The Rise of Paradisus by Meliá Fuerteventura: A New Standard in Sustainable Luxury Tourism

Recently, The Times, a prestigious British newspaper, recognized Paradisus by Meliá Fuerteventura as the top hotel in its ranking of “13 of the Best Hotels in Fuerteventura.” This accolade highlights a significant transformation in the luxury tourism landscape in the Canary Islands. A key driver of this change has been a strategic partnership between Banca March and Meliá Hotels International, a collaboration founded on shared values of stability, long-term vision, and co-investment, which serve as the bedrock of their business model.

The Alliance of Two Leaders

The partnership between Banca March and Meliá Hotels International began making waves in 2023 with the establishment of a joint venture aimed at acquiring three hotels—two located in Fuerteventura and one in Ibiza, all managed by Meliá. By 2025, this dynamic duo expanded their collaboration through a second operation, which involved the purchase and repositioning of two more prominent hotels—one in Mallorca and the other in Tenerife.

This alliance not only merges the financial strength of Banca March with the operational prowess of Meliá but also creates a sustainable loop of shared value for stakeholders, including shareholders, clients, employees, and the broader community. This strategic collaboration illustrates how financial institutions and hospitality brands can work together to enhance local economies while providing excellent services.

Paradisus Fuerteventura: A Luxurious, Sustainable Haven

Once known simply as Meliá Fuerteventura, the hotel has undergone a remarkable transformation into a Paradisus resort, which is the luxurious “all-inclusive” brand under Meliá’s umbrella. Nestled along the stunning Sotavento beach, this resort exemplifies architecture that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscapes and emphasizes a culinary ethos focused on locally sourced ingredients.

The destination inclusive philosophy of the Paradisus Fuerteventura ensures guests have immersive experiences that connect them with the natural and cultural environment of the locale. At the opening ceremony, José Luis Acea, the CEO of Banca March, lauded this project as a benchmark of exemplary collaboration—“a partnership that not only unites companies with shared roots and values but also invites our clients to engage as partners through our co-investment strategy.”

A Visual Representation

The alliance’s leadership can be seen in a striking image featuring Gabriel Escarrer, President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, alongside José Luis Acea, CEO of Banca March. This image symbolizes the strong foundation upon which their partnership is built.

Coinvestment: A Unique Market Proposition

At the heart of Banca March’s business model is Coinvestment. This innovative approach transcends mere asset management; it offers clients a chance to engage as partners in the same vehicles and projects their bank and shareholders invest in. This unique philosophy caters to a select market, granted by the bank’s 100% family-owned status, positioning Banca March as a recognizable name in the realm of alternative assets.

José Luis Acea articulately describes Coinvestment as a means to share the success of their business model, emphasizing collaborative growth among clients, employees, shareholders, and society at large. By allowing clients access to illiquid assets like venture capital, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure, Banca March opens doors that are typically reserved for large institutional investors.

Since 2008, the bank and its clients have invested more than €3.9 billion in illiquid assets, yielding twofold returns in real economy projects. Over 3,900 co-investors have participated alongside the bank in both national and international operations, with recent notable entries like Verisure—a company that made headlines this year with the largest IPO in Europe following its debut in the Stockholm market.

Investing in the Real Economy: A Compelling Alternative

The Paradisus by Meliá Fuerteventura project stands as a concrete example of how Coinvestment can revitalize real assets, demonstrating the power of collaborative investment to drive positive impact. Not only has this initiative refurbished an iconic establishment, but it has also enriched the tourist offerings in Fuerteventura, ultimately fostering local economic development.

This type of operation encapsulates Banca March’s strategy to channel investments into solid, sustainable sectors poised for growth. Clients are presented with appealing alternatives tied to the real economy, aligning with a long-term vision that prioritizes stability and sustainable development.

In each stage of this journey, from strategic alliances to innovative investment philosophies, Banca March and Meliá Hotels International illuminate the path towards a new standard in luxury tourism, one that invites participation and fosters a thriving community.