Gran Meliá Makes Long-Awaited Debut in Arusha

World-renowned Spanish hotel brand Gran Meliá Hotel & Resorts finally opened their first establishment in Africa. The Gran Meliá Arusha opened its doors on 01 September this year and boasts 171 rooms and suites with private balconies that overlook the exquisite hotel gardens as well as Mount Meru in the distance. The Gran Meliá forms part of Meliá Hotels International who is the proud operator of world-class accommodations such as the Meliá Zanzibar, Meliá Serengeti, Meliá London, Meliá Desert Palm in Dubai, and the Gran Meliá Iguazu in Argentina.

A welcome addition to the local tourist scene

At present, more than 1.5 million tourists flock to Tanzania every year and with very good reason – it boasts some of the most majestic natural scenery on the entire continent. The exclusive resort will form the perfect base from which visitors can enjoy many of Tanzania’s tourist hotspots and hidden gems. The Gran Meliá is conveniently situated a mere 45-minute drive from the Kilimanjaro International Airport and less than 20 minutes from the local Arusha Airport. Apart from being considered the perfect destination for holiday-makers, the resort can also be utilized by business travellers thanks to its ultra-modern 600-seater conference and meeting facilities in the middle of Tanzania’s diplomatic hub.

Curated experiences await

The Gran Meliá offer guests a range of curated Exceptional Experiences that will see them experience many of Tanzania’s greatest attractions first-hand. Some of the available activities include a visit to the Tarangire National Park, a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, a guided tour of the very scenic Arusha National Park, and a hot air balloon trip to watch the popular annual Serengeti migration. The resort also offers easy access to two of Meliá’s other properties – the Meliá Zanzibar and Meliá Serengeti. The Meliá Zanzibar is considered to be one of the most exclusive beach-front resorts in the country while the Serengeti Lodge offers guests the best authentic safari experiences imaginable.

A foodie’s dream-come-true

To add to its immense appeal, the Gran Meliá Arusha is destined to become a foodie hotspot among locals as well as international tourists. The dining options at the hotel include the brand’s signature Indian restaurant – the Yellow Chilli – which is the brainchild of world-renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor and offers diners some of the best traditional cuisine from the Punjab region. Saba Saba is an all-day eatery that prides itself on its varied menu that boasts a tantalizing range of seasonal, local dishes with a distinct international flair which is prepared in an open kitchen right in front of the establishment’s patrons. Coffee lovers can head on over to The Coffee Shop which serves delicious hot drinks created from the coffee and tea plantations surrounding the hotel. On the rooftop terrace, guests can also indulge in classy cocktails and Peruvian-Spanish fusion cuisine while enjoy live shows and gorgeous views.

Dedicated to preserving the environment

Meliá Hotels International is known to be extremely environmentally conscious when it comes to both the construction of their properties as well as their day-to-day operations. In line with this, the Meliá Arusha was constructed using eco-friendly materials as far as possible. Apart from bottling guest’s water on site, the resort also features an expansive vegetable and herb garden that will supply the various eateries on the premises with seasonal, organic produce. The resort’s outstanding list of facilities includes a contemporary spa that offers a selection of world-class therapies, a hairdressing salon, a gym, and a heated outdoor pool, and a well-stocked shopping boutique.

Apart from offering guests world-class accommodation in the heart of Arusha, the Gran Meliá will also undoubtedly give the local economy a very welcome boost. Not only have a large number of jobs been created, but guests will also undoubtedly spend a considerable amount of money at the various attractions near the resort.