InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) signed three management contracts to introduce its luxury boutique hotel brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, to Asia. Announced at the 2017 Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), the first Kimpton properties in the region will be located in Southeast Asia and Greater China.
Keith Barr, CEO, IHG, said, “We are thrilled to see our plans to take the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand global. This is the right time to introduce Kimpton to Asia, where we see more and more travellers looking for a sophisticated, yet personalised lifestyle travel experience. The hotels we have signed are in sought-after destinations in Bali, Indonesia, and Shanghai and Sanya in China, and provide a fitting introduction to Asia for this iconic brand.”
Mike DeFrino, CEO, Kimpton, added, “The Asia Pacific region has always attracted travellers who are eager to discover something new and fully immerse themselves in both the destination and local culture. We believe our approach to heartfelt care is unparalleled and with this development milestone, look forward to welcoming those seeking a highly personal approach to boutique luxury.”
These new signings extend the global footprint of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to Asia, following its expansion to Europe, with the opening of Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam and the signing of Kimpton Paris, earlier this year. Acquired by IHG in January 2015, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, is renowned for its innovative and playful design and personal approach to guest service, using thoughtful perks and amenities, bound together with a sense of delight and discovery. The brand’s understated approach to luxury inspires travellers with touches like in-room yoga mats, a hosted evening Social Hour, complementary bike rentals and other local flourishes.
Kimpton is also recognised for its award-winning portfolio of unique restaurants and bars led by talented chefs and bartenders. Common cornerstones of each restaurant and bar include chef-crafted, seasonal menus that celebrate local farms and purveyors; and striking interiors with vibrant style and design.
The first Kimpton located in Southeast Asia, Kimpton Bali, opening in 2019, will feature 50 luxurious villas and sits on the picturesque Nusa Dua coast. Poised to open in 2021, the Kimpton Shanghai Jing’an will feature 150 guest rooms and 120 villas that originally belonged to the British-American Concession.
Situated in one of the most premium travel destinations in China – Haitang Bay in Sanya, Hainan Province, this well-appointed 251-room, luxurious Kimpton Resort Sanya Haitang Bay has direct beach access and is scheduled to open in 2021.
The new signings join the IHG family, which currently operates 488 hotels across seven brands in Asia Pacific, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Holiday Inn Resort with a further 374 hotels in the development pipeline.
