Kota Kinabalu, MalaysiaSutera Avenue
The LUMA Hotel
Rainforest-inspired downtown hotel
Sutera Avenue Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Opened
2022
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
Rainforest-inspired downtown hotel
A converted office block brings the Bornean wilderness indoors with river-stone mosaic floors and lush foliage.
What it’s good at
Notable
A spiral staircase crafted from indigenous wood curves through the plant-filled lobby.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
the sleek interiors are warmed up by abundant greenery, colorful modular furniture, and floors inlaid with white stone mosaics.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Sutera Avenue sits directly across from Imago Shopping Mall, with the Kota Kinabalu waterfront a short walk away.
The rooms
Wardrobes are crafted from local Sarsi wood, and etched glass doors open into deep-green tiled bathrooms.
The gym
Cardio treadmills and weight machines sit beside the windows, and free weights fill the rubber-matted studio.
Restaurant
Flow Coffee
The lobby cafe brews Borneo beans and shakes coffee mocktails. Fresh pastries include flaky croissants and Sabah chocolate tarts.
At the table
JOJO Gastrobar pours cocktails beneath a glowing mountain-shaped light sculpture, and the dining room opens onto a covered terrace.
How it began
The hotel takes its name from the indigenous Sama-Bajau word for home, transforming an empty commercial office block.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.