Hayman Island in the Whitsunday’s is set to undergo a $100m makeover under a new management deal with IHG hotels and island owners Mulpha Australia.
The new agreement means that One&Only can formerly offload managing the cyclone troubled resort from its portfolio after originally taking it over from the original Hayman brand following the severe damage from Cyclones Yasi and Anthony in 2014.
The resort has been closed since the last Tropical Cyclone Debbie caused $100m in damages in late March 2017, and One&Only announced it would be dropping the resort from its portfolio just 10 days later.
Now the Whitsunday’s will welcome a new Hayman era in 2019 with the signing of an agreement that will see IHG take over management of Hayman Island, rebranding it as Hayman Island, by InterContinental.
Though at this stage in terms of re-opening, the hayman.com.au site states that “we are currently accepting reservations from 1st March 2019 and look forward to welcoming you to our rejuvenated luxury resort from late 2018 – early 2019.”
The long-term agreement will also see InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort continue under IHG management.
A significant investment into refurbishments and renewal will take place over the coming years and will see the hotel elevated to even higher levels of luxury and sophistication.
Hayman Island before Cyclone Debbie
“Luxury travellers to Australia 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.”
Leanne Harwood, Managing Director, Australasia and Japan, IHG
The 166-room property 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.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove was the first InterContinental Resort to open in Australia and has been a much-loved haven for travellers to Queensland’s Gold Coast since IHG took over management in 2012.
Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Under the new agreement, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove will enjoy a refurbishment that will see it continue its legacy as one of Queensland’s most prestigious hotels.
The upgraded InterContinental will remain a centre point for the broader Sanctuary Cove Resort that features world-class golf, Marina and shopping facilities that have recently been recognised as Australia’s best integrated residential community.
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.