voco Kuching Opens in Sarawak, Malaysia

Malaysia’s first voco hotel recently opened in Kuching. The 321-room hotel is an integral part of Wisma Elica, which also includes Care Collective, East Malaysia's largest senior wellness centre. This is Malaysia's first property opening under the globally recognised voco Hotels by IHG Hotels & Resorts brand.

The development represents more than the revitalisation of the former Four Points by Sheraton and Century Hotel. Bringing voco Kuching and Care Collective together under one roof, it creates a destination where hospitality, wellness, lifestyle and community converge while generating economic value and meaningful social impact.

World's tallest hotel to open in Dubai in November

Ciel Dubai Marina, part of IHG's Vignette Collection, is set to open on November 15, 2025, as the world's tallest hotel, standing at 377 meters with 82 floors. This architectural marvel boasts 1,004 luxuriously designed rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and Dubai's skyline.

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong opens in the heart of Victoria’s thriving regional centre

IHG Hotels & Resorts and Franzé Developments have today opened Geelong’s first major newbuild hotel in around 20 years – Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong. It marks a significant milestone for Victoria’s biggest regional city with the new addition of one of the most recognised and trusted hotel brands in the world.

New Year, New Start with The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.

New Year, New Start with The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.

Book your next company conference at The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto and take advantage of its new Day Delegate Package.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort opens LAVA, its signature seafood and grill restaurant

The newly opened LAVA restaurant, within the InterContinental® Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Vietnam is the resort's signature seafood and grill restaurant, serving the freshest seafood sourced from local fishermen each day, and ultra-premium cuts of Australian meat. The restaurant's namesake derives from the striking blue lava stone bar, located in the heart of the restaurant and its interior features fossilised coral and bamboo décor.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Joins IHG

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is bursting with news: it has become part of the IHG family of brands. (IHG®) (InterContinental Hotels Group) is one of the world’s leading global hotel companies with a growing number of luxury brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Regent Hotels & Resorts and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

IHG purchased the award-winning hospitality and wellness company from private equity fund Pegasus Capital Advisors for USD 300 million. The sale includes the management of 16 hotels and resorts, 37 spas and sister companies Evason and Raison d’Etre. Following the acquisition, Six Senses is now expected to grow to 60 hotels within the next 10 years.

Hayman Island prepares to welcome guests to Australia’s most iconic island resort from 1 July

Reservations are available now for guests to immerse themselves in Australia's most iconic island resort with bookings live for 1 July

The most anticipated hotel opening of 2019 is almost here. Reservations are now open, and the excitement is building as Hayman Island by InterContinental prepares to welcome guests to Australia's most iconic island resort from 1 July.

Located on a pristine 400-hectare private island, the 166-room luxury resort has undergone a spectacular, multi-million-dollar refurbishment to ensure guests will experience a truly immersive stay in one of the world's most unique and iconic destinations.

Managed by InterContinental Hotels Group® (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, the resort will introduce a fresh concept of immersive luxury to travellers, offering a truly unique stay experience for those who will touch-down on Hayman's unforgettable shores. It will feature new, world-class restaurants and bars alongside a plethora of bespoke experiences for guests including a new spa and unrivalled meetings and event spaces.

Nestled in the world-renowned surrounds of the Whitsundays, Hayman Island by InterContinental will invite guests to enjoy stunning on-island experiences and all the private oasis has to offer: from secluded beach coves and jet ski adventures, to iconic seaplane rides boasting breath-taking views of the Great Barrier Reef. Hayman Island by InterContinental is guaranteed to have something to suit all travellers, from the adventurer to the luxuriously laid back.

Mark Eletr, Resort Manager at Hayman Island by InterContinental says: "Opening our unique paradise in the Whitsundays to the world under InterContinental's trusted brand is a true privilege. Hayman Island continues to capture the hearts of domestic and international travellers and we are thrilled to announce that on 1 July our doors will open and a new chapter of immersive luxury awaits".

The resort has announced that five innovative dining experiences will be revealed for guests to enjoy and experience on-island, inspired by fresh Queensland flavours with a contemporary menu design. From poolside, luxurious fare to to exciting and bold evening dining, the new offerings will delight and surprise guests, catering to a range of ages and lifestyles.

