Kimpton Kota Kinabalu beachfront hotel signed by IHG in Malaysia

IHG expands Kimpton presence with Kota Kinabalu beachfront hotel project

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed its second Kimpton property in Malaysia, announcing Kimpton Kota Kinabalu — a 350-key beachfront hotel on the Tanjung Aru shoreline. The project is being developed in partnership with Pekah Beach Resorts Sdn Bhd and is scheduled to open in 2031.

Located along one of Kota Kinabalu’s coastal stretches, the hotel will offer direct beach access and views across the South China Sea, with Mount Kinabalu visible from parts of the property. The development will incorporate public spaces and programming that reflect local culture, music and cuisine.

Kimpton Kota Kinabalu will include dining venues, a beach club, and social spaces designed to encourage interaction among guests and local residents. Plans also include wellness facilities, swimming pools, and event and gathering areas. The hotel is expected to serve as a local meeting point, with activities and experiences linked to Sabah’s natural environment and creative communities.

Bryan Chan, Vice President, Development, South East Asia & Korea at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the signing forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion in Malaysia. He noted that the project follows the recent introduction of the Kimpton brand in Kuala Lumpur and reflects continued interest in lifestyle-oriented hospitality offerings in coastal destinations.

Claire Tan, Director at Pekah Beach Resorts Sdn Bhd, said the hotel will focus on design, guest experience and connections to the surrounding destination, positioning it as a beachfront addition to Kota Kinabalu’s hospitality landscape.

Kimpton Kota Kinabalu will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a beach club, and a speciality dining venue. Leisure facilities will include a pool bar, fitness centre and wellness spaces. The property will also offer flexible function rooms and a lounge for social and private events.

The Kimpton brand continues to grow globally, with more than 80 hotels currently in operation and over 60 in development. In Southeast Asia, several properties are already open, with additional openings planned in the coming years, including a project in Bali.

IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in Malaysia includes brands such as InterContinental, Kimpton and Hotel Indigo. Upcoming additions, including Regent and Vignette Collection, are expected to further expand the group’s presence across the country.