IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, is setting new benchmarks in the luxury and lifestyle segment. With a storied history of innovation and a commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences, IHG is evolving to meet the demands of modern travelers.

Central to this evolution is IHG’s dedication to expanding its luxury and lifestyle offerings. This strategic focus underscores the company’s ambition to cater to discerning guests who seek personalized experiences, unique design, and world-class service.

A luxurious and eye-catching featured image for IGH Hotels, a hotel booking website blog post.

As the global travel landscape shifts towards more bespoke and experiential stays, IHG’s commitment to enhancing its portfolio positions it as a frontrunner in the competitive hospitality industry.

An illustration showing IGH´s strategic Evolution in hospitality

1. IHG’s Luxury and Lifestyle Brands: A Growing Portfolio

IHG’s luxury and lifestyle segment is a cornerstone of its growth strategy, boasting six distinctive brands that appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers:

Six Senses: Renowned for its sustainability-focused luxury and holistic wellness experiences.
Regent Hotels and Resorts: A reimagined classic, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication.
InterContinental Hotels and Resorts: IHG’s flagship brand, celebrated for its global reach and luxurious accommodations.
Vignette Collection: An innovative collection brand designed to offer unique and memorable stays.
Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants: A trailblazer in boutique hospitality, offering a warm, community-centric ethos.
Hotel Indigo: Known for its vibrant, locally inspired design and boutique charm.

An structured diagram showing IGH´s Luxury Hotel and Life style brands.

The significance of these brands is evident in their rapid growth. Luxury and lifestyle offerings now represent 22% of IHG’s global pipeline—a figure that has nearly doubled in the last five years. This upward trajectory not only reflects strong demand for premium experiences but also underscores IHG’s ability to adapt and innovate within this competitive market.

An illustration showing IGH´s Luxury and life style Growth.

2. Key Strategies Driving Expansion

Strategic Acquisitions

A major pillar of IHG’s growth strategy is its focus on strategic acquisitions, which have significantly bolstered its luxury and lifestyle portfolio. By acquiring brands such as Six Senses, Regent Hotels and Resorts, and Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, IHG has strengthened its ability to cater to the discerning luxury traveler. These acquisitions bring a blend of unique philosophies—from Kimpton’s pioneering boutique hospitality to Six Senses’ sustainability-focused luxury—that complement IHG’s existing brand ecosystem.

An flowchart showing IGH´s Growth strategy.

New Brand Launches

IHG has also demonstrated its innovative approach by organically launching the Vignette Collection, its first luxury and lifestyle collection brand. Designed to provide unique and bespoke guest experiences, Vignette Collection adds a fresh layer of diversity to IHG’s offerings, capturing the attention of modern travelers who seek individuality in their stays. This launch highlights IHG’s dual approach: growing through both acquisition and organic brand creation.

An illustration showing IGH´s Vignette Collection Launch.

3. Enhancing Brand Offerings

Global Expansion

IHG’s expansion strategy is evident in the rapid growth of the Six Senses brand, acquired in 2019. With 23 hotels currently operating and a robust 43-property pipeline, Six Senses continues to expand into highly desirable destinations. Upcoming properties in Napa, Mexico, Grand Bahama, and Grenada showcase the brand’s focus on blending luxury with local culture and sustainability. This global expansion reinforces IHG’s reputation as a leader in offering meaningful and memorable guest experiences.

An illustration showing IGH´s six senses expansion strategy.

Brand Evolution

Established brands like InterContinental Hotels and Resorts are undergoing significant transformations to align with the preferences of today’s luxury travelers. This includes extensive renovations and the opening of new properties designed to merge timeless elegance with modern amenities. These upgrades ensure that InterContinental remains relevant and appealing, embodying the refined sophistication expected by its loyal clientele.

An illustration showing how IGH is transforming intercontinental for modern luxuries.

Rapid Growth Plans

IHG is also prioritizing the rapid expansion of Hotel Indigo, a brand known for its vibrant, locally inspired design. The company plans to double Hotel Indigo’s footprint within the next three to five years, with recent openings in exciting locations such as the Galápagos Islands and Guadalajara. These developments highlight IHG’s ability to balance local charm with global standards, making each Hotel Indigo property a unique reflection of its surroundings.

An illustration showing IGH´s hotel indigo expension strategy.

4. Delivering Superior Guest Experiences

Dedicated Expertise

IHG’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the formation of a specialized Luxury and Lifestyle Americas team. This dedicated group is responsible for streamlining operations, sales, marketing, design, and food and beverage across its luxury brands. By centralizing expertise, IHG ensures that its luxury and lifestyle offerings are consistently innovative, cohesive, and tailored to meet the high expectations of its guests.

