The former Byblos Hotel in Andalusia will become the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Spain following extensive renovations to bring it up to the standards expected of the prestigious Unbound Collection brand.

An extensive redevelopment project is being planned to transform the former Byblos Hotel in Mijas into a luxury 200-bedroom resort. We find out more about this ambitious scheme.

The rebirth of a legend

Hyatt has entered into a franchise agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Intriva Capital European Principal Investment Fund I LP, a European private equity fund, to revive the property, which has been closed since 2010. When the hotel finally reopens in early 2022, it will be under the Unbound Collection by Hyatt umbrella, and managed by. Marugal Hotel Management.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Intriva to redevelop and rediscover the splendour of this famous building and welcome it into The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio,” said Nuno Galvao Pinto, regional vice president of development Europe, Hyatt.

“The illustrious past and distinctive architecture of the hotel make it a perfect fit for the brand and we expect it to be a truly exceptional addition to this collection of storied hotels. We look forward to further growing this exciting independent brand across Europe, inviting guests to create story-worthy experiences at unforgettable properties.”

Creating a new luxury getaway

When the hotel first opened in 1986, it immediately attracted everyone from royals to jetsetters who appreciated the design of the iconic blue-and-white building, as well as the excellent service. The revamped property will feature lush gardens, pools and light-flooded interiors, while its F&B venues will serve up the best of local fare for guests to savour while looking out over the stunning Sierra de Mijas mountain range.

Luxury amenities such as an expansive health club and spa, cinema, nightclub and kid’s club will further bolster the property’s well-rounded offering. The two nearby 18-hole golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones will be the cherry on top.

“We are thrilled to team-up with Hyatt on this exciting project, restoring the iconic hotel to its former grandeur on the Andalusian coast,” said Tom Saunders, head of post-acquisition, Intriva.

“We look forward to working with the local community to bring a new luxury resort to the area, underlining our commitment to the European leisure and hospitality sector at this challenging time. The hotel has a rich and exciting past that we intend to bring to life once again supported by Hyatt.”