The room configurations will encompass 166 stylish accommodation options across three distinct wings, spanning from luxurious suites and beachfront villas to lagoon and poolside rooms. The newly built Beach House is an exquisite addition to the accommodation selection, offering guests a private slice of Hayman heaven with three suites and multiple private pools. In addition to the hotel, a new collection of once-in-a-lifetime, luxury private residences will be available to rent for those who want to experience a more private piece of paradise on Hayman Island. Perched on the hilltops of the island overlooking its iconic bay the stunning properties, whilst being fully private, will also have full access to all the resort has to offer, ensuring each guest is fully immersed into island life.

Hayman Island by InterContinental will also be a meetings and events paradise, offering exceptional meetings and events options in its idyllic Whitsundays location. For corporate events there is a selection of stunning indoor and outdoor spaces that can house meetings for 10 to 300 delegates. For weddings, Hayman Island has an on-island chapel and bespoke experiences will be crafted utilising the property's stunning ceremony and reception locations.

Completing the immersive on-island experience is a brand-new luxury spa with 13 treatment rooms, an all-new resort boutique, world-class kids club and state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Located on the northernmost point in the Whitsunday Islands, Hayman Island by InterContinental is accessible via either luxury vessel, helicopter or seaplane.

#ImmerseIntoHayman

 @intercontinentalhaymanisland

IHG opens first voco hotel in the heart of Surfers Paradise

The Mayor of the Gold Coast, Tom Tate and CEO of Destination Gold Coast, Annaliese Battista were among the dignitaries that officially opened voco Gold Coast at a packed ribbon cutting ceremony at the hotel this morning.

The opening of voco Gold Coast represents IHG's (InterContinental Hotels Group) first hotel globally for its new upscale hotel brand: voco™, just five months after it was launched. Owned by Australian property investment firm SB&G Group and located on the shores of the Gold Coast, voco™ Gold Coast is now open for guests to soak up the sun, sand and sea in Australia's beloved Surfers Paradise.

voco™, inspired by the meaning 'to invite' or to 'come together' in Latin, will combine the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. The public spaces of voco™ Gold Coast emphasise this social element, fittingly named Social House Café, which collectively houses a bar and lounge within the venue, offering a space for everyone.

With 389 rooms, the property is situated in the heart of Australia's iconic Surfers Paradise precinct and steps away from Queensland's famous beaches. The hotel offers all the features that guests can expect from the upscale voco™ brand including two swimming pools, gym facilities, L'Aqua Day Spa, 800sqm of meeting space and expansive views of both the ocean and hinterland. Multiple dining options are also available in the hotel's three unique restaurants – Waves, Clifford's Grill & Lounge and Social House – all designed to offer vibrant social experiences for voco™ guests to enjoy.

voco™ Gold Coast also offers several exclusive features that sets it apart from existing hotels, starting with their onsite beehives, producing honey for various uses throughout the hotel. The strong sustainability focus also promises refillable dispensers for products such as soap, along with a high-end Aveda amenity and an initiative with Gold Coast City Council to ensure all kitchen waste is recycled.

The voco™ Gold Coast signing was announced by IHG and owners SB&G Group in June 2018, coinciding with the global launch of the voco™ brand. With six signings to date, in addition to the four properties that will rebrand as part of the UK portfolio deal, there are expected to be more than fifteen signings in total for the brand by the end of 2018. These include three signings in Australia, in Victoria's wine region, Yarra Valley and in the heart of Melbourne's bustling CBD as well as a number of properties in the UK. The opening of voco™ Gold Coast will be quickly followed by hotel openings in Solihull and Cardiff in the UK.

Paul Salter, SB&G Group Managing Director, said: "We are proud to be the first owner of a voco™ branded hotel in the world and to have worked closely with IHG to bring this new brand and service culture to the Gold Coast, making the high-quality refurbishment a reality in only 5 months."

Brenden van Blerk, voco™ Gold Coast General Manager, said: "As one of Australia's all-time favourite holiday destinations, we are very excited to be introducing the voco™ brand across the much-loved Gold Coast. Quintessentially Australian, the Gold Coast offers travellers the ultimate getaway with warm weather, amazing beaches and several great ways to have fun. This perfectly aligns with the new voco™ hotel – a fun, spirited, upscale offering."

Kenneth Macpherson, CEO EMEAA, IHG, said: "IHG launched the voco™ brand in June in Australia, we are so pleased to see the brand's momentum continue here with the first opening in the iconic Gold Coast with long standing partner, SB&G Group. voco™ delivers a guest experience that stands out, with touches of charm and memorable, distinctive and dependable hallmarks."

