Living and working in Kuala Lumpur often means moving at the speed of the city, where the rush of the streets and hums of ever-changing scenes define the daily rhythm. And with that, a new addition officially makes its way into the bustling city centre, with Kimpton Naluria by IHG opening its doors at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) earlier this year.
The name itself is a blend of the Malay words “Naluri” and “Ria”, which translates to instinct and joy, respectively. For locals seeking more than a mere change of scenery, Kimpton Naluria by IHG serves as a promise that your visit is guided by this very sentiment, inviting you to a stay that’s balanced by meaningful connections, exciting moments, and well-deserved rest.
A hidden sanctuary amid the bustling city
Nestled in the heart of TRX, you wouldn’t expect Kimpton Naluria by IHG to evoke a sense of calm from the moment you step inside. After all, its key location means you get to be at the centre of the city’s energy. Instead, its soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows are designed to mimic a thinned rainforest canopy, immediately shifting the atmosphere of the hotel, while the warm timbers and dappled lighting help create a sensation of being sheltered by the wild.
The design stays true to the philosophy of “Botanics Beyond Aesthetics,” a concept brought to life by the award-winning studio Hassell that prioritises a deep connection to nature.
But the surprise doesn’t just stop at check-in. Across its rooms and suites, you’ll find the same earthy tones of forest greens and organic textures flowing through, combining comfort and connection in every restful space. No detail goes unnoticed here, whether in the leaf-shaped mirrors or abstract works inspired by Malaysian rainforests that adorn the walls of the rooms. For those who love a staycation with a view, the guest rooms at Kimpton Naluria by IHG offer a front-row seat to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Merdeka 118 and the KL Tower.
A welcome from sunrise to sundown
Beyond the architecture, the spirit of Kimpton Naluria by IHG is also felt through its daily rituals. To start your day right, you’re invited to join the Kimpton Kickstart at the hotel’s lobby, a small curated moment featuring artisanal coffees and wellness juice shots in place of hurried hotel breakfasts. It’s a simple gesture that adds to your staycation experience, allowing for a quiet, sensory wake-up call that mirrors the “Naluria” philosophy so your morning starts with a balance rather than bustle.
As the sun begins to set over the TRX skyline, guests are welcome to join the Kimpton Social – a daily sundown ritual that brings guests together for complimentary drinks and specially prepared chef’s bites. This sense of community redefines the traditional barriers of luxury, opening up opportunities to share stories with fellow travellers or simply to make a new friend.
Come evening, the energy continues into Sabato, an in-house dining experience that’s inspired by the retro soul of a 1970s Italian-American Red Sauce Joint. Adorned with a high disco-energy vibe in a social dining style, Sabato is a playful contrast to the hotel’s quieter quarters, proving that your staycation can be as spirited as it is serene while tucking into the delicious taste of nostalgia.
Before calling it a night, don’t forget to pop by the Four Siblings, the first rooftop bar in TRX that overlooks the TRX City Park. The bar’s namesake is an ode to the four essential spices used in their handcrafted cocktails – cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and star anise – making it the first spice-themed bar in Malaysia.
A journey of discovery in the heart of Kuala Lumpur
Finally, one of the most thoughtful touches to a staycation at the Kimpton Naluria by IHG is how they encourage a deeper exploration of its surroundings. With free bicycle rentals available on-site, you’re welcome to swap the usual drive abouts for a leisurely ride through the TRX district. The slow pace of pedalling through the 10-acre TRX City Park is a rare luxury in the city centre, and for many, it’s a unique way to rediscover the city we call home.
If you prefer to find your centre without leaving the property, the hotel’s wellness amenities make the perfect pocket of calm to decompress after a day filled with urban discovery. Whether it’s breathing in the crisp air in the morning on the yoga deck or melting away your stresses with a dip in the rooftop pool, the choice is yours to rediscover Kuala Lumpur your way.