InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed up to launch a luxury resort in Koh Samui, Thailand.

In a partnership with Thai company Elite Villa, InterContinental will take over the management of the existing Baan Taling Ngam Resort & Spa, the island’s first luxury resort, and convert it into an IHG property.

“Our region has many natural locations ideal for resorts, and Koh Samui remains one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand,” said Jan Smits, managing director, IHG Asia Australasia.

“The InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort supports our focus on the resort segment and is a wonderful addition to our portfolio.”

The 79-room resort will close its doors to undergo an extensive refurbishment.

More than US$15 million will be invested to upgrade the resort and upon completion, the property will provide the luxury and outstanding facilities that guests have come to expect from an InterContinental property.

InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort is projected to open by December 1st 2011.

Benjamin Cheung, Vikorn Srivikorn (managing director of Elite Villa), Chalermbhand Srivikorn (chairman of Elite Villa), Paul Logan (vice president of development, IHG Asia Australasia), and Daniel Cheung celebrate the deal

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors the idyllic island life, just over an hour away from busy capital Bangkok.

The resort sits atop a cliff amidst coconut plantations and has 300 metres of its own beach frontage along the scenic coast of Taling Ngam, serving as the perfect luxury getaway for guests over the years.

It also offers one of the best panoramic sea views of the National Marine Park and the neighbouring Five Islands.

Vikorn Srivikorn, managing director of Elite Villa, said: “The current property has a great history.

“It started out as Koh Samui’s first luxury resort and today remains one of the top resorts in the island.

“The InterContinental brand also has a long and rich heritage, and I believe our future guests will have an experience that combines a great location as well as the services and facilities associated with the InterContinental brand.”