InterContinental Fiji Announced for Natadola
Natadola's first international hotel under construction - Due to open late 2007
NATOLDA, Fiji, April 26, 2006. InterContinental Hotels Group is set to establish another InterContinental resort in the South Pacific with its appointment to manage the first internationally-branded hotel in the Fiji National Provident Fund's (FNPF) Natadola Marine Resort development. Currently under construction and due to open in late 2007, InterContinental Resort Fiji will set new benchmarks for a luxurious hotel experience in the South Pacific and join a growing network of InterContinental resorts in the region and around the world.
Located on the Coral Coast of the main island of the Fiji group of islands, Viti Levu, the Natadola Marine Resort project covers 640 hectares of coastal property and is set to become one of the region's premier tourism destinations.
One of the precinct's key features will be the world class 18-hole links course designed by Fiji native and champion golfer, Vijay Singh. Adjacent to InterContinental Resort Fiji and managed by one of the most respected golf course management companies in the Asia Pacific, IMG, the course will feature ocean views from 16 of its 18 holes, with seven playing down to and along the water's edge.
InterContinental Resort Fiji will be established on Natadola's main beach, featuring 275 rooms including beachside accommodation, garden rooms and hilltop villas with private plunge pools. The resort will also offer a stand-alone spa, a Club InterContinental Lounge and a choice of exceptional restaurants as well as access to the golf course, racquet club and other impressive facilities being established as part of the broader development.
'InterContinental Resort Fiji another important step in our long-term strategy to further strengthen InterContinental as a leisure resort brand, building upon its international standing as an icon for premium hotels. We are making solid progress towards making the InterContinental brand synonymous with world class resorts with the opening of InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora in May and three new InterContinental resorts on Phi Phi Island, Pattaya and Samui Island in Thailand in 2008, complementing the existing InterContinental Bali and three InterContinental resorts in French Polynesia,' said InterContinental Hotels Group Chief Operating Officer Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Keith Barr.
'It is a privilege to be involved in this project, which will complement the natural beauty of the Natadola coastline and become one of the biggest resort attractions in the South Pacific region. In establishing the Natadola Marine Resort, the FNPF is set to achieve what many others have attempted - a world-class resort complex in one of Fiji's most stunning coastal areas.
'InterContinental Resort Fiji will be a world class property, setting new benchmarks for top-end resort accommodation in the region. Having been involved in the planning and capital works, we are very excited at the prospect of welcoming guests from 2007 to what will become a brand-defining InterContinental resort.'
InterContinental Resort Fiji will become the third hotel owned by FNPF and managed by InterContinental Hotels Group, joining Holiday Inn Suva in the Fijian capital and the soon-to-be redeveloped Grand Pacific Hotel, which will reopen as Crowne Plaza Grand Pacific Suva.
'This opportunity represents a further extension of the Group's relationship with the FNPF, and we are delighted that Fiji's leading fund has demonstrated its confidence in our management expertise, international resources and global brands,' Mr Barr added.
FNPF General Manager and CEO, Olota Rokouunisei echoed these sentiments, saying: 'With a single manager of IHG's caliber managing our hotel assets across Fiji, we are in a strong position to ensure significant returns for our shareholders and members.
'InterContinental is one of the world's most recognisable luxury hotel brands, and its reputation in the Asia Pacific region for breathtaking resorts makes it an attractive choice for Natadola's first international hotel,' Mr Rokouunisei said.
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