching the African mainland, is the island of Zanzibar, a historical port through which different sea-faring and merchant peoples have passed throughout history – Persians, Arabs, Portuguese and Britons – who mixed with the local Swahilis to create a culture that is unique in Black Africa. Trade in spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper – the island’s major crops – placed Zanzibar on the map of dreams for many generations who today come to this Tanzanian territory to enjoy its beaches and the monuments of Stone Town. The island’s capital city, a maze of small streets made up of beautiful merchants’ houses, mosques and towers, was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. This is, needless to say, the ideal place to get lost in and meet the locals, do some shopping and fall in love with the rhythm

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and colour of its spice markets.

Zanzibar’s most fun side lies in the east; its paradiselike beaches boast some of the best hotels in Africa such as the Meliá Zanzibar, built on a 300-metre-long fringe of fine white sand protected by a coral reef which is a natural home to thousands of colourful fish.

THE MELIร ZANZIBAR An all-inclusive luxury resort on the beach, the hotel has magnificent rooms, suites and private villas with swimming pools and gardens.

Here guests can enjoy The Level service, offering superior privacy and comfort. Its spa, a wide range of restaurants and bars, seafront swimming pools, fully equipped gym with views of the sea, and a broad variety of activities for both children and adults make the Meliรก Zanzibar a destination to take note of.

The Meliรก Zanzibar hotel, on a whitesand African beach by the Indian Ocean, offers different kinds of accommodation from romantic rooms to suites and private villas with gardens.

In addition, it is only 45 minutes from the capital city, Stone Town. Its infinity pool practically fuses with the ocean.

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4

CAPE VERDE,THE AFRICAN CARIBBEAN This round-the-world trip from island to island ends up off the shores of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, on the island of Sal, the most visited of all the 15 islands belonging to Cape Verde: an archipelago located off the Senegalese coast.

The international airport is on the island of Sal, as are the best beaches that are mainly in the municipality of Santa Maria, in the south. Swept by strong winds and surf, this coastline is frequented by lovers of water sports – kitesurfing and windsurfing in particular – who share the place with those seeking endless, pristine beaches. On this almost lunar landscape is the recently opened Meliá Llana Beach Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive and adults-only resort on the Algodoeiro beach and in front of a coral reef brimming with marine fauna.

Cape Verde is an archipelago with volcanic landscapes and hardly any vegetation. To compensate for its arid look, its inhabitants, handsome mestizo people with African and Portuguese blood, are charming and always happy to welcome visitors with a wonderfully white smile. Cape Verde’s music, with styles that are unique to this land, is also famous for its mixture. This is the case with morna, a type of music whose most famous exponent is Cesaria Évora and heard at impromptu concerts everywhere or

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on the beach itself while watching the sun set.

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THE MELIÁ LLANA BEACH RESORT & SPA Recently opened and just a few minutes from the lively town of Santa Maria on the island of Sal, in Cape Verde, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort by the beach offers a unique experience thanks to its spacious and elegant rooms and suites with views of the sea. Surrounded by tropical gardens, this five-star hotel also has four restaurants serving international cuisine, a fitness centre, a Yhi Spa, as well as the exclusive and personalised The Level service.The hotel offers you the chance of riding on the beach, kitesurfing or spending a day fishing out at sea.

The Meliá Llana Beach Resort & Spa, on Cape Verde’s Sal Island, just a few minutes from the colourful town of Santa Maria, is a resort and spa designed just for adults: here, rest is an absolute priority.

Its two swimming pools (the one above, exclusively for guests staying at The Level service) allow for total relaxation.

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The Observatory

CSR

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

SOCIAL COMMITMENT, LEADERSHIP AND GOOD CONDUCT

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In 2016, Meliá Hotels International celebrated “60 years of hospitality”. Since 1956, the company has transformed itself in significant ways and has reinforced its commitment to generating social value – a commitment that has been present since it was founded – thus positioning the company as a worldwide benchmark in excellence, responsibility and sustainability.

Text: ARANTXA NEYRA

Meliรก has a basic principle when it comes to setting up in a destination: protecting the natural environment and the local communities to generate a long-lasting bond with the destination.

PHOTO: ALEX DEL RIO.

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orporate Social Responsibility are just three letters: CSR,

global in scope and local with regard to its implementation

but with them, many stories can be written. Stories about

and it aims to generate shared value in the communities

entrepreneurial values and, above all, about people. The

where the company operates. In order to advance in

significance of Meliá Hotels International’s corporate social

this field, Meliá uses the Global Compact Governing

responsibility lies in the fact that it is the company’s strategic

Principles as a reference; an initiative created in 2001 by

pillars that convey its commitments to its employees,

the United Nations to promote responsible behaviour

its relationships with its stakeholders, its contribution

among companies. It sets out 10 principles grouped into

to solving environmental matters, and a guarantee of

four blocks: relationships with employees, human rights,

sustainability in all present and future destinations.

the natural environment and anticorruption policies.

While the Meliá group has a number of global guidelines, it

Meliá subscribed to these principles in 2008, and in 2015

implements its CSR strategy by adapting it to each context – to

achieved a high level of transparency in the information

the social needs and challenges of each particular destination

reported to this organisation. However, this is not the

– always fostering employability, talent development, non-

only public commitment undertaken by Meliá. Since 2008,

discrimination and equal opportunity policies.

it is a FTSE4Good Ibex member (stock exchange index of

Meliá aims to be a benchmark company with a leading

responsible companies) and has taken on commitments,

role, also setting an example in this field. Its CSR model is

following the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015, such

“My father, who founded the Group, was a Pioneer and a visionary in this industry”, remembers Gabriel Escarrer, today’s Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, “and he has always said that tourism has a great ability to bring peoples closer together, overcome borders and generate development and social and economic wellbeing for different communities.”

PHOTO: DANIEL BALDA.

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The Observatory I N T E RV I E W

LOURDES RIPOLL VICE PRESIDENT DEPUTY MANAGEMENT TO CEO & CSR

“From philanthropic approaches to strategic leverage.”

Lourdes Ripoll has been involved

to CSR is for it to be understood

carried out with our partners and

with the company for over a quarter

not as an intangible component,

colleagues – who have participated

of a century and her career has

but but as a strategic approach with

in and developed different initiatives

focused on different areas. Today,

initiatives that can improve the

and projects with us – has been

she is Vice President Deputy

business results.

an important contribution, and

Management to CEO & CSR.

An ethically responsible and

today we can celebrate the success

Boosting Meliá’s positioning

sustainable company is, in addition,

of many of them. One of the big

in the field of Corporate Social

a company whose competitiveness

opportunities in Corporate Social

Responsibility and highlighting

and profitability improve in the

Responsibility is that it makes it

the value of its impact on society

long term. Our company is working

easier to operate from a platform,

and the environment are her main

on different dimensions related to

in a network, with any partner,

challenges at this international

sustainability, but we still have a

whether big or small.

company that deals with different

long way to go. The consistency and

Broadly speaking, we have

realities and contexts, and with

globality of our approaches as an

experienced a natural evolution

a need to adapt priorities to each

international company operating

from approaches of a traditional

particular destination.

in 43 countries must be guaranteed.

philanthropic nature and social

Today, Meliá Hotels International

All the IBEX35 multinationals have

action to relevant strategic

is recognised, and has also been

good development processes and

approaches. As we are a hotel

awarded,for its activity in the field

work models that are adapted to the

company, the environment has

of Corporate Social responsibility,

context of each company.

always been a central issue, as

and aims to reinforce it in the main

No doubt, our return to the IBEX35

has the social factor, because

countries of Latin America.

will mark different challenges

our industry is a clear example

regarding CSR and Corporate

of a driving force of economic

company, and an Ibex35 member,

Governance when it comes to

development in the most

does Meliá Hotels International

generating trust-based relationships

underprivileged destinations. In this

rank alongside the rest of the IBEX

and achieving transparency with

sense, apart from furthering progress

companies with regard to commitment

our stakeholders – all this, of

by reducing our environmental

and responsible activity?

course, with the premise of creating

impact and contributing to the fight

The CSR concept has evolved in

economic and social value.

against climate change, an important

As a family enterprise, a listed

very significant ways in recent years

What have the main focal points of

focus is on sharing knowledge

and society demands a responsible

your CSR strategy been over the past

with the academic world and on

and sustainable model from the

years, and how do you think they will

improving employability among

business world. Companies must

evolve in the future?

groups of young people who find

get involved with the environment

In our case, CSR has been present

it difficult to enter the job market.

that surrounds them and generate

in the company’s different strategic

The enormous experience garnered

social and economic value while

plans since 2004. CSR has become

by Meliá throughout these initial

maintaining ethical conduct.

an excellent leverage for securing

60 years is an asset that we want to

One of the internal challenges

and reinforcing the transformation

put at the service of society and the

faced by any region when it comes

and evolution of the concept itself

sector itself.

and a tool for identifying new opportunities and internationalising the best initiatives. I would also like to highlight that, during this interesting decade, the joint work

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as promoting actions in this field and joining the CDP

relationships with employees, and social action projects in

index (Carbon Disclosure Project) which analyses and

the destinations where we operate.”

Hotels International as a leader in the sector.

