The property, located in Vilamoura in southern Portugal, will open in April 2027 following a major renovation and repositioning of the current Crowne Plaza hotel. Once complete, the resort will become the fourth InterContinental property in Portugal and further strengthen IHG’s growing luxury and lifestyle presence in the country.
The agreement has been signed in partnership with HDP Algarve SA and reflects continued investor confidence in the Algarve’s long-term appeal as a premium tourism and resort market.
Luxury Rebrand Planned for Vilamoura Resort
The future InterContinental Vilamoura – Algarve will comprise 323 guestrooms following the conversion of the existing Crowne Plaza-branded property.
IHG said the resort will undergo a comprehensive renovation designed to elevate the hotel into a full luxury offering aligned with the InterContinental brand.
Plans for the reimagined property include multiple restaurants and bars, spa and wellness facilities, leisure amenities and flexible meeting and event spaces aimed at both holidaymakers and corporate guests.
Prime Algarve Location Supports Premium Positioning
The hotel is located close to Vilamoura Marina, Praia de Vilamoura and several of the Algarve’s best-known golf courses, placing it in one of Portugal’s most established luxury resort destinations.
Vilamoura has long been one of the Algarve’s most important tourism hubs, attracting international visitors through its marina, beaches, golf infrastructure and upscale hospitality offering.
IHG expects the resort to appeal not only to international leisure travellers but also to the growing premium meetings and events segment, as demand for high-end group and incentive travel continues to rise.
IHG Strengthens Luxury Presence in Portugal
The signing adds further momentum to IHG’s expansion strategy in Portugal, which the company has identified as one of its fastest-growing markets in Southern Europe.
The group already operates or has signed a growing collection of luxury and lifestyle properties across the country, including InterContinental Cascais-Estoril, Hotel Indigo Albufeira, Kimpton Atlântico Algarve and Six Senses Douro Valley.
With the addition of Vilamoura, IHG is deepening its presence in key leisure destinations while strengthening its position in Portugal’s upscale hospitality market.
Algarve Remains a Key Resort Market
The Algarve continues to attract strong demand from both international holidaymakers and domestic travellers, supported by its year-round climate, golf tourism, beach resorts and improving air connectivity.
Luxury travel demand in the region has also grown in recent years as travellers seek premium resort experiences in established Mediterranean destinations.
IHG’s latest signing underlines the Algarve’s continued appeal to global hotel operators and investors looking to expand in the Southern European resort market.
InterContinental Brand Evolution Continues
The Vilamoura project also forms part of InterContinental’s broader brand evolution as IHG seeks to reposition and modernise one of the world’s most established luxury hotel brands.
InterContinental is currently undergoing a global transformation focused on delivering culturally rich, experience-led luxury stays designed for today’s premium traveller.
IHG says the brand’s future direction is centred on balancing global consistency with local character, allowing each property to reflect the culture and identity of its destination.
Part of a Fast-Growing Global Luxury Portfolio
InterContinental Vilamoura – Algarve will join IHG’s rapidly expanding Luxury and Lifestyle division, which now includes more than 595 open hotels worldwide and a further 392 properties in development.
Across Europe, the InterContinental brand currently operates 34 hotels, with additional projects in the pipeline including InterContinental Belgrade, which will mark the brand’s return to Serbia after two decades.
The continued growth of the portfolio reflects strong demand for internationally recognised luxury hospitality brands in both city and resort markets.
Opening Scheduled for 2027
When it opens in April 2027, InterContinental Vilamoura – Algarve is expected to become one of the region’s most prominent luxury resort properties, offering upgraded accommodation and facilities in one of Portugal’s most sought-after coastal destinations.
The project will also reinforce IHG’s long-term growth ambitions in Portugal, where the group continues to invest in both resort and urban hospitality markets through its luxury and lifestyle brands.
