On November 20, 2024, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre hosted an unforgettable celebration for Marriott Bonvoy’s 10th annual Global Day of Discovery. This global initiative spans across Renaissance Hotels worldwide, bringing local communities together with curated experiences that highlight the essence of locality. At the heart of this year's celebration was the debut of R FINDS, a global digital marketplace supporting local artisans, creators, and small businesses. But the fun didn’t stop there—Renaissance Kuala Lumpur transformed its signature Evenings at Renaissance program into a vibrant Evenings Market, a sophisticated twist on the traditional night market.
A Night of Curated Pop-Ups and Live Entertainment
The evening’s festivities kicked off with a lively sip-and-shop party at the hotel’s stylish R Bar. Guests from all walks of life—including notable figures like Nazreem Musa, Hunny Madu, Agy, and Amri Aziz—were treated to an eclectic mix of local vendors, artisans, and entertainers. Among the pop-up retailers were local favorites such as Asly, SHALS, and Wild Kombucha. Guests enjoyed an array of exciting offerings, including performances by rising star Haris Rashid, singer Fariza Basri, and tattoo artist Ashley. The event’s entertainment lineup also featured the charismatic Fiza Frizzy, Malaysia’s “pop princess” Claudia Tan, and the dynamic vinyl DJ collective, Disko Santan.
Azfar Heri: Renaissance’s Local Ambassador
One of the highlights of the evening was the special appearance of Malaysian lifestyle and fashion content creator, Azfar Heri. As the hotel’s Guest Navigator, Azfar took center stage to share his experience as a local ambassador for the hotel, highlighting his favorite hidden gems in the neighborhood. His role as a “neighborhood ambassador” perfectly aligned with the hotel’s commitment to supporting the local community, bringing a personal touch to the Global Day of Discovery festivities.
A Unique Culinary Experience: Local Flavors with a Twist
In keeping with Renaissance’s celebration of localism, the culinary offerings at the event were equally exceptional. The hotel’s team crafted a menu inspired by Malaysia’s vibrant culture of after-party snacks. Guests were treated to delicious bites like Nasi Lemak served in a glass, Roti Boom, Ramly Burger sliders, and Mie Goreng—dishes that embodied the essence of comfort food and Malaysian culture. Adding to the fun, the hotel’s mixologists concocted locally inspired cocktails such as the Bunga Matahari, Asam Siesta, and Semara Tropika, each crafted with a nod to regional ingredients and flavors.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Beverage Ritual
Sustainability took center stage with the Beverage Ritual, a signature experience at R Bar. This year, the event featured a special punch bowl demonstration, showcasing a locally-inspired mocktail made with Pineapple Tepache—a zero-waste recipe that utilized the entire fruit. Guests were not only treated to unique, refreshing beverages but also introduced to a sustainable way of enjoying local flavors. This dedication to sustainability was just one of the ways the hotel highlighted its commitment to both the local community and the environment.
A Vision for the Future: Building Community Through Discovery
Reflecting on the success of this year’s event, Bipan Kapur, the Complex General Manager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre, expressed his excitement for the future of Global Day of Discovery. He emphasized that the event was a chance for both locals and visitors to connect in a meaningful way, sharing not just stories but a deeper understanding of the places they were visiting. Kapur’s hope is that the event will inspire future travelers to step outside their comfort zones and explore the hidden gems of their destinations. With plans for even more community-centric celebrations in the future, Renaissance Hotels continues to be a beacon of discovery and local celebration.
The Global Day of Discovery at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur was a celebration of all things local, with an immersive experience that connected guests to the heart of the city. From unique retail pop-ups to sustainable cocktails, the event was a perfect representation of the hotel’s commitment to supporting the local community and inspiring guests to discover the magic of their surroundings. It was a night to remember—one that celebrated culture, creativity, and the power of connection.
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