AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND—IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Pro-invest Group signed an Even Hotels property in New Zealand.
The 200-room Even Hotel Auckland is scheduled to open in 2020 and is the first of the brand to be signed outside of North America. It is also the first in Pro-Invest Group’s portfolio of 10-15 Even Hotels across the capital cities and economic hubs in Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with IHG.
The Even Hotels brand was home grown by IHG based on an understanding of the consumer shift toward holistic wellness as it relates to travel, according to the company. Among the amenities are fitness facilities, in-room exercise zones and simple, organic foods are the cornerstones. Building on the bigger wellness picture, there are bedrooms with plush bedding, aromatherapy amenities intended to encourage a good night’s sleep and lighting profiles to energize and relax.
IHG has partnered with wellness providers to deliver nutritionally focused menus and ethically sourced food to be supplied by THR1VE. Fitness facilities will include a multi-functional zoned gym and flex space for small group fitness classes, and in-room fitness elements.
“Some brands know what they’re made of, we know who we’re made for. Wellness travel is a global phenomenon and a $563 billion industry today and, with Even Hotels, we have a created a brand that will deliver a local wellness experience to travelers for whom health and wellbeing is so important,” said Jan Smits, CEO, Asia Middle East & Africa, IHG. “I firmly believe that the Even Hotels brand will be a key driver in market share growth in New Zealand and Australia.”
Ronald Barrott, principal of Pro-Invest added, “With more than 3.5 million visitors in 2016 and a naturally adventurous and health-conscious population, New Zealand is a great fit for Even Hotels. We are very excited to be opening Even Hotel Auckland, the first outside of North America, in partnership with IHG.”