Coffee, Creativity & Conversations: A Brew-tiful Afternoon at R Bar
If you think coffee dates are just about caffeine and small talk, think again. On September 30, 2025, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre flipped the script with Coffee Date at R Bar — a sensorial afternoon where coffee collided with art, music, and meaningful moments. Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Brew with Benefits campaign, the event brewed up more than beverages; it brewed community, creativity, and connection.
The Art of Coffee (Literally)
R Bar, the hotel’s signature spot, transformed into a stylish sanctuary of aroma and artistry for the day. The highlight? A collaboration with Hétam, local coffee artisans known for crafting drinks that tell stories. Guests got to sip and savour two zero-proof creations — Gemilang, a vibrant ode to Malaysia’s Jalur Gemilang, and Seri Muka / Puteri, a comforting twist on the classic dessert reborn as a liquid indulgence.
And for those steering clear of caffeine, the bar didn’t disappoint. The award-winning Bandung Pandan Spritz — yes, the very same mocktail crowned the official signature drink for Visit Malaysia 2026 — made a bright and refreshing appearance.
When Coffee Becomes a Canvas
What’s a coffee date without a little creative spark? Hétam’s guest baristas led a hands-on workshop where attendees got to craft their own coffee mocktails — a blend of fun and finesse that turned every participant into a one-day mixologist.
Meanwhile, artist Vivian Lees added her own flavour of magic to the room. With coffee as her paint, she captured guests in whimsical live caricatures — portraits that smelled as good as they looked. Each piece served as a charming, personalised keepsake of the afternoon.
As golden-hour light filled the space, DJ Vikna’s chill beats pulsed softly through the air, wrapping the whole affair in a cosy rhythm that made the hours melt away.
A Toast to Purpose — and Pink
Beyond the creative buzz, the event also spotlighted R Bar’s seasonal Pink-tober Afternoon Tea Set, designed in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Think delicate pink hues, elegant tiers, and bites that symbolise strength, resilience, and remembrance — a reminder that beauty and meaning can coexist, even in a teacup.
This limited-edition tea set will be available from October 7–31, 2025, inviting guests to indulge for a cause. Expect an assortment of fusion-inspired savouries and sweets that are as thoughtful as they are photogenic.
Sip, Earn, Repeat
The Brew with Benefits campaign by Marriott Bonvoy is more than a clever name — it’s a full-on lifestyle move. The initiative celebrates life’s everyday rituals (like your daily latte run) and transforms them into experiences worth remembering. Members can even earn points while enjoying a complimentary house-made jumbo cookie with every coffee or tea purchase — now that’s what we call loyalty that tastes good.
From the comforting scent of roasted beans to the laughter that filled R Bar, Coffee Date proved that coffee culture is about more than caffeine — it’s about connection.
So, if your idea of a good time includes art, good vibes, and a perfect pour, you’ll want to keep an eye on Marriott Bonvoy’s next activation. And for those looking to savour the Pink-tober Afternoon Tea Set, reservations are open now at rbarkl.com.
Stay tuned — more details on how to snag your own invite to the next Brew with Benefits experience will be revealed soon. Until then, keep your cups full and your conversations flowing.
