Brewing Up Merdeka: Marriott Bonvoy Turns Coffee Into a Party
This Merdeka, Marriott Bonvoy is trading in stiff lattes and polite café chatter for something far bolder: a coffee rave. Yes, you read that right. Dubbed “Brew With Benefits”, this travelling caffeine-fuelled celebration is rolling through select Marriott Bonvoy hotels across Malaysia from August to September 2025, and it’s here to shake up your usual sip-and-sit coffee ritual.
Think of it as Merdeka in liquid form. On the menu? Cofftails — coffee cocktails that ditch the generic vanilla latte and instead pay homage to Malaysian flavours like pandan, Harumanis mango, pineapple, and even the classic rose syrup. Each drink is a nod to the nation’s colourful café culture, served with Marriott Bonvoy’s signature twist: every order racks up loyalty points, because nothing says “worth it” like a sweet perk with your brew.
“Malaysia has a vibrant café culture, and Brew With Benefits brings that energy into our hotels in a way that feels contemporary, proudly Malaysian and unmistakably Marriott Bonvoy,” says George Varughese, Market Vice President – Malaysia, Marriott International. “It’s a unique way for guests to experience Merdeka through flavour, music and community.”
Meet the Man Behind the Brew
The heart of the rave belongs to Wira Merican, founder of local coffee collective hétam+, who’s known for pushing Malaysian coffee into bold new territory. Wira isn’t just curating the special menu — he’s hitting the road too. Expect live brewing demos, tasting sessions, and plenty of storytelling as he takes guests through the inspirations behind his six signature drinks, including one intriguingly named Emas to Khatulistiwa.
“Coffee is more than a drink, it’s an experience, a memory, a story,” Wira says. “This collaboration lets us showcase Malaysia’s diversity through flavour and celebration.”
Where to Get Your Caffeine High
From Langkawi to Putrajaya, the coffee rave will make stops at:
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Moxy Putrajaya
Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya (a Tribute Portfolio Hotel)
Putrajaya Marriott Hotel
Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah
The Westin Kuala Lumpur
Penang Marriott Hotel
The exact line-up and Wira’s guest appearances will differ by location, so stalking the hotels’ social media pages is your best bet for updates.
Sip, Celebrate, Repeat
The best part? You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to join in. Walk into any participating café or lounge, order a cofftail, and you’re part of the movement. Marriott Bonvoy members get the extra bonus of loyalty perks, including points and the occasional complimentary sweet treat.
So, if you’re ready to toast Merdeka with something more exciting than a flat white, Marriott Bonvoy’s Brew With Benefits might just be your caffeine-soaked party of the year.
