IHG brings beachfront bliss to Malaysia with the signing of Kimpton Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – 15 April 2026: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has signed the second Kimpton hotel in Malaysia, announcing Kimpton Kota Kinabalu — a 350-key, design-led beachfront retreat on the famed Tanjung Aru shoreline in partnership with Pekah Beach Resorts Sdn Bhd.

Slated to open in 2031, Kimpton Kota Kinabalu will bring the brand’s signature human-first hospitality, bold design and local curiosity to Sabah’s coast. The beachfront property will offer direct beach access and panoramic vistas of the South China Sea and the iconic Mount Kinabalu, with public spaces and programming designed to celebrate local culture, music and cuisine.

Known for making every stay feel personal, Kimpton will deliver lively social spaces, thoughtfully curated dining and bar destinations, wellness offerings and onsite experiences that highlight Sabah’s natural and creative talents. The hotel will be a welcoming local hub — where guests and neighbours gather for sunset cocktails, artist showcases and bespoke itineraries that connect to the island’s ecology and communities.

Bryan Chan, Vice President, Development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We will triple our Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio in Malaysia within the next few years, and we’re proud to be part of Malaysia’s growth story. Kimpton Kota Kinabalu marks our second Kimpton property in the country, following the highly anticipated opening of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur at Tun Razak Exchange just a few months ago. It introduces this globally recognised brand – with its personal service and creative spaces – to bring more lifestyle-oriented experiences to the city’s beachfront offerings.
“With its stunning coastal setting, Kimpton Kota Kinabalu is perfectly positioned to write the next chapter of IHG’s luxury & lifestyle growth story in Malaysia. This opening will further strengthen our presence as we expand our brands across the nation’s most sought-after destinations. Sabah, with Kota Kinabalu as its gateway, continues to grow and offers a lot of opportunities for the future.”

Claire Tan, Director, Pekah Beach Resorts Sdn Bhd said: “Kimpton Kota Kinabalu will be the city’s first beachfront luxury lifestyle hotel at Tanjung Aru Beach. Its focus will be on thoughtful hospitality, distinctive design, and authentic social connection, reflecting the destination."

Kimpton is globally renowned for its distinctive approach, crafting each hotel with a unique design aesthetic to deliver an immersive and unparalleled brand experience. Kimpton Kota Kinabalu, set to open in 2031 will join recently opened Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur – offering even more exceptional choices for travellers.

Kimpton Kota Kinabalu will feature an all-day dining restaurant, Beach Club and a speciality dining venue. Leisure offerings will include a pool bar, swimming pools, fitness and wellness facilities. For private and social events, the property will offer flexible function rooms, as well as a lounge designed for relaxed entertainment for all guests.

Globally, the Kimpton brand continues to expand with more than 80 hotels open and more than 60 hotels in the pipeline. In Southeast Asia, three Kimpton properties are already welcoming guests and six more are set to launch in the coming years — including Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud, IHG’s first Kimpton in Indonesia, opening this year.

Building on the presence of InterContinental, Kimpton and Hotel Indigo in Malaysia, IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio is poised for significant growth. The forthcoming brand debuts of Regent and Vignette Collection will further broaden IHG’s pipeline of luxury and lifestyle hotels across the country.

*Figures as of 31 December 2025