In the historic centre of Málaga, steps from Plaza de la Merced and the Alcazaba, ME Málaga has opened its doors, bringing a new expression of contemporary luxury to the Costa del Sol. With this launch, ME by Meliá—the cosmopolitan brand of Meliá Hotels International—expands its presence in southern Spain, building on the success of ME Marbella.
The hotel introduces 128 rooms, 14 junior suites and 8 suites, welcoming a mix of international travellers, residents and the city’s creative community. Designed by ASAH Studio, the architecture and interiors draw on the spirit of southern Spain, using natural materials, soft light and contemporary art to shape the atmosphere. The lobby sets the tone immediately, featuring original works by Picasso and Miró—a nod to Málaga’s artistic legacy.
Up on the rooftop, the hotel’s panoramic terrace is positioned to become one of the city’s new social hubs. The open-air space includes a heated infinity pool, a solarium and regular live music, with wide views across the old town. It is conceived not simply as a hotel amenity, but as a destination in its own right.
A Culinary Partnership with Cañitas Maite
Food is central to the ME Málaga experience. The hotel has partnered with Cañitas Maite, led by chefs Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo. Still just 27, the duo have already been recognised in Forbes’ “30 under 30” and collectively hold three Michelin stars: one red star and one green star at Oba-, and one red star at Cebo. In 2021, they were named “Revelation Chefs” at Madrid Fusión, where they also received awards for “Best Croquette” and “Best Escabeche”. Most recently, they were included in The Best Chef 2025 list.
At ME Málaga, the group oversees two restaurants and a pool bar, presenting some of their most recognised dishes. Cañitas Maite, the rooftop signature restaurant, reinterprets their most celebrated creations in a new setting. Tradition and technique meet in dishes such as Iberian ham croquettes and grilled scarlet prawn served with sabayón de manteca de orza.
On the ground floor, Eñe functions as both a lobby bar and a casual dining space. The menu focuses on small bites designed to be eaten by hand—from oxtail doughnuts to a reworked calamari sandwich—encouraging a more relaxed, social style of dining.
Art, Design and Collaboration
Art plays a defining role throughout the property. In addition to the Picasso and Miró works in the lobby, the hotel collaborated with designer Rafa García and artist Marina Anaya, who created a large, colourful mural that greets guests on arrival. Rooms and suites are spacious and filled with natural light, many offering views over Málaga’s old town.
ME Málaga also forms part of the ongoing ME by Meliá x Lacoste collaboration. Staff uniforms incorporate pieces from the French brand, reinforcing the contemporary, sport-inflected aesthetic that has become part of ME’s identity.
A New Chapter for Málaga
The opening arrives at a moment when Málaga is firmly positioned as one of Spain’s most dynamic cultural destinations. Once primarily associated with beach tourism, the city has evolved into a centre for art, design and gastronomy—and ME Málaga situates itself squarely within that narrative.
Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International, commented on the launch: “With the opening of ME Málaga, we continue to strengthen our commitment to southern Spain and to destinations with a cultural and creative identity as inspiring as Málaga. The city today represents the new pulse of the Mediterranean, energy, art, and modernity, values that perfectly align with the spirit of ME by Meliá.”
With its focus on design, culinary partnerships and rooftop sociability, ME Málaga positions itself not just as a place to stay, but as part of the city’s ongoing transformation—a contemporary address in a historic setting.
To find out more about ME Málaga and book, visit the links below:
SPIRIT FRANCE DIFFUSION
Calle Victoria 6
Málaga
Spain
Web: melia.com
Tel: +34 951 17 66 77
Email: memalaga@melia.com
Instagram: @memalagahotel