We talk business travel prospects with Paul Cunningham, GM of the new Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur.
Set to open in the Malaysian capital in Q4 of 2025, the new Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will debut the IHG brand in the country and promises to be a new hub for business travellers bound for Malaysia’s first international financial district, theTun Razak Exchange (TRX) and Kuala Lumpur’s Central Business District.
A New Corporate Travel Destination in Kuala Lumpur
Spanning 26 storeys, the 466-room hotel will house an evocative mix of experiences, from four distinct dining venues to five flexible event spaces designed to foster human connection.
What factors do you believe are driving Kuala Lumpur’s rise as a business travel destination?
There are several key factors to this. Kuala Lumpur is becoming a hot spot for business travellers because of the city’s mix of cultural heritage and the expansion of markets across borders. It’s well-connected, strategically located in the heart of the region. The city is in rapid development, the way where the majority of the global companies are choosing to set up offices and operations here.
It is a place that offers flexibility, inspiration and a chance to truly connect with the local culture here. It’s easy to navigate, and the people of Malaysia show a sense of genuine connection and care. For business travellers, this is something that’s significant – to feel welcomed and inspired. This is what makes KL such an appealing choice right now.
How does Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur’s location in the new Tun Razak Exchange(TRX) development enhance its appeal to business travellers?
TRX is Kuala Lumpur’s newest social hub and business district. It’s shaping up to be KL’s latest international financial hub, with major corporate offices, embassies, and regional headquarters all coming together in one place. For business travellers, that means everything they need is within reach, from meetings to networking opportunities.
What makes it even more interesting is that it isn’t all business. The Exchange TRX is a vibrant lifestyle mall with over 100 retail outlets, including a beautiful public park just steps away from the hotel. Guests can unwind after meetings or even squeeze in a bit of shopping without leaving the area.
It is also accessible to the MRT interchange station, serving as a major advantage for guests to travel and explore the city. This ensures swift and convenient travel, and easy access to the airport as well.
Kimpton is known for its design-forward and lifestyle-centric approach. How is the new KL hotel tailored to meet the specific needs of business travellers while maintaining the brand’s signature playful and personalised hospitality?
The hotel is thoughtfully designed to balance the needs of business and leisure travellers. We offer a functional yet ultra-personalised guest journey even from before check-in all the way to check-out, design-led sanctuaries with wellness elements, an exciting culinary journey, and intimate yet flexible meeting spaces to support productivity – All of which, in line with our brand ethos of human hospitality and luxury with a wink.
Several thoughtfully designed elements in the hotel create an inspiring and relaxed atmosphere. For instance, the layered textures and locally inspired artwork, to warm lighting, lush indoor greenery, and comfort-driven furnishings that make the space feel more inviting than a traditional hotel.
We want to create a vibrant and soulful environment where work and leisure coexist, ensuring business travellers experience comfort, efficiency, and a little of unexpected delight during their stay.
Business travellers in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly seeking experiences that blend work, wellness, and local culture. How does the hotel plan to meet these evolving expectations?
At Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur, we recognise that business travellers today, in the Asia Pacific region, seek meaningful experiences. Our wellness offerings are intentionally designed to support that rhythm. Beyond the usual gym, we have an outdoor fitness terrace on the rooftop, a rooftop fitness centre, in-room yoga resistance bands, guided in-room yoga programming, wellness-stocked minibar and thoughtful touches that help guests recharge whether they’re in between meetings or winding down after a long day.
We’re also deeply inspired by local culture. Guests can expect subtle nods to Malaysian design, flavours, and traditions throughout the hotel, from our curated dining experiences to the stories told through every material, texture, and detail.
We’re also introducing Four Siblings and Tuai + Till, and each of these dining venues brings a unique Malaysian twist to it. Four Siblings is the first and only Malaysian spiced-themed rooftop bar in the country and within TRX. Its name stems from the Malay term “empat beradik”, which represents the four spices deeply rooted in Malaysian cuisine – the star anise, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom.
Tuai + Till is our all-day dual dining restaurant with a farm-to-table concept that transforms from Tuai, a cosy Malaysian restaurant and Till, an elegant Western brasserie. Tuai, refers to the Malay word for ‘harvest’.
Kimpton Naluria offers unique amenities like the “Kimpton Kickstart” morning coffee service. How do these offerings create opportunities for business travellers to network and connect?
We believe meaningful connections often happen outside the meeting room. That’s how “Kimpton Kickstart” and “Kimpton Social” come in. Kimpton Kickstart is a daily morning jumpstart where guests can grab a cup of artisanal coffee, luxury teas, light bites or even a shot of kombucha to awaken their senses. As for Kimpton Social, it is a daily hosted social hour with drinks and chef’s bites at sundown. Both the Kimpton Perks are created intentionally to bring like-minded guests together.
Whether it’s over a cup of coffee, a pint of beer or a signature mocktail, unlike any traditional hotel lounges, these gatherings feel open and human. It’s our way of turning daily rituals into opportunities for conversation, connection and maybe even a few unexpected ideas.
The hotel features five flexible event spaces designed to spark creativity. Can you share how these spaces are equipped to cater to modern business needs?
Our five event spaces are anything but ordinary. Each has been intentionally designed to connect. What truly sets them apart is the atmosphere. Natural light, bold design details, flexible layouts and touches make these spaces feel as comfortable and inviting as they are functional.
These five spaces are ideal for intimate meetings – great for sparking fresh ideas, fostering stronger communication and building meaningful connections. Whether it’s a senior leadership discussion, a board meeting, a product launch, or a focused workshop, each space is thoughtfully designed.
With your three decades of experience in luxury hospitality across Asia, how do you see the expectations of business travellers in the Asia Pacific evolving?
Over the past 30 years, I’ve seen a major shift in business travellers. It’s no longer about having a place to stay and a desk to work. They’re looking for a balance. They want a place that helps them be productive while also prioritising their wellbeing, and something more human and personal. They value flexibility in how they work and unwind, whether it’s quiet corners to focus, social spaces to connect or wellness options to recharge. They also want to feel rooted in the city they’re visiting, to indulge in the local flavours, and to be in spaces that feel soulful.
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