One&Only Desaru Coast

Desaru, Malaysia

Opened September 6, 2020

Cloaked in blissful seclusion, comes a magical hideaway with wonders unsung. Surrender completely as One&Only Desaru Coast illuminates secrets of the East like never before. Nestled on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia, on 128-acres of white powder sands between lush jungle flora and South China Sea, One&Only Desaru Coast is a spectacular retreat that embodies the essence of her location, known as the ‘village of palms’.

Famed for his obsession with the straight line, along with an unwavering respect for nature, Australian architect Kerry Hill conceived One&Only Desaru Coast’s serenely beautiful design and interiors. We pay tribute to the world-famous creative, and explore how his signature approach is expressed throughout our resort.

Location

Leave with great memories, but always arrive in style, with a touch of sustainability. Our transfers from Senai International Airport, Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Changi Airport or any destination in Singapore are equipped with every comfort. 2.5 hours from Changi Airport (subject to traffic conditions; longer travel times between Singapore and Desaru are to be expected during peak seasons and weekends).

Accomodation

Rainforest Junior Suite

Step into the inviting Rainforest Junior Suite, finished with a deft luxury and Malaysian details, with beautiful batiks and that essential plunge pool. Sunlit bathrooms are smoothly designed with stand-alone baths and tropical showers to wash away city cares. Pause on your tropical veranda, inhale the delicious oxygen rich air of the rainforest. Wake to the morning whoop of gibbons, enjoy sundowners to the rattle and hum of cicadas, your host will be delighted to mix up crushed fruit cocktails.

Ocean Front Junior Suite

Surrounded by the extraordinary natural beauty of the views of South China Sea and unspoilt rainforest, these Ocean Front Junior Suite welcomes you to a tranquil oasis thoughtfully designed to relax and recharge throughout the stay and beyond. Start your day soaking up sun and sea by the golden shore just steps away, laze in your own private plunge pool, embark on incredible adventures or embrace the refinements in one of our many signature experiences. Revel in the splendour and comfort of your one-bedroom hideaway as your One&Only host will make sure you have everything you need to settle in for a special and memorable getaway.

Villa One

Set apart from the main resort, Villa One gives you complete privacy within our secluded retreat. This four bedroom Villa is the jewel of One&Only Desaru Coast. It is close to the sea, which will entice you all day, and hush you to sleep at night, but also hidden away from all but the dancing Dusky Leaf Monkeys. You have an 27 metre private pool if you want a dip at home.

The interiors are large, airy and spacious, set over two floors, with four bedrooms and a home study, all deftly finished with Malaysian details and soft luxuries. Relax in the private spa room with a deeply therapeutic massage, party in the gardens, splash in the pool, have your butler prepare a torchlit dinner. In this spectacular villa you have the space and the service to make every day and night the happiest you can envisage.

Infrastructure

Chenot SPA

One&Only has partnered with leading science-based health and beauty experts, Chenot, who have been at the forefront of the industry for almost 50 years, to revolutionise the resort wellbeing experience. Combining the latest advances in scientific diagnostics with the best in Chinese and alternative medicines, Chenot offers the ultimate transformative retreat. We encourage you to arrive 15 minutes prior to your treatment to use our spa facilities.

Complimentary:

Cooling pool
Fitness centre
Relaxation pavilion
Signature herbal tea
Open daily from 10am to 7pm

Sports & Physical Activities

Unwind and exercise in world class environments with swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts and our fitness centre. In addition to the range of active offerings, coaches are available to design personalised programmes around your needs and goals. It is our goal to help you achieve your optimum level of physical fitness.

Aesthetics

Dip into a range of aesthetic treatments to help restore natural beauty, from the Chenot Cellulite Treatment to illuminating and anti-ageing facials, dedicated eye treatments and rejuvenating body scrubs. The spa also offers luxurious hand and foot treatments by the award-winning Bastien Gonzalez.

Beaches, Water Play, and Iconic pools

With more than a kilometre of idyllic white sands and inviting waters, experience endless fun with exclusive seclusion. Be enthralled by a whole range of water-based activities available at One&Only Desaru Coast. Be greeted by the signature 56-metre Infinity Pool that appears to stretch through a break in the coastal trees to the ocean beyond, overlooking the sparkling waters. Play at the water’s edge at the shimmering waters of Ember Beach Club. Or relax in total seclusion in your private plunge pool within your spacious suite.

KidsOnly

Under the care and supervision of expert counsellors, this complimentary club offers a daily programme of age-appropriate activities with a focus on discovery, education, local culture, nature, sports, arts and crafts. KidsOnly is open for children aged from 4 to 11 years of age. Children under 4 years of age are invited to join KidsOnly with an adult guardian.

