Minor Hotels will expand its Malaysian portfolio with the opening of Avani Kota Kinabalu in the first quarter of 2027, marking the Avani brand’s debut in Sabah and adding 352 rooms to the East Malaysian city’s accommodation supply.
The new hotel will form part of The Logg Luyang, an integrated development by KTI Landmark, and target both leisure and corporate travellers visiting Kota Kinabalu, a key gateway for travel into Borneo.
New Avani targets Kota Kinabalu growth
Located in the Luyang neighbourhood, Avani Kota Kinabalu will be approximately 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, providing access to the city’s commercial areas, residential neighbourhoods and visitor attractions.
Minor Hotels said the development forms part of its strategy to grow its lifestyle portfolio in destinations attracting domestic, regional and international demand.
The property will join Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Johor within Minor Hotels’ Malaysian portfolio.
“Kota Kinabalu is evolving rapidly as a regional business and tourism hub, creating strong demand for a hotel that can move easily between corporate, leisure and social use,” Avani Kota Kinabalu General Manager Winston Gong said.
“Our focus will be on delivering an efficient, locally relevant guest experience while building a property with genuine appeal to the city’s residents.”
Dining and events broaden hotel offering
Designed by Shah Architect, with landscape architecture by SD2 and interiors by INdulge, the hotel will offer rooms suited to business trips, short breaks and longer stays.
Five dining and social venues are planned, including an all-day restaurant serving Sabahan, Malaysian, Korean and international dishes. A Chinese restaurant will focus on Sabah’s Hakka heritage and regional flavours, while The Pantry will offer bakery items, desserts and coffee.
The rooftop will feature SEEN Restaurant & Bar, bringing Avani’s established dining and nightlife concept to Sabah.
Meeting and banquet facilities will target conferences, weddings and other events, while leisure amenities will include an infinity pool and AvaniFit gym.
Sabah expansion adds option for Borneo itineraries
For Australian travel advisors, the 2027 opening will add another internationally branded accommodation option for clients using Kota Kinabalu as a base for Sabah and wider Borneo itineraries.
Avani currently has more than 40 properties across five continents, while parent company Minor Hotels has more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences operating or in committed development across 67 countries.
Avani Kota Kinabalu’s combination of accommodation, dining, events and wellness facilities will further expand Minor Hotels’ footprint in Malaysia as the group pursues additional growth across Asia.
