Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands, celebrated its signature Renaissance Day of Discovery from 14th to 16th November 2025, with “Layers of Discovery” for this year’s theme.
Activities meant to pique interest and foster connection; the yearly festival enabled visitors to uncover layers of culture, craft, and community that constitutes as Malaysia.
This annual celebration pays tribute to cultural curiosity and sensory storytelling by spotlighting hyper-local experiences that reveal the soul of each destination. True to the brand’s ethos of spontaneous discoveries and connecting guests to each destination, every experience is thoughtfully designed to surprise, inspire and connect them deeply to the place and its people. Experiences found across the hotels celebrate craft, culture, cuisine and authentic stories told through the Navigators, Renaissance’s personalised concierge service.
Through community collaborations and Navigator-led journeys, guests were invited to see, taste and feel their surroundings through the lens of locals who bring them to life.
Across the country, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel came alive with curated activities led by the brand’s Navigators, Renaissance’s local experts who connect guests to hidden gems and authentic neighbourhood moments.
“Renaissance Day of Discovery is a celebration of the creativity and diversity that make Malaysia such an extraordinary destination,” said George Varughese, Market Vice President, Marriott International Malaysia. “Through our Renaissance Hotels, we invite guests to explore local culture in unexpected ways — to uncover the spirit of our neighbourhoods and the people who make them come alive.
Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel invited guests to explore the vibrant spirit of Johor through Surprise & Play a curated series of community-driven experiences blending heritage, creativity, and local flavour.
The celebration began with a lively mini night market featuring local crafts from The Eaves by Hashtist, wellness secrets from Silver Thai Spa, and hands-on creative workshops by Hey Découpage! Johor Bahru, Naug Just Plants and Senso Art Gallery Cafe. Guests were also able to unwind with signature cocktails and enjoy live music by Overdose, and a captivating traditional dance performance by Tari Aliff Johor Bahru, celebrating the richness of Johor’s artistic traditions.
Day two continued with an immersive eco-heritage tour of Kampung Sungai Melayu, where guests explored ancient mangroves, observe age-old fishing practices, and connect
with the harmony between nature and the community.
The experience concludes with a flavourful finale, featuring a surprise culinary showcase, secret cocktail offerings, and a night market-inspired tasting journey, offering an authentic expression of Johor’s creativity and community spirit.
“Each year, Renaissance Day of Discovery invites us to look beyond the surface and uncover the unexpected stories that make our neighbourhood truly remarkable,” said Shibil Malik, General Manager, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel.
“Surprise & Play captured the joy of spontaneity and connection, celebrating the layers of culture, craft, and creativity that define Johor Bahru.”
From Daytime Discoveries that immersed guests in local artistry to Evening Collectives that transformed hotel spaces into vibrant hubs of culture and celebration, Renaissance Hotels in Malaysia indulged its guests to uncover deeper layers of the destinations they call home.
It was indeed a journey that celebrated craft, creativity, and community, from the heart of Kuala Lumpur to the cultural crossroads of Johor Bahru.
