IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has revealed the relaunched Holiday Inn Resort Aruba and the soon-to-open Holiday Inn Resort Bridgetown Barbados, which was converted from an independent branded hotel, are the first Holiday Inn Resort properties to open in the Caribbean, introducing a new era in resort-oriented Holiday Inn properties for IHG in the region.

The 382-room Holiday Inn Resort Aruba, and the 124-room Holiday Inn Resort Bridgetown Barbados, scheduled to open in late January, expand IHG’s brand presence in the Caribbean, complementing existing InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels.

“These recently refurbished properties showcase a new generation of IHG offerings in the Caribbean,” said Michael Herrmann, Regional Director of Operations, Caribbean, IHG. “Aruba and Barbados are extraordinarily popular resort destinations for leisure and business travelers, and we look forward to continuing to offer visitors the best services and amenities to meet their needs.”

Nestled on Aruba’s world famous Palm Beach, the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba, formerly the Holiday Inn Sunspree Aruba Resort, underwent a complete renovation as part of the Holiday Inn relaunch that includes a beautified beach; redesigned pool; fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment; a remodel of the Seabreeze restaurant; and stylish upgrades to the lobby and common areas. The newly renovated guestrooms feature a 37” flat screen LED TV, new carpeting, and the highest quality bedding, including a choice of “firm” or “soft” pillows.  The property is an ideal destination with resort-style services and facilities catering to all types of travelers – from couples on a romantic getaway to families seeking the perfect holiday to professionals on a corporate retreat.

The resort also continues to offer a wide array of amenities, services and activities the whole family can enjoy, including a full-service Excelsior casino; Intermezzo Day Spa; three on-site restaurants offering a range of culinary delights; an oversized swimming pool; kiddie pool and game room; and free in-room Wi-Fi. There are also all-inclusive hotel packages available.

The Holiday Inn Resort Bridgetown Barbados is slated to open in late January 2012. This newly refurbished resort is five minutes from the capital of Bridgetown and the historic Garrison Savannah on the picturesque Carlisle Bay. The seven-story property features five luxurious Pier Suites overlooking a private 260-foot Victorian Pier, which makes it an ideal couples retreat. Amenities that also make it an ideal family destination include the children’s play areas and activity rooms, as well as a full-service spa and a full array of water sports. Business travelers and conference attendees alike will appreciate basking in the Caribbean sun or simply admiring the beautiful sunsets.

The new hotels exemplify the $1 billion Holiday Inn relaunch, the largest project of its kind in the history of the hospitality industry. First announced in 2007, the relaunch program creates a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The program focuses on arrival and welcome services, guestroom and guest bath comfort and a redesigned logo and signage.

True to the Holiday Inn heritage, the resorts have a range of family-friendly facilities and services. For families with teenagers, the resorts offer a Teen Zone with shuffle board and plenty of board games for youngsters to unwind and entertain themselves. There’s also a KidSpree™ Vacation Club with an array of activities where younger kids can have fun under the watch of professional care takers. The brand’s signature Kids Stay and Eat Free feature makes family vacations truly enjoyable and affordable.

IHG first presence in the Caribbean dates back to the 1960’s. Today, there are 10 IHG-branded hotels throughout five countries and territories in the Caribbean. IHG has almost 200 hotels in Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts participates in IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards. The industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program has 61 million members. Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG’s more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.