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Indeed, Meliá’s consolidation as a multinational company requires reinforcing this support and commitment, for

Supporting and respecting human rights has been a

today it operates in over 40 countries with very different

deeply rooted objective all along the path travelled by

social situations. Of course, after 60 years, Meliá Hotels

Meliá Hotels International as a company since it was

International’s social commitment now goes far beyond

founded in 1956, more than sixty years ago, by Gabriel

its initial philanthropic work: “As a family company,”

Escarrer in Palma de Mallorca. “My father, who founded

says Escarrer, “we have a long-term vision and a greater

the Group, was a Pioneer and a visionary in this industry”,

responsibility towards society; we call it ‘our legacy’ –

remembers Gabriel Escarrer, today’s Vice President and

which is none other than creating wealth in a responsible

Chief Executive Officer, “and he has always said that

and sustainable manner for our stakeholders, our

tourism has a great ability to bring peoples closer together,

employees and the entire community.” However, the

overcome borders and generate development and social

best way of perceiving the impact of Meliá’s action is

and economic wellbeing for different communities. This

by understanding the value generated in the different

is why our company was also a pioneer in such aspects as

destinations. Several of these initiatives, as you will see

integration and respect towards local cultures, responsible

below, are described in this issue.

“As a family company,” says Escarrer, “we have a long-term vision and a greater responsibility towards society; we call it ‘our legacy’ – which is none other than creating wealth in a responsible and sustainable manner for our stakeholders, our employees and the entire community.”

PHOTO: GETTY.

assesses the behaviour of companies – placing Meliá

The Observatory I N T E RV I E W

TOMÁS FRANQUET CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY DIRECTOR

“CSR is a key attribute for developing employer branding.”

Tomás Franquet is the Corporate

own corporate reputation. Having

for entering the workforce in an

Responsibility Director at Meliá

a motivated regional structure

industry of such an enormous

Hotels International. He is in charge

that understands the concepts and

dynamism as ours. We want to

of implementing the company’s

takes on its driving role makes our

contribute to creating talent,

general CSR guidelines, ensuring

work easier. In fact, the in-depth

wherever it is found. This is why,

that they are integrated in every

knowledge that our regional teams

apart from reinforcing our links with

country and adapted to the situation

and hotels have of the social context

the academic world via strategic

of each destination.

where they operate allows for the

agreements with universities and

model and its dynamism to be

benchmark schools, we aim to

adapted.

become a key player in the field of

How is the CSR department managed in a multinational that operates in 43 countries, with multiple cultures and

You have a very broad CSR strategy,

skills training.

The best ambassadors of any brand

different laws and languages?

but when it comes to prioritising, on

Meliá Hotels International’s

what areas do your annual plans of

are its employees.Are they also key

widespread presence all over the

action focus?

for implementing the company’s CSR

world forces the company to deal

There are two big areas on which

strategy?

with many different social realities

Meliá will focus, globally speaking.

Most certainly. The essence of any

and contexts, thus turning it into

As you would no doubt expect, our

corporation lies in its people and,

an enormously rich and diverse

fight against climate change will be

when it comes to CSR development,

environment. Since 2014, Meliá

an essential line of work. Today, we

this is undeniable. More and more,

has had a Global CSR Model that

are witnessing a change of model

today’s employees and future talent

revolves around 6 well-defined

regarding the attitude of companies

support commitment in any given

pillars: human rights and childhood,

to this phenomenon. Meliá aims

company. Having teams who truly

employability, climate change and

to continue to energise its fight

believe in their work as an engine

local development, university and

against climate change, sustainably

for social change makes it easier to

knowledge, culture and leadership

manage destinations, encourage

develop the concept. Over 83% of

and reputation. It was created with

the responsible consumption of

Meliá’s people positively value the

the aim of turning it a framework

resources and, of course, reduce the

CSR that the company encourages.

that can be adapted to each

impact of our operations.

In fact, CSR is regarded as a key

context and circumstances as each

With regard to people, one of our

attribute in the development of

geographical region has specific

main goals is their comprehensive

employer branding of companies.

requirements. Therefore, the way in

development and sharing sectorial

What future talent highly values,

which the company gets involved

knowledge with groups at risk.

apart from their own professional

must be in line, first of all, with the

Employability has been a line of

growth, is being able to develop in

risks it faces as a hotel company and,

work to which Meliá has been

ethical, committed and responsible

of course, with the opportunities of

committed for a long time. We are

environments. Momentum is not

improving – something that Meliá

supported by benchmark partners

possible without people being

considers to be a key factor. All this

with whom we share knowledge,

involved and taking on the role of

is done with the aim of generating

teams, experience; and to whom,

leading and boosting this line

shared value and reinforcing its

of course, we open the doors of

of thought.

our hotels so that talented young people who are in particularly vulnerable situations can have a quality professional experience that improves their opportunities

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CORE PEOPLE: DIVERSITY, EMPLOYABILITY AND EMPLOYER’S BRAND From executives to entertainers and from chefs to housekeepers; from Mallorca to Yangon, the Meliá Hotels International group currently employs more than 44,000 people all over the world. This may simply reflect that it is a big multinational, or has become the perfect setting for contributing to job creation and generating work opportunities for upcoming generations. This implies an essential factor: the company manages a wide cultural diversity. Apart from its staff, made up of people from over 140 countries, generational diversity is also a shared challenge for Meliá – and is a factor that adds to the company’s value. These diverse generations share thoughts, challenges and experiences in a very dynamic, changing industry filled with opportunities.

In addition to its impact on generating direct employment, something that the Escarrer family is especially proud of is its firm commitment to sharing knowledge, teams and experiences at the service of society as this allows for an improvement in conditions for entering the job market and employability. For Escarrer, this is a key point: “We

“Due to our activity, hotels are often a mirror of trends, good practices and innovation, and we score high in disseminating knowledge and influencing our clients. It is therefore essential that hotels set an example and become true schools for sustainability. As a leading hotel company, Meliá Hotels International has taken on this responsibility.”

collaborate with entrepreneurial platforms like Juntos por el Empleo [Together for Employment] with job creation initiatives targeted at young people at risk of social exclusion, or in collaboration with universities and business

faster access to specific content, a better knowledge of

schools with the aim of promoting employability in the

the company itself, and greater international scope. Thus,

sector, among other initiatives,” he explains. Furthermore,

developing its employer branding to attract external

many directors take part in coaching and career guidance

talent and retain the talent already in place is a strategic

initiatives for the young. Thus, in 2016, the company joined

line of work linked to corporate responsibility among

the Coach Project, supported by the Exit Foundation, in

its own staff. For its talent management, Meliá has been

which voluntary workers – corporate and hotel directors

recognised as the Spanish tourism company with the best

– from Meliá collaborate with groups of young people at

employer branding according to the Merco monitor, and

risk of social and job exclusion by delivering coaching and

it ranks 16th in the whole of Spain.

mentoring sessions. This initiative has been extremely well

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received within the company, and this March has seen the

PROTECTING OUR FUTURE: CHILDREN

start of its third edition. Given the enormous interest shown

AND THEIR RIGHTS,THE BASIS OF MELIÁ’S

by the Meliá teams to participate in voluntary initiatives

CORPORATE SOCIAL POSITIONING

(more than 43% of the staff in 2016), this action will extend

As a family company, it was years ago that Meliá stated

to other cities throughout this year.

its clear stance in favour of children and defending their

For Meliá, having motivated teams is a key point to

rights. The company operates in many destinations where

growing as a company. Providing its employees with a

this sector of the population faces conditions of particular

proper work environment, spaces for communicating,

vulnerability. In these places, the company aims to influence

development schemes and online training allow for

and take on an active role and, in order to achieve it, signed a strategic alliance with UNICEF ten years ago. “Children are the seeds of the future, and in the communities where we operate they are often the most exposed, too,” claims Escarrer. “We have been working jointly with UNICEF for the protection of children for many years, and we were the

where it operates which, in turn, fosters respect for the environment. The results of this commitment can be seen year after year, since, apart from reducing the company’s impact and having more efficient management, the commitment is noticed and recognised. These good practices have placed Meliá in the Top 100 of the best companies in the fight against climate change included in the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) that measures corporate commitment in the fight against climate change.

Unquestionably, these advances are only possible with the involvement and motivation of its own employees, an essential aspect “for the machinery to operate”. Meliá’s hotel management model is thus progressing along a path of sustainability, and the organisations certified by the Global Council for Sustainable Tourism that grant Responsible Tourism credentials confirm this. Today Meliá has almost 180 Sustainable Tourism certificates, encompassing 54% of its establishments.

In this commitment, innovation and constant investment PHOTO: GETTY.

play an essential role as key assets for protecting the environment from the hotels’ infrastructure. “Due to our activity, hotels are often a mirror of trends, good practices and innovation, and we score high in disseminating knowledge and influencing our clients. It is therefore essential that hotels set an example and become true first to sign the ECPAT Code against the sexual exploitation

schools for sustainability. As a leading hotel company,

of children, ascribed to The CODE, a pact against the

Meliá Hotels International has taken on this responsibility,”

sexual and labour exploitation of children.” This alliance,

explains Gabriel Escarrer.

internationally considered a best practice in the defence of

Meanwhile, the Group fosters economic and local

children, has led to a donation of over €3 million to UNICEF

development as a tool for generating economic wealth.

so that this organisation – thanks to the involvement of

The company reinforces its supply chain with a responsible

clients, employees and the company itself – can develop

approach and uses local, nearby suppliers and benchmark

projects in favour of children.

providers who share its commitment regarding human rights, responsibility and sustainability.

ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Meliá is proud of promoting an inclusive hotel

Meliá has a basic principle when it comes to setting up

management model, all of whose stakeholders are actively

in a destination: protecting the natural environment and

involved in a comprehensive way. Moreover, the company’s

the local communities to generate a long-lasting bond

commitments are recognised. Today, it is the Spanish

with the destination. Because of the particularities of the

tourist company with the best Corporate Reputation and

hotel industry, either in a European city or at a paradise-

the best ability for attracting talent, and is in the Top 25 in

like Caribbean beach, the sector depends greatly on the

Corporate Responsibility and Governance in Spain. “We

environment, and this is also why great responsibility

are going down a path, and without a doubt, Meliá Hotels

must be reflected in the respect paid to local ecosystems

International’s presence in the world requires that we stay

and the implementation of sustainable policies linked to

on this path that we chose many years ago.”

energy and water savings as well as responsible waste management. Meliá aims to contribute to the fight against climate change within the hotel industry. To achieve this, it promotes a strategy that is focused precisely on the prevention of the impact of its business in the destinations

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ALEJANDRO PÉREZ INIESTA GUEST EXPERIENCE MANAGER AT THE MELIÁ ZANZIBAR

How has the hotel’s staff become

MELIÁ ZANZIBAR (TANZANIA) IMPROVING LIFE IN THE VILLAGE OF KAIRO

I

involved in the project?

All our staff has put their passion into it, but our Reception, Guest Experience and Recreation

f there were an Oscar for the best initiative for sustainable development

Departments are the most involved

in the tourist sector, it would be the Worldwide Hospitality Awards, which in 2016 was awarded to a project called “Improving life in the village of Kairo

because they are in closer touch with the guests.

(Zanzibar, Tanzania)”, set up by Meliá Hotels International in collaboration

The young men at the reception desk give the “all

with the company that owns the hotel: ASB Tanzania Ltd.

inclusive” bracelets made by the villagers to the guests, and it is they who first introduce the project

Kairo has always been a village heavily dependent on agriculture, and its inhabitants have seen how their lives have improved thanks to this project.

to our clients. In addition, the GEX and Recreation

Among the specific actions that have been carried out are: the refurbishment

departments also organise visits to the village.

of over 35 dwellings; the construction of a local mosque that doubles as a social

Is there a story that has particularly moved you?

and religious centre in the village; and the provision of utilities as well as the

Rather than one story, various stories. There are

supply of clean drinking water. All this is thanks to a direct investment of over

many families living here and all of them must

€145,000. In addition, the hotel has also become a powerful engine for the

make a living somehow. From the owner of a small

development of the local economy, in particular as it fosters the employability

souvenir shop, to someone who comes to work at our

and training of the people who largely make up the hotel’s staff.

hotel, to do a training course or to learn a trade. All of them have had a life of hardship, and it is interesting

On the one hand, local vegetable production has been boosted by the installation of a greenhouse where the workers learn basic agriculture skills

to see how, despite everything, they are happy and

and, on the other hand, both the artisanal amenities and the hotel’s “all

they convey that happiness with a look, a smile, an

inclusive” bracelets are bought from the members of the community – thus

ahsante (“thanks” in Swahili). So, the thing that has

helping the local micro-economy.

touched me the most is their way of seeing life and being happy with whatever they have, even if for

To round off this programme, the guests themselves can also see the initiative

other people it does not seem a lot.

and be an active part in it. Guided visits to the village are thus arranged as a way of creating awareness as well as a source of income.

What added value do you consider these initiatives have for guests?

We want our clients to feel the kind of place they are in and how people live in Zanzibar as soon as they arrive. Beginning with an artisanal bracelet made of natural materials from the island that is given as a welcome gift. We want to remind all our visitors to this hotel that this is a bubble and it is good for them to know that we collaborate with the locals and we are doing something to improve living conditions in Zanzibar.

Will the project continue with new initiatives?

Yes, of course. First, we drilled a borehole for water,

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PHOTO: ALEX DEL RIO.

and now we are starting to construct the pipelines so that it goes directly to the homes of the villagers. Then, when that has been done, we have already asked for an estimate to replace the roofs of their houses which are made of makuti (palm leaves); this means that when it rains, they will be properly sheltered.

“Rather than one story, various stories. There are many families living here and all of them must make a living somehow. From the owner of a small souvenir shop, to someone who comes to work at our hotel, to do a training course or to learn a trade.”

The Observatory P R O J E C T S / 2

JAVIER DOVAL

COORDINATOR OF THE PINARDI FEDERATION OF SOCIAL PLATFORMS

PINARDI. DREAMS COME TRUE

T

What is your specific role in the Pinardi project I am Pinardi’s General Coordinator. Together with the entire team of professionals who make up Pinardi, every year we plan, develop and attend to over 10,000 people

hey would probably not have even imagined it a

few years ago, but during Madrid’s latest International Tourism Fair (FITUR), a group of young people at risk of social exclusion worked serving the haute-

who are in a vulnerable situation via different childcare projects that include tutoring, training and work placement, creating awareness and giving support to families.

The programme is already in its third edition. How has it evolved since it was set up?

cuisine cocktails designed by two of the best Spanish

The project was set up in 2014 thanks to the support of different partners

chefs of the moment: the Torres brothers. They were

who helped us to shape and consolidate this initiative whose aim is to offer

students of the Pinardi programme set up by Meliá

work opportunities to young people who, for different reasons, have

Hotels International together with JP Morgan and

never had the chance of having a job.

the Accenture Foundation, with the aim of increasing

In late 2016, Spain had a youth unemployment rate close to 40 %. This is the

employability among vulnerable groups, providing

challenge faced by the First Professional Experience project, and companies

them with both theoretical and hands-on training in

such as Meliá Hotel International – a strategic partner in the project – is

the hospitality industry.

helping us to overcome it thanks to its professionals who provide us with their

After the success of past editions, the third edition is

experience, mentoring, training and job opportunities.

now underway with 150 new students. During their

Since it started, the project has gradually evolved, adapting itself to the needs

training, the students not only have the possibility of

of both companies and the job market, innovating in an ongoing way, but

attending classes to acquire the best hotel industry

also reinforcing the project’s key elements: companies, professional mentors,

skills, but they also enjoy other complementary

social support for the students, a result-oriented approach, shared experience,

courses such as learning languages, values and new

technical expertise and training in job skills.

technologies in addition to having coaching and

What do you feel when a student is recruited by the company after

mentoring sessions delivered by Meliá’s employees

completing the course?

themselves. Ten of the students from the second

Great satisfaction. Behind each recruitment there is a personal story,

edition have already joined the company’s team.

many hours of personal effort invested by these young people, the involvement of Meliá’s and Pinardi’s professionals and, above all, an opportunity to begin a life project.

What are the most difficult and the most rewarding sides to the programme?

The most difficult is perhaps when a youngster has to leave their training before it ends due to personal reasons that prevent them from completing the programme. However, we always try to give them a second opportunity to allow them to start again.

The most rewarding thing is knowing that, thanks to our effort, our joint work, we are able to help Sadou, Lamin, Sara, Ruben Lassana, Imane, Antonio, Luis… make their dreams come true, develop their talent and have their First Professional Experience, developing their professional vocation at Meliá Hotels International.

In your opinion, what is the most valuable thing for the students involved?

Their colleagues on the training course and the people they meet when they join Meliá hotels. They establish bonds and identify with the brand’s values.

They acquire the ability to work, to better themselves, to offer the hotel guests a smile. And they also learn to be self-confident. Believing in their possibilities, believing that they can make their dream come true.

“Great satisfaction. Behind each recruitment there is a personal story, many hours of personal effort invested by these young people, the involvement of Meliá’s and Pinardi’s professionals and, above all, an opportunity to begin a life project.”

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DANIEL LOZANO THE RESORT’S GENERAL MANAGER

Your personal commitment is to achieve a balance

MEXICO’S PARADISUS PLAYA DEL CARMEN: THE MAYAN RIVIERA FROM THE INSIDE

T

between tourism and sustainability. Is that possible?

I am convinced that if we create links between government, society and the company, we can improve our processes – each from its own business angle – following a strategic plan of work whose

he Paradisus Playa del Carmen is a resort that is perfectly

integrated in its own ecosystem (mangroves, lowland

global approach takes into account our proportional share in the

rainforest and coastal dunes). Since the resort opened in

Kyoto Protocol. This is why we should keep on practicing what we

2011, the team has been aware of this area’s environmental

preach, continue to be a benchmark hotel and involve our different

importance and, in an aim to preserve it, has become involved

partners, now more than ever, so that our steps forward can be firm,

in making further progress in measuring and reducing the

confident and leave a permanent mark on the reduction of carbon

resort’s carbon footprint. In addition, several programmes

emissions, and an increase in the use of renewable energies.

for the conservation of endangered flora and fauna, lowland

How do you work with local communities?

rainforest and coastal dunes have been implemented, as has

I am convinced that we must promote and protect cultural diversity in

the recovery of the Mesoamerican Reef.

order to guarantee its permanence over time as it is one of the destination’s main tourist attractions. Our priority is to work with local companies in

Based on this policy of sustainability, all products purchased by the hotel have the lowest environmental impact – starting

order to acquire the products and services that best adapt to our needs. All

from their manufacture to their final delivery. With regard

this is reflected in a reduction of our operational costs. Local people make

to social matters, and via a partnership with UNICEF and

up 90% of our staff. Internal promotion is also a priority and is clearly set

Save the Children, the resort is involved in a strategy that

out in our internal Human Resources guidelines.

encompasses basic education, protection of children and the

Have you implemented any employability programmes?

