The Leading Hotels of the World   has acknowledged the finer points of the resort's hospitality, first-class service and five-star luxury at the resort by adding the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa to its esteemed membership roster. The Leading Hotels of the World is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing the world's finest hotels and resorts. To be considered for inclusion, a hotel must be in the deluxe/luxury category and meet the most exacting standards with respect to accommodations, service, cuisine and facilities. Only the world's most distinguished properties are admitted.

In another testament to its high caliber and international appeal, the resort is now a member of Virtuoso, an exclusive network of more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in North and South America, the Caribbean and Australia. Virtuoso provides marketing, sales, technology support and exclusive services and products to leading luxury travel agencies and the world's best travel providers and destinations. The benefits to Virtuoso customers booking the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel, include early check-in, late check-out, complimentary breakfast, cocktails and appetizers, free tours and room upgrades (where available).

The biggest news for Cozumel is the new Mandara Spa which just opened in March, providing an array of exotic spa treatments and luxury services using traditional Mayan techniques and ingredients. Housed in a sophisticated Mexican Palapa, Mandara Spa's signature treatments incorporate indigenous fruits, plants, herbs and other natural elements.

Guests can choose from a range of regional offerings including the Ixchel-moon God - Tropical Tryst, which is inspired from an Ixchel day bath on the water of the Cenotes. However the most unique aspect of the spa is the Shaman's cave or Temazcal, where traditional healing methods are incorporated into the menu.

A Mayan Temazcal is a pre Hispanic bath using local healing methods that provides a relaxing state, introspection and reflection. The Mayan Temazcal treatment releases the mind, body and soul through the joining work of aromatherapy, hot stones and steam and with the guidance of a Shaman.

"The recent industry acknowledgements from Virtuoso and The Leading Hotels of the World, and the addition of a world-renowned Mandara Spa, demonstrate that the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa has hit the mark by offering a five-star property in an exceptional location - it's a winning combination," said Mr. Gordon Viberg, CEO, Grupo Presidente.

Set on a Marine National Park, home to one of the world's largest and richest reef systems, Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa offers a secluded, private hideaway complete with a beautiful beach, world-class diving and the luxurious new Mandara spa. Since the days of Mayan ancestors, Cozumel has been considered a sacred island, home of Ixchel, Goddess of love and romance.

All of the resort's exclusive 220 rooms and suites boast widescreen plasma televisions, designer furnishings and top-level amenities. Following the $25 million investment, the resort offers upgraded facilities and an exclusive vacation experience for the discerning traveler.

For additional information on the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa visit www.intercontinentalcozumel.com.

Note to Editors
Presidente InterContinental offers a distinctive collection of nine luxury hotels and resorts situated in some of Mexico's most beautiful vacation destinations and important cities. Each property, committed to the highest levels of personalized service, reflects the culture and traditions of Mexico while providing world-class facilities and amenities that exceed the expectations of the most demanding world travelers. Ranging from large urban hotels catering to international business and leisure travelers to intimate luxury resorts, Presidente InterContinental properties can be found in Mexico City, Cancun, Cozumel, Guadalajara, Ixtapa, Los Cabos, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta, and Merida. For further information on Presidente InterContinental Hotels and Resorts visit www.intercontinental.com.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom is the world's most global hotel company and the largest by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3,500 hotels and 538,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. InterContinental Hotels Group owns a portfolio of well recognized 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 program, Priority Club® Rewards, with more than 22 million members worldwide. In addition to this, InterContinental Hotels Group has a controlling interest in Britvic, the second largest soft drinks manufacturer in the UK.

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

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