Jimbaran - Bali, July 2009

InterContinental Bali Resort recently unveiled Jivana Villa, its most prestigious accommodation category, with a stylish celebration for selected media representatives and travel associates. The evening was themed ‘dazzling white with a touch of pearl’ and the villa was decorated accordingly with flickering candles and pristine flower arrangements.

Jivana Villa, previously known as Imperial Villa, was subject to a remarkable year long transformation and has emerged as a contemporary residence that truly embodies tropical sophistication. The name ‘Jivana’ was chosen to honour Bali’s Hindu heritage. It is a Sanskrit word that means ‘life or existence’ and personifies the concept of this luxury retreat where high-end travellers can take the time to ‘simply be’.

The launch was timed to coincide with Bali’s legendary sunset. Invited guests were treated to the serene beauty of twilight over Jimbaran Bay as they were personally escorted around the two-storey villa and its extensive grounds.

Following cocktails, canapés and the soft strains of music played on the villa’s very own baby grand piano, guests were asked to gather on the terrace around the pool. General Manager, Mr. Kamal Chaoui, maintained the festivity of the occasion by keeping his words brief. He expressed that it was a great privilege to be involved re-branding of Jivana Villa and declared that the launch was a redefining moment in Balinese hospitality. He then asked everyone to partake in a symbolic blessing by floating candles and flowers on the pool for prosperity.

The evening continued with fine wining and dining under a canopy of stars around the Club Pool. Guests were treated to an explosion of flavours with a tantalising 5-course menu of gourmet delicacies. Dessert was served back at Jivana Villa with a generous Chocolate and Cheese Buffet that had everyone coming back for more. Finally, winners of the lucky draw were announced and the attractive cachet of prizes included accommodation packages at InterContinental properties across Asia.

Live music and social interaction carried into the early hours as guests celebrated Jivana Villa - the precious new jewel in Club InterContinental’s accommodation crown.

Blessed by an endless stretch of white sand beach overlooking the tranquil waters of Jimbaran Bay, InterContinental Bali Resort features 418 guest rooms in three unique levels of accommodation. The property embraces a 14 hectare tropical landscape that is a blend of indigenous flora, gentle waterways and stone statues reflecting the island's artistic heritage. There are six swimming pools, Planet Trekkers children's resort, a fitness centre and plenty of recreational activities to keep guests occupied throughout the day. Spa Uluwatu is a dedicated healing and beauty facility for individual sessions, while the exclusive Villa Retreats promises indulging spa packages for couples. A superb choice of restaurant venues make every dining experience an adventure in culinary excellence.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,150 hotels and almost 620,000 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, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards with 42 million members worldwide. IHG has more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 200,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media