Uncover Layers of Discovery: Renaissance Hotels Malaysia Celebrates Cultural Curiosity in November 2025

Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel’s lobby has been transformed to a mini night market for Discovery Day 2025

December 1, 2025

Uncover Layers of Discovery: Renaissance Hotels Malaysia Celebrates Cultural Curiosity in November 2025

Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands, held its signature Renaissance Day of Discovery from 14 to 16 November 2025, with this year’s theme, “Layers of Discovery.” The celebration invites guests to peel back the layers of culture, craft, and community that define Malaysia, revealing the soul of each destination through experiences designed to inspire curiosity and connection.

This annual celebration pays tribute to cultural curiosity and sensory storytelling by spotlighting hyper-local experiences that reveal the soul of each destination. True to the brand’s ethos of spontaneous discoveries and connecting guests to each destination, every experience is thoughtfully designed to surprise, inspire, and connect them deeply to the place and its people. Experiences found across these hotels celebrate craft, culture, cuisine, and authentic stories told through the Navigators, Renaissance’s personalised concierge service. Through community collaborations and Navigator-led journeys, guests are invited to see, taste, and feel their surroundings through the lens of locals who bring them to life.

Across the country, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel came alive with curated activities led by the brand’s Navigators, Renaissance’s local experts who connect guests to hidden gems and authentic neighbourhood moments.

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel – The Neighbourhood Rediscovered

At the heart of the city, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel celebrated Layers of Discovery by showcasing the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur’s culture and artistry.

Highlights at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel included:

• A curated pop-up collection featuring Kuala Lumpur’s finest, from homegrown artisans and retailers including GMBB, Tangsi Tujuh, Licky Chan, and .bungkus, to live storytelling of the locale through music, sips, and bites inspired by the neighbourhood’s DNA.

• Renaissance’s signature brand programming, featuring Navigator engagement with a special Guest Navigator appearance by Imran Aqil, Malaysian actor and radio announcer, alongside a Beverage Ritual crafted by the hotel’s award-winning mixologists.

“At Renaissance, we believe in creating moments of spontaneous discovery for our guests,” said Martin Ehlers, Multi-property General Manager, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel. “This year, we invite everyone to see our neighbourhood in a new light, through an immersive celebration of art, music, culture, and cuisine. Each curated moment reflects what locals thrive on and what brings our community together, inspiring guests to experience Kuala Lumpur in a fresh and meaningful way.”

Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel – Surprise & Play

Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel invites guests to explore the vibrant spirit of Johor through Surprise & Play, a curated series of community-driven experiences blending heritage, creativity, and local flavor.

The celebration begins with a lively mini night market at the lobby featuring local crafts from The Eaves by Hashtist, wellness secrets from Silver Thai Spa, and hands-on creative workshops conducted by Hey Découpage! Johor Bahru, Naug Just Plants and Senso Art Gallery. Live music by a two-piece band Overdosed, and a captivating traditional dance performance by Tari Aliff Johor Bahru kept the entertainment going as guests unwind with free-flow signature cocktails and finger foods.

Day two continues with an eco-heritage tour of Kampung Sungai Melayu, where guests explore ancient mangroves, observe age-old fishing practices, and connect with the harmony between nature and the community.

The experience concludes with a flavourful finale, featuring a secret cocktail offering and a neighbourhood night market excursion, giving guests the authentic experience of Johorean creativity and community spirit.

“Each year, Day of Discovery invites us to look beyond the surface and uncover the unexpected stories that make our neighbourhood truly remarkable,” said Shibil Malik, General Manager, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel. “Surprise & Play captures the joy of spontaneity and connection — celebrating the layers of culture, craft, and creativity that define Johor Bahru.”

From Daytime Discoveries that immerse guests in local artistry to Evening Collectives that transform hotel spaces into vibrant hubs of culture and celebration, Renaissance Hotels in Malaysia invite guests to uncover deeper layers of the destinations they call home.

Gaya Travel Magazine team members express our heartfelt gratitude to Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel for inviting our writers to experience the eye-opening Renaissance Day of Discover 2025.