Located in the heart of Argentina’s Iguazu National Park, just over the border from Brazil, Gran Melia Iguazu is a luxurious gem that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The only hotel within the national park, this property from Gran Melia Hotels & Resorts offers the ultimate convenience factor to access the area’s magnificent 275 waterfalls, including the renowned Iguazu Falls, with exceptional views right next to the resort. And if clients are lucky, they might get to meet the park's resident monkeys on their balcony.
Accommodations, Amenities and Cuisine
A stay at Gran Melia Iguazu is nothing short of magical thanks to its stunning location, breathtaking views and delightful, nature-inspired decor. The hotel boasts a range of 183 rooms and suites, offering either views of Iguazu Falls or the surrounding jungle. If clients are looking for a truly unforgettable experience, I recommend booking a room with a panoramic view of the falls.
There's nothing quite like waking up to the sight of the rushing Iguazu River spilling over rocks in dramatic fashion (the views are even visible from the bathrooms). Although the jungle rooms still offer ease of location, the waterfall-view rooms are the main attraction and validate the hefty-but-worth-it price.
A junior suite with a view
Credit: 2023 Gran Melia Iguazu(Pro tip: Because of Gran Melia Iguazu’s popularity, rooms fill up fast, so it’s a must to plan and book well in advance, especially for travelers who want a room with a view of the falls.)
In addition to its unbeatable location, Gran Melia Iguazu offers a range of amenities that cater to the needs of all ages. The hotel’s elegant and intimate Yasi Spa & Wellness Center is a relaxing sanctuary for the mind and spirit, while the grounds also boast a 164-foot infinity pool with views of the falls; a well-equipped, light-filled gym; and several restaurants serving a variety of international and local cuisine.
During our stay, the main restaurant — Amaro Restaurant, Bar & Lounge — also offered a variety of shows. One night, our dinner included a tango dance; on another night, a local band treated us to the music of South America. The food was delicious — utterly mouthwatering — and the breakfast spread was abundant.
Activities in Abundance
There are numerous activities available at Gran Melia Iguazu, from yoga classes and hikes to folklore shows.
The author and her family on a boat ride to the falls
Credit: 2023 Margot BlackThe convenience of being on-site within the national park makes the property an ideal choice for visitors looking for a true one-stop-shop vacation. We spent two nights at the hotel but wished we had booked a third to have more time to explore the town and the Brazil side — so I’d recommend clients take at least three days to explore — and to have time just to enjoy the property. Gran Melia Iguazu is an experience unto itself, and we craved more time to simply linger at the pool and take in the environment.
Because of the hotel’s easy access to the falls, clients can avoid the crowds and savor more time in the great outdoors. And if they're looking for an adventure, I highly recommend booking a speedboat tour of the falls, which will take them around the Iguazu River below the pounding water, providing a unique and up-close perspective.
Several companies offer this activity, including via speedboats, scenic slow boats and jungle tours; we were able to book directly from our hotel. To see the scenery at a more leisurely pace, there are also guided walking tours available, and once per month, the national park organizes full moon hikes (note: this is a popular activity and fills up quickly).
Visitors can take an old-fashioned, open-air train ride to access the top of the falls, where they can see directly into the nearly 270-foot-high Devil's Throat, a massive U-shaped waterfall where the Iguazu River narrows into a chasm encircled by soaring cliffs and rock formations.
(Pro tip: Recommend clients go early in the morning when the park opens to avoid crowds. Once it hits midafternoon, waits for the train can be more than an hour, but there is a nearby snack bar to pass the time.)
Overall, our stay at Gran Melia Iguazu was nothing short of unforgettable; it's the perfect destination for families, couples and solo travelers looking for a luxurious and immersive experience in one of the most stunning natural wonders on the planet.
The extraordinary views and location, luxurious amenities and one-of-a-kind experience of waking up to the sight of monkeys on our deck — all with Iguazu Falls as the backdrop — made this trip one that will remain etched in our memories forever.