To tap into the excitement of the Gold Coast and embrace the playfulness of the voco™ brand, the new hotel offers a calendar of social events held within their street facing public spaces from a daily high tea experience to weekly trivia nights, among many others.

This distinctive brand will offer owners the ability to drive higher returns through delivering a compelling guest experience and leveraging IHG's powerful systems. This includes best-in-class revenue management and technology capabilities as well as IHG® Rewards Club, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes.

IHG currently has 48 hotels operating under four brands in Australasia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, with another 22 in the pipeline, including Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels and voco.

To celebrate the launch of voco™ globally, IHG Rewards Club is offering 10,000 Bonus Point Packages at our new voco™ hotels around the world for stays between November 2018 and February 2019. Additionally, members can enjoy 50% off Reward Night redemptions at our new voco™ hotels. Terms & Conditions apply, please visit vocohotels.com for more information.

Image captions: L-R: Brenden van Blerk, GM voco Gold Coast; Paul Donovan, Chairman Destination Gold Coast; Gary Baildon, Councillor Surfers Paradise; Tom Tate, Mayor Gold Coast; Ruwan Peiris, Director of Operations IHG Australasia; Annaleise Battista, CEO Destination Gold Coast; Paul Salter, Managing Director SB&G Group. voco Gold Coast deluxe room; Ruwan Peiris, Mayor Tom Tate, Paul Salter

InterContinental Koh Samui Air Bar flies

Koh Samui's Air Bar:  Breathtaking Sunsets, Unforgettable Moments

InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort

The Air Bar, situated on the romantic west side of Koh Samui, is the perfect destination to meet with friends, share a cocktail and relax into deep sofas to enjoy explosive orange and deep red hue sunsets across 360-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and offshore islands. It was recently recognised in the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2018 as Asia's Most Romantic Resort, Asia's Leading Beach Resort, and Thailand's Leading Beach Resort.

It just got better: refreshed, edgy and more laid-back.  A well-crafted bar menu managed by friendly staff features international wines, beers and wicked cocktails like a Metropolitan Martini Finlandia - lime vodka, triple sec lime, cranberry juice and raspberry with a complementary second cocktail usually on offer.  The gracious hospitality complements the Resort's breathtaking views, which are ranked in the New York Times bestseller 1000 Places to See Before You Die.

But it is the sensational Air Bar where you really taste the sky.  Here, relaxing in luxury,  you can embrace panoramic sea views, the Ang Thong Marine National Park, and the sunken pool – views you won't forget for a long time.

It's little wonder the Air Bar attracts international patrons seeking a hip place on Koh Samui to unwind after a long playful day in paradise.  Evening entertainment is soft grooves - cool vibes, layback jazz, Bossa nova, Soul or R&B every day with the sunset on the horizon.

The five-star multi-award-winning InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort spans nine hectares (22 acres) with a one-hour flight from Bangkok and a 45-minute drive from the airport.  The Resort is a self-contained, easy going holiday paradise surrounded by five islands offering tranquillity and romance. It is a haven for families, couples, honeymooners as well as weddings and corporate functions.

The 79-luxury room and villa InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort nestles onto the side of a forested cliff, an architectural masterpiece featuring world-class hospitality from every room, suite, villa and restaurant. There are two restaurants, Amber and Flames serving Thai, Asian and modern European cuisine, open-air cocktail lounges Air Bar and Club InterContinental Lounge, lobby bar and café.

The InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort is the most Instgrammable location in Koh Samui. Ideal for pre-dinner drinks with small 'bites' and canapes, sunset celebrations and your special wedding reception.

The Air Bar is open from 5.00pm until midnight. For more information, please call +66 (0) 77 429 100 EXT.5503 or e-mail fb@ickohsamui.com

Further information: samui.intercontinental.com

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Voted World's Best Airport Hotel for the Second Consecutive Year

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has been named World's Best Airport Hotel and Best Airport Hotel in Asia for the second consecutive year at the 2016 Skytrax World Airport Awards, held at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Cologne, Germany. The hotel had received its first award in 2015. This is a milestone in the young history of the 320-room hotel that is set to expand with the launch of an additional 243 new rooms in Q2/Q3 of 2016.

Established in 1999 when Skytrax launched its first global Airport Customer Satisfaction Survey, the non-profit World Airport Awards are recognized as a global benchmark of excellence in the travel industry.

The 2016 awards for best airport hotels are based on nominations from travellers around the globe. It evaluates key performance indicators in guest satisfaction including overall experience, level of service, room and bathroom cleanliness, quality of food, leisure, fitness and spa facilities, comfort and accessibility to the airport.