Today, we have programmes for employing people with mobility

prevention of their sexual exploitation.

impairment, the recruitment of older adults (the over 60s), help for workers who suffer problems of gender-based violence; basic and secondary education classes are taught; we have established a work synergy with the Mexican Red Cross, we support education with a humanitarian campaign for which we collect and donate textbooks and learning material, we care for our employees’ diet with menus designed by nutritionists, and we will soon include the recruitment of blind and visually impaired people as therapists at the hotel’s spa. We are looking at the possibility of signing agreements for recruiting youngsters with Down syndrome for front and back of house jobs; this has all been done with the assessment and close collaboration of different NGOs since 2011.

Challenges for the future?

Reducing our environmental impact to help reduce our carbon footprint and tackle climate change concerns. Understanding what a carbon footprint is is among the first activities that each hotel must undertake.

This tool will enable us to identify the effect of our operations and

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PHOTO: ALEX DEL RIO.

quantify the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere per day, year or event – and thus be able to better define, and in a more effective way, our objectives and policies for emissions reduction, as well as to compensate for it via the acquisition of carbon credits. One of the projects recently implemented has been the installation of six automotive battery chargers for hybrid and electric cars in order to promote their use.

“I am convinced that we must promote and protect cultural diversity in order to guarantee its permanence over time as it is one of the destination’s main tourist attractions. Our priority is to work with local companies in order to acquire the products and services that best adapt to our needs.”

The Observatory P R O J E C T S / 4

RAMÓN VIDAL

GENERAL MANAGER OF PALMA’S CONGRESS CENTRE COMPLEX

PALMA’S CONGRESS CENTRE A GLOBAL CSR EXPERIENCE

T

After your last experience at the Meliá Castilla, a new stage and a new project are starting now.What are you most excited about?

he new Congress Centre in Palma de Mallorca is not the usual or

traditional kind. Not only because it has its own hotel, the Meliá Palma Bay, but

The ability we will have to generate business and social value, with a

also because it is a symbol of the various aspects of Meliá Hotels International’s

great impact on many community sectors.

entire CSR policy and will be an engine for the development of Palma’s

What is it that makes it truly innovative?

economic, cultural and social life.

It fully respects the environment and aims to become an active laboratory

This is the first time in history that Mallorca has a good enough infrastructure to cater to MICE tourism. The fact

for environmental innovation to carry out testing for new developments and

that this is an architecturally singular, unique building

devices to support the fight against climate change, manage natural resources

with a seafront location makes it a remarkable offer

and waste in a more efficient and effective way, adding a monitoring model to

within a highly competitive market. On the other hand,

control impact, and enhancing improvements in management.

what was innovative was to encompass the excellence of

It will also play an essential role for employability programmes with the

Meliá Group’s hospitality in a Congress Centre.

What will the Congress Centre mean for Palma?

for employment and the learning of technical skills, mostly for groups with

The arrival of clients with high purchasing power

especial needs. In addition, it will encourage the recruitment of people with

– which, in addition, will help put an end to the

disabilities – thus promoting their insertion into the workforce and society. In

current seasonal nature of this destination. It will also

addition, it will also foster a culture and awareness of responsible consumption

mean economic and social development, as well as a

as it aims to enhance the destination and promote the regeneration of decaying

strengthening of quality employment; moreover, its

areas by preserving both cultural and natural heritage.

impact will reach wide sectors of the population.

PHOTO: JUAN RODRÍGUEZ

implementation of a training model for personal development, training

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“The fact that this is an architecturally singular, unique building with a seafront location makes it a remarkable offer within a highly competitive market. On the other hand, what was innovative was to encompass the excellence of Meliá Group’s hospitality in a Congress Centre.”

IN THE CITY

PARIS

MELIÁ

INTHE CITY OF LIGHTS Revisiting Paris, either on business, holiday or on a trip to fulfil a dream is always good news.

The Meliá group has several hotels in the French capital city – nearly in all its historical arrondissements.We stroll through them so you can choose the one that suits you best for your next visit.

Text: VICKY VILCHES Photos: ALEX DEL RIO

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The famous Eiffel Tower has a total of 108 floors, and more than 5 million lights illuminate it at night.

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“P

aris is always a good idea.” You only have to set

foot in the city of the Seine to confirm that this sentence by the unforgettable Audrey Hepburn is still as valid as it was back then – at that time when she played the adorable character of Sabrina – and she learned how to cook soufflés, gazing longingly at the Eiffel Tower. Just the idea of planning a getaway to France’s capital city is enough to put people in a good mood. Paris never ends, and few cities still seduce travellers in such a special way, or are able to give the pleasant suspicion that, no matter how many times you visit, you still will be surprised by little squares and narrow streets brimming with charm and of whose existence you were unaware; with new restaurants and cafés that are très chic, shop windows that ooze glamour, exhibitions and shows that reveal to us the city’s avant-garde side, or a pleasant reunion with the great icons that have made Paris Paris.

Precisely because the city never ends, and its historical centre – where the main sights are concentrated – is one of the biggest in the world, it is advisable to plan your

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The Garnier Opera is one of the most iconic buildings in the urban landscape of the French capital, and specifically of the 9th arrondissement. Napoleon III commissioned its construction to architect Charles Garnier, who designed it in the Neo Baroque style.

Left, lively ambience in the city centre.

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Below, statues by Maillol, Rodin, and Giacometti in the Tuileries Garden, and a partial view of the Louvre Museum in the background.

Opposite, the old Orsay Palace that today is home to its eponymous museum – was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition to house the station of the Orleans Railway Company.

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routes by district – here, they are called arrondissements. In

awaken your admiration are: The Conciergerie, a symbol

1795, Paris was subdivided into these districts, arranged

for the power of the French kings of the Middle Ages; the

in the form of a clockwise spiral beginning with number

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel; and the famous Vendôme

I on the Seine’s right bank. The first arrondissement –

column, built at Napoleon’s request to celebrate his

today, there are twenty and their numbers are written in

victory at the battle of Austerlitz.

Roman numerals – is the smallest and least populated of

The column overlooks one of Paris’s most beautiful

the entire city, but also the one that is home to some of

squares, after which the nearby Hotel Meliá Vendôme

the greatest emblems of French – perhaps even universal

is named. This small hotel, a gem thanks to its location

– culture. Here is the incomparable Louvre Museum – and

– in a quiet street very near the Louvre – will allow you

the also interesting Musée de la Orangerie and the Galerie

to explore on foot the many things that this wonderful

National du Jeu de Paume – allowing us to see the Mona

district has to offer. And much more. The hotel is located

Lisa and the Venus of Milo in a single day and, after a

on an iconic street for the history of fashion – the Rue

short, delightful walk, some of the best works by Cézanne

Cambon, on which Coco Chanel made her debut as a

and Monet. In this district you will also find the Tuileries

dressmaker in 1910, and where she would open her first

Garden, among the most beautiful in the city, and the

haute-couture atelier some years later. Maison Chanel is

famous, old Comédie-Française and Châtelet theatres.

still here, and the nearby streets are lined with the shop

In addition, the district is home to Sainte-Chapelle, a

windows of every benchmark fashion firm. It is one step

veritable masterpiece and particularly gorgeous when

away from the Rue Saint Honoré, a famous shopping

the rays of sunlight shine in through its stained glass

mecca in Paris, and from the Rue de la Paix: the street

windows. Among the architectural monuments that will

that boasts the best jewellery shops in the world. A walk

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Right, the River Seine under Paris’s bridges: in the foreground, the Pont des Arts; and in the background, the Pont Neuf – the city’s oldest bridge (the first to be built of stone and not of timber).

Below, one of the metro entrances on the Rue Dunkerque, classified as a historical monument.

Opposite, the Vosges Place in the Marais district, and floating houses on the Seine.

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in this area lets you enjoy the pleasurable art of window shopping, admiring fabulous diamond and emerald tiaras

by Cartier and being surprised by the latest designs by Colette, Paris’s top concept store, next door.

From the Meliá Vendôme you can also walk to the Place des Vosgues, the city’s oldest square, and one of the most beautiful, and to the always interesting and lively neighbourhood of Le Marais. Apart from being home to Europe’s largest Jewish community, the Marais is dotted with all sorts of small squares, cafés and brasseries which, particularly on Sundays and over the summer months, are full of lively local life. Exploring Paris in the opposite direction from the Meliá Vendôme, you will encounter another of the shopping areas per excellence in Paris, with famous department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Their domes and rooftop terraces will leave you speechless as they offer spectacular views of the city.

