The hotel's contemporary living room (All photos: Kimpton Naluria KL)
Despite the effects recent geopolitical unrests may have had on international travel, 2025 was momentous for the luxury hotel industry. In Kuala Lumpur, already a big commodity for hospitality companies looking to expand their presence in Southeast Asia, the competition heated up as several behemoths unveiled highly anticipated projects, enticing millions of discerning travellers from other states and countries.
Something these people understand, though, is that unlike coastal resorts or countryside escapes that have sprawling grounds and jaw-dropping scenery to woo guests with, a city stay must be truly exceptional if it is to be more than just a place to bed down for the night.
In December, IHG Resorts and Hotels showed us how it is done with the launch of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur, the brand’s Malaysian debut. Founded in 1981 in San Francisco, the US, the line is celebrated for its eclectic design and commitment to local cultures, creating hotels that become vibrant community hubs where all who appreciate an upscale boutique environment can socialise, dine and recharge.
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Designed by award-winning Hassell Studio from Australia, the KL branch brings this signature quirkiness to the heart of the Tun Razak Exchange district, setting down roots right beside one of the city’s prime luxury retail hubs — The Exchange TRX. The choice of location solidifies the area’s role as a premier lifestyle quarter and enriches its offerings as an international and financial nucleus. The name “Naluria” is a combination of two words — Naluri (instinct) and Ria (joy), an ode to listening to one’s own heart in pursuit of happiness and contentment.
Following a “Botanics Beyond Aesthetics” theme, the interior echoes Malaysia’s lush topography, using high ceilings and carefully planned layouts to simulate the spaciousness of the great outdoors. The 466 guestrooms and suites are decorated with opulent tones of green, red and blue, paired with furnishings showcasing sinuous lines, leaf-shaped mirrors, hued tiling and abstract artwork. Bath amenities by ARgENTUM and Penhaligon’s refresh the senses, while the minibars highlight classic local flavours like pandan and gula melaka, salted egg yolk, as well as a locally crafted spiced cola.
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Thoughtful touches — such as in-room yoga mats and complimentary bikes for urban exploration — anticipate guests’ needs ahead of time. Additionally, if something important was left behind amid the frenzy of packing, the hotel’s “Forgot It? We’ve Got It!” programme offers a curated selection of the most commonly overlooked essentials (phone chargers, makeup remover, hair pins, and so on), omitting any need to venture out and hunt the items down yourself.
Another Kimpton speciality is its commitment to great dining. At the Naluria hotel, guests are invited to start the day at Rise & Grind, a grab-and-go style espresso bar using homegrown Liberica coffee beans, before enjoying the best of both worlds at dual dining venue Tuai + Till, which combines the cosiness of Malaysian cafés with the elegance of Western brasseries. In the evenings, tuck into Italian American fare at Sabato’s, a retro-inspired restaurant emulating the heartiness of Red Sauce Joints, before heading to Four Siblings on the rooftop for a spice-themed nightcap.
Head of house
Kimpton Naluria’s general manager Paul Cunningham on making a lasting impression and his non-negotiables for a five-star stay.
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Options: What drew the brand to Kuala Lumpur?
Paul Cunningham: We’ve been looking to plant a Kimpton flag in Malaysia for a while, and [Kimpton Naluria] is the first one. We’re riding on the success of the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, and everyone knows that one — it’s kind of our regional flagship. So KL was the perfect place to take the next step.
What sets Kimpton Naluria apart from its sister properties?
The greatest thing is its location. Every Kimpton is a little bit different, but this outpost’s connectivity to the Tun Razak Exchange, the Golden Triangle and the MRT, as well as its access to upscale retail, is really good for us. Other than that, it would be the guest journey and services, which are always different and unique to a specific location. Also, Four Siblings, the only rooftop bar in this area, is Malaysia’s first spice-themed watering hole.
How does the hotel’s proximity to The Exchange TRX mall tie into the Kimpton brand and elevate guest experience?
There are a lot of flagship stores in the mall, and people are willing to travel for that. The great thing is that the closeness means we can easily collaborate with some of the brands there. Whether it’s fitness, lifestyle or fashion events, or some cool pop-ups, guests here can experience the brands they travel to this area for. With the proximity, and since our elevators are connected to the mall, it’s a breeze for people to stay here and shop there.
What is the first impression you hope visitors will have when they arrive at the hotel?
One of the primary design aspects of this property is about connecting to the TRX City Park. A lot of hotels in the city can feel busy or stiff. When people arrive at the porte-cochère, I want them to feel like the pace has slowed down and they can take a deep breath and be more immersed in their surroundings.
What are some of the most memorable destinations you have travelled to?
Phú Quôc in Vietnam; Ubud, Bali; and Sapporo, Japan.
What is next on your travel bucket list?
I really want to go to Tibet. I lived in China for 12 years but just somehow never went, so I want to tick off that box.
What are your three non-negotiables for a good stay?
The first one is service. You can check into an old hotel that’s falling to pieces and needs refurbishment, but the minute you step past the entrance, if you feel like the service culture there is right — how the staff greet, take care of and recognise you — then you get the soul of the place. That’s super important. Food is also crucial, even the simple stuff. Here in Malaysia, for example, you need to get the nasi lemak right. If you can’t, you’re done for. The last thing is a cocktail, especially a negroni. If you can make a good one, you’re in fantastic shape!
This article first appeared on Jan 12, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