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"It is indeed a great honour to be named the World's Best Airport Hotel for two consecutive years and we would not have achieved this without the vote of confidence from our guests," says Sunshine Wong, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. "We are constantly striving to be a Great Hotel Guests Love. This award is a recognition of our team's hard work, dedication and commitment to delivering the highest service quality we have promised our guests. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our guests for the confidence and support through the years and we look forward to seeing you again when we open our extension of 243 new rooms in a few months time."

According to a representative from Skytrax World Airport Awards, "Crowne Plaza Changi Airport clearly continues to impress and satisfy its guests by retaining this title in 2016, this time by a considerable margin".

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is the only international brand hotel to be located within the immediate vicinity of world-class Changi Airport. The hotel offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility with seamless connectivity to Changi Airport Terminal 3. With the addition of 243 new rooms, the hotel will feature a total of 563 rooms.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is both an urban resort and the perfect hub for corporate and social events, offering contemporary design, innovative services and bespoke meeting spaces. Designed by award-winning architects WOHA, the hotel encapsulates elements of both city and resort hotels. Crowne Plaza Changi Airport also features a beautiful landscaped outdoor pool for long-haul travellers seeking an oasis to relax and rejuvenate before they embark on their next journey.

Winning this award for two consecutive years, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is truly the preferred choice of discerning business and leisure travellers.


WORLD'S BEST AIRPORT HOTELS IN 2016

1.     Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
2.     Regal Airport Hong Kong
3.     Pullman Guangzhou Airport
4.     Hilton Munich Airport
5.     Sofitel Heathrow
6.     Langham Place Beijing
7.     Hilton Frankfurt Airport
8.     Movenpick Hotel Bahrain
9.     Fairmont Vancouver Airport
10.   Grand Hyatt DFW


For more information about the 2016 World Airport Awards, please visit www.worldairportawards.com.

New Crowne Plaza for Sydney CBD

IHG expands Sydney CBD presence with signing of Crowne Plaza

160-room Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour to open in 2019

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Beijing-based development company, Ausbao Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of BCDH Group, for a new 160-room Crowne Plaza hotel in Sydney's CBD.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is in a key location in close proximity to the new Sydney International Convention Centre and key business and leisure redevelopments in the Darling Quarter and the Barangaroo south precinct.

The new hotel will feature a range of business and meetings facilities including five meeting rooms and a 24-hour business centre. Guests can enjoy food and beverage at the hotel's all-day dining restaurant and unwind at the bar. To keep energised during their stay the fully equipped fitness centre and outdoor pool provide the ideal places to relax.

Matthew Tripolone, Head of Development, Australasia, IHG said: "With the strategic expansion of the Crowne Plaza brand into the Sydney CBD we looked to work with partners who understand our brand, and we're delighted to be working with Ausbao due to their track record of success with hospitality and mixed-use projects.

"Sydney's CBD is undergoing some exciting redevelopment and the location and proposition of the new Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour will make it a leading choice for both business and leisure guests. The hotel will form part of an exciting mixed use development in a strategically important growth corridor within the Sydney CBD."

Jason Gao, Managing Director, Ausbao Pty Ltd said: "Sydney as a meetings and tourism destination continues to show positive growth, and new developments within the city will help support this. It is a great time to be developing an internationally-branded hotel with IHG in the upscale space, especially as Crowne Plaza is globally recognised as a leading business hotel brand and we are confident this is what the location needs. We are pleased to be working with IHG and look forward to welcoming guests to Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour when it opens in 2019."

Crowne Plaza is one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the world with nearly 400 hotels in more than 65 countries worldwide, including 70 hotels across the Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region.

IHG has 25 hotels open across three brands in Australia including: InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza® and Holiday Inn® with a further six properties due to open in the next three to five years.

There are currently 400 Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts across the globe, with a further 84 hotels in the development pipeline.

Retreat to Sydney's Double Bay with New Five-Star Family Package

 #soluxperience  #lux2015

 
Enjoy a relaxing bayside getaway for the family in Sydney's Double Bay this spring school holidays, with InterContinental Sydney Double Bay's new Family Retreat package.

A great base for a family break, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay delivers a hassle-free, luxurious stay from start to finish with its new package, featuring overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast in Stockroom restaurant and valet car parking, from AU$350 per night*.