Little by little, we have approached the area of Paris designed by Baron Haussmann, the great creator of this city of wide avenues, huge, more or less uniform,

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stately buildings crowned by elegant black slate roofs.

We are not far from the Opéra Garnier, magnificent inside and out and which lends its name to the Tryp Paris Opéra, which occupies an 18th-century building designed in the Haussmann style. And now, you can begin to explore the city’s great boulevards – part of the ambitious urban reform encouraged by Napoleon III during the Second Empire.

Yet, if there is an avenue that represents the Paris that embraces “grandeur”, the great urban plan designed

by Haussmann, it is the Champs Elysées. Almost two kilometres long, its present layout dates back from 1724, and there is no doubt that is one of the most famous streets in the world. It connects the Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe – from the top of which is a sensational view of Paris’s main boulevard.

One of the best-known victory arches in the world, also commissioned by Napoleon, it is in the middle of the Place de L’Etiole, also called Place Charles De Gaulle. Some of the city’s most elegant streets begin

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Gothic pinnacles of the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral – another of the city’s attractions – whose construction began in 1163 and ended in 1345.

Right, a leap in time: interior of the Pompidou Centre, designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers.

from here. We are in the XVI arrondissement, which is

important street linked to the world of haute couture, and

more residential in character, but with the advantage of

where Christian Dior inaugurated his famous Maison that

being a step away from the Champs Elysées, with wide

today remains at the same number. An elegant street with

pavements lined with trees and magnificent houses

no crowds, perhaps too quiet for those who prefer the

owned by illustrious Parisians and pieds-à-terre belonging

busy, traditional, bohemian literary cafés such as Les Deux

to the world’s wealthiest people. Victor Hugo lived on

Magots. The time has come to cross the Seine and enter the

one of these avenues, and in this tranquil environment

“rive gauche”. Here, a small graceful palace awaits us, the

is the Meliá Paris Champs-Elysées, a hotel from where

Meliá Colbert, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter,

you can explore the authentic Parisian flavour of this area

very close to the Place Saint-Michel, and with sensational

that is not so frequented by tourists.

views of Notre-Dame. One of the most important

A walk through the neighbourhood of the Parisian

cathedrals in the world, it is a must-visit, allowing you

haute bourgeoisie, along iconic avenues such as Iena,

to see not only one of the most representative works in

Marceau and George V – with some of the chicest terrace

the Gothic style, but also the charming Île de la Cité. In

cafés in the city – will take you to the Meliá Royal Alma.

this small island in the Seine, the Celtic tribe of the Parisii

Its location is perfect for admiring the Eiffel Tower,

founded the city of Lutecia – the city’s primitive name. On

going to the Seine and the Avenue Montaigne – another

this small piece of land is not only the famous cathedral, but also the Sainte-Chapelle and The Conciergerie: in other words, some of the most important buildings from Medieval France. The area is also home one of the biggest flower markets in Paris and it has little alleys, squares and terraces where you can sit and just watch people. In Paris, that is always a pleasant pastime.

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ILLUSTRATION: JAIME MARTINEZ.

EACH WITH THEIR OWN PERSONALITY Paris is one of the most visited destinations in the world.A world cultural capital city, a first-class hub of international fashion, and a world benchmark of haute cuisine; over 99 million travellers choose to visit Paris every year (and the figure is on the rise). Few cities offer the staggering number of 134 museums, without forgetting the many sports events that take place here, or the more than 1,600 professionals who attend its international fairs every year. In order to cater to such a wide range of visitors, the Meliá group has six hotels in Paris: the Meliá Royal Alma (1) is perfect for exclusive meetings, and has luxurious rooms overlooking the Eiffel Tower.The Meliá Paris Champs Elysées (2) with a charming garden in the heart of Paris, stands out for it contemporary, elegant and spacious accommodation. In turn, the Meliá Colbert (3) is one of the city’s most romantic and exclusive hotels. From its rooms, you can see the cathedral of Notre Dame.The Meliá Vendôme (4) on the iconic Rue Coco Chanel, close to the Louvre, the Opéra and the Tuileries, is a wonderful haven for a cultural visit. More modern, urban and located in a splendid 18th-century building, the Tryp Paris Opéra (5) offers a fantastic location very close to the Folies Bergère and Galeries Lafayette. Lastly, although not part of the historical city but in the district of La Defènse, the Meliá Paris La Défense is less than 5 kilometres from the Grande Arche, the Arc de Triomphe and the Palais des Congrès, and is perfect for meetings and business visits (melia.com).

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TRENDY

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With a seafront location on Santo Tomás beach, and close to the beaches of Adeodato and Binigaus in Menorca, the elegant Sol Beach House Menorca is only for adults.

Above, the hotel’s swimming pool and, below, Santo Tomás beach at night.

MY BEACH

HOME

Are you one of those people who prefer sea-and-sun holidays but don’t want to forgo your laidback, hippie chic?The Sol Beach House hotels have the perfect formula for you.A refuge where you can do everything that you would do at your own beach home.

Text: ARANTXA NEYRA

S

ome years ago, there was just one type of

holiday: the sun-and-beach holiday. Beach spade and bucket, beach umbrella and ball, and the whole family.

It it is no longer like that, things have changed. To begin with, because times are no longer as they were, but above all, because families are not like those of the past either.

So, when in 2013 Meliá Hotels International started work on restyling its original Sol Hotels brand – the company’s first family hotels located in typical holiday destinations – it knew that the time had come to change and to find a new approach that worked for these new families and their holidays.

Four different hotel concepts emerged from that process – Sol Hotels, Sol Katmandú, Sol House and Sol Beach House – and each was targeted to a different public who spoke a language of their own. The Sol Beach House hotels, aimed at couples or friends who like travelling together, had a brand-new philosophy as they were

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designed exclusively for adults, but still kept their location in strategic beach spots offering an elegant while laid-back style of “a product for people over 16 that combines the new with the rustic to achieve a liberating and relaxing atmosphere,” as summed up by Marian Valles, Marketing Manager for the Mediterranean Region.

Today, the Sol Beach House brand has three hotels in the Mediterranean (Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca) and two in Asia (Vietnam and Bali), but in the summer of 2017 it will open its first hotel in the Canary Islands (Fuerteventura).

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE Below, fresh fruit served at the Bali beds in the swimming pool area.

Right, terrace with views of the sea at the Tramuntana restaurant specialising in the typical regional cuisine of the island.

Bottom, a Beach House room with views of the sea.

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Mediterranean architecture, simple and sunny, and a stunning location with views of the sea surrounded by pines, bougainvillea, juniper bushes and cork trees, are two of the elements shared by all the Sol Beach House hotels in the Balearic Islands – and perhaps the most important. For it is this laid-back atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle in the sun that turns them into perfect havens for adults-only getaways. “Our guests seek peace and quiet, to rest, unwind and leave their routine behind so they can recharge their batteries, but in an elegant and hippy-

1 1. Ambience at the most fashionable beach bar, Cova del Xoroi: sheer luxury.

2. View of Talatí de Dalt, a prehistoric settlement close to Mahón’s Ciutadella.

3. Espadrilles from Mahón and other artisanal items.

4. Xoriguer gin, distilled in Menorca.

3

4

PHOTOS: GONZALO AZUMENDI.

2

THE MENORCA SOL BEACH HOUSE The hotel is in front of the beach of Santa Tomas and next to the San Adeodato and Binigaus beaches. Not very far, the Cova d’en Xoroi (a natural cave in a cliff in the south of the island) is a wonderful sight, as are the stunning town of Ciutadella, the port of Mahón, and the Poblado de Trepucó, a spectacular megalithic archaeological site in Menorca.Another of the most enjoyable activities is the “Cami de Cavalls” trail. If you visit this island, try the local Xoringer gin and, of course, the Mahón cheese. In addition, you won’t be able to resist the temptation of buying a Menorcan chair and a pair of avarcas – the typical sandals used by the payeses [local farmers], made with a rubber sole, a leather front and a slingback.

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chic atmosphere,” says Valles. No doubt whatsoever: this is the place. Because the Sol Beach House hotels are like the home everyone would like to have on the beach, a place where you can do exactly what you would do at your own beach home (and in the same way): swimming every morning in a pool with views of the sea (or in the sea), having a siesta every afternoon without looking at your watch (in a hammock between two palm trees, and if possible, in your pyjamas), sun-bathing on a sunbed (or a Bali bed) and forgetting about the phone (or not).

Finally, having fresh fish cooked with glossy green olive oil or a delicious seafood casserole outdoors for dinner.

And to complete the day, a cocktail in good company: that of friends, the moon and some live jazz.

In Palmanova, opposite Mallorca’s Cala Blanca, the Sol Beach House on this island (also only for adults) is very cosy.

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Getting up early and having a good breakfast with freshly-squeezed juices, delicious bread, fresh pastries and aromatic coffee, and cycling to the nearest village to wander along the promenade and immerse yourself in the life of the island: its whitewashed houses, its traditional food (sobrasadas [a pâté made with pork and paprika], ensaimadas [a spiral shaped bun typical of Mallorca], Mahón cheeses or salt from the Ibizan salt flats) and handicrafts (the Mallorcan “fabric of flames”, or the Below, the Master Suite terrace with a Jacuzzi and views of the sea, and its bathroom.

