Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has announced Avani Kota Kinabalu, a 352-key premium lifestyle hotel set to open in Q1 2027. Forming part of The Logg Luyang integrated development by KTI Landmark, the property will introduce the Avani brand to Sabah and expand Minor Hotels’ presence in Malaysia.

Avani Kota Kinabalu will cater to leisure and corporate demand in Kota Kinabalu, one of East Malaysia’s principal commercial centres and a key gateway to Borneo. Approximately 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the hotel will provide access to the city’s business districts, residential neighbourhoods and visitor attractions.

The announcement supports Minor Hotels’ strategy of expanding its lifestyle portfolio in destinations with growing domestic, regional and international demand. Avani Kota Kinabalu will also strengthen the group’s presence in Malaysia, joining Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Johor, as it continues to pursue development opportunities across Asia.

Developed by KTI Landmark, The Logg Luyang will bring together hospitality, commercial and lifestyle components within the established Luyang neighbourhood. Avani Kota Kinabalu will serve as the development’s hospitality anchor, offering accommodation, dining, wellness and event facilities for hotel guests and the local community.

“Kota Kinabalu is evolving rapidly as a regional business and tourism hub, creating strong demand for a hotel that can move easily between corporate, leisure and social use,” said Winston Gong, General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu. “Our focus will be on delivering an efficient, locally relevant guest experience while building a property with genuine appeal to the city’s residents.”

Designed by Shah Architect, with landscape architecture by SD2 and interiors by INdulge, Avani Kota Kinabalu will feature 352 rooms tailored to business trips, short breaks and longer stays.

Avani Kota Kinabalu will feature five dining and social venues for hotel guests and the local community. The all-day dining restaurant will serve Sabahan, Malaysian, Korean and international cuisine, with live cooking stations, local specialities and a signature Avani Sunday Lunch. A contemporary Chinese restaurant will focus on Sabah Hakka heritage and regional flavours, while the Lobby Lounge will transition from a daytime meeting space into an evening venue serving afternoon tea, as well as cocktails and whiskies.

The Pantry will offer handcrafted bakery items, desserts and premium coffee for dining in or takeaway. On the rooftop, SEEN Restaurant & Bar will bring the established rooftop dining and nightlife concept to Sabah through globally inspired cuisine, mixology, curated music and destination-led experiences.

The hotel will also include dedicated meeting and banquet facilities for conferences, weddings and social events. Leisure facilities will include an infinity pool and AvaniFit gym, with nearby Tun Fuad Stephens Park offering access to outdoor recreation.

Avani Kota Kinabalu will combine accommodation, rooftop dining, wellness and event facilities within a major integrated development, strengthening Minor Hotels’ lifestyle offering in Malaysia and supporting the group’s continued expansion across Asia.

There’s a new reason to head to DIFC after work. Bondz, the new speakeasy-inspired executive lounge in Emirates Financial Towers, has launched an all-week Happy Hour, offering Buy One Get One Free on all beverages every day. 

The offer runs Sunday to Thursday from 4pm to 8pm and extends until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, making it one of the few venues in the district serving happy hour all week—including weekends.

Curated by former banking professional Ashish Agrawal, Bondz was created as “a living room outside your home”—a sophisticated space where professionals can work, network, celebrate and unwind under one roof. Bringing this vision to life alongside Ashish is Experience Curator Nitesh Manghnani, whose expertise across hospitality, nightlife and guest experience has helped shape Bondz’s distinctive ambience and seamless transition from productive daytime meetings to lively after-work evenings. Inspired by the warmth of a living room and the intrigue of a speakeasy, the lounge effortlessly transforms from a hub for coffee catch-ups and business meetings into a vibrant destination for cocktails, conversations and celebrations, creating a space where every guest feels like a regular.

The drinks menu is just as memorable, featuring signature cocktails such as the Asian Pandan Sour (AED 110), Silk Exchange, Secret Orchard  (AED 110), Dragon Breath (AED 110), , Asian Old Fashioned (AED 110),and Monkey’s Boulevard  (AED 110),, alongside premium spirits, wines and classic cocktails. On the food front, expect a menu of globally inspired sharing plates with highlights including Crispy Lotus Stem, Volcano Prawns, Truffle Mushroom Croquettes, Chicken Gyoza, Lamb Seekh Bao, Miso Black Cod and Wagyu Sliders—all designed for sharing, lingering and long conversations around the table. 

Common Grounds has partnered with Cymbiotika to introduce Inner Bloom, a limited-edition smoothie designed for those looking to nourish their bodies, without compromising on flavour. Launching on 7 August and available until 30 September, the wellness-focused drink will be served at Dubai Hills Mall, Kite Beach, DIFC, JBR, and Mall of the Emirates for AED 45.

At the heart of the collaboration is the Inner Boom, a smoothie that’s as beautiful as it is beneficial. Blending sun-ripened mango, strawberry purée, Greek yoghurt, blue spirulina, and agave with Cymbiotika’s Liquid Colostrum. The Liquid Colostrum helps support gut health, immune function, healthy skin, hair and nails, making it an ideal choice for everyone seeking a more mindful approach to their daily nutrition.

Created as part of a shared mission to make everyday wellness more approachable, the collaboration brings together two brands that believe feeling good should fit seamlessly into daily life. Whether enjoyed after a workout, between meetings, or as a morning pick-me-up, this smoothie offers a simple way to add a functional boost to the day.

The partnership reflects the natural synergy between Common Grounds and Cymbiotika. Known for creating spaces where great food, specialty coffee and community come together, Common Grounds continues to evolve its wellness offering through thoughtful partnerships and guest experiences. Cymbiotika, meanwhile, has built a global following through its science-backed supplements, transparent sourcing, and commitment to empowering healthier lifestyles.

More than just a smoothie, Inner Bloom reflects a shared belief that small, intentional choices can have a positive impact on how we feel every day.

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Inner Bloom
Available: 7 August – 30 September 2026
Price: AED 45
Locations: Common Grounds Dubai Hills Mall, Kite Beach, DIFC, JBR and Mall of the Emirates