Sydney's newest luxury address, the hotel offers family-friendly features such as complimentary breakfast for children aged five and under in Stockroom restaurant, children's menus designed by children's food expert Annabel Karmel, and access to the hotel's Rooftop Pool & Lounge with family-sized private cabanas.

The five-star retreat also offers 140 spacious guest rooms, including interconnecting rooms and 15 suites, most with private balcony or courtyard, and all designed with residential-style furnishing, separate shower and bath, double vanities and fresh air.

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay's location makes it a popular option for families, with famed Bondi Beach just 10 minutes' drive and the city a short ferry ride from the wharf 200 metres from the hotel.

Back in Double Bay, families can soak up the village atmosphere, exploring tree-lined laneways, boutiques, cafes and restaurants with alfresco seating, lush green parks, harbour-facing Murray Rose Pool and Double Bay Beach.

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay's Family Retreat package is available for stays from now to 11 October 2015. For more information and bookings: 02 8388 8388, reservations.doublebay@ihg.com or www.intercontinental.com/doublebay.

* Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valet car parking for one vehicle included. Breakfast is for two adults in Stockroom restaurant. Rate is per room, per night.

Address: 33 Cross Street, Double Bay, Sydney NSW 2028
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterContinentalSydneyDoubleBay
Instagram: @InterconDoubleBay
Twitter: @InterconSydDB

Crowne Plaza Launches Largest NSW Conference Centre North of Sydney

The widely-anticipated Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre is the newest and most extensive business events venue in the Hunter region

Hunter Valley, Australia, 2nd February 2015: Crowne Plaza is pleased to announce the opening of the new Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, providing the largest and most comprehensive regional conference and exhibition facility north of Sydney.

The new Conference and Events Centre will diversify the region’s current business events mix by drawing in larger event markets and industries into the region. After much research into the growing demand for large scale gourmet experiences within Australia, clients now have the opportunity to turn their next event into a gourmet food and wine affair. Bringing the best of the Hunter Valley into the fully integrated Resort, Harvest Hunter is the Resort’s new signature events package. Harvest Hunter brings interactive live cooking stations, live entertainment, locally recognised chef’s sharing their favourite recipes, the region’s greatest wineries showcasing award winning wines and local producers sharing fresh breads, cheeses, chocolates and much more in an outdoor festival affair setting.

Robert Coates, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley says: “The new Conference and Events Centre will position the Hunter Valley as a leading Australian conference and events destination. Offering guests the latest technology and a light-filled design in a state-of-the-art venue with a combined 2,000 square metres of pre-function, meeting and exhibition space coupled with a unique wine country destination. We have already received large scale group bookings for 2015 resulting in 20 percent growth in business events and many in the pipeline for 2016 - it looks set to be a very busy year for us.”

To complement the new development, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has welcomed one of Australia’s largest providers of audio visual equipment, Scene Change, to manage the growing demand of sophisticated and advanced audio visual needs, putting the Resort in the forefront of business events. “The technical installation is at the same level as the best of Australia's convention centres, with high-end Barco projectors and sophisticated digital controls. Clients will get the welcoming, relaxed Hunter conference experience without having to compromise their production values,” said Scene Change co-founder Ian Whitworth.

With the introduction of our new Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, we welcome you to experience the Hunter Valley for your next event. Book your 2015 or 2016 'Harvest Hunter' Signature Event before the 31 June 2015 and choose any two of the rewarding offers below:

• 30-minutes of pre-dinner drinks and canapés prior to your Harvest Hunter event
• Double IHG Meeting Rewards Points (capped at 100,000 points)
• One complimentary room for every 25 accommodation rooms booked.
• A $500 resort voucher for the event organiser to use at your choice of dining, spa, golf or accommodation at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.

Terms and Conditions: Harvest Hunter is available for a minimum of 300 guests. Offer is subject to availability, valid for new bookings only and based on a minimum of 150 room nights per booking.

For more information on meetings and events at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, please visit: www.inspirationstartshere.com.au
 

Sydney's InterContinental Sydney Double Bay Opens

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay was unveiled today as this year’s most anticipated new hotel and one of the most exclusive properties in Australia, nestled within the prestigious and picturesque village suburb of Double Bay in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Marking the arrival of the fifth InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in the country, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is the only five-star luxury hotel outside Sydney’s CBD and is pivotal to the resurgence of the Double Bay area.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre

 

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is due to open its 1,000 person, two room Conference and Events Centre in late 2014. The Centre will provide visitors with a state-of-the-art facility as well as access to all of the dining and leisure services in the picturesque Hunter Valley surroundings.

