The post Art and storytelling are integral to our identity: Burth appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.
Travel Daily Media (TDM): W Kuala Lumpur is set in a city rich with history and tradition. How do you integrate Malaysian culture and heritage into the hotel’s guest experience?
Volker Burth (VB): At W Kuala Lumpur, we believe that culture is not just something you see; it’s something you experience. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with design elements, flavours, and rituals inspired by Malaysia’s rich heritage. Whether through locally inspired welcome amenities, reinterpretations of Malaysian street food in our dining venues, or curated guest experiences that immerse them in the heart of the city, we ensure that Malaysian culture is seamlessly integrated into the bold luxury of the W lifestyle.
TDM: What role does local art, design, or storytelling play in shaping the hotel’s identity and differentiating it from global counterparts?
VB: Art and storytelling are integral to our identity at W Kuala Lumpur. Our design narrative is a beautiful blend of Malaysia’s contrasts—where heritage meets modernity and tradition intersects with innovation. Throughout the property, you’ll discover local motifs, textures, and artistry, all reimagined with a contemporary flair. We believe in collaborating with local artists and creators, infusing the essence of Kuala Lumpur into our spaces, ensuring that each stay has a unique connection to the city while reflecting the unmistakable W vibe.
Moreover, W Kuala Lumpur stands as the ultimate urban oasis in the Golden Triangle, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers alongside avant-garde design. With our insider access and signature Whatever/Whenever® service, we promise that every moment spent with us is both seamless and spectacular. Through dynamic culinary collaborations and curated local experiences, we truly place our guests at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant scene.
TDM: Are there collaborations with local chefs, farmers, or food artisans to bring authentic experiences to guests?
VB: Absolutely. Food serves as a powerful link to culture, and we actively collaborate with local chefs, farmers, and artisans. We celebrate Malaysian flavours innovatively, from sourcing fresh local produce to partnering with culinary talents for special pop-ups and dining experiences. Guests can enjoy a modern Cantonese meal at YEN, reinterpret hawker classics at Flock, or try limited-time menus created with emerging local talents.
Our culinary collaborations go beyond borders, partnering with W Bangkok, W Bali, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, JW Marriott Singapore, and W Shanghai – The Bund. We also work with well-known local names like Beta, Aaliya, Tokyo Restaurant, and Phil’s Pizza. These partnerships bring vibrant flavours and new perspectives to our guests, allowing us to deliver authentic cuisine with a contemporary touch. W Kuala Lumpur is positioned as a premier destination for bold, boundary-pushing gastronomy.
TDM: Kuala Lumpur’s festive calendar – from Hari Raya to Deepavali and Chinese New Year – is vibrant. How does the hotel participate in and showcase these celebrations?
VB: Festivals are the heartbeat of Malaysia, and at W Kuala Lumpur, we bring them to life with our unique W twist. Each celebration is an opportunity to honour traditions while reimagining them through bold design, creative programming, and unforgettable experiences. From immersive décor installations in our Living Room, inspired by local motifs, to curated menus that reinvent festive classics, every moment is both authentic and unexpected.
For Hari Raya, we transform our spaces with vibrant, modern interpretations of kampung nostalgia, complemented by culinary offerings that celebrate local delicacies in innovative ways. Chinese New Year at W Kuala Lumpur is always a spectacle—whether it’s a modernised lion dance performance against the backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers or exquisite Cantonese feasts at YEN, featuring collaborations that push culinary boundaries.
Meanwhile, Christmas takes on a glamorous edge with dazzling installations, themed cocktails, and bold dining experiences, firmly establishing us as a must-visit holiday destination in the city.
What sets us apart is our ability to infuse these traditions with W’s DNA—avant-garde design, insider access, and our Whatever/Whenever® service. Each festival becomes more than just a celebration; it evolves into an elevated cultural experience that connects guests to the soul of Kuala Lumpur while remaining true to W’s bold, stylish identity.
TDM: In your view, what responsibility do hotels have in preserving and promoting local culture while delivering a global standard of hospitality?
VB: Hotels, particularly international brands, play a vital role as cultural bridges. We have a responsibility to showcase the best of our destination to a global audience while also respecting and preserving the traditions that make it unique. For me, it’s all about striking a balance—delivering world-class service and luxury while ensuring that guests leave with a deeper connection to Malaysia. That’s the hallmark of truly meaningful hospitality.
Looking ahead, our responsibility goes beyond mere celebration; it encompasses active preservation and innovation. Hotels must not only highlight culture but also invest in its sustainability. This could involve collaborating with local artisans to keep traditional crafts alive, sourcing products from local farmers to support communities, or providing platforms for emerging Malaysian creatives in fashion, music, and design. At W Kuala Lumpur, we consider ourselves more than just a hotel; we’re a stage where local culture is amplified and reimagined for a global audience.
By continuing to innovate while honouring our heritage, we ensure that culture is not frozen in time but evolves dynamically alongside global hospitality standards. This forward-thinking approach allows us to stay true to W’s DNA while ensuring our guests leave not just with memories, but with a meaningful connection to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
TDM: Looking ahead, how will the hotel continue to evolve its cultural integration while staying aligned with W’s global brand DNA?
VB: Cultural integration, for us, is not just about reflecting the city; it’s about reimagining it with a sense of bold sophistication. The future at W Kuala Lumpur will feature deeper, more curated collaborations with Malaysia’s most exciting talents in fashion, art, music, and gastronomy. We aim to create experiences that feel both contemporary and timeless.
Expect limited-edition designer showcases, progressive culinary journeys that highlight local agriculture in innovative ways, and immersive art experiences that blend tradition with modernity. By incorporating these elements into our lifestyle luxury approach, we ensure that every stay becomes more than just a visit to Kuala Lumpur; it’s a gateway into the city’s most stylish and forward-thinking expressions.
The post Art and storytelling are integral to our identity: Burth appeared first on Travel Daily Media.
Source: traveldailymedia