A new era of luxe travel is coming to the Whitsundays Islands with IHG taking over management of Hayman Island.
Mulpha Group is investing $100 million to reinvent the resort which will be rebranded as Hayman Island, by Intercontinental, according to News Corp.
The 166-room hotel is the only property on the 400-hectare island and will showcase world-class facilities, rooms and suites in one of the world’s most unique locations, accessible from Hamilton Island via either luxury vessel or helicopter.
In addition to the hotel, Mulpha Australia Limited will also be building a collection of homes for sale to those who want to own their own piece of the island.
The landmark agreement with Mulpha Australia Limited also sees IHG continue with a long-term agreement to manage both InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.
A significant investment into refurbishments and renewal will take place over the coming years and will see the hotel elevated to even higher levels of luxury and sophistication. It will be the first major upgrade since opening, and it is anticipated to add event spaces, including a grand ballroom, with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove was the first InterContinental Resort to open in Australia and has been a much-loved haven for travellers to Queensland’s Gold Coast since IHG took over management in 2012.
With its dramatic stained-glass windows, grand staircase, beach lagoon, access to championship golf courses, the hotel reflects the grand, graceful architecture of a classic Queensland estate, nestled within the beautiful surrounds of Sanctuary Cove.
Under the new agreement, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove will enjoy a refurbishment that will see it continue its legacy as one of Queensland’s most prestigious hotels.
“Luxury travellers to Australia have long had an affinity with InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, so we are thrilled to continue their legacy for many years to come,” Leanne Harwood, Managing Director, Australasia and Japan, IHG said.
“What is particularly special is to now welcome Hayman Island to the IHG family. We could not be more delighted to continue, and strengthen, our partnership with Mulpha Australia as we pursue our expansion plans in Australasia.”
“We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts and look forward to an exciting period of investment to reinforce our leading position in the Australian luxury hotel market,” Greg Shaw, CEO, Mulpha Australia Limited, added
IHG currently has 47 hotels operating under four brands across Australasia: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express with a further 19 in the pipeline including Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels.