An illustration showing IGH´s luxury and lifestyle strategy.

Personalized Services

Personalization is at the heart of IHG’s guest experience strategy. Regent Hotels, for instance, have introduced ‘experience agents’—dedicated staff members focused on crafting tailored experiences throughout each guest’s stay. Whether it’s arranging bespoke excursions or customizing in-room amenities, this initiative elevates the standard of luxury hospitality by making every stay unique and memorable.

An illustration showing IGH´s personalization cycle in Luxury Hospitality.

Multi-Generational Travel

As multi-generational travel grows in popularity, IHG is adapting to meet the needs of family-focused travelers. The company has optimized suite designs to accommodate family gatherings and has enhanced its wellness offerings to appeal to guests of all ages. These initiatives create spaces and experiences where families can reconnect and recharge, further distinguishing IHG’s luxury brands in a competitive market.

An illustration showing IGH´s family centric luxury strategy.

5. Investments in Technology and Talent

Enterprise Platform Enhancements

IHG is leveraging technology to strengthen its position in the luxury and lifestyle segment. Significant investments in its enterprise platform aim to boost brand awareness, enhance guest consideration, and foster loyalty. By integrating advanced tools and data-driven insights, IHG ensures a seamless guest experience, from booking to checkout, while strengthening its connection with its target audience.

An illustration showing IGH´s technological strategy.

Training Programs

The ‘Inspiring Incredible’ training program, designed for 80,000 InterContinental employees, highlights IHG’s dedication to service excellence. This initiative focuses on equipping staff with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver unparalleled luxury experiences. By investing in its talent, IHG underscores its belief that exceptional service is key to maintaining its leadership in the luxury hospitality market.

An illustration showing IGH´s equiping employees to deliver unparalleled luxury experience.

6. Focus on Wellness

Integration of Wellness Concepts

Wellness is a cornerstone of IHG’s approach to luxury hospitality, with innovations drawn from Raison d’Etre, acquired through Six Senses, now integrated across its luxury brands. These wellness concepts focus on sustainability, mindfulness, and holistic well-being, ensuring that guests experience rejuvenation and balance during their stay. From curated spa treatments to wellness-centered architecture, IHG’s emphasis on health and vitality enhances the appeal of its luxury offerings.

Holistic Guest Experiences

IHG is weaving elements of relaxation and well-being into every facet of its properties. Guests can enjoy features such as tranquil spa spaces, immersive nature-centric designs, and wellness-driven dining options. By addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being, IHG creates comprehensive and memorable experiences that cater to the growing demand for holistic travel.

Conclusion

IHG Hotels & Resorts has taken a multifaceted approach to expanding its luxury and lifestyle segment, blending strategic acquisitions, innovative brand launches, and a steadfast focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. With initiatives ranging from personalized service to global expansion and wellness integration, IHG is redefining the luxury hospitality landscape.

As a leader in modern hospitality, IHG is not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of today’s discerning travelers. Its forward-thinking strategies, including embracing multi-generational travel trends and advancing technological capabilities, position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.

An illustration showing IGH´s path to luxury leaderrship.

Looking ahead, IHG’s initiatives align seamlessly with the evolving demands of travelers who value authenticity, sustainability, and personalized experiences. By staying at the forefront of these trends, IHG continues to solidify its status as a global leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality.

FAQ´s

Question 1: What are IHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands?

IHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands include Six Senses, Regent Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, and Hotel Indigo. These brands represent 22% of IHG’s global pipeline, highlighting their growing importance.

Question 2: How is IHG expanding its portfolio in the luxury and lifestyle segment?

IHG is expanding through strategic acquisitions of brands like Six Senses and Kimpton, the launch of new brands like the Vignette Collection, and significant investments in renovations and new openings to meet the demands of modern luxury travelers.

Question 3: What strategies does IHG use to enhance guest experiences in its luxury segment?

IHG employs personalized services, such as Regent Hotels’ “experience agents,” and focuses on multi-generational travel with family-optimized suites and wellness offerings. It also prioritizes holistic guest experiences through wellness integrations across its properties.

Question 4: What role does technology play in IHG’s expansion efforts?

IHG has made significant investments in its enterprise platform to boost brand awareness and loyalty. These technological enhancements support streamlined operations and personalized guest experiences.

Question 5: How does IHG cater to wellness-focused travelers?

IHG integrates wellness innovations, such as those developed by Raison d’Etre, into its luxury properties. These initiatives include wellness-centered architecture, spa offerings, and mindfulness practices to create holistic experiences.

How is IHG Hotels expanding it´s luxury and lifestyle segment ?