Time
Kalelon’s hotel market experiences pronounced seasonality, and the property has paused operations while preparing for a bolder reopening in early 2024. The upcoming campaign will feature a major incentive tied to a new phase at Marina d’Or in Orpesa, a standout complex in the region. Ownership changed hands recently, signaling a staged restart and a fresh strategic chapter for the resort.
Details about the ambitions of Magic Costa Blanca and the Fuertes group, who share half of the investment, remain limited. What has been disclosed points to a substantial commitment: about 40 million euros allocated to reorganizing facilities. The resort now comprises 1,400 rooms and expansive spa and entertainment areas aimed at modern travelers. The plan is to reopen to guests next summer, signaling a shift toward elevated guest experiences and expanded amenities, with particular appeal to international visitors. This aligns with trends seen at leading destinations that seek longer stays and higher-spending travelers from North America and beyond.
Look Ahead
With fresh capital and a new management framework, owners aim to adopt a more dynamic model that broadens appeal and improves the guest journey. The objective is to position Marina d’Or as a premier European leisure destination, attracting visitors from Europe, North America, and other markets by offering a diverse mix of leisure, wellness, and entertainment that resonates with international travelers. The transformation targets a seamless, high-value experience from the moment a stay is considered through departure, emphasizing consistent quality and memorable moments.
The involvement of Magic, a well-known hotel operator in Benidorm, has been crucial in guiding Marina d’Or through this transition. Their role is seen as a key entry point for drawing British travelers and strengthening ties with the broader Spanish coast, especially the Castilla-La Mancha and Valencia regions. While Alicante destinations have long drawn UK visitors, Castellón has faced a temporary gap in direct access, even as seasonal flights from London previously linked the two regions. The recalibration seeks to restore air connectivity and simplify access for North American guests who expect straightforward travel options and reliable service.
Time
The Magic group has listed Orpesa as a destination on its official site, signaling a genuine commitment to the property. Yet bookings for next summer have not opened, and the company notes that the option to reserve will appear in the coming weeks. This cautious timeline invites potential guests and trade partners to monitor the rollout as the resort nears its relaunch.
The exit of the Farallon fund and the arrival of new owners were announced in the summer and confirmed at the end of September, following approval from Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission. In this transition, the leadership team was named: Augusto Fuertes Gómez and Nuevo Reto 21, a company linked to the Magic owner family, were named joint managers. Along with Hoteles Marina d’Or SL, Francisco Hernández Carrillo and Francisco Javier García Cuenca are listed as representatives. The aim is a speedy return to profitability after the downturn caused by pandemic years, with a focus on restoring confidence among investors, staff, and guests.