With multiple openings to date in 2024 and over 2000 hotels in the pipeline, IHG Hotels & Resorts is expected to more than double its luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the coming years, cementing its place as a key player in the high-end events and incentives sector.
From spectacular island retreats to chic city centre hotels, each new property opens the door to more destinations for groups. We shine the spotlight on six of the hottest recent openings across the globe that event planners need to know about…
InterContinental Crete, Greece
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ inaugural property in the Greek Islands made its debut in July 2024 in Crete, set against panoramic bay views and a rugged coastal backdrop.
When entering the reception area, guests are greeted by an original sculpture representing a hybrid between the Sphinx and Minotaur – two icons of the island’s ancient history. The hotel’s 199 rooms and suites, most complete with private plunge pools, feature interiors that blend crisp contemporary linens and soft furnishings with organic-inspired elements and traditional Cretan influences.
Facilities include two outdoor infinity pools overlooking Mirabello Bay, three Mediterranean-inspired restaurants led by prolific Michelin-starred Chef Consultant, Nikos Roussos and a nature-inspired wellness centre.
Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada
Six Senses made its highly anticipated debut in the Caribbean with the opening of Six Senses La Sagesse in Grenada. The island’s incredible natural beauty and soul-connecting cultural experiences provide the perfect backdrop for memorable incentives.
Groups can immerse in the resort’s unique experiences that connect them with Grenada’s Spice Island heritage, including farm-to-table cooking, a spa designed to leverage the abundance of fragrant spices with medicinal healing properties as well as culinary menus brought to life with bold flavours using local produce grown in the island’s fertile volcanic soil.
The luxury retreat has 56 pool suites and 15 villas, ranging from one, two and four bedrooms, all with large outdoor terraces and private plunge pools. Featuring three restaurants, two bars, a bakery and destination dining that incorporates the Eat With Six Senses ethos, Six Senses La Sagesse menus are inspired by Caribbean and South American cuisine while keeping well-being in mind.
Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa, Oman
Nestled within the Saiq Plateau of Oman’s Hajar Mountain Range, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa sits 2,000 meters above sea level, offering unrivalled panoramic views of the “Green Mountain.”
The 173-room property is the first Hotel Indigo to open in Oman. This boutique gem combines the ancient ways of life with modern luxury through its décor and design.
Amenities include Vayu, a stunning world leading spa and wellness facility stretching over 3,000 sqm; villas with private pools and spectacular views from every angle. For guests seeking sweeping views, they can visit one of the various terraces through the resort or at “VUE,” the resort’s rooftop restaurant, one of the highest rooftop dining venues in the world.
Kimpton Virgilio Mexico City
Channelling its namesake poet Virgilio, Kimpton Virgilio opened its doors in the heart Mexico City earlier this year.
Set amongst the charming streets of the stylish Polanco district, this hip boutique hotel carries thoughtful touches throughout its convivial lobby, playful courtyard, buzzing dining areas and 48 rooms. Outfitted with handmade tiles, plush beds and authentic Mexican design, each room is uniquely designed.
The property’s restaurant Pepe: Mesa Española is a vibrant Spanish tavern offering traditional tapas with international touches.
Six Senses Kyoto
A hidden gem in the heart of Japan’s ancient city, Six Senses Kyoto marked the brand’s entry into Japan. The 81-room hotel’s design draws inspiration from the Heian period (794-1185), when Heian-kyo (now Kyoto) was the capital of Japan, considered by many the golden age of art and culture.
The hotel’s F&B options include Sekki, an all-day dining restaurant, which has hyper-seasonal weekly menus and drinks celebrating artisanal local and sustainable ingredients; Café Sekki, offering a selection of fresh brews, craft teas, homemade kombucha, healthy juices, sweets and pastries, and Nine Tails, a speakeasy cocktail bar serving spirits and non-alcoholic options.
Inspired by Kyoto’s Zen philosophy, Six Senses Spa integrates traditional healing techniques with modern science. Guests can begin their journey with a signature Wellness Screening, which analyses key health biomarkers in minutes, allowing Wellness Practitioners to make personalised recommendations tailored to individual needs and goals.
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman which opened May 2024, sits adjacent to Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa just steps away from the renowned “Seven Mile Beach.” The 282-room property celebrates the cultural richness of the Cayman Islands, featuring a bohemian aesthetic with artwork curated from local artisans.
Facilities include a multi-concept epicurean hub for dining, an outdoor deck with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, over 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space, as well as the island’s first rooftop restaurant and bar.
Named after one of the Caribbean’s many beautiful orchid trees, Pom Pom stands tall as one of the island’s only rooftop lounges atop the hotel’s 9th floor, offering South American-inspired small plates and cocktails with a wood-fired twist and Latin flair.
In additional to these new openings, there are a host of luxury properties in the pipeline with InterContinental, Kimpton and Hotel Indigo all set to open in Turks & Caicos, Six Senses to debut in London and Bangkok, Kimpton properties planned for Sicily and Lisbon, and Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach due to open in Indonesia, to name just a few.
To book your next group at IHG, please contact your Global Sales Representative or simply email: [email protected]