InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), has signed three management contracts to introduce its boutique hotel brand, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, to Asia-Pacific.

Revealed at the 2017 Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) by IHG CEO Keith Barr, the first Kimpton properties in the region will be located in prime markets in Southeast Asia and Greater China.

“Our Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants brand is incredibly unique and we’re thrilled to see our plans to take it global continue to gather pace,” Barr said.

“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 highly sought-after destinations in Bali, Indonesia, and Shanghai and Sanya in China, and provide a fitting introduction to Asia for this iconic brand.”

These new signings extend the global footprint of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants to Asia-Pacific, following its expansion to Europe, with the opening of Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam and the signing of Kimpton Paris, earlier this year.

“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,” said Kimpton CEO, Mike DeFrino.

“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.”

Acquired by IHG in January 2015, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, is known 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” according to the company

IHG says 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”.

The first Kimpton located in Southeast Asia, Kimpton Bali, opening in 2019, will feature 50 luxurious villas and is located on the Nusa Dua coast. The new designed hotel will blend in with the local Balinese culture delivering guests a “genuine, personalised experience that is both authentic and reflective of the ancient culture”, IHG says.

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. Similar to the villas, that were mostly developed between 1910 and 1930, the hotel’s common areas will be housed in a historically reserved building.

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.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management