Marriott International has introduced yet another hotel brand to Southeast Asia, with the launch of Element Kuala Lumpur.

Initially created by Starwood in 2008, Element Hotels is an eco-friendly concept for new-build properties. Focusing on new hotels means the brand can ensure that the buildings are designed in line with green building standards, with features including rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient lighting.

Element Kuala Lumpur is housed within the 275-metre-high Ilham Tower, within walking distance of the Petronas Twin Towers. The hotel features 252 rooms, including one-, two- and three-bedroom suites equipped with kitchenettes, plus a 40th floor restaurant and bar, and a large wellness area with an indoor saltwater swimming pool.

As well as being designed using eco-friendly methods, guests at the Element are offered healthy cuisine, free bicycle hire and fitness classes.

“The residentially-styled… Element Kuala Lumpur offers endless healthy options for travellers,” said Mike Fulkerson, Marriott’s vice president of brand & marketing for Asia Pacific. “No matter how long a guest stays, whether it’s a few days or a few weeks, Element Kuala Lumpur ensures that time away from home doesn’t mean time away from life.”

Rivero Delgado, Marriott’s market vice president for Singapore, Malaysia & the Maldives, added that the hotel “responds to the evolving expectations of travellers”.

“Element Kuala Lumpur marks an important milestone for the brand as the first in Southeast Asia. We are thrilled to introduce our 14th brand to Malaysia and specifically to Kuala Lumpur, a city that perfectly embodies the qualities of the Element brand – alive, smart and balanced,” he commented.

Element’s Southeast Asian expansion will continue later this year with the opening of a new resort in the Ubud area of Bali in July 2017.