The brand, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, will make its Cretan debut with InterContinental Resort Crete in Agios Nikolaos, which is around one hour’s drive from the island’s largest city Heraklion.

The property overlooking Mirabello Bay will feature 205 rooms, all with private verandas, while half of the rooms will also feature private whirlpool baths.

Facilities will include four restaurants, three bars, pool terrace, indoor spa, infinity pool deck and rooftop pool. There will also be a wellness and fitness centre.

IHG is developing the hotel in partnership with private equity firm Henderson Park and international real estate company Hines.

Willemijn Geels, vice-president, development, Europe, at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Henderson Park and Hines to introduce the brand in Crete and look forward to bringing our shared vision to life.”

InterContinental Resort Crete is the latest in a series of signings by IHG in Europe over the past 12 months said to “perfectly illustrate the strength and popularity of the InterContinental brand”.

The luxury brand has also agreed deals to open properties in the Turkish capital Ankara, Baku in Azerbaijan and in Montenegro.

“We’re also delighted to announce a 20-year extension of our agreement with InterContinental Athens,” added Geels.