Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) will take its wellness-focused Even Hotels brand into China for the first time, with the signing of four new management contracts.

The first four Even Hotels will be located in Shanghai, Sanya, Chongqing and Jinan, with the first one set to launch in 2019 (in Sanya).

IHG launched Even in 2012 to cater for an increased consumer demand for holistic wellness in travel – describing the brand as the “first and only hotel brand created with wellness at its core”. The Even model is focused on four pillars of wellness: nutrition, fitness, overall wellbeing and productivity.

The brand offers design and technology elements to help guests maintain wellness, including “Athletic Studios” equipped with the latest fitness innovations, in-room exercise zones and relaxation areas.

Bedrooms have been fitted with high-tech lighting and bedding options – such as eucalyptus linens and colour-changing mood lights – as well as aromatherapy amenities, intended to encourage a good night’s sleep. Dining options at all Even hotels are based on offering guests fresh and locally-sourced, organic foods.

“Around the world, we know that there is growing consumer demand for wellness-focused travel,” said Keith Barr, IHG chief executive. “This includes Greater China, where there is a big opportunity for us to meet this need with Even Hotels. Since debuting in the US, the brand has resonated strongly with guests and owners, in what is a such a unique segment. We will continue our international expansion of Even Hotels in some key locations, and I look forward to working closely with our owners, to build on our strong track record of growing brands in Greater China.”

The first to open, in 2019, will be Even Hotel Sanya Yalong Bay, with 134 rooms and 92 villas. It will be followed by the 250-bedroom Shanghai Even in 2020, located within the Shanghai Tourism Zone, a major tourism project in the city.

The 290-room Even Jinan will then open in 2020 and the quartet will be completed with the launch of the 250-bedroom Even Hotel Chongqing Central Park in 2022.

Since its launch in the US in 2012, IHG has introduced Even at a number of key locations, including three hotels in New York City.

Outside the US, the introduction of Even Hotels to China follows the signing of Even Hotel Auckland, New Zealand, in July.. The hotel is the first of Australia-based Pro-Invest Group’s planned portfolio of Even Hotels, announced with IHG in 2016, and marked the brand’s entry into Australia and New Zealand.