The Whitsunday Islands will welcome a new era of luxury in 2019 with the signing of a management agreement that will see IHG take over management of Hayman Island, rebranding it as Hayman Island, by InterContinental.

Hayman Island, by InterContinental will be an oasis at the northernmost point in the Whitsunday Islands that shows off the best of the InterContinental brand when it opens in 2019, following significant investment to refurbish the product.

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 via Hamilton Island and then by either luxury vessel or helicopter. In addition to the hotel, Mulpha Australia Limited will offer a bespoke collection of homes for sale to those who want to own a piece of heaven on Hayman 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.

InterContinental Sydney has been an iconic feature of the city skyline since it opened in the 1980s. With its unrivalled hospitality and some of the best views in Sydney, it’s a true favourite with travellers to Australia, including celebrities, world leaders and other high-profile guests, and will proudly continue as part of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts family.

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, that will show off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House panoramas to anyone fortunate enough to visit.

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. The upgraded InterContinental will remain a centre point for the broader Sanctuary Cove Resort that features world class golf, Marina and shopping facilities that have recently been recognised as Australia's best integrated residential community.

Leanne Harwood, Managing Director, Australasia and Japan, IHG said: “Luxury travellers 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. 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.”Greg Shaw, CEO, Mulpha Australia Limited, added: “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.”
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.