The words that will describe IHG group's three newly-signed resorts in Thailand are intimacy, privacy, space, experiences....
The three resorts – on Phi Phi Island, Pattaya and Samui Island – represent a new style of IHG's resort development in the region – "resorts that cater to IHG customers with a higher level of self-awareness", said Patrick Imbardelli, chief executive, Asia/Pacific.
"These customers are discerning in their needs and we are creating experiences for them," he said.
The three resorts are all low density, upscale developments, much in line with the new trend in resort development throughout the region.
InterContinental Resort Phi Phi will feature 100 villas spread over 50 acres of land. All villas will have their own plunge pool and guests will arrive by sea plane.
Paul Logan, in charge of IHG"s development, calls it "the last hidden paradise on Phi Phi".
"We saw the site 10 years ago and dreamt about building a resort that would fit the island," he said. "So for us, it is a dream come true."
A special feature of the Phi Phi resort will be a farmhouse and cooking school where herbs and vegetables grown organically will be used in the resort's offerings.
InterContinental Resort Samui will also feature 100 rooms and bungalows on the quieter side of the island on Menam Beach.
In Pattaya, the resort will also offer 100 rooms and villas. Located close to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, it will sit on its own peninsula.
"There is so much happening in Pattaya right now. With the new airport opening, it will mean an hour's drive from Bangkok with a population catchment area of eight million," said Imbardelli.
"In recent years, we have seen people move direction to Hua Hin but we believe demand will be returning to Pattaya."
The three resorts, which are InterContinental's first in Thailand, are being developed in partnership with Khun Jumreon Chittarasnee, owner of the Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island, also managed by IHG. They bring the number of IHG properties in Thailand to 10.
Imbardelli said resort development in Asia had evolved with changing customer demand since InterContinental opened its last resort in Bali in the 1990s.
"In Bali, the architecture is still relevant and can be refreshed," he said, adding that the three new resorts would embrace new design elements and offer new experiences.
"It's about being able to do what you want," he said.
About
Siew Hoon, who has covered the tourism industry in Asia/Pacific for the past 20 years, runs SHY Ventures Pte Ltd. Her company's mission is "Content, Communication, Connection". In addition, she writes a regular column on news, trends and issues in the hospitality industry here at 4Hoteliers.com
She is a writer, speaker, facilitator, trainer and events producer. She is also an author, having published "Around Asia In 1 Hr: Tales of Condoms, Chillies & Curries". Her motto is ‘free to do, and be'. Contacts: Tel: 65-63424934, Mobile: 65-96801460Check out Siew Hoon's new website, www.shy-connection.com, which features a newly-launched e-zine with a difference. 
