IHG Hotels & Resorts is pushing ahead with the global expansion of its Hotel Indigo brand. Currently the second largest brand in the group’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, it is set to double in size over the next five years, as a strong roster of committed signings are fully developed and opened.
While initially set out as an urban hotel brand, much of the expansion will come from growing Hotel Indigo as a resort offering. Carol Hoeller, vice president of global brand management for Hotel Indigo and voco Hotels explained the rationale: “Although Hotel Indigo is often associated with urban settings, neighborhoods can be found in every corner of the globe, each with its own story waiting to be discovered, so it only made sense as we strive to set new standards in the ‘premium lifestyle’ space to expand our resorts offerings across the portfolio.”
Resorts drive growth
Currently there are 15 Indigo resorts open, but already IHG has 34 more signed to the pipeline, across the globe. The Americas remains an important resort market for all the big brands, and IGH has already this year opened one of two Mexican resorts, Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortes, sited in the Mexican Baja Peninsula on California Sur.
Also welcoming guests is the Hotel Indigo, which opened in May 2024 with 282 rooms. Located alongside the Kimpton Seafire Resort, it features an infinity pool overlooking the sea, as well as the island’s first rooftop restaurant and bar.
This autumn, Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach will open in Indonesia. The beachfront resort will provide a great place to relax in the infinity pool or at the beach club, or act as a base from which to explore pristine beaches, local forests or take a fishing trip.
Later in the year, Hotel Indigo Palau will be ready to open. The 200 room property is set on Malakal Island, one of the hundreds of islands that make up Micronesia. With a vibrant coral reef just off shore, this resort is sure to be a great destination for divers and lovers of exotic sealife.
Asian expansion
IHG has long focused on the potential of building its business across China, and Hotel Indigo is a key part of its expansion plans across the vast, populous country with three openings to come during the next few months. Opening in June 2024, Hotel Indigo Beidaihe is a coastal destination in the north east of the country, and the hotel will amenities will include a yoga studio and private rooms with hot springs.
Later in the year, the Beidaihe hotel will be joined by Hotel Indigo Lagu Lake, an inland destination in the west of China. The lake is said to hold the tears of Goddess Gemu, while guests will enjoy the property’s wading pools. And one further addition, Hotel Indigo Beidahu will be the brand’s first ski resort destination. A warm haven for those who enjoy frozen adventures in China’s best snow during the day, the hotel will have 121 rooms.