Right, terrace of the Master Suite with Bali beds, and interior of the Xtra Beach Suite.

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cotton dresses that are already the absolute icon of Ibiza).

“The Sol Beach House hotels have a strong link with the local environment,” explains Valles, “and their interior design, and the activities and gastronomy they offer are intimately linked to the local culture of the destination in which they are – be it Ibiza, Bali or Fuerteventura.”

1

PHOTOS: FÉLIX LORENZO / GONZALO AZUMENDI.

2

3 1. An idyllic cove on the island of Mallorca.

2. View of the Sóller's church of San Bartolomé in Mallorca island.

3. View of Deyá, one of the most charming villages in the Tramontana mountains.

4. A local dish of steamed mussels seasoned with a dash of lemon.

4

THE MALLORCA SOL BEACH HOUSE The hotel is on the Palmanova beach, on the Bay of Palma, the capital city.

The island has endless attractions: from the capital city and all its cultural possibilities to gorgeous beaches and coves, or the mountain villages of the Tramontana range, and even the island of Cabrera. Don’t miss its gastronomy with outstanding typical products such as sobrasada, and herba and palo – two traditional spirits with Controlled Denomination of Origin.You can also enjoy its traditional ensaimadas, as well as glass and leather items that are manufactured on the islands using techniques that have remained the same for centuries.

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Precisely in order to achieve this, and to make the most of the sea and mountain Mediterranean landscape with caves and coves, woods and rocks, all three hotels organise trekking trails, canyoning outings and water sports: surfing, water skiing and diving. They also offer their guests free bikes (vintage models) and yoga or Pilates classes that can be taken outdoors, as well as different alternative therapies, Feng Shui and holistic treatments.

They have even designed several theme programmes to tone body, mind and soul during your stay, such as the Serenity & Yoga Retreat, combining private yoga lessons, detox and “balance” massages, sessions of foot reflexology, and wellbeing treatments, with healthy juices and a nutrition consult.

Obviously, gastronomy is also important for the brand.

Any of the islands can confirm this. With superb produce such as their fresh fish, charcuterie, cheeses and huge variety of popular recipes, Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are worthy representatives of the Mediterranean diet that is praised by both foodies and nutritionists alike. From the breakfast buffet to the beach bar, and from smoothies to cocktails, “At our hotels we have developed concepts of

On the bay of Santa Eulalia del Río, the Sol Beach House Ibiza is in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, in the San Antonio Bay. Opposite, panoramic view of the hotel, lobby, and garden, plus its infinity pool with Bali beds.

Below, a flower-power van drives all over the island advertising the hotel.

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our own linked to the brand,” says Valles, “and these are the ultimate expression in terms of flavour where you can enjoy healthy, natural and delicious food and drinks.”

A HIDEAWAY FOR FREE SPIRITS Along the same lines of simple elegance present in every detail, the rooms of the Sol Beach House hotels are practical but very cosy; the furniture is made of organic wood and the bed linens are made of cotton, plus colourful Adult-only (over 16-year-olds) rooms at the Sol Beach House Ibiza combine modernity and a rustic touch.

Below, the Xtra Beach House Master Suite and bathroom, and its outdoor Jacuzzi with views of the sea.

Above, the Sol Shack beach bar, perfect for having brunch in a bikini or a sophisticated dinner… in your flip-flops.

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and fun touches designed by Desigual (such as the staff ’s uniforms), the Catalan brand that collaborates with Meliá Hotels International and with which it shares “a very similar philosophy and style”: fun, fresh and youthful.

Their alliance has gone way beyond that as they both have left the rooms to move on to campervans, real caravans which were first included as a means for transporting VIPs and now also double as lodgings. “Who hasn’t ever dreamt of sleeping in a campervan?” asks Valles. “Our guests can do so as an additional experience within their holidays with Sol Beach House: it is the greatest exponent of the Boho life and of this free spirit with which many of them identify themselves.”

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1

2

1. Es Muro lighthouse in front of Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s old city.

2. The fortress at Dalt Vila, the island’s historical part.

3. View of Puig de Missa, a 16th-century church in Santa Eulalia del Río.

4. Delicious soupy rice with lobster: a dish you shouldn’t miss.

4

PHOTOS: FOTOTECA 9X12 / GONZALO AZUMENDI.

3

THE IBIZA SOL BEACH HOUSE Close to the Santa Eulalia Bay, the hotel’s location is perfect for visiting the Dalt Vila Walls, the Broner House, the Puig de Missa in Santa Eulalia del Río, the old 16th17th-century fortress, and Balàfia, in Sant Joan de Labritja. Don’t miss some of its dishes, such as the guisat de peix [fish stew] and peix sec – a sort of Mediterranean casserole –, and flao, a cheesecake with mint and aniseed. If you want to go shopping in Ibiza, the best thing to do is visit its traditional markets.

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NEW DESTINATION

the pure essence of

MYANMAR

ASIA

Do you know this fashionable country in Southeast Asia?

Myanmar, the old Republic of Burma, with its historical temples, its impressive landscapes and its surprising history, now also has an exclusive hotel in the centre of the capital: the Meliá Yangon.

Text & Photos: CRISTINA FERNÁNDEZ

W

hen I think of Myanmar, my mind fills with

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This is a sensorial description of Yangon, Myanmar ’s

memories of the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda and

most important city, and the heart and soul of the

its golden dome that dazzles both the faithful as well

country – an especially interesting place regardless

as travellers. The whispered prayers of Buddhist

of whether you are there on a business or leisure

monks become an unending soundtrack as you walk

trip. Myanmar ’s most traditional sides, as well as those

around the city. The omnipresent traffic keeps visitors

that are committed to its path to modernity, converge

observant and alert. Street stalls give off aromas that

in Yangon.

soon become familiar.

You only have to wander its streets to find the biggest contrasts: ancient temples next to electronics stores, novice monks connected to the internet on their mobile phones, and small altars decorated with neon lights: images like these made me understand that Myanmar was a destination unlike any other. And that Yangon, of

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In old Burma’s capital city, Buddhism is the religion followed by most people. In the photo, a statue of Buddha inside the Shwedagon Pagoda.

And if you add to Myanmar’s charm the fact that its people are probably the “purest souls” in Southeast Asia, it becomes a magical and attractive destination for any traveller who decides to visit Asia for whatever reason: tourism, business, etc.

An essential innocence is inseparable from the character of the Burmese people, forged by the harsh experience of enduring great political repression that kept the country internationally isolated for some five decades. This endowed the Burmese people with a goodnatured spirit, humbleness and hospitality, and they welcome travellers with the broadest of smiles.

I remember feeling at home every day; men or women spontaneously came up to me, simply with the intention course, was the perfect beginning for an adventure that

of exchanging a few words, inviting me to lunch or

would take me to a very special world.

giving me some fruit. None of them ever asked me for

Perhaps it was for this very reason that Meliá Hotels International decided to locate its newest hotel venture

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anything in return.

The religious aspect also probably has something to

in Asia, the Meliá Yangon, in this city. As Céline

do with it. In a country where 90% of the population are

Guyomarch, the new hotel’s General Manager, says:

practicing Buddhists, there are plenty temples scattered

“The strong rise in travellers over the past five years in

throughout the entire country. However, it is Yangon

Myanmar has brought a lot of opportunities to Yangon.”

which boasts the crown jewel: the Shwedagon Pagoda, with its immense 71-metre high orange dome that can be admired from almost anywhere in the city. Apart from being Myanmar’s most representative icon, it is the most sacred place in the land: every Burmese hopes to visit it at least once in their life.

Above, the country’s most iconic temple, the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon (Shwe means “golden”), the only Buddhist temple to house relics of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha and the three previous Buddhas.

Left, a Burmese boy with his face painted with thanaka (a natural sun screen); and a Buddhist monk – the group at the top of Buddhism’s social hierarchy.

Unique exclusivity achieved thanks to concepts such as The Level: an entire executive floor where guests can enjoy personalised customer service and privileges that are truly exquisite. One of them, for instance, is the chance of enjoying The Level Lounge on the hotel’s top floor: being able to admire the impressive 360-degree And of course, if the Burmese do it, so must anyone who visits Yangon and explores the city. Perhaps for this

views of the entire city is a gift in itself.

In addition, the hotel is only 15 minutes from the

very reason, the new Meliá Yangon is located only a

International Airport of Yangon, the main access into

10-minute drive from the Shwedagon Pagoda.

the country and a key hub for travelling to Myanmar’s

Above, a view of the Phaung Daw temple and fishing boats on the 200-km2 Inle Lake.

Left, a street in the ever-changing city of Yangon and, below, the ultra-modern profile of the Meliá Yangon hotel situated on Inya Lake; the luxurious lobby; a spacious bedroom; and a bathroom.

other most attractive destinations. Just a few hours flight

LUXURY AND DESIGN IN THE HEART

from Yangon are places like Bagan, with hundreds of

OF YANGON

ancient temples; Inle Lake, where life flows peacefully on

The luxurious 5-star Meliá Yangon stands on the shore

floating houses and boats; and Mandalay, the country’s

of the famous Inya Lake, one of the most popular leisure

cultural heart, and very close to Myanmar’s three old

areas of the city. The hotel’s interior is outstanding for

capital cities: Sagaing, Mingun and Amarapura.

its elegant and state-of-the-art design that goes perfectly with the surrounding environment. Céline Guyomarch states: “Our rooms and especially our restaurants have a unique design and ambiance, offering a new atmosphere to the market in Yangon.” The new hotel is located in Yangon’s most modern district, and it certainly offers the most complete and exclusive accommodation option.