In exciting news, the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre has secured its first booking with the renowned Rotary Foundation of Australia, for Rotary District 9685's 'Light up Rotary' conference in March.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley recently hosted a lunch with key ministers and tourism stakeholders George Souris – MP Member for Upper Hunter, Gladys Berejiklian – Minister of Transport and Minister for the Hunter, Carol Giuseppi – Tourism Australia NSW Director and Robert Coates – General Mnager, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley,  to discuss the opportunities for regional tourism.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s star concierge receives industry golden nod for years of dedication and service

Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s chief concierge, Fiona Lawson, is gunning for gold this week as she receives well-deserved praise for years of dedication and exceptional service to the hospitality industry.

This week Ms Lawson celebrates ten years as a member of the prestigious Hotel Concierge Society Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand (HCSNZ) and almost twenty years as part of the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG).

The not-for-profit worldwide association consists of the best concierges in each country and is dedicated to promoting professionalism in the tourism industry and concierge as a positive and exceptional career.

Members can be identified by the golden key badges each concierge wears with pride. Recognised the world over it identifies them as being experienced, professional and one of the best concierge in their respective country.

As the only female with ‘The Golden Keys’ in the South Island, and one of only a handful in New Zealand, Fiona is hailed as a “unique and incredibly important” member of the Crowne Plaza Queenstown guest services team.

She joined IHG as part of the opening crew of the Central Christchurch (old Holiday Inn City Centre) and went on to become chief concierge at Crowne Plaza Christchurch until the earthquake forced her move to Queenstown.

Guy Robinson, Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s senior guest experience manager, was initially hired by Ms Lawson in 2006 as a porter while he was studying at University.  Five years later Guy was able to repay the favour and hired Fiona to join him and his team in Queenstown.

“I remember meeting Fiona for the first time during my interview for a porter’s role and thinking what an amazingly warm and friendly person she was,” said Mr Robinson.

“She’s really fun and genuinely interested in guests and making their stay exceptional. That’s something very special and I learned a lot from her during those early years.””

Fiona Lawson the only female Les Clefs d'Or Concierge in the South Island

“It’s just a pleasure to have her as part of the team. Fiona’s passion for her work and natural charisma make her so special.

“She’s certainly a memorable person. We have many repeat guests here in Queenstown and even some who’ve stayed at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch who always remember Fiona,” he said.

Fiona is heading to Auckland next week to join Les Clefs d'Or’s own 20 year celebrations as part of its annual conference, where she will be awarded a gift in recognition of her dedication and service to the organisation and hospitality industry.

Les Clefs d'Or President Shaun Ryan said Fiona was “a fantastic person and a popular figure within Les Clefs d'Or”.

When Les Clefs d'Or New Zealand hosted the 60th International Les Clefs d'Or Congress in Queenstown in April 2013 -- which saw over 200 members from around the world visit Queenstown for five days -- Fiona was the host concierge.

“She did a wonderful job in showcasing not only her own hotel but Queenstown and New Zealand as a whole. She is known to us as Princess Fiona and will light up a room with her presence, warmth and laughter."

Crowne Plaza Queenstown general manager Reinier Eulink said Fiona was “a star within the IHG group”.

“Having someone of Fiona’s calibre as part of our team reflects the high levels of customer service we pride ourselves on at Crowne Plaza Queenstown,” said Mr Eulink.

“Fiona’s Golden Keys make her an exceptional asset and her passion and knowledge of Queenstown and New Zealand is second-to-none. Guests recognise the keys and appreciate they stand for quality, heritage and experience.”

“We congratulate her wholeheartedly on this huge milestone and look forward to next year and her 20^th anniversary with IHG. Not many people can claim such a long standing career and it’s something she should be incredibly proud of,” he said.

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa Receives Global Traveler's Special Achievement Award for Outstanding Environmental Initiatives

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa received a "Special Achievement Award for Outstanding Environmental Initiatives" recognizing the resort's unique seawater air-conditioning system from Global Traveler, a monthly magazine for business and leisure luxury travelers, on May 1, 2014, during the publication's Second Annual Leisure Travel Awards ceremony at the Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica, Calif.

The full list of winners, voted by readers, and special achievement awards, named by the magazine's editors, is available inGlobal Traveler's second annual Leisure Lifestyle Book.

