The best liveable cities don’t rise from concrete and infrastructure alone; they grow from an understanding of how people truly live. They consider how we gather, how we rest, and how we find connection in ordinary moments—like a quick coffee run, a lived-in view, or the soft afternoon light between rush hours. Our environment constantly shapes how we feel, turning routines into rituals and locations into lifestyles.
A place we invest our life in becomes part of our identity, and Kuala Lumpur exemplifies how a city can energise, inspire, and uplift daily living. Some might even say the city is a collection of small universes, stitched together by the ever-moving tide of its people. Among the many worlds built here, our skyline has become a signature of national confidence. What was once open sky now hosts the faint geometry of new structures, cranes pivoting like compass needles, and flickers of light staking their claim in the night. Each high-rise adds a new line to the city’s silhouette, making it more recognisable, more photographed, and more talked about. Density here is no longer a challenge, but a purposeful progression.
Up close in Mont Kiara, the neighbourhood moves at the pace of a well-travelled community, welcoming a mix of cultures that coexist naturally. Much like a lifestyle bubble, the landscaped streets gather trendy brunch spots, artisanal grocers, boutique fitness studios, and international schools—all within a five-minute radius. This self-contained living does not go unnoticed, as the highly anticipated Wolo Mont Kiara KL prepares to introduce a new chapter in the neighbourhood. Familiars of the Wolo brand will recognise its Bukit Bintang flagship, which has already won many hearts. What does the Mont Kiara edition bring to the table?
Jamie Tan, managing director and head of valuation at JLL Malaysia, weighs in. “Mont Kiara is already a well-established neighbourhood with a diverse mix of real estate offerings. It’s home to multiple international schools, shopping malls, golf clubs, high-rise office buildings, and even a world-class conference centre right across from the Wolo hotel. It’s a mature area with a high-income demographic and a vibrant lifestyle. Introducing a hotel like Wolo brings a breath of fresh air, injecting a new sense of fun and excitement in the community.”
WATCH: Hospitality By Design at Wolo Mont Kiara KL | House of Robb
With the official signing of its new 60-storey tower, the Wolo brand steps into the spotlight as a new member of Marriott Bonvoy with its upper hotel floors under the Design Hotels brand. An enticing addition to the portfolio, the ‘We Only Live Once’ concept will be led by a team of industry figures, with Alan Wong, CEO of Magma Property, spearheading the project. In hindsight, it’s a project that represents Wong’s long-awaited vision. He recalls the lengths that went into making it happen, including travelling to Shanghai to meet with the Design Hotels team to explore the collaboration in depth.
More than a pillow for the night, the leadership team aims to meet today’s discerning travellers on a deeper level. Belmond Lee of Design Hotels identifies a key blind spot: “Many think travellers today only want escape or experiences, but they actually crave belonging, to feel part of a place, even if just briefly.” He further explains, “Luxury today is less about opulence and more about meaning. Modern travellers want spaces that reflect values—sustainability, creativity, and human connection—rather than mere excess. Wolo Mont Kiara KL squarely fits in this new paradigm. It offers comfort and refinement but, more importantly, it delivers emotional resonance through artful interiors, curated services, and a lifestyle that feels personal and alive.”
Andree Susilo, vice president of hotel development of Marriott International for Asia Pacific, sees the new hotel as an exciting evolution in strengthening the group’s luxury landscape. “Marriott International has about 30 brands across the luxury tier, such as The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, and more,” he says. “We’re very strong in what you might call ‘big-box’ hotels, but this new design-forward property definitely adds an edge. It’s more storytelling, more original, and features a style of ownership that stands apart from our typical 200-room luxury hotel.”
Instead of grandiose spaces, lavish finishes, and over-the-top experiences, the hotel takes a different approach: a curated universe where every detail and service is genuinely personalised. To make this possible, a team of master planners has been brought on board, featuring Unscripted Hospitality Group, Openbox Group, Ezhen Design, 932 Design Group, The Flaming Beacon, Veritas Architects, Shma Landscape, Real Project Management (RPM), and BK Advisory. Inside, Malaysian culture reveals itself through the meticulous craft of master artisans, bringing warmth and life to every guest interaction. Sustainable design choices, from weaving techniques to hand-carved cedar woodwork, reimagine classic hospitality under a contemporary luxury lens.
Khun Nui Ratiwat Suwannatrai, design principal and co-founder of Openbox Group, was in the midst of completing Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok when he was approached to take on Wolo Mont Kiara KL. “It was a pleasant surprise when I was approached for this project,” he says. “That perspective, I think, was necessary, especially for Mont Kiara, which has such a singular identity. Through the hotel’s interior design, we wanted to bring a sense of joy to the neighbourhood.”
WATCH: Design Philosophies at Wolo Mont Kiara KL | House of Robb
The project’s design philosophy stems from simplicity and purpose. “We approached the design from a pure place—asking what is truly needed, why we do it, and reminding ourselves that less is always more. That’s part of our DNA at Openbox,” Suwannatrai explains. “We don’t try to overtake or overdesign the space. The interiors aren’t meant to feel full, because it’s the people who bring fullness to the environment. The challenge is to deliver something that makes the owners proud, and hopefully make Mont Kiara feel like a different kind of Mont Kiara.”
On the technology front, Uliya Liao, co-founder of Aiello, shares how artificial intelligence will redefine guest experiences. “Aiello is designed for AI research in hospitality. It’s about offering choices for our guests. Some people prefer AI technology, while others prefer the human touch. While the human touch is important, AI works behind the scenes to support the hotel team.” She adds, “previously, you had to use fixed commands, like switching lights on or off. Now, with our new AI model, guests can talk to it like a human, whether it’s about meditation programs or food recommendations. The goal is to provide flexible service for different guests, while staff can work more efficiently and focus on tasks that truly require their attention.”
Lee says: “Travellers today don’t want to choose between a retreat into nature and the stimulation of the city—they want both. Natural textures and greenery bring softness and calm to the interiors, while open social spaces and curated cultural programming connect guests directly with the city,” He adds, “it’s less about escaping and more about immersing in a city that lives in a dialogue with its tropical environment. I believe coexistence is the luxury of balance. Guests don’t have to compromise—they can flow seamlessly between nature and city.” Yet, stripped of physical trappings, what lingers is a philosophy made true in every touch and corner. “Wolo Mont Kiara KL remains a living idea—a philosophy that encourages guests to live fully and meaningfully,” Lee insists. “That intangible essence is what will endure.”
Lee continues: “Being truly original is no longer just about aesthetics or design; it’s about intention and vision. A truly original hotel reflects both the personal vision of its creators and the spirit of its place. It’s less about inventing something new and more about creating something true—true to the place and the people.” As Wolo Mont Kiara KL seeks to bridge the subtle gaps in today’s hospitality landscape, Lee notes that real evolution goes beyond authenticity. “The next frontier, I believe, is meaningful participation. Travellers don’t just want to observe—they want agency and to play an active part. This shift is powerful because it transforms travel into a two-way exchange. Guests leave not only with memories, but also with a sense that they’ve contributed, connected, and belonged.”