THE MELIÁ YANGON This exclusive hotel, right in the heart of Yangon, has 430 spacious rooms and suites elegantly designed to offer its guests maximum comfort.The Meliá group aims to STYLE

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offer the best choice of accommodation both to travellers who choose Myanmar as a holiday destination and, thanks to its excellent convention facilities, to those who visit it on business.The hotel is directly linked to the Myanmar Plaza building, Yangon’s most modern and most all-encompassing shopping mall. It thus offers yet another leisure option to its guests who only have to walk a few metres to find themselves surrounded by the most exclusive international brands (melia.com).

Left, a fisherman on Inle Lake holding an oar with his leg to keep his balance, fishes with his free hands.

Below, landscape in the mountain village of Kalaw, perfect for trekking.

Left, one of the many semi-ruined temples scattered all over Mandalay Below, a street-food stall.

THE MELIÁ YANGON’S DEVOTION TO RELAXING AND GASTRONOMY One of the strengths of this hotel, whose aim is to offer maximum comfort to its guests during their stay in Myanmar, is its 1,800 square metres devoted to health and wellbeing. A place in which to indulge and relax, the hotel’s YHI Spa offers hydro massage and Vichy treatments, a tempting Jacuzzi and, why not also enjoy its sauna. After a busy day of sightseeing, there is no better way to unwind than having a swim in the outdoor pool or working out in the hotel’s fitness room.

The Meliá Yangon has three different restaurants.

If you feel like having Asian food, local delights or traditional Western food, no matter the time, the best place is The Market. The Lantern serves most delicious Vietnamese food in an intimate ambiance with art deco touches. But if, on the other hand, you crave Mediterranean flavours and modern, exotic food, Olea

BURMESE CUISINE

will hit the spot.

In spite of the fact that most people in Myanmar are used to sating their appetite at

After a good meal you may feel like having a drink in the sophisticated and elegant atmosphere of the

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the street stalls scattered throughout the city,Yangon also offers great culinary options.

Burmese cuisine is outstanding as it is delicious, spicy and influenced by its neighbouring

Garbo Bar: named after the famous actress Greta Garbo,

countries. Don’t miss out on its well-known curries; nga htamin, a Shan speciality of fish

it successfully transports guests back to Hollywood’s

with rice; and its famous mohinga, rice noodles in a thick fish and shallot broth topped

golden age.

with fried vegetables or lentils. Some restaurants where you can enjoy the country’s

˜

gastronomy are: Feel Myanmar Food (124 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha St.); Kipling’s Restaurant (129 Dhammazedi Rd.); and, if you prefer something more casual and authentic, Danuphyu Daw Saw Yee (29th St.). By the way, don’t worry if, when you get to a restaurant, the first thing the waiter does is put countless dishes on the table: these soups, sauces, salads and vegetables are on the house.

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info@proffetional.com

iniciativa contract design s.l.

Projects and hotel refurbishment

Iniciativa Contract Design, has born to address the professional needs of the hospitality industry by offering quality, design and decoration for their premises, also with best quality price ratio. It´s got a Department intended for Interior Design, Refurbishment and Civil works with vast experience in the field.

Rodríguez San Pedro 2, 9th floor · office No. 908 28015-Madrid. Spain.

Tel: (34)911 695 423.

E-mail: icd@icdesing.com

A design by The 2nd Skin Co. and Art Director Inés Ybarra for the new image of the Gran Meliá brand’s most iconic figure: Lady In Red.

• A PASSION FOR GOLF • SHOPPING • SPORTS • OUR PARTNERS • FOOD & BEVERAGE • AWARDS

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A PASSION FOR GOLF

THE MELIร GOLF HACIENDA DEL CONDE HOSTS THE 2ND EDITION OF THE SEVE BALLESTEROS MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

T

he 2nd Edition of the Seve

Ballesteros Memorial tournament will be held from 6 to 12 June at Buena Vista Golf, the exceptional links course by the Atlantic designed

by Severiano Ballesteros in 2003 at the spectacular Meliรก Hacienda del Conde hotel. Ballesteros was a professional Spanish golfer with one of the best track records in golfing history. Among his titles were five Match Play world championships, two top positions at the select STYLE

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Augusta Masters tournament,

This golf course, located in a unique volcanic landscape, was designed by Severiano Ballesteros (his only work in the Canary Islands) and allows for playing different numbers of holes, making it a demanding course if required.

BALI | COSTA DEL SOL | MALLORCA | IBIZA | TAGHAZOUT

making your holidays beat Where summer gets amplified. The place to chill all day and capture the night. Live the Sol House lifestyle from room to pool-side to bar-side to beach-side.

FOR THESE HOTELS AND OTHER DESTINATIONS, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR VISIT MELIA.COM

A PASSION FOR GOLF and three at the British Open.

The tournament aims to become a classic among amateur events in the Canary Islands, and the money raised from registering will go to the various cancer research programmes supported by the Seve Ballesteros Foundation both in Spain and in the USA. The Meliá Hacienda del Conde resort is in the perfect location for enjoying this sport: in Tenerife, close to the Teno cliffs, the golf links have spectacular views and the golfers can enjoy the island’s mild climate.

The championship will have Stroke Play over 54 holes (18 holes each) in consecutive rounds each day. When 36 holes have been played, the top 50 plus ties will continue. The total prize money is worth € 70,000.

Above, a room at the Meliá Hacienda del Conde hotel, a Junior Suite with a bedroom and independent living room at the superior The Level service.

Left, the hotel's lake pool and endless views of the ocean.

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#havenly //n. Superior sense of wellbeing thanks to the most exclusive and personalized treatment in a haven of calm.

To stay at a Meliรก is to explore new feelings, a mix of sensations that can only be expressed with new words. Welcome to a world of new feelings, created by you.

#onlyinmelia

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SHOPPING

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE THAT COMBINES ART AND VIP SHOPPING IN MADRID

T

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which guides them through the

reflecting fashion’s changing taste

for all fashion (and art) lovers

history of fashion, the visit is

in fabrics and colours. Fashion is

visiting Spain’s capital city.

completed with a trip to Las Rozas

a part of our culture, mirroring

Designed as an experience that

Village including a VIP Card for

the evolution of society over time

invites visitors to discover a

special savings in more than 100

and this is why the Thyssen-

selection of unique artworks from

boutiques of the finest brands.

Bornemisza Museum has chosen

he Fashion Route is perfect

the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection,

The Route offers an itinerary that takes in artworks from the museum’s permanent collection and shows the evolution of garments from the fifteenth century to the present day,

to focus on it via this ‘Fashion

Route’, which includes renowned paintings such as the Portrait of Jacques Le Roy (1631) by Anton van Dyck, At the Milliner’s (1882) by Edgar Degas, and The Smoker (1913)

by Juan Gris, among others.

Las Rozas Village always seeks to offer visitors a unique and enriching experience, which

Clockwise, three of the artworks that are part of The Fashion Route at the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum: The Smoker (1923), by Juan Gris; Portrait of Jacques Le Roy (1631)

by Anton van Dyck, and At the Milliner’s (1882) by Edgar Degas.

has led to its partnership of this experience. The ThyssenBornemisza Museum’s Fashion & Art package (€20) includes a reduction on the ticket price to visit the permanent collection and the Fashion Route, 50% off the price of tickets on the Shopping Express® coach service connecting Madrid city centre with Las Rozas Village, and a VIP Card for a 10% saving on the Village price of purchases in more than 100 boutiques of international brands at Las Rozas Village.

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SPORTS

TOTAL SUCCESS AT THE SOL HALF MARATHON MAGALUF

F

or the third consecutive year, Meliá Hotels

International was the official sponsor of the Sol Half Marathon Magaluf, held last 29 April. The 21.097-km race started at Palma’s athletics track and the finish line was on Magaluf beach. Celebrated for over 30 years, this half marathon has made its name on the international circuit as runners largely come from central and northern Europe – natural markets for Mallorca’s tourism. Thanks to this event, sport was the protagonist for a few days in what is usually a sun-and-beach destination.

This year, the itinerary of the race – designed together with local runners – went along the town’s main avenues and streets and finished on Palmanova’s Paseo del Mar. The coastal landscape STYLE

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was a highlight throughout the race, which passed in

The circuit is exceptional for its markedly urban nature as it winds through spectacular seaside areas. A stunning coastal and inland environment, a mild climate and running at sea level: perfect for runners to feel comfortable and enjoy this great race.

SPORTS front of the event’s official hotel – the Sol House Mallorca Mixed by Ibiza Rocks – and finished just in front of Sa Porrasa island.

This year there was also a shorter, 10-km circuit – enjoying the same landscape – and the first edition of the Urban Mile, a short one-mile race (1.60934 m) that was also part of the event. In addition, the Kids Sol Run – an 800-m race for 6 to 12-year olds, was also a great success; its finish line was at the Sol Katmandú Park & Resort, where each runner received a free entrance ticket for them and an adult to visit the park.

