IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's top hotel companies, has announced the signing of InterContinental Penang Resort in partnership with THR Hotel (Penang) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of a leading Malaysian hotel owner, Tradewinds Corporation Berhad.
The collaboration will see IHG expand its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Malaysia by converting the former Penang Mutiara Beach Resort at Teluk Bahang into an IHG-branded luxury beach resort. With sustainability at its heart, the property will revitalise Penang's most exclusive beach resort destination into a haven for couples and families.
Slated to open in 2025, InterContinental Penang Resort will welcome guests to Penang's Glowing Bay in Teluk Bahang, where they can unwind in a tropical beach oasis immersed in biodiversity. With the Teluk Bahang Fishing Village, Penang National Park and the Penang Tropical Spice Garden as its neighbours, guests can soak up panoramic views of the Malacca Straits featuring white sand beaches and clear emerald waters against a backdrop of lush mountainous forests.
Serena Lim, Vice President, Development, South East Asia and Korea, IHG, shared that the company is thrilled to debut the world's first and largest international luxury hotel brand in Malaysia's second-largest city with InterContinental Penang Resort.
"A city steeped in history and culture, Penang presents strong leisure and corporate travel demand, buoyed by the recent border reopening and ending of travel restrictions. We want to create the best resort destination in Penang, make it attractive to all types of guests and further solidify IHG's brand presence in Malaysia in the luxury segment," said Lim.
"Tradewinds Corp is the perfect partner for us to introduce the InterContinental brand to Penang. Having previously worked with Tradewinds Corp on several properties in Asia, we are truly excited to return into partnership with them with this flagship resort. We know they are as committed as we are to positively impact our communities. Our joint aim is to ensure this project provides new economic opportunities and encourages many more travellers to visit this wonderful destination."
Located only a 30-minute drive from central Georgetown, InterContinental Penang Resort will comprise 355 rooms and suites, up to three bedrooms, and a private enclave of six villas for guests desiring a genuinely immersive stay amongst nature. A holistic wellness village complements the stay experience with ten treatment villas, a yoga studio, and a relaxation pavilion, all within a development encircled by Angsana trees that will be delicately preserved and protected throughout the construction process.
The inclusion of a holistic wellness component within the resort aligns with the growing wellness travel trend. After over a year of a global pandemic, the concept of self-care has evolved. Travellers are now re-evaluating their priorities and favouring destinations offering opportunities to improve their physical, mental, and spiritual health. According to a Wellness Tourism Industry statistic, the global wellness tourism market is forecasted to exceed US$900 billion by 2022.
InterContinental Penang Resort will also feature three swimming pools, five restaurants and bars, 1,000 square metres of meeting and event space, and the brand's world-renowned Club InterContinental Lounge offering views of the Straits of Malacca.
