When Renaissance Hotels invited us for a three-day, two-night stay at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, we knew it wasn’t going to be just another city getaway. 

This was part of the brand’s annual Renaissance Day of Discovery (RDOD), held from November 14 to 16, 2025, and the theme this year-Layers of Discovery-promised something deeper: a chance to peel back the cultural, culinary, and creative layers that make Malaysia truly unique.

Rather than sticking to the usual tourist checklist, RDOD is designed to spark curiosity and connection. It’s about stepping into the rhythm of local life, tasting its flavours, and meeting the people who give each neighborhood its soul.

From artisan showcases to culinary rituals, RDOD was all about seeing familiar places in a new light.

A warm welcome & a taste of tradition

Our experience began the moment we checked in. Stepping into the Deluxe Bay Room, we were greeted by a space that perfectly balanced modern elegance with homely warmth. Plush bedding, sleek furnishings, and thoughtful touches like ambient lighting created an inviting atmosphere that felt like a sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Waiting on the table was a spread of kuih-muih, local snacks, chocolates, and fresh fruits, a nod to Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage. It was a small gesture that spoke volumes about Renaissance’s commitment to local authenticity.

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But the real surprise? A DIY kit to craft our own Bandung Pandan Spritz mocktail. Mixing rose bandung with coconut and lychee, topped with a fizzy twist, was a fun and refreshing way to kick off the stay, setting the tone for a weekend of discovery and indulgence.

Every detail in the room, from the ergonomic workspace to the rain shower and premium amenities, echoed Renaissance’s promise of comfort and sophistication. It was a curated experience designed to make downtime as memorable as the adventures outside.

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Kuala Lumpur: a neighborhood rediscovered

The highlight of RDOD is the Navigator programme, Renaissance’s personalised concierge service that connects guests to authentic local experiences. For this special weekend, actor and TV host Imran Aqil joined as a Guest Navigator, adding a dash of star power to the journey.

Our first stop was GMBB, a creative hub that champions local artists and makers. Here, we wandered through vibrant art exhibitions, browsed unique crafts, and even peeked into workshops where artisans were busy creating everything from leather goods to resin art.

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And because no exploration is complete without food, we sampled coffee at Jiak Kopi, where brewing is treated like an art form.

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Sip & savour

Back at the hotel, the R Bar became the stage for Renaissance’s signature Beverage Ritual. Forget the usual cocktails, this was all about inventive mocktails that celebrated local flavours.

For dinner, we got to sample Renaissance’s elevated take on Nasi Kandar, a dish deeply rooted in Malaysian culinary tradition. Served in a stylish yet authentic like setting, the meal was a beautiful balance of authenticity and refinement.

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While for our final night, Renaissance brought Malaysia to us right in the hotel lobby with curated stalls featuring local artisans, traditional crafts, and homegrown flavours. It felt like stepping into a vibrant street market, minus the heat, where every corner offered something new to discover.

Stalls showcased handmade accessories, batik prints, and artisanal snacks, while live music added a festive rhythm to the evening. There were tasting stations serving classic Malaysian bites with a modern twist, from Chilli crab with sourdough bao to freshly made kerabu mangga topped with crispy salmon, paired perfectly with refreshing mocktails and cocktails from the hotel’s award-winning mixologists.

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It was the perfect way to wrap up our 3D2N journey, immersed in culture, craft, and community without ever leaving the hotel.

A weekend full of discovery

While we were uncovering Kuala Lumpur’s creative heartbeat, similar celebrations were unfolding at Renaissance Hotels across Asia Pacific, each property adding its own local flavour to the Renaissance Day of Discovery (RDOD) experience. 

In Johor Bahru, guests explored the vibrant spirit of the south through Surprise & Play, a lively night market featuring local crafts, wellness secrets, and hands-on creative sessions, followed by live music and traditional dance. 

Meanwhile, other properties across the region from Bangkok to Bali, Tokyo to Seoul, hosted equally captivating experiences: think artisanal showcases, culinary rituals inspired by local heritage, and Navigator-led journeys to hidden gems that only locals know.

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This wasn’t just a series of events, it was a synchronised celebration of culture and community across borders. Whether guests were sipping handcrafted mocktails in Kuala Lumpur, learning traditional crafts in Kyoto, or tasting street-food-inspired bites in Bangkok, RDOD offered a rare chance to connect deeply with the places and people that make each destination unique.

For more information, please visit their website or stay connected via their Facebook, Instagram, and X pages.

Featured Image Credit: Renaissance