A Warrior’s Journey

Guided by our Silat Master, practice the ancient martial art of Silat Melayu, one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets. Silat is a combative art of self-defence from the Malay world. It employs langkah (’steps’) and jurus (’movements’) to ward off or strike assailants, either with or without weapons. The movements are inspired by flora and fauna.

Call of the Gibbons

Hear the greeting call of White-handed Gibbons at the break of dawn as our resident Naturalist takes you through Panti Forest Reserve, also home to fascinating creatures like the Dusky Leaf Monkeys, Pig-tailed Macaques and Oriental Pied Hornbills. Avid bird watchers can catch a glimpse of the fleeting White-Bellied Eagles and Short-tailed Babblers in this bird sanctuary. A beautifully prepared tropical picnic surrounded by nature completes the experience.

Hit new heights

Hit new heights and feel on top of the world with one of nature’s most thrilling yet overlooked sports. Designed in consultation with a tree arborist who has scaled the world’s tallest trees from Canada and Brazil to Borneo, our rigs help you ascend magnificent trees in the resort’s surrounding rainforest. In a safe and controlled environment, the tree-climbing experience will bring you up to a viewing platform within the lush canopy, presenting breathtaking views that only Southeast Asia’s most exotic birds are accustomed to.

Bonfire Legends

Ignite your soul with stories from an inspiring thought leader, shared around a warming fire under the stars. Listen to the melodies of indigenous Malaysian music weaved into the rhythm of the ocean waves, as you savour flavourful bites and refreshing drinks. Held quarterly, Bonfire Legends is a curated event series that brings lively conversation together with unique entertainment and atmospheric, barefoot fun.

The Reel Catch

Get lost in time and tide for a day as you head out into the ocean for the nautical adventure of a lifetime. Setting sail on a local fishing boat, you will venture into one of the world’s top ten deep sea fishing spots, teeming with the biggest Sailfish and Black Marlin in the region. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other as you relish the thrill of the hunt and admire the beauty, prowess, and speed of these sleek creatures.

Useful Details

Electricity. USB sockets are located on the desk and near the bed. Malaysia uses the standard UK 3-pronged plug. Voltage is 220 — 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Universal socket.
Language. The official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu or Malay, with Mandarin Chinese being spoken by the local ethnic Chinese. English is also spoken widely.
Internet. Complimentary WiFi is available in the entire resort, from public areas and restaurants to the intimacy of your suite.
Time Zone. Malaysia standard time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).
Currency. The local unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit.
Check-in is at 3.00pm and check-out at 12:00pm.
The resort is wheelchair friendly.

Dining

Ambara Restaurant in Malaysia

Capturing the hearty, honest flavours of the Mediterranean, Ambara transports you from the sun-soaked beaches of Greece to the sand-swept landscapes of Lebanon. Experience the ethos of field-to-fork as we embrace the seasonal produce Malaysia has to offer. Feast on woodfire-baked breads, mezze platters, grilled meats and seafood as you watch the chefs in action at the open kitchen.

Hoshi

Inspired by an ancient celestial love story revered in Japan, Hoshi marries traditional Japanese sensibility with modern culinary techniques. Embark on a gastronomic journey and savour top-notch omakase menus — a menu selection entrusted entirely to the chef, prepared with the season’s freshest and finest ingredients. Nibble on an artful collection of maki and nigiri sushi, or fresh sashimi expertly sliced with precision. Be mesmerised by the sublime art of tempura — each piece battered in front of your eyes and delivered straight to your plate.

Dusky Monkey

Take in the acoustics of Malaysian nature and feel the gentle ocean breeze on your skin as you lounge in the airy Dusky Monkey bar. Flushed with timbre walls and high ceilings, the bar is the perfect space to relax with your loved ones and socialise amidst lush tropical flora.

Essential

Ease into the comforts of straits cuisine at the Malaysian-inspired pool cafe. Overlooking the expansive hanging pool and frangipani trees, relish on local specialities served to your sun day bed.

Ember Beach Club

Conceptualised by critically acclaimed Chef Andrew Walsh, Ember Beach Club serves unfussy barbecue fare, graced by the intriguing notes of Asia. Tear into the finest meats and fresh seafood, seasoned simply with smoke, salt and spice. Sitting at the edge of the ocean, the sleek beach club is the perfect spot to lounge, wine and dine.

Sunrise Breakfast

For an unforgettable start to your day, join our Naturalist for a sunrise nature walk along our pristine beach and hidden rainforest pathways, learning about the incredible native flora and fauna that call Desaru Coast home. Then, gather by the beach for a delicious chef-prepared breakfast and a glass of Champagne, as the sun rises over the South China Sea.

Suitable for

Visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant, fishing, tree climbing, a wide variety of water and land sports, as well as families with children and guests with disabilities