With a location along the pristine South Atlantic Coast of western Africa, Luanda, the capital of the former Portuguese colony of Angola, is brimming with Old World architecture and culture in a setting that’s decidedly African in temperament. The slow pace of life and temperate climate (the average temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit) may remind some of the islands, yet the emerging business district in central Luanda will likely bring to mind the bustle of Wall Street. Luanda is booming. The opening of the InterContinental chain's newest hotel is timed perfectly to coincide with the rising tide of Luanda's fortunes. The palatial new property is scheduled to open in late 2009 in the leafy Miramar district, home to most of the country’s foreign embassies as well as many of its finest restaurants. With 389 rooms, three restaurants, two bars, an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a fully equipped gym, and more than 1000 square meters of space between its boardrooms and ballrooms, the InterContinental Luanda is certainly primed to take advantage of all that Luanda's future is offering, and then some.