The deal is with Malaysian real estate firm Gamuda Land and marks the developer’s first hotel project.
Sustainable development
Slated to open in Q1 2026, the new Asai Gamuda Cove hotel is situated next to the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands within the Gamuda Cove development, just south of capital city Kuala Lumpur.
Spanning 1,530 acres, Gamuda Cove will also include residential and commercial areas to complement a range of eco-friendly tourism attractions, such as the already operational SplashMania Waterpark and Discovery Park, all designed with sustainability and a low carbon footprint in mind.
Tropical model
Operating under Dusit’s locally-focused lifestyle brand, Asai Hotels, the 280-key Asai Gamuda Cove is the first hotel signed under the group’s expanded ‘Asai Tropical’ model, specifically tailored for properties located in areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Like Dusit’s operational inner-city Asai Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand, and Kyoto, Japan, Asai Tropical hotels will feature thoughtfully compact rooms delivering a blend of essentials, such as plush beds and invigorating showers, complemented by a communal space and a locally-inspired dining experience. What sets the model apart is the provision of a broader range of facilities. In this case, an infinity pool, more dining venues, expanded event spaces, and a wider variety of room categories, including spacious, family-friendly options.
Local identity
Strategically situated in the southern region of the Gamuda Cove development, Asai Gamuda Cove will be designed to forge a sense of community by integrating local identity into its design language.
Surrounded by greenscapes, the hotel will blend with the adjacent wetlands and a 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum, accessible directly from the hotel. The property is set to cater to both domestic and international tourists who will visit Gamuda Cove’s eco-tourism activities.
Brand spirit
Gilles Cretallaz, chief operating officer, Dusit International, said: “To be entrusted with the management of the first hotel within the dynamic Gamuda Cove development truly is an honour, and we are delighted to partner with Gamuda Land to help bring their vision for their first-ever hotel project to life.
“With its stunning location and sustainable credentials, Gamuda Cove perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Asai brand, and we look forward to delivering a unique and unforgettable hotel experience that immerses guests in the diverse cultural tapestry of Malaysia and the natural beauty of the wetlands, all while contributing enduring value to our esteemed partners and the community we serve.”
Mindful planning
Eusoffe Chua, chief commercial officer, Gamuda Land, added: “Gamuda Cove is a mindfully planned township development offering exciting eco-friendly tourism activities including adventure and water parks. The masterplan comprises residential and commercial elements, including schools, universities, medical centres, vibrant retail spaces and offices with convenient access to Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, and Kuala Lumpur.
“In our collaboration with Dusit, we are thrilled to align with a strategic partner that shares our unwavering commitment to creating interconnected spaces where everyone can seamlessly integrate their living, working and recreational experiences. The Asai brand, with its focus on delivering unforgettable local experiences, precisely caters to the evolving needs of today’s local and international travellers. We eagerly anticipate a synergistic and enduring partnership as we invite guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of Gamuda Cove.”
Southeast Asian additions
Dusit’s property portfolio currently spans 19 countries and comprises 56 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and approximately 240 luxury villas under Elite Havens.
More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide. In southeast Asia, upcoming sites include the 207-key Dusit Tu Hoa Palace Hanoi, arriving in the Vietnamese capital in Q3 2024; the 152-room Dusit Princess Lipa, coming online in Q4 2025 towards the north of the Philippines; and Dusit Princess Kuta, delivering 200 keys to the Indonesian island of Bali.
