Vichy Catalan invierte 14 millones en su balneario y amplía su cadena hotelera

Vichy Catalan Corporation, a historical Catalan family business producing mineral water and juices, has committed to investing approximately 14 million euros in the reform of its Caldes de Malavella thermal hotel-bathing complex. The company aims to strengthen its hotel division and diversify its business portfolio. Work on the thermal complex, established in 1898, is set to commence this month, with the hotel-bathing establishment expected to close to the public and reopen only in the spring of 2028, according to Vichy Catalan Corporation's schedule.

The hotel-bathing complex currently houses 86 rooms and is a three-star establishment, serving as the flagship property of 1881 Hoteles, the group's hotel division overseen by Joan Renart Montalat. This move follows previous investments of 4.5 million euros in 1881 Madrid Ventas Hotel in 2022 and 1 million euros in 1881 Barcelona Rosellón Hotel, which will be completed the following year. Both properties, with 109 and 62 rooms respectively, are four-star establishments.

In addition to the reform of the Caldes de Malavella complex, Vichy Catalan Corporation has expanded its hotel chain by acquiring a five-star hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with 57 rooms located near Playa de las Américas golf course. The hotel, already operating as 1881 Tenerife Madrigueras Golf Hotel, is set to become part of the group's expansion strategy.

The company has plans to increase its hotel portfolio over the next ten to fifteen years, with a goal of owning urban hotels in Bilbao, San Sebastián, Valencia, Málaga, and Sevilla. These hotels will range from four-star properties with 70 to 150 rooms to those already in operation, to be leased or managed by the group.

As part of this strategy, 1881 Hotels has signed an alliance with Mallorcan operator Summum, which will handle the marketing and commercialization of the hotel chain. The corporation anticipates reaching a total revenue of approximately 230 million euros by 2026, marking an 8% increase from the previous year, with the hotel division contributing over 19 million euros, or 8% of the total.

This investment in the hotel sector represents a significant shift in the company's focus, as mineral waters and juices will continue to remain the primary business for Vichy Catalan Corporation.