IHG Hotels and Resorts expands luxury footprint in Portugal with InterContinental Vilamoura – Algarve signing

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of InterContinental Vilamoura – Algarve in Vilamoura, Portugal, in partnership with HDP Algarve SA.

InterContinental Vilamoura – Algarve
- Signing: IHG Hotels & Resorts partners with HDP Algarve SA to rebrand the current Crowne Plaza into an InterContinental property.
- Opening: Scheduled for April 2027 after a full renovation.
- Scale: 323 luxury guest rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, spa and wellness facilities, leisure amenities, and flexible event spaces.

Location Advantage
- Situated near Vilamoura Marina, Praia de Vilamoura, and renowned golf courses.
- Targets both international leisure travellers and the premium meetings/events market.

Leadership Perspectives
- Willemijn Geels (IHG VP, Development, Europe): Emphasized Vilamoura’s status as a dynamic luxury resort destination and highlighted strong owner confidence.
- Mario Vasco Pereira (Chairman, HDP Algarve SA): Stressed the transformation as a way to elevate the resort’s offering and align with Vilamoura’s evolving luxury profile.

Strategic Context
- Portugal is one of IHG’s fastest-growing markets in Southern Europe, driven by year-round leisure and city-break demand.
- Builds on IHG’s luxury portfolio in Portugal, including InterContinental Cascais-Estoril, Hotel Indigo Albufeira, Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, and Six Senses Douro Valley.
- Globally, InterContinental celebrates its 80th anniversary with 595+ open hotels and 392 in development.

Significance
This project strengthens IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle segment, the second largest in the world, while reinforcing the Algarve’s reputation as a premier European luxury destination.