Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, is set to bring its ASAI Hotels brand to Malaysia with the opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove on 15 September 2026. Located in the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township in Selangor, the 13-storey hotel is around 20 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

With 280 rooms, ASAI Gamuda Cove will be the largest ASAI property to date and the brand's first hotel outside a city neighbourhood. It will also become Dusit's second hotel in Malaysia, following Dusit Princess Melaka, which opened in December 2024.

The hotel follows ASAI's Live Local approach, with the surrounding nature and attractions playing a key role in the guest experience. It is located beside the 1,111-acre Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary where guests can explore freshwater wetlands and spot native wildlife. The nearby 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum also offers walking trails, birdwatching and environmental learning activities.

For families and adventure seekers, SplashMania Waterpark is nearby with 39 slides and attractions, while Discovery Park offers outdoor recreation and entertainment. An electric tram network connects different parts of the township, making it easier for guests to move between its nature, leisure and commercial areas.

The hotel will offer a range of room categories, from compact rooms for solo travellers and couples to balcony rooms, bunk-bed options and a two-room family category that can accommodate up to six guests. Selected rooms will overlook the wetlands, while facilities include fast Wi-Fi, smart televisions, walk-in showers and practical storage.

Guests can also make use of an infinity pool overlooking the wetlands, a gym, co-working areas and flexible meeting and event spaces for up to 100 people. Dining will be spread across three venues, with Malaysian flavours at the heart of the offering.

Nasi & Khao will combine Malaysian and Thai comfort food with familiar Western dishes. Tea Shop will offer curated teas and light bites from morning until late, while the Pool Bar will serve handcrafted cocktails, refreshments and snacks alongside views of the infinity pool and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands.

The property's location will also place guests around 20 minutes by car from Sepang International Circuit, where Formula 1 will return for the first time since 2017 with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, scheduled from 2–4 October 2026.

"ASAI Gamuda Cove shows how our Live Local approach can work in a setting where nature, recreation, and a growing community come together," said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. "It will give travellers a comfortable and practical base, provide local residents with new places to meet and dine, and put the wetlands and the wider township within easy reach. Opening just ahead of Formula 1's return gives us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what ASAI offers to visitors from Malaysia and around the world. And the hotel's role will extend well beyond the race weekend: we want every stay to help guests experience more of the area and connect with the people who call it home."

ASAI Hotels focuses on travellers looking for well-designed essentials, accessible rates and a closer connection with the destinations they visit. The brand combines compact and functional rooms with social, dining and co-working spaces that reflect the local setting.

ASAI Gamuda Cove will become the brand's fourth operating hotel, joining ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn and ASAI Kyoto Shijo in Japan.

The Malaysian opening is another step in Dusit's expansion in the country. Following Dusit Princess Melaka in December 2024, the company is also preparing to open Dusit Princess Ipoh in October 2026, with further details to be announced soon.

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, is strengthening its presence in Turkey and Poland with the addition of The Marmara Hotels and PURO Hotels to its portfolio.

The two homegrown hospitality brands will together bring 15 hotels into the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme. The Marmara Hotels' six properties across Turkey are already live on the programme, while PURO Hotels' portfolio is set to join in Q3 2026. The latest additions highlight the growing interest among independent hotel brands in gaining international reach while keeping their local identity and character intact.

"Independent hotel brands are increasingly looking for ways to reach more international travellers while staying true to their local identity," said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. "GHA enables brands to achieve this by combining global reach and scale with the freedom to maintain their individuality. With their amazing history and unique culture, Turkey and Poland are destinations experiencing significant growth in international demand, as people expand their travel horizons, and we are now able to offer a fabulous choice of hotels in these markets."

The Marmara Hotels Brings Turkish Hospitality to GHA

With more than four decades of experience, The Marmara Hotels has its roots in Istanbul and combines contemporary comfort with Turkish heritage. Its portfolio includes hotels in Taksim Square and Pera, along with properties in Bodrum and Antalya.

Each property is designed around the character of its destination, while reflecting the warmth and generosity associated with Turkish hospitality. The brand's connection to local heritage can also be seen through its involvement in preserving historic landmarks, including Esma Sultan Palace by the Bosphorus and the restored Zeyrek Çinili Hamam.

PURO Hotels Focuses on Design and Local Culture

PURO Hotels brings a modern urban approach to hospitality, with its hotels located across Warsaw, Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, Gdańsk and Łódź.

The brand combines design, art, gastronomy and local culture to create spaces that appeal to both travellers and local communities. Its hotels also serve as social hubs where people can meet, work, enjoy food and experience culture. PURO blends local influences with Nordic sensibilities and focuses on creating stays that go beyond comfort. The brand is also expanding outside Poland, with its first international hotels planned for Budapest in 2026 and Prague in 2027.

"These brands are particularly exciting additions to GHA, marking the arrival of our first homegrown Polish and Turkish hotel brands. Each brings a strong sense of place, deep local expertise and a distinctive hospitality culture to our portfolio. This is at the heart of what we want to offer our members: authentic experiences rooted in the destinations they visit, while giving independent brands a global platform to share their unique stories," concludes Hartley.

The addition of The Marmara Hotels and PURO Hotels further expands the choice available to GHA DISCOVERY members while giving both independent brands access to a wider international audience.

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO has introduced Thundi Beach Bar, a new beachside space designed for guests looking to relax, refresh and enjoy the views of the Indian Ocean.

Known for its vibrant house reef, the Maldives resort continues to attract divers and snorkellers with its rich marine life, strong currents that bring pelagic species and access to some of the atoll’s popular dive sites. The setting makes Helengeli a destination for both experienced divers and guests looking to explore the underwater world at their own pace.

Located between two oceanfronts, Thundi Beach Bar offers a relaxed barefoot setting just steps from the shoreline. Guests can enjoy uninterrupted ocean views while taking a break from their time in the water. The bar is open daily from 10:00hrs to 13:00hrs and 15:00hrs to 19:00hrs. As part of the OBLU Island Plan™, guests can enjoy unlimited beers, wines, soft drinks, canned juices, tea and coffee.

The new beachside spot is also conveniently placed for guests exploring Helengeli’s house reef. After a snorkelling session or a day spent around the water, guests can stop by for a drink and a quick refreshment without having to move far from the beach.

Commenting on the launch, Alain Trefois, General Manager, shared: “At Helengeli, so much of the guest experience revolves around the ocean. Whether diving, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the reef. With Thundi Beach Bar, we wanted to create a space that feels naturally connected to these moments, offering guests a convenient and relaxed spot to pause, refresh, and continue their island journey without interruption.”

Located a 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO offers 153 villas, family-friendly amenities and private pool options.

Guests staying on the OBLU Island Plan™ can enjoy world cuisine, wines and beverages, a nature-inspired kids club, snorkelling experiences, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, non-motorised watersports, ocean excursions and a range of daily and seasonal activities.