InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, on February 28 entered a management agreement with Thai company, Elite Villa Co., Ltd, to launch the InterContinental Resort brand in Koh Samui, Thailand. IHG will take over the management of the existing Baan Taling Ngam Resort & Spa, the island’s very first luxury resort.

According to Financial, Koh Samui is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors the idyllic island life, just over an hour away from busy capital Bangkok. The resort sits atop a cliff amidst coconut plantations and has 300 metres of its own beach frontage along the scenic coast of Taling Ngam, serving as the perfect luxury getaway for guests over the years. It also offers one of the best panoramic sea views of the National Marine Park and the neighbouring ‘Five Islands’.

“The 79-room resort will close its doors to undergo an extensive refurbishment. More than US$15 million will be invested to upgrade the resort and upon completion, the property will provide the luxury and outstanding facilities that guests have come to expect from an InterContinental property. InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort is projected to open by 1 December 2011,” IHG says.

“Our region has many natural locations ideal for resorts, and Koh Samui remains one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand. The InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort supports our focus on the resort segment and is a wonderful addition to our portfolio,” said Jan Smits, Managing Director, IHG Asia Australasia.

Vikorn Srivikorn, Managing Director of Elite Villa Co., Ltd, said, “The current property has a great history – It started out as Koh Samui’s first luxury resort and today remains one of the top resorts in the island. The InterContinental brand also has a long and rich heritage, and I believe our future guests will have an experience that combines a great location as well as the services and facilities associated with the InterContinental brand.”

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has presence in more than 60 countries, with local knowledge that comes from over 60 years of experience. An InterContinental experience is about connecting guests to what is special about a destination – by sharing local knowledge so they enjoy authentic experiences that will enrich their lives and broaden their outlook, with stories they can share when they go home.

There are 170 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in major global cities such as London, Paris, New York, and Tokyo, including 50 in Asia Pacific. InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort will be the brand’s second resort in Thailand, joining InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, which opened in 2009. The IHG portfolio of resort in the region includes properties in French Polynesia, Fiji, Bali and the Maldives.