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Hotel group IHG is taking over management of Queensland luxury icon Hayman Island and will rebrand it as Hayman Island, by InterContinental.

A major upgrade and makeover is in the wind. Some reports say AUD 100 million will be spent, though IHG has not named a figure. Luxury homes will be sold on Hayman Island too, it seems, and other Australian InterContinental properties are in line for significant refurbishment.

“Hayman Island, by InterContinental will be an oasis at the northernmost point in the Whitsunday Islands that shows off the best of the InterContinental brand when it opens in 2019, following significant investment to refurbish the product,” a statement said.

“The 166-room hotel is the only property on the 400-hectare island and will showcase world-class facilities, rooms and suites in one of the world’s most unique locations, accessible via Hamilton Island and then by either luxury vessel or helicopter.

“In addition to the hotel, Mulpha Australia Limited will offer a bespoke collection of homes for sale to those who want to own a piece of heaven on Hayman Island.

“The landmark agreement with Mulpha Australia Limited also sees IHG continue with a long-term agreement to manage both InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.”

Hayman closed in March 2017 after being severely clobbered by Cyclone Debbie. In June last year, Mulpha and One and Only ended their agreement to brand and manage Hayman.

Money will also be spent on the InterContinental Sydney (the first major upgrade since opening) and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove.

Hayman Island

“A significant investment into refurbishments and renewal will take place over the coming years” at the InterContinental Sydney, to “see the hotel elevated to even higher levels of luxury and sophistication”. Event spaces will be added, including a grand ballroom to show off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House panoramas.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove on Queensland’s Gold Coast “will enjoy a refurbishment that will see it continue its legacy as one of Queensland’s most prestigious hotels”, the statement said.

IHG’s managing director, Australasia and Japan, Leanne Harwood, said: “Luxury travellers have long had an affinity with InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, so we are thrilled to continue their legacy for many years to come. What is particularly special is to now welcome Hayman Island to the IHG family. We could not be more delighted to continue, and strengthen, our partnership with Mulpha Australia as we pursue our expansion plans in Australasia.”

Mulpha Australia Limited chief executive Greg Shaw added: “We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts and look forward to an exciting period of investment to reinforce our leading position in the Australian luxury hotel market.”

Hayman Island has been synonymous with Australian tropical island holiday luxury ever since Royal Hayman Hotel opened there in 1950.

IHG currently has 47 hotels operating under four brands across Australasia: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express with a further 19 in the pipeline including Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels.

Written by Peter Needham