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa was the first in the world to feature this innovative, eco-friendly air-conditioning system that uses very cold, deep-sea water to cool the hotel, deploying a 7,874 foot pipe to a depth of more than 3,000 feet (the deepest ocean pipe in the world) off the reef of Bora Bora.  The pipe feeds the cold, deep-sea water through a titanium heat exchanger, transferring the cold into the fresh water circuit that then air conditions the hotel, before returning the seawater back to the sea.  The system has zero impact on the environment, is quiet, requires virtually no energy to bring the deep sea water to the surface, produces no carbon dioxide or other green house gasses, and saves 90% of the electricity consumed by a conventional cooling system of similar capacity. This translates to a reduction of CO2 emissions that is the equivalent of approximately 2.5 million liters of fuel oil imports per year to French Polynesia.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is located on a virgin beach on Motu Piti Aau with breathtaking views ofBora Bora's majestic Mount Otemanu. Known for its exemplary service to its guests, the resort features a number of unique attributes, including: 80 luxurious overwater villas each with a split-level terrace and sundeck for easy access to the turquoise waters of the lagoon; two of the finest culinary experiences in French Polynesia at its restaurants Reef and Le Corail; and the first overwater wedding chapel with glass bottom floor in French Polynesia.

In addition to its environmental award from Global Traveler, the resort was also listed on Conde Nast Traveler's "2014 Gold List," recognized as one of the "World's Best Beach Hotels" and for having one of the most "Beautiful Hotel Pools."InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa was also honored recently on the list of "Top 25 Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific" and as one of the "Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the South Pacific" by TripAdvisor. The resort has also achieved "EarthCheck Silver Certification."

For information and rates for the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, call 1-888 IC HOTELS (1-888-424-6835) or visit www.tahiti.intercontinental.com.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport - First in Singapore to Achieve the Gold EarthCheck Certification

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has become the first hotel in Singapore to be awarded the prestigious and coveted Gold Certification through the world's leading sustainability certifier of travel and tourism Organisations, EarthCheck. This exciting "first" underscores the hotel's dedication towards leading sustainability practices in the hotel industry and building a responsible business with a firm commitment to the environment.

InterContinental Hotels and Resorts launches Insider Guide to travelling with children

Third Guide in the series provides parents with tips on planning enjoyable holidays for the whole family

 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has released the Insider Guide to Travelling with Children, providing useful advice to make planning enjoyable family holidays a breeze.

The third in the Insider Guide series, this latest guide is an essential handbook for guests planning to travel with their children. The guide collates InterContinental insider knowledge and external industry expert opinions from countries across Asia, Middle East and Africa to deliver top travel tips, local insights and exciting itineraries, including suggestions on engaging the young ones from the planning stage.

Bruce Ryde, Director, Brand Management, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts said, "At InterContinental Hotels & Resorts we have over 65 years of global heritage in curating memorable experiences for our guests. From locally-inspired spa programmes to our Planet Trekkers Kid's Club activities, we give our guests the most authentic local experiences for an enjoyable holiday. The Insider Guide to Travelling with Children condenses all the insider information you need to know before, during and after your family vacation."

In addition, the guide features highlights of the new InterContinental Planet Trekkers Children's Menu. Developed by award-winning celebrity chef Theo Randall and leading children's food expert and best-selling international author, Annabel Karmel MBE, the menu was designed specifically for the young InterContinental guest and will feature delicious dishes which embrace flavours, textures, smells and tastes that will take children on an educational voyage around the world, while ensuring an enjoyable and nutritionally balanced meal.

"The new children's menu was developed based on the principle of 'Food Exploration' which is all about creating food experiences children will find intriguing and exciting. There is no better way for parents and their young ones to discover a new city together than to explore the cuisines and tastes it has to offer, and the menu offers our young guests that opportunity to do so in a fun way," added Bruce.

The Insider Guide to Travelling with Children features advice from InterContinental spokespeople, as well as Tracey Spicer, renowned Australian Journalist, Writer and Family Travel Expert, who shares her insights into some favourite family holiday spots.

The Insider Guide will be available in English in InterContinental hotels and resorts across Australia, and will soon be available online.

There are currently 4 InterContinental hotels (1,400 rooms) in Australia (the fifth, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay coming soon), and 67 hotels and resorts (21,383 rooms) across Asia, Middle East and Africa. For more information on InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, visit www.intercontinental.com.

