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Article written by Asia Abadie on Thursday 04 September 2025
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces This sprawling 120-hectare property is not just a place to stay—it's a living, breathing experience that combines the intimacy of a Spanish village with the full spectrum of modern luxury. Here, history-inspired architecture, world-class leisure and sports facilities, and five-star hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
Strategically located in the heart of the Costa Blanca
The resort’s location is one of its strongest assets. Set just a 30-35 minute drive from Alicante International Airport—Spain’s fifth-largest in terms of air connectivity— Meliá Villaitana is remarkably accessible. Alicante offers excellent connections to cities across Europe, including direct flights and high-speed train links to Madrid. It’s also only 150 kilometres from Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, making the resort an ideal hub for exploring the entire region.
The easy access contributes to a robust mix of guests from the UK, Scandinavia, Benelux, and Spain itself. The international appeal of the hotel is particularly strong in the golf segment, thanks to its outstanding facilities, but leisure and business travellers alike are drawn by the convenience and beauty of the Costa Blanca.
A tale of two hotels: The Level and Meliá Villaitana
Meliá Villaitana is comprised of two interconnected hotels offering distinct experiences tailored to different kinds of travellers:
- The Level at Meliá Villaitana: This five-star sanctuary within the resort offers 120 rooms, including premium rooms, junior suites, and larger suites suitable for families and VIP guests. The Level features private check-in, an exclusive lounge with drinks and snacks served daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and a dedicated heated pool. It’s a quieter, more refined corner of the property ideal for those seeking a premium experience.
- Meliá Villaitana 4-Star: With 330 rooms, this part of the resort caters to families, business travellers, and larger groups. Its more expansive infrastructure includes additional restaurants, pools, and meeting facilities, offering a dynamic and versatile option for a wide range of guests.
Combined, the resort can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, with occupancy rates regularly hovering around 90% during peak periods.
A hotel designed as a village
Perhaps the most striking element of Meliá Villaitana is its architecture. Inspired by traditional Mediterranean villages, the resort features winding streets, charming courtyards, tiled cupolas, and colourful facades that mirror the local heritage. Many of the buildings are faithful replicas of historic structures from the region, including the famed cupola of Altea—a recognisable dome from a nearby coastal village.
At the heart of the resort is its iconic “church”, not used for religious services but rather as a central, soul-filled venue for weddings, gala dinners, product launches, and private events. With a capacity of up to 600 guests for seated events—or more with cocktail-style setups—the venue can be transformed for high-end celebrations or corporate showcases. There lies a private banqueting space, perfect for after-parties and open bars, fully sound proofed and isolated from guest areas.
A powerhouse for events and incentives
Meliá Villaitana is a magnet for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. Its state-of-the-art convention centre features 17flexible meeting rooms and a plenary hall that seats up to 700 people. From automotive product launches to international brand presentations—such as a recent visit by Chanel—the resort is fully equipped to handle complex, high-profile events.
Professional audiovisual services, staging, branding opportunities, and customised banquet options ensure that business travellers have everything they need to host memorable events. The property’s many terraces and gardens also allow for alfresco receptions, further enhancing the wow factor for visiting groups.
Golf and professional sports facilities
For golf enthusiasts, Meliá Villaitana is a paradise. The resort features two 18-hole golf courses, designed by Nicklaus Design. These courses are set against a dramatic natural landscape and offer year-round play, attracting golfers particularly from the UK and Nordic countries. During the high season, more than 300 players can be seen teeing off daily. A well-appointed clubhouse and Golf Academy complement the experience.
In addition to golf, the property boasts a UEFA-certified football centre, used regularly by professional teams from major European and international leagues for pre-season training. The centre includes its own private gym, separate from the guest fitness facilities, ensuring that athletes have the privacy and resources they need to prepare.
Guests looking for more casual sports can make use of the seven paddle courts and a tennis court, which are open to both hotel guests and external members. Advanced reservations are recommended due to high demand, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Wellness, spa & fitness
The 1,200-square-meter YHI Spa is a major draw for wellness travellers. Featuring six treatment cabins, a pool, and an extensive selection of Rituals-branded amenities, the spa offers a tranquil escape within the resort. Two fitness centres, equipped with Technogym machines, are available 24 hours a day for guests who want to maintain their exercise routines.
Open daily, the spa is not exclusive to guests—local members also enjoy access, adding to its lively atmosphere. Whether you're booking a deep-tissue massage after around of golf or simply unwinding in the thermal pools, the spa is a cornerstone of the Villaitana experience.
Dining for every taste
Food is a vital part of any travel experience, and Meliá Villaitana delivers with diverse dining options, catering to both hotel guests and event attendees, some of those are:
- Botanic: The main buffet restaurant exclusive to The Level guests, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Mediterranean flair.
- Indigo: A stylish à la carte restaurant specialising in fresh, seasonal Mediterranean dishes.
- La Trattoria: An Italian favourite in the 4-star area, offering comforting classics like pasta, pizza, and antipasti.
- Libra: A bold Nikkei-Latino fusion concept blending Japanese precision with Latin American zest.
In addition to these, the property features multiple bars and casual lounges, ideal for savouring a cocktail before dinner or enjoying a relaxed afternoon drink by the pool.
Family-friendly yet luxurious
Meliá Villaitana is one of the few Level-branded properties that warmly welcomes families, including children of all ages. During peak family periods—such as summer holidays, Easter week, and long weekends—the resort ramps up its entertainment offerings with age-appropriate activities, shows, and kids’ clubs. On busy days, more than 200 children may be enjoying the resort’s expansive facilities.
This mix of luxury and family-friendly atmosphere creates a rare balance that appeals to multigenerational travellers looking for refined yet accommodating experiences.
Sustainability and community commitment
Sustainability is deeply woven into Meliá’s DNA, and Villaitana is no exception. The resort participates in the group’s Net Zero programme, which aims to reduce waste, water usage, and environmental impact drastically. Measures include:
- Plastic-free rooms and meeting spaces
- Water served in glass bottles only
- Paperless operations in conference areas
- Bulk dispensers replacing single-use amenities
- Advanced irrigation systems to reduce water usage on the golf courses
The hotel’s commitment extends beyond the environment to the local community. Most of the 300+ seasonal staff are from the region, contributing to the social and economic sustainability of Benidorm and the Costa Blanca.
A destination that evolves with its guests
Benidorm has undergone a significant transformation in the past two decades—from a purely leisure-focused beach town to a cosmopolitan hub for sport, business, and high-end tourism. Meliá Villaitana embodies this evolution, offering something for everyone: luxury, relaxation, sport, culture, and connection.
Whether you’re sipping a spritz in the shaded courtyard of the "village", negotiating a business deal over a Mediterranean lunch, playing a round of golf under the Spanish sun, or watching your child take part in a summer kids’ club activity, the resort delivers a holistic, 360-degree experience.
In short, Meliá Villaitana is not just a place to sleep—it’s a place to live, play, celebrate, and return to, time and again.
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
 Photo credit © Asia Abadie / Journal des Palaces
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