HEADLINES TO WATCH IN OCTOBER 2026 / Two islands, One Extraordinary Eclipse: Gran Meliá Unveils Ultra-Exclusive Balearic Journeys / By LLM Reporters

On August 12 2026, the Balearic Islands will become the backdrop to one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: a total solar eclipse. Guests can witness this rare celestial moment from two icons of authentic Mediterranean luxury, Mallorca’s Hotel de Mar, a Gran Meliá Hotel, and Menorca’s Villa le Blanc Gran Meliá, through two once-in-a-lifetime journeys created in honour of the islands where Meliá’s story began seven decades ago.

The occasion holds particular significance for Meliá Hotels International, founded in Mallorca in 1956.

As the group marks its 70^th anniversary, the eclipse offers a powerful moment of alignment between place, heritage and celebration, returning the spotlight to the Balearics as the birthplace of its distinctive vision for hospitality.

Rooted in the beauty, culture and elegant ease of the Mediterranean, each journey has been carefully conceived to immerse guests in the spirit of the islands.

From luminous landscapes and sea-facing rituals to the warmth of service that has defined Meliá for generations, the experiences offer a deeply immersive celebration of Balearic life, timed to one of nature’s most extraordinary alignments.

Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá – originally designed by celebrated architect José Antonio Coderch in 1964 – remains one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic hotels and a longstanding symbol of sophisticated island living

Limited to a single booking at each property, the journeys begin with arrival in the Balearics by private jet, followed by private transfers, a four-night stay in each of the hotel’s most prestigious suite category, including the Presidential Suite, and an exclusive eclipse viewing at sea, each starting from €200,000.

Over the past 70 years, Meliá Hotels International has grown from a single hotel into one of the world’s leading hospitality groups, with more than 400 hotels across 40 countries.

Yet despite its global presence, the company’s identity remains intrinsically linked to the Balearics: the place that shaped its approach to hospitality and continues to inspire its future.

Celebrating Mallorca and Menorca through Gran Meliá

In Mallorca, Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá – originally designed by celebrated architect José Antonio Coderch in 1964 – remains one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic hotels and a longstanding symbol of sophisticated island living.

Overlooking the turquoise waters of Illetas, the adults-only retreat combines architectural heritage, contemporary luxury and a deep connection to Mallorcan culture. Guests will witness the eclipse aboard a private Rivamare yacht before returning to experiences including fine dining at Arrels by Marga Coll and personalised wellness rituals inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Meanwhile, at Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá in Menorca, the experience takes on a distinctly island-inspired character.

Located on the shores of Santo Tomás, the island’s first five-star Grand Luxury hotel reflects a slower, more conscious approach to luxury, placing nature, wellbeing and local culture at the heart of the guest experience. For the eclipse, guests will embark aboard a traditional private llaüt, offering a uniquely Menorcan perspective on the celestial event while connecting with the island’s rich maritime heritage.

Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá is one of Menorca’s finest luxury hotels

Looking to the future from where it all began

“Seventy years after my father founded the company in Mallorca, the Balearic Islands remain at the heart of who we are and continue to inspire our vision of hospitality,” said Gabriel Escarrer, chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International.

“As we celebrate this important milestone, we wanted to create an experience that not only showcases the extraordinary beauty of these islands but also reflects the values that have defined Meliá for seven decades: Mediterranean hospitality and a commitment to creating unforgettable moments for our guests.

Through Gran Meliá, we continue to elevate luxury hospitality while honouring the Mediterranean spirit that has guided us from the very beginning.”

Given the exclusivity of the Solar Eclipse Experience, it is limited to just one booking at Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá and one booking at Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá, and each journey starts from €200,000. Please note that private jet travel is available from European destinations only.

To enquire about booking, visit sites.melia.com/en/concepts/eclipse or contact concierge.vlb@melia.com or concierge.demar@melia.com.