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InterContinental Debuts Design-Focused Experiences Surrounding the World’s Most Exclusive Events 

From the runways of London Fashion Week to the stage of the Sydney Opera House, the first international luxury hotel brand is returning to its roots with unprecedented insider access

By Lane Nieset
Cozy and artistic living room with modern furniture, plants, and eclectic wall art in a loft space.
Philip and Charlotte Colbert private residence. Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental

It’s the day after Ahluwalia’s anticipated return to the runway, but the designer’s Dalston studio is insulated from the frenzy surrounding London Fashion Week. Natural light illuminates the crisp white space, a blank canvas free from distraction for the namesake label’s British-Nigerian-Indian designer to dream up her Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Affinity.

On her mood board, images of Bollywood films, Nigerian deities, and Motown artists are collaged together, showcasing “depictions of romance in different mediums…how when you’re in love, you go through different phases and motions,” says Priya Ahluwalia of this season’s direction. The Taj Mahal’s intricate inlays, for example, inspired details like the embroidery on her rich, ruby silk pieces that, less than 24 hours ago, draped off models at her fashion show in the foliage-adorned atrium of London’s NoMad Hotel.

Priya Ahluwalia celebrates the launch of InterContinental Doors Unlocked during London Fashion Week at the InterContinental London Park Lane. Photo: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for IHG Hotels
Wellington Arch in London at dusk with surrounding park and modern buildings visible in the background
InterContinental London Park Lane hotel. Photo: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts
Colorful contemporary art studio with paintings, sculptures, and art supplies scattered across tables and crates.
The InterContinental Doors Unlocked opened the doors to the London studio of British artist Philip Colbert. Photo: Dave Benett/Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for InterContinental
Artistic room with greenery, unique decor, and a chessboard on a round table surrounded by velvet chairs.
Philip and Charlotte Colbert private residence. Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental
Eclectic living room with plush chairs, eye-patterned rug, large plants, and open doors leading to a colorful outdoor sculpture.
Philip and Charlotte Colbert private residence. Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental
Cozy living room filled with plants, wooden beams, comfortable seating, and a central coffee table with books and decor.
Philip and Charlotte Colbert private residence. Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental

Living like a local isn’t a new travel trend, but hospitality brands like InterContinental are going beyond the typical food market tours and gallery visits, adopting a role as a “cultural connector” by tapping into its network of designers, artists, and creatives like Ahluwalia to “offer fresh, insider perspectives that bring guests right into the heart of each city’s cultural scene,” Tom Rowntree, VP Luxury & Lifestyle Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, tells Galerie, adding that London was selected because it’s a destination that has long inspired global fashion. “It is a city where traditional tailoring and regal formality sit shoulder to shoulder with the next generation of innovation.” 

Luxurious living room with elegant chandelier, stylish furniture, large windows, and hardwood floors.
Penthouse suite at the InterContinental New York Barclay. Photo: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts

This fall, InterContinental will roll out its limited-edition Doors Unlocked packages in six major cities—London, New York, Dubai, Phuket, Tokyo, and Sydney—offering exclusive access to fashion weeks, design fairs, and film festivals with 48-hour experiences “inspired by the modern luxury traveler—someone who doesn’t want to just visit a destination but become part of it,” says Rowntree.  

While staying at the InterContinental London Park Lane during London Fashion Week, guests snagged seats at the “table” of eponymous German designer Lueder’s show, which was designed to feel like a banquet with models strutting on a white tablecloth past goblets. In Japan at ANA InterContinental Tokyo, travelers will attend the Tokyo International Film Festival’s invite-only Opening Ceremony and take part in a cocktail masterclass led by one of the world’s top bartenders, Shingo Gokan. Jetsetters in Sydney will secure behind-the-scenes access at Sydney Opera House, watching the dress rehearsal of Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty before attending the opening night performance. 

Scenic view of a modern white temple surrounded by lush green hills and trees under a clear blue sky.
Sawan Pavilion at InterContinental Phuket Resort. Photo: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts
Rooftop bar with modern seating overlooking city skyline and waterfront during daytime
InterContinental Sydney. Photo: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts
Tall city building with reflective windows surrounded by flowering plants and green trees on a clear, sunny day.
ANA InterContinental Tokyo. Photo: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts
Lavish indoor garden with seating areas, vibrant greenery, artistic ceiling design, and ambient blue lighting.
InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental

“The desire for rich cultural immersion has never been stronger,” explains Rowntree, adding that today’s crop of travelers are prioritizing experiences, exclusivity, and authenticity when it comes to the destinations they plan to visit. “We’re nurturing our insider expertise to help guests get closer to the rich DNA and cultural zeitgeist of the cities they are visiting.”