Iguazú Falls like you’ve never seen them before.
There are no words to fully describe the new Gran Meliá Iguazú. With panoramic views of the world’s largest waterfalls, it’s one of the most impressive hotels of all time.
The Gran Meliá Iguazú’s reception area is presided over by an impressive panel of green quartz. It’s an exceptional, one-of-a-kind piece that takes up an entire wall—but most newly arrived guests barely see it at first. Nor do they notice the originality of the delicate curtains woven from yerba mate fibres, the cultivation of which has shaped the economy of the surrounding province of Misiones, Argentina. Nor the understated beauty of the quartz lamps from the nearby Wanda mines, resting upon the counter. Not even the gorgeous tropical decor of the cheerful lobby. And it’s no wonder. Because from the moment you cross the hotel’s threshold, you can only look in one direction. Outside, beyond the spectacular pool—we’ll go for a swim in a bit—and the lush vegetation
stretching out from the garden, is one of the seven natural wonders of the world: Iguazú Falls.
The roaring presence of 275 waterfalls, at 80 metres of height, can be heard and felt no matter where you are. They ’re the star of the hotel—and the subject of constant exclamations of admiration—on a daily basis. It’s hard to stop taking photos. From the restaurant, from the rooftop bar, from your bed… the panoramic views are so amazing that it feels like you’re in a postcard, and once in a while you have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. The elevator doors open, and there they are.
The Gran Meliá Iguazú, which officially opened last December, is the only hotel located within Iguazú National Park in Argentina—a protected area of almost 70,000 hectares of jungle—and the third Meliá hotel in the country, joining the capital’s Meliá Recoleta Plaza and Meliá Buenos Aires. The trails leading to this worldfamous marvel depart right from the hotel garden—so if you wake up early, you can beat the crowds and be the first one there.
The hotel is housed in the structure of the iconic Sheraton Cataratas, which made history when it opened its doors in 1978. But the new Meliá has barely anything to do with the old Sheraton, the only remnants of which are the modern Argentinian art collection displayed in the panoramic staircases that connect the two floors of common areas; and the majority of the caring and friendly staff, who have the kind of local knowledge that can only be gained through a lifetime of dedication. Everything else has changed, including the guests themselves, who are ‘increasingly international travellers, more European, more sophisticated’, according to Mynor Espinoza, the hotel’s general manager. Transforming this place from floor to ceiling, and applying the high standards that Meliá demanded for a place as special as this, was a masterpiece of hotel engineering—especially considering the fact that it didn’t close during the renovation. The team who pulled off this challenge couldn’t be happier with the results.
Half of the 183 bright, white and modern guest rooms face the falls, and the other half have views of the jungle. They all feature balconies: exceptional spots from which to
observe the toucans and other birds that live in the area. For those who want the best of the best, the Presidential Suite (with a private pool) and Iguazú Suite (with a rooftop terrace and the best views) are otherworldly.
The new Meliá Iguazú is a romantic escape into the natural beauty of Misiones, re-envisioned with an artistic sensibility and the expertise of the Spanish company, which applied the strictest environmental standards—this is a protected area, after all, not to mention a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sánchez Elía architectural studio remodelled the building to let in more light, improve the views and add more rooms. Renowned decorator Jennifer Bazán carried out the delicate work of interior design,
HALF OF THE 183 BRIGHT, WHITE AND MODERN GUEST ROOMS FACE THE FALLS, AND THE OTHER HALF HAVE VIEWS OF THE JUNGLE.
adding a refreshing tropical touch with wicker chairs, lamps that look like bird nests and artisanal crafts from local Guaraní communities. The white walls are hung with canvases by artist Susana Alonso, inspired by the drawings of French naturalist Alcide D’Orbigny, which are also used to upholster chairs and cushions.
But let’s get back to what’s beyond all that. Whether you’re in the lobby, with its two floors and walls made entirely of glass for the best possible view; on the sun loungers beside the infinity pool (which is 50 metres long and 15 wide); at the rooftop bar having a drink at sunset; or in your room, brushing your teeth, opening up the curtains… the falls are always there. And it never gets old.