Minor Hotels has announced the arrival of Avani Kota Kinabalu, an upscale lifestyle hotel with 352 rooms, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027. The Avani brand thereby makes its debut in Sabah, East Malaysia, as part of The Logg Luyang integrated development led by developer KTI Landmark.
The property will meet both leisure and corporate demand in Kota Kinabalu, one of East Malaysia’s major economic hubs and a regional gateway to Borneo. Located around 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the hotel will offer direct access to the city’s business districts, residential areas and key tourist attractions.
Led by KTI Landmark, The Logg Luyang will bring together hospitality, retail and lifestyle components within the established Luyang district. Avani Kota Kinabalu will serve as its hospitality anchor, offering accommodation, dining, wellness and events facilities aimed at both hotel guests and local residents.
The announcement forms part of Minor Hotels’ strategy to strengthen its lifestyle portfolio in markets with growing domestic, regional and international demand. Avani Kota Kinabalu further consolidates the group’s presence in Malaysia, alongside Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, located in the state of Johor.
Winston Gong @ credit linkedIn
“Kota Kinabalu is rapidly evolving as a regional business and tourism hub, creating strong demand for a hotel able to cater to corporate needs as well as leisure stays and social occasions,” said Winston Gong, General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu. “Our aim will be to deliver an efficient, locally rooted guest experience, while building a property that truly appeals to the city’s residents.”
Architecture designed for business and short-stay travel
Designed by Shah Architect, with landscaping by SD2 and interiors by INdulge, Avani Kota Kinabalu will offer 352 rooms suited to business travel, short stays and extended stays alike.
The hotel will feature five dining and social venues open to both hotel guests and the local community. The all-day dining restaurant will serve Sabahan, Malaysian, Korean and international cuisine, with live cooking stations, local specialities and a signature Sunday brunch. A contemporary Chinese restaurant will showcase Sabah’s Hakka culinary heritage, while the Lobby Lounge will transition from a daytime meeting space into an afternoon tea venue, before shifting to cocktails and whiskies in the evening.
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The Pantry will offer bakery items, desserts and premium coffee, for dine-in or takeaway. On the rooftop, SEEN Restaurant & Bar will bring the brand’s established rooftop dining and nightlife concept to Sabah, featuring internationally inspired cuisine, mixology, live music programming and event experiences.
A focus on business and wellness
Dedicated meeting and banqueting spaces will accommodate conferences, weddings and social events. On the leisure side, the hotel will feature an infinity pool and an AvaniFit gym, while the neighbouring Tun Fuad Stephens Park will provide direct access to outdoor activities.
By combining accommodation, rooftop dining, wellness and event facilities within a large-scale integrated development, Avani Kota Kinabalu strengthens Minor Hotels’ lifestyle offering in Malaysia and supports the group’s continued growth across Asia.
This Malaysian project comes as Minor Hotels maintains a steady pace of signings for its lifestyle brand across Asia, following the recent announcement of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane in Laos. Malaysia also continues to prove attractive to international hotel groups, as illustrated by the recent signing of voco Muar by IHG Hotels & Resorts in the state of Johor.
At a Glance
Minor Hotels brings Avani to Sabah, Malaysia
352-key premium lifestyle hotel
Opening: Q1 2027
Location: The Logg Luyang integrated development, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Developer: KTI Landmark
5 F&B venues, including rooftop concept SEEN Restaurant & Bar
Design: Shah Architect (architecture), SD2 (landscape), INdulge (interiors)
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