Meliá Hotels International is pleased to announce the reopening of its iconic Sol La Palma hotel, situated in the privileged area of Puerto Naos, near the port of Tazacorte on the southwest coast of La Palma (Canary Islands). This reopening, scheduled for July, marks a significant milestone in the island's recovery from the volcanic eruption that began on September 19, 2021.
The eruption necessitated the evacuation of 650 individuals, including guests, employees, and their families, from the Sol La Palma, the island's most iconic hotel. This evacuation, the largest in La Palma's history, was executed in just 45 minutes. Evacuees were initially housed in an emergency pavilion before being relocated to two Meliá Hotels International properties in Tenerife island.
Built on a lava flow formed after the 1949 eruption, the hotel has been closed for 1,000 days. Throughout this period, the Sol La Palma has symbolized resilience and solidarity for the region. While Puerto Naos was not buried by lava, it was isolated and affected by toxic gas emissions.
The hotel, owned by ATOM and operated by Meliá Hotels International under its Sol by Meliá brand, has shown unwavering commitment to reopening and enhancing La Palma's accommodation offerings. Reflecting their dedication to quality and sustainability, both parties have decided to rebrand the hotel under Meliá Hotels & Resorts premium brand. The owner will invest nearly 4 million euros in this transformation, with completion expected by November 1. This rebranding will introduce new brand attributes and innovative gastronomy concepts and experiences.
A renovated Destination-Hotel
As the renovation nears completion, the priority has been to reopen the hotel as soon as the area's health and safety can be assured. This will allow the hotel to capitalize on the seasonal tourism months and expedite job and activity recovery. The hotel will open in July, maintaining Sol by Meliá brand standards while continuing its phased adaptation to the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand.
The renovation marks a qualitative leap for this historic hotel, nestled between lush banana plantations and the vast Atlantic Ocean. With nearly 500 units, including rooms and apartments, fabulous pools on volcanic cliffs, and its own astronomical observatory, the hotel's transformation into “Meliá La Palma" heralds a new era. As Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman and CEO of Meliá, states, this new era aims to help the island overcome the eruption's impact and highlight its potential as a destination of quality, nature, and unique experiences. Victor Martí, CEO of GMA, underscores the commitment to repositioning La Palma as a premier destination, turning the volcanic challenge into a significant opportunity for both the hotel and the island's tourism.
An Inspiring Story
In the aftermath of the eruption, the Sol La Palma team and other Meliá staff in the Canary Islands played a crucial role in supporting the local community. Demonstrating the importance of hotels in tourist destinations, they organized an expedition to deliver essential supplies to the Food Bank and the NGO World Central Kitchen, led by renowned Chef José Andrés. The hotel's chef and kitchen team also volunteered to prepare and distribute food across the island.
Moreover, the technical team made daily trips to the hotel, despite significant risks, to connect the hotel's desalination plant to the local water supply network, crucial for the banana plantations that drive the local economy. Meliá also provided psychological support and coordinated several donation campaigns for those affected, including aiding its employees.
Both ATOM and Meliá Hotels International have expressed pride in their teams' professionalism and solidarity throughout this crisis. Their efforts have earned well-deserved gratitude and congratulations from the local community and relevant institutions.