The ambiance during the entire race is another plus of this event. Music, shows and a lively atmosphere are also part of this circuit.

STYLE

OUR PARTNERS GRAN MELIÁ HOTELS & RESORTS JOINS FORCES WITH SPANISH FASHION TO DRESS THE AMBASSADOR OF ITS LUXURY HOTELS: LADY IN RED

F

amous Spanish designers Spanish fashion firm The 2nd Skin Co, founded by designers Antonio Burillo and Juan Carlos Fernández (above) created the Lady in Red dresses for the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques.

Art director and photographer Inés Ybarra directs the fashion film Lady in Red, featuring Nora Peinador, a dancer at Víctor Ullate’s ballet school.

Antonio Murillo and Juan Carlos Fernández, founders of The 2nd Skin Co, have created the new uniform for the Lady in Red, the ambassadress of the Gran Meliá brand for two of the company’s hotels: the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques and the Gran Meliá Nacional Río. The creation was a straight cut midi-dress in red Mikado silk with Japanese-style sleeves and a bow at the back. The project was further enhanced by the savoir-faire of Inés Ybarra, the photographer and art director who

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gave a voice to this beautiful story

by an elegant soundtrack created by

in the shape of a fashion movie: this

Italian composer Amilcare Ponchielli.

short film that radiates fashion, art

The new outfit can be seen at the

and luxury in equal measure was

Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques

shot in the most beautiful parts of

hotel in Madrid. The Lady in Red “is

this Madrid hotel and is accompanied

the first contact that travellers have when they enter our hotel, and the person who will be at their disposal throughout their stay” remarked Alba Bustamante, the Global Premium Brands Marketing Director.

OUR PARTNERS

EUROPCAR HIRES EXCLUSIVE CARS

E

uropcar’s new Selection service

situations that distance us from our

demanding customers – from more

daily routine are guaranteed with

exclusive cars to a more personalised

this service that – now that better

and special attention at Europcar’s

weather is on its way – invites us to

offices. Customers will be able to

enjoy the most tempting getaways.

choose among a wide range of vehicles, including Mercedes Benz Class E, Coupe Class C, Mercedes Benz SLC, Mercedes Benz Class C and Alfa Romeo Giulia.

For those with a more adventurous spirit, Europcar’s fleet has more youthful and fun cars, such as Jeep Renegade, Wrangler, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mercedes Benz GLA. In addition, Europcar ensures that customers will have the car STYLE

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similar. New experiences and new

offers a series of extras for the most

they booked, and not one that is

In the photos, several of Europcar’s exclusive hire cars included in the Selection service.Whatever kind of customer you are (traditional, adventurous, romantic...), you will find a vehicle tailormade for your wishes.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

INDULGE IN A GETAWAY TO THE MELIÁ SANCTI PETRI HOTEL AND ENJOY ITS MENU BY CHEF ÁNGEL LEÓN

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Right, the “Chef of the Sea” Ángel León, at the Alevante restaurant and at The Level Pool – both at the Meliá Sancti Petri hotel, by the sea.

Above, sardine roasted over olive pits: a dish served at his restaurant.

K

nown as the Chef of the Sea,

Ángel León – culinary director of the Alevante restaurant – and his pupil, Juan Domingo Sánchez, are offering two tasting menus this season made up of 16 and 12 dishes respectively, plus a wine list of over a hundred wines selected by sommelier Juan Ruiz-Henestrosa.

Grana Padano, handcrafted in Italy with the same passion since 1135, is the world’s most consumed P.D.O.* cheese.

The taste of excellence.

Only those wheels that pass rigorous testing by the experts of the Grana Padano Protection Consortium are fire - branded with the Grana Padano Logo and are awarded the Protected Designation of Origin.

The flavour of goodness.

1 kg of Grana Padano P.D.O. contains all the nutritional qualities of 15 litres of milk, making it ideal for a well-balanced diet.

Quality vintages.

Grana Padano P.D.O. is available in 3 different vintages: - from 9 to 16 months: mild and delicate flavour, ideal as an aperitif.

- over 16 months: more distinct and robust flavour, without losing its mildness.

- “RISERVA”, over 20 months: intense and fragrant aroma; the highest quality. A connoisseur’s cheese.

* P.D.O.: Protected Designation of Origin.

ZANETTI is the name for the Grana Padano in Spain and is distributed by TGT

granapadano.it

FOOD & BEVERAGE Opened in 1999, the Meliá Sancti Petri Hotel – on the magnificent beach of Barrosa, in Cádiz (Spain) – was designed by architect Álvaro Sans. With a combination of Andalusian and Arab architecture, together with an excellent location, the hotel has become hugely successful over these 18 years. The Alevante restaurant was inaugurated last year, and is run by well-known chef Ángel León. In addition to receiving great reviews by his customers, the chef also had time to get his name in the Michelin guide that lists restaurants certified by its inspectors as serving top-quality cuisine. Last year, the Repsol Guide awarded him his first Sol (three Sols are the Guide’s top distinction).

Above and right, two creations by chef Ángel León for his Alevante restaurant; Marinated and Fried Mackerel, and Matrimonio, a “marriage” of a salted and a vinegarmarinated anchovy.

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GOING SOMEWHERE? #WORKTRIPPING

Stay New York. Visit Manchester. See Mallorca.

Fulfil your trip.

Go international. Go lifestyle. Go work and trip all at the same time with creative meeting spaces, wellness suites and 24/7 exercise classes. Linger in lobbies fit for living in, enjoy endless wifi and a daily offering of soft drinks. Time is short and life is full so maximise your moments as you worktrip the world with Innside Book your room now at innside.com

0808 234 1935

innside.com

Aachen | Bremen | Dresden | Düsseldorf | Frankfurt | Leipzig | Madrid | Manchester | Munich | New York | Mallorca | Wolfsburg

AWARDS RECOGNITION FOR MELIÁ GROUP'S 60-YEAR PATH

O

ver 60 years, Meliá Hotels International has

consolidated a reputation that is today an essential asset for creating and conveying a sense of trust, stability and reliability, and for attracting talent to its different stakeholders. For the company, the concept of reputation management is closely linked to creating economic and social value; the improvements achieved by Meliá in this field reflect the effectiveness of the changes promoted, and the cultural transformation that the company has undergone in recent years.

Meliá Hotels International’s presence in word

rankings and ratings, as well as the many prizes and awards it has won, reinforce the company’s positioning in line with the values fostered by its business model.

The support of an independent third party which certifies steps forward in the search for excellence has been of huge importance for Meliá Hotels International in a year in which the hotel company has returned to the Spanish Stock Exchange’s benchmark index: IBEX 35.

In 2016, the group was chosen again as the most prestigious tourist company in Spain (number 17 in the global ranking), according to MERCO (Business Monitor on Corporate Reputation), but it also received

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Pilar García, Meliá Hotels International’s Global Human Resources Vice President receiving the Digital Talent Prize.

Right, the Spanish Minister of Labour, Fátima Báñez, surrounded by the Meliá Hotels International’s Human Resources team during the Digital Talent Prizes ceremony.

almost five hundred prizes and awards

Strategy at Madrid’s The EShow. In the

in different fields; these highlight the

digital arena, the Digital Talent prize

quality and value of what it offers,

by Accenture Strategy confirmed the

its role as an agent for innovation

company’s excellent talent management

and change in the hotel industry, its

for social networks. And regarding

strategic commitment to developing

entrepreneurial leaders, Gabriel Escarrer

a responsible business model, and its

Jaume was chosen by Forbes magazine as

personnel management, among other

one of Spain’s best CEOs, while Gabriel

aspects. Between 2016 and 2017, Meliá

Escarrer Juliá was appointed Honorary

Hotels International was recognised with many awards

Ambassador for Spain Brand by the Foro de Marcas

– among them, being chosen as the world’s best resort

Renombradas Españolas [Forum of Renowned Spanish

brand by the World Travel Awards, and as the best

Brands] business association.

company in Digital Transformation by the Digital European Mindset Awards. It was also recognised as one of the world leading companies in the fight against climate change by the CDP Worldwide Index, and qualified as the best development in Social Media

Above, Meliá Hotels International’s President and founder Gabriel Escarrer with the King and Queen of Spain and all the other of Honorary Ambassadors of Marca España.

Left, Meliá Hotels International’s CEO Gabriel Escarrer receiving the prize from the Conde Nast Traveler magazine for Best Businessman of the Year.

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GRAN MELIÁ HURAVEE

JORGE ARRANZ.

NEXT DESTINATION

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The Gran Meliá Huravee will open its doors at the end of 2017. Located on the Thaa Atoll (the Maldives archipelago is made up of 1,190 islands and 26 atolls that enjoy an enviable climate and paradise-like environment), the hotel is set to be among the country’s most luxurious and one of the best spots for fishing and diving. Getting there entails a 40-minute flight from the main airport in Male, the capital city, or you can take a motorboat.The hotel will offer bespoke services, special events and romantic dinners – a unique place for those who wish to celebrate their honeymoon in the Maldives.

CAPE COD

The new bathroom series by Philippe Starck. www.duravit.com