Minor Hotels has announced Avani Kota Kinabalu, a 352-key premium lifestyle hotel scheduled to open in Q1 2027, marking the Avani brand’s entry into Sabah and expanding the group’s hotel portfolio in Malaysia.
The property will form part of The Logg Luyang, an integrated development by KTI Landmark in the established Luyang neighbourhood of Kota Kinabalu. The development will combine hospitality, commercial and lifestyle components, with Avani Kota Kinabalu positioned as its hospitality anchor.
The new hotel will expand Minor Hotels’ presence in Malaysia, where the group currently operates Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Johor. The development also forms part of Minor Hotels’ continued expansion across Asia, with the group pursuing opportunities for its lifestyle portfolio in destinations serving domestic, regional and international demand.
Avani Kota Kinabalu is being developed to address both leisure and corporate demand in Kota Kinabalu, one of East Malaysia’s principal commercial centres and a gateway to Borneo. Located approximately 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the hotel will provide access to the city’s business districts, residential neighbourhoods and visitor attractions.
For Minor Hotels, the project adds a new destination to Avani’s Malaysian footprint while extending the brand into Sabah. The hotel will bring together accommodation, dining, wellness and event facilities within The Logg Luyang development, creating a hospitality component connected to the wider commercial and lifestyle functions of the project.
The 352-room property has been designed by Shah Architect, with landscape architecture by SD2 and interiors by INdulge. Its accommodation will be tailored to business trips, short breaks and longer stays, providing different room-use requirements within the same hotel operation.
Food and beverage will form a significant part of the property’s operating offer, with five dining and social venues planned for hotel guests and the local community. The all-day dining restaurant will offer Sabahan, Malaysian, Korean and international cuisine, supported by live cooking stations, local specialities and a signature Avani Sunday Lunch.
A contemporary Chinese restaurant will focus on Sabah Hakka heritage and regional flavours. The Lobby Lounge will operate as a daytime meeting space before transitioning into an evening venue offering afternoon tea, cocktails and whiskies.
The Pantry will provide handcrafted bakery products, desserts and premium coffee for dine-in and takeaway use. On the rooftop, SEEN Restaurant & Bar will introduce Avani’s established rooftop dining and nightlife concept to Sabah, combining globally inspired cuisine, mixology, curated music and destination-led experiences.
The property will also include dedicated meeting and banquet facilities designed for conferences, weddings and social events. These facilities will add an events component to the hotel’s business offering while supporting the broader hospitality function of The Logg Luyang development.
Leisure and wellness facilities will include an infinity pool and AvaniFit gym. The hotel will also have access to nearby Tun Fuad Stephens Park, which provides opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Winston Gong, General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu, said the property would focus on an efficient and locally relevant guest experience while serving corporate, leisure and social uses. The hotel’s positioning reflects the planned combination of business accommodation, dining, social spaces, events and leisure facilities within the property.
The development is being led by KTI Landmark, with Avani Kota Kinabalu serving as the hospitality anchor of The Logg Luyang. The integrated project places the hotel alongside commercial and lifestyle components in Luyang, linking its hospitality functions with the surrounding neighbourhood.
For Minor Hotels, the announcement represents an expansion of its Malaysian portfolio through a new Avani property rather than an extension of an existing destination. The addition of Kota Kinabalu also broadens the group’s presence beyond Johor, where Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas represents its existing Malaysian operation identified in the announcement.
Avani Kota Kinabalu is expected to open in Q1 2027. Once operational, the property will comprise 352 rooms, five dining and social venues, meeting and banquet facilities, an infinity pool and AvaniFit gym, alongside its location within The Logg Luyang integrated development.
Avani Hotels & Resorts, launched in 2011, operates more than 40 properties across five continents, including premium city hotels, tropical resorts and nature-focused retreats. The brand is part of Minor Hotels and participates in the Minor DISCOVERY loyalty programme, which forms part of GHA DISCOVERY.