Dubai 18 April 2006: Between the cinnamon-colored backdrop of the Sinai desert and the cool, sapphire waters of the Red Sea, InterContinental Hotels Group, has opened its newest hotel in the region, InterContinental Resort Taba Heights.

As the largest operator of hotels in the Middle East, InterContinental Hotels Group now boasts 12 properties in Egypt and seven InterContinental hotels in the area, with the opening of this luxury five-star resort hotel. 

The resort, situated on the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba and located 35km from Taba International Airport, rests on a prime water front location boasting sandy white beaches, turquoise waters and stunning desert scenery securing it as a year round destination.

InterContinental Resort Taba Heights is part of Taba Heights, a 4.2million square meter destination and one of Egypt's newest and most beautiful resort developments on the Sinai's Red Sea coast, encompassing 5km of beachfront.

The 503 room property, encompassing twenty seven junior, seven executive and one Presidential Suite is spread out over three buildings; the Pentagon, Atrium, & the Crescent. Walkways and paths surrounded by the lush tropical gardens of the resort, link the three buildings, with each room offering guests superb views over the idyllic coastline, pool, lagoon or mountains.

InterContinental Resort Taba Heights offers the ultimate in luxurious accommodation including the private, white sandy beach, two tennis and one squash court, two free-form swimming pools, of which one is heated one salt water lagoon and a spa that features sauna, Jacuzzi, massage, beauty and facial care services, as well as an indoor heated pool.

Speaking about the natural beauty that surrounds the property, Ashraf Khalil, Area General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group, Taba Region, said: "Our guests work very hard and when it comes to holidays they really want to sit back and relax.

"Understanding the needs of the market, this resort has been designed to provide the most relaxing environment possible - that is why everywhere a visitor sits to take time out, they are surrounded by lush gardens, the trickle of water and can gaze out at amazing views."

For more adventurous holiday-makers, they are likely to be enticed to explore the crisp, clear seas with numerous water activities available including water skiing, parasailing, a variety of water sports and quad bikes. Fitness enthusiasts can take the indoor option with the fully-equipped gym and aerobics room, serviced by a juice bar

Guests have a culinary delight of food and beverage outlets to select from with 11 restaurants and bars, as well as 24-hour room service. The hotel not only caters to leisure guests, with the property featuring a business centre with boardroom and two meeting rooms, which cater up to 750 guests, with outdoor terraces overlooking the Red Sea.

"We have made every effort to provide every convenience possible to our guests," said Khalil. "That is why every room is complete with a personal safe, mini-bar, satellite television channels and individually-controlled air-conditioning."

-Ends-

Note to Editors:
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms.  InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, almost 3,600 hotels and 537,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Hotel IndigoTM, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club Rewards.

InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ichotelsgroup.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com.

For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group, visit our online Press Office at www.ihgplc.com/media.

For further press information please contact:
Impact Porter Novelli
PO Box 19791
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact:                
Sarah Plummer,
Senior Consultant
Tel: 9714 3304030 Ext: 404
Fax:9714 3304031
E-mail:s.plummer@ipn.ae

© Press Release 2006