LUXE Serendipity magazine

In the historic heart of Málaga, just steps from Plaza de la Merced and the Alcazaba, ME Málaga is set to redefine contemporary hospitality on the Costa del Sol. With this opening, ME by Meliá, the cosmopolitan brand of Meliá Hotels International, strengthens its presence in southern Spain following the success of ME Marbella.

ME Málaga features 128 rooms, 8 suites, and 14 junior suites, welcoming travellers, locals, and creatives alike. Its architecture and interiors, designed by ASAH Studio, reinterpret the spirit of southern Spain through natural materials, light, and contemporary art, transforming every corner into a sensory experience. The hotel lobby features original Picasso and Miró pieces.

On the rooftop, ME Málaga’s panoramic terrace emerges as the new social epicentre of the city: a stylish open-air space featuring a heated infinity pool, solarium, and live music.

A Culinary Journey: Cañitas Maite

Gastronomy takes centre stage at ME Málaga, thanks to the creative touch of Cañitas Maite, led by chefs Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo. At just 27, Sanz and Sahuquillo are featured in Forbes’ “30 under 30” and boast three Michelin stars — Oba- (1 red star and 1 green star) and Cebo (1 red star). In 2021, they were named “Revelation Chefs” at Madrid Fusión, also earning awards for “Best Croquette” and “Best Escabeche.” Their latest recognition: inclusion in The Best Chef 2025 list.

ME Málaga will feature two restaurants and a pool bar, offering the group’s most iconic creations:

Cañitas Maite – The signature restaurant located on the hotel’s rooftop, reinterprets the group’s greatest hits in an unrivalled setting. Tradition and innovation merge in dishes such as their iconic Iberian ham croquettes or grilled scarlet prawn with sabayón de manteca de orza.

Eñe – On the ground floor, the Lobby Bar invites guests to share creative small bites designed to be eaten by hand – from the oxtail donut to the reimagined calamari sandwich.

Design and Art: The Soul of ME Málaga

The hotel has collaborated with designer Rafa García as well as artist Marina Anaya, who created the large, colourful welcome mural in the lobby. The spacious, light-filled rooms and suites offer views of Málaga’s old town.

As part of the ME by Meliá x Lacoste collaboration, ME Málaga incorporates the unmistakable style of the French brand. The hotel team will wear pieces from the iconic sport-chic label, reinforcing the modern, fresh, and sophisticated identity that defines ME by Meliá.

A New Landmark for the City

ME Málaga joins the creative and cultural renaissance of the Andalusian capital, introducing a new way of understanding luxury. Its dedication to art, design, and gastronomy not only redefines the hotel experience but also positions Málaga as one of the Mediterranean’s most inspiring destinations.

Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International, stated: “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.”