To download the series of Insider Guides – Travelling in Style and the Perfect Business Dinner, please visit: http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/global/explore/communications

InterContinental Fiji wins twice at AON Award Ceremony

The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa has won two awards at the prestigious AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards, held on Denarau Island in Nadi on Friday night. The leading luxury resort on Natadola Bay was the recipient of accolades in two categories: 'Spa and Wellness' and Josaia Baleinatewa (affectionately known as 'Little Jo') for 'Frontliner of the Year'.

InterContinental Fiji's nominations represented two of their signature elements, 'Spa InterContinental' and the resort's exceptional staff. "It is an honour to be a recipient of these esteemed awards," says Scott Williams, InterContinental Fiji's General Manager.  "Our vision is to be recognised as one of the South Pacific's Leading Luxury Resorts delivering unparalleled service to our guests, pride to our employees, and returning profits to the people of Fiji.  I am exceptionally proud of our dedicated team who continue to go above and beyond guest expectations, and help turn this vision into a reality".

The Frontliner of the Year award, awarded to an individual only once in their lifetime, acknowledges exceptionally dedicated employees whose commitment goes beyond their job descriptions to enhance the visitor experience.  

"Little Jo's energy and enthusiasm for his job, guests and culture is infectious and clearly a result of his love of life," says Rafaele Delai, Little Jo's manager: a claim confirmed by the online reaction to his award win on Friday night: www.facebook.com/intercontinental.fj.

Little Jo, who is famous for his exceptional memory and unsurpassed local knowledge, has the uncanny ability to remember the name and face of almost every guest to visit the resort at Natadola Bay and epitomizes the famous 'Bula Spirit' that has guests returning to Fiji time and time again.

Claiming the 'Spa & Wellness' award later in the evening, Spa InterContinental established itself as a premium product in the Fiji tourism market. Featuring nine floating treatment rooms, the luxurious spa offers innovative treatments and packages using products from acclaimed Fiji spa and skincare brand Pure Fiji and Yon-Ka Paris. The Spa also features Fiji's only hydrotherapy facility named the 'Wai* Zone', a yoga deck, tranquil relaxation lounge, retail outlet, two beachside Bure cabanas and a VIP treatment suite.

"I am very proud of our high performance team," says Fareena Feroz, Spa Manager. "Commitment, passion, and the love of making our guests' stay unforgettable truly sets Spa InterContinental apart."

The Fiji Excellence in Tourism awards is run annually by a committee of independent industry members, to honour outstanding contributors to Fiji's thriving tourism industry.

"The boards' contribution to Fiji's tourism industry is invaluable, and we thank them for their recognition," says General Manager Scott Williams.  "Each award was well deserved and to all the finalists and winners I offer our heartfelt congratulations."

Overlooking the only white sandy beach on Fiji's main island, InterContinental Fiji offers four pools, its own on-site dive centre, yoga deck, Spa InterContinental and a dedicated kids club, all set across 35 acres of lush tropical gardens.  InterContinental Fiji is also home to the island's only resort within a resort, Club InterContinental, which features 55 luxurious hilltop suites and offers use of a private infinity pool and lounge area.


*Wai is Fijian for 'Water'.

About the Intercontinental Fiji:
The only resort on beautiful Natadola Beach on Fiji's Coral Coast, InterContinental Fiji is designed to treat couples to a luxurious, romantic experience, with private Cleopatra baths offered in every room, couples pampering at the award-winning Spa InterContinental and private cabana dinners served as the sun sets and a spectacular infinity pool.  Spread across 35 acres of tropical gardens, the resort offers all the facilities and services expected of a luxury international resort, including four pools, its own on-site dive centre, recreation and beach activities centre, volleyball, petanque lawn, yoga deck, gym and fitness centre and 18-hole championship golf course. http://fiji.intercontinental.com/

About Natadola Bay
Natadola Bay blends world class golf architecture with dramatic landscapes from rolling pastures through to absolute beachfront.  With the sparkling backdrop of coral reefs and the Pacific Ocean on 15 out of the 18 holes, Natadola Bay it is a journey through stunning Fijian landscapes.  The perfectly manicured (and environmentally friendly) seashore paspalum grass presents the golfer with championship standard playing conditions all year round.  Measuring 6,556 metres from the championship tees, the par 72 championship standard golf course boasts up to five tee positions on each hole, providing an enjoyable challenge for players of all skill levels.  Natadola Bay was officially opened for play in June 2009 with the staging of the Fijian Open, won by then Rookie Professional Matt Griffin. The course has since hosted the 2010 Fiji Open, the 2011 Nomura Cap and the 2012 Natadola Bay Fiji Classic.  Further information is available at www.natadolabay.com