KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 4): IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to introduce its Vignette Collection brand to Malaysia for the first time through a strategic partnership with the Franky Group of Companies, marking a major milestone for both organisations.
Under this collaboration, the 67-villa luxury eco-resort in Pahang—currently known as Mangala Estate Kuantan—will undergo refurbishment before reopening in 2027 as Mangala Estate Kuantan, Vignette Collection by IHG. This development represents IHG’s maiden Vignette Collection property in Malaysia and its first presence in the state of Pahang.
Bryan Chan, IHG’s vice-president of development for Southeast Asia and Korea, said the partnership reflects the group’s confidence in Malaysia’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination.
“Introducing Vignette Collection with Mangala Estate Kuantan strengthens our Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio and underscores the strong investment potential we see in the Malaysian hospitality market.”
The resort is expected to join IHG’s global system in mid-2026, aligning with the group’s efforts to grow its presence across Malaysia’s key leisure corridors—including areas seeing strong demand for commercial property in KL, as well as the expanding business communities around office space in Bukit Jalil, modern factories in Puchong, and rising industrial property interest in the Subang area.
Franky Group of Companies founder and managing director Datuk Franky Chua said the collaboration elevates the estate’s long-standing vision as an environmentally attuned luxury sanctuary.
“Partnering with IHG allows us to bring Mangala Estate Kuantan to a wider audience, while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and community-driven development.”
Surrounded by lush landscapes and palm plantations, the rebranded resort will feature an all-day dining venue, poolside bar, spa, wellness centre, two lakes, and flexible event spaces accommodating up to 400 guests. Each villa is designed to complement the natural environment, supporting Vignette Collection’s sustainability-driven signature known as Means for Good.
Kuantan recorded 2.28 million visitors in 2024, positioning it as Malaysia’s second-most-visited destination—a trend supported by active state efforts to further promote tourism.
Globally, the Vignette Collection now includes 27 hotels across 17 countries, with another 41 in the pipeline. In Malaysia, IHG continues to expand its Luxury & Lifestyle offerings, which currently include InterContinental Kuala Lumpur and Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park, along with several upcoming developments.
This momentum mirrors the broader growth across Malaysia’s tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors, including sustained investor interest in industrial land in Selangor and other strategic markets.
