From legacy to lifestyle resort

The Star

3 days ago

Malaysia's first M Social hotel marks new chapter in Penang hospitality
A STROLL into M Social Resort Penang reveals a blend of thoughtful design and relaxed island charm, where bold colours, Peranakan touches and modern features come together in a welcoming space.
Tucked away in the quiet enclave of Tanjung Bungah on Penang's northern coast, this lifestyle-focused resort is Malaysia's first M Social property and a refreshing addition to the local hospitality landscape.
But beneath the playful exterior lies a carefully considered transformation.
Bathrooms featuring Peranakan-inspired tiles add a touch of local heritage to the modern design.
Formerly the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang, the property has been reborn under Millennium Hotels and Resorts' (MHR) fastest-growing lifestyle brand, M Social.
The move is not just a rebranding, but a reflection of the group's evolving identity, said MHR global branding, marketing and loyalty vice- president Carolyn Wishnowski.
'The rebranding was driven by the strategic vision of our chairman, who wanted to evolve with the changing preferences of today's travellers,' she said in an interview with StarMetro.
Heritage and modern charm
With its Penang launch, M Social becomes the seventh property in the global portfolio, joining the ranks of trendsetting locations like Singapore, Paris (France), Phuket (Thailand), Suzhou (China), Auckland (New Zealand) and Times Square New York (the United States).
'We opened M Social Phuket last year, Penang this year, and we are set to open M Social Downtown New York in October, followed by Sunnyvale, Florida (also in the US) in the first quarter of 2026,' said Wishnowski.
Rather than tear down and start anew, MHR made a deliberate decision to honour the property's legacy while injecting it with fresh energy.
M Social's signature restaurant, Beast and Butterflies, offers both authentic Peranakan and international cuisines.
For decades, the Copthorne was a part of Penang's hotel landscape and held sentimental value for the group's leadership.
But, as Wishnowski explained, the time had come to realign with the future.
'We saw a unique opportunity to transform a hotel full of legacy and history into something fresh, design-forward and culturally immersive,' she said.
Breezy Bites is a poolside space that offers snacks, games and music.
'It wasn't just a renovation; it was also a mindset shift.
'Guided by the brand's 'Live in the Moment' tagline, we wanted to transform it into something fresh and culturally immersive, but still grounded in the spirit of Penang,' she added.
That shift is most apparent with the hotel's visual identity.
As guests step into the resort's lobby, they are welcomed by murals that reflect Penang's unique blend of heritage and modern charm.
Peranakan-inspired patterns and warm, inviting colours set the tone for the space.
The Social Hub offers afternoon teas, cocktails and a sunlit setting for laid-back moments.
Design elements featuring the dusky leaf monkey, local street-food favourites like char kuey teow as well as sunset-on-the-beach-inspired shades of rose pink, sea green and sky blue come together to highlight the island's culture and natural surroundings.
These murals, hand-painted by Thai artist Mayuree Setsomboon of Elegant Art, add character to key areas of the hotel and offer a thoughtful nod to Penang's identity.
Guests can unwind by the resort's scenic outdoor pool and soak in stunning sunset views.
Wishnowski said each M Social property was guided by its own unique design motif – such as New York drawing inspiration from the city's iconic black-and-yellow taxis and Phuket embracing shades of green to reflect its natural landscape.
'What sets M Social Penang apart is its strong cultural integration and expressive design philosophy.
'In Penang, the palette celebrates the island's rich culture and food setting,' she said.
Sweeping sea views from the poolside offer a relaxing coastal escape. — SHALINI RAVINDRAN/The Star
This dynamic ethos also extends to the digital transformation within the hotel.
M Social Resort Penang is Malaysia's first hotel with in-room artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant Aiello, allowing guests to control room functions without lifting a finger.
Wishnowski said it was also the first hotel in the country to exist in the metaverse, offering a digital twin in Decentraland.
Wishnowski says what sets M Social Penang apart is its strong cultural integration and expressive design philosophy.
A virtual hotel modelled after different M Social hotels around the world, it offers travellers a chance to explore virtually before visiting and potentially earning real-world rewards.
'Our most exciting addition is the metaverse.
'It is part of the M Social DNA where every property under this brand is represented there,' said Wishnowski.
Even with all the modern trimmings, the human element remains at the heart of M Social Penang, she emphasised.
'Many of the resort's staff have stayed on from the Copthorne days.
'The transformation was more about adjusting mindsets and helping everyone see that while we are introducing a new brand, it's still familiar and easy to connect with,' she said.
Home for new travellers
Strategically located between the hills and the sea, Tanjung Bungah's setting is set to appeal to a growing demographic of young travellers.
'Tanjung Bungah is the ideal location.
'It offers a serene escape while still being near Batu Ferringhi and out of the busy flow of Gurney Drive,' Wishnowski explained.
M Social Penang's appeal to younger, eco-conscious travellers is no accident.
From glass water bottles and refillable bulk-sized amenities to pre-packed eco-friendly kits, the resort embeds sustainability into the guests' journey.
A variety of light bites and signature drinks are served at Social Hub.
'We are speaking to a younger generation of travellers who care about how they travel,' said Wishnowski.
'Our sustainable approach, wellness offerings, and digital innovation set us apart.'
Beyond physical expansion, M Social is also building deeper ties within local communities.
'We plan to collaborate with Penang's creative scene and up-and-coming local brands.
'It is about giving back and building something lasting together,' Wishnowski said.
Ramli and his wife Noora Ashikin (at centre), joining Saurabh (second from left), Yeoh (fifth left), Leng Beng (sixth left) and other special guests during the grand launch of the resort in Tanjung Bungah.
The group celebrated the resort's debut with a launch, marking a new chapter for Malaysia's hospitality scene.
The opening was attended by Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
Also present were Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, MHR executive chairman Kwek Leng Beng, executive director Kwek Eik Sheng as well as interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer Saurabh Prakash.
The launch wrapped up with a soulful performance by multi-talented Chelsia Ng.
Indulgence with local twist
The hotel's 318 rooms are divided into two wings – Sunset Bay and Azure.
The property caters to solo explorers, couples, families and long-stay guests alike, with rooms ranging from the stylishly cosy 32sq m Social Cosy Room to the 160sq m Social Grand Suite with sunset views.
The dining and recreational offerings at M Social Resort Penang reflect local culture, creativity and connection.
Beast and Butterflies, the signature restaurant, serves up playful interpretations of Penang favourites alongside international cuisine in a communal setting.
A 24-hour gym enables the hotel's guests to work out at their convenience.
The Social Hub offers afternoon teas and cocktails in a cosy and friendly space perfect for casual catch-ups.
Breezy Bites, located poolside, features live music, light bites, interactive games and sunset views over the pool's mosaic floor that spells out 'M Social'.
Beach access, smart TV, fast WiFi along with a 24-hour gym provide guests with a well-rounded mix of comfort, convenience and opportunities to unwind or stay active during their stay.
For special occasions, the 482sq m Pinang Pavilion ballroom features a pillarless space to host weddings, conferences and everything in between.
The Star readers can enjoy an exclusive offer by using the promo code STARxMSRP when booking through the Millennium Hotels website or the MyMillennium mobile app.
The promotion includes a 5% discount on the Flexible Rate or Flexible Rate with Breakfast, a complimentary upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability), and 20% off food and beverage at the hotel's restaurants.
This offer is valid for all room categories, with the booking period running until Aug 31, 2025, and the stay period valid until Dec 31, 2025. Standard hotel cancellation policies apply.
For details and reservations, visit www.msocial.com/penang