Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) is bringing Southeast Asia’s first RENJOY HOTEL to Desaru, Johor, following a hotel management agreement with Techvance Hotel & Resort, the hospitality arm of Techvance Group.
Under the agreement, the existing Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa will be refreshed and rebranded as Renjoy Hotel Desaru, introducing the brand’s resort concept to Malaysia’s beachfront market.
The partnership combines Techvance’s local development expertise with Jin Jiang Hotels’ international network, operating capabilities and brand ecosystem to strengthen the property’s appeal to domestic and international leisure and corporate travellers.
Desaru’s Growing Tourism Potential
Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, an 11.2% increase from the previous year. China remained a key source market, contributing approximately 4.7 million arrivals.
Johor also recorded 10.63 million overnight tourists in 2025, comprising 7.38 million domestic and 3.25 million international visitors. The state had 34,986 hotel rooms, representing a 9.4% year-on-year increase.
Building on this growth, Johor is targeting 12 million tourists under its Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign.
This outlook provides a foundation for Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) to introduce Renjoy Hotel Desaru and strengthen its presence in the local hospitality market.
A New Beachfront Experience Under RENJOY HOTEL
Positioned in the upper-midscale segment, RENJOY HOTEL focuses on creating distinctive hospitality experiences inspired by local culture and each destination’s character.
Rather than following a standardised design, each property draws inspiration from its surrounding landscape and cultural identity.
At Renjoy Hotel Desaru, the transformation will gradually introduce refreshed guest rooms, new dining experiences and upgraded resort facilities while preserving the property’s existing beachfront character.
The hotel will also be supported by Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia)’s operating standards, brand ecosystem, membership and reservation platform.
“This project marks an important step in introducing RENJOY HOTEL to Southeast Asia and in broadening our presence in Malaysia’s resort sector.”
“Desaru’s beachfront setting provides a strong foundation for the brand. Together with Techvance, we look forward to bringing RENJOY HOTEL’s design philosophy and service standards to the destination while preserving the local character that makes the property distinctive,” said Li Xun, the Regional General Manager of Jin Jiang Hotels in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Jin Jiang Hotels Continues Its Malaysia Expansion
For Techvance Group, the partnership marks a new chapter for Sand & Sandals and its hospitality business.
“Our partnership with Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) marks a new chapter for Sand & Sandals and our hospitality business,”
“We selected a partner whose international network and operating expertise complement our local knowledge and vision for the property. Through this transformation, we aim to enhance the resort experience, strengthen its market positioning and create long-term value while retaining the hospitality our guests know,” said Dato’ Edward Lau, Managing Director, Techvance Group.
Beyond Renjoy Hotel Desaru, Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) also looks forward to welcoming 7 Days Premium Hotel in Tanjung Malim, which is expected to open in the first half of 2027.
Together, the two projects reflect the company’s expansion across different market segments and its continued growth in the region.
