ONE&ONLY Desaru Coast opens in March 2020, and is set to transform Malaysia’s south-eastern coastline. Form the creative minds at award-winning firm Kerry Hill Architects, One&Only Desaru Coast will be a modern reimagining of the classical Malaysian Kampung (village), making the most of the stunning local landscape to create a feeling of verdant envelopment, as opposed to encroaching upon the shoreline with excessive building work.
One&Only Desaru Coast as seen from above
One&Only’s dedication to preserving the local eco-system is something we can all get behind. Stretching across 128 acres of beach and backing into what’s known as ‘the village of the palms’, this debut Asian resort looks set to become the jewel in the One&Only crown.
The One&Only Desaru Coast main building
Accompanying 42 junior suites, two grand suites and an exclusive four-bedroom villa, each available to rent, are 50 private homes for purchase – large enough for families or discerning couples who value their space and privacy, Desaru Coast doesn’t have to be an occasional escape, it could be home.
The One&Only Desaru Coast beach
The dining options do not disappoint, offering a brilliant reflection of the indigenous cuisine, in both process and taste, while also giving nods to food from further afield. Essential will offer a thorough exploration of Malaysian flavours and little known local specialties, sitting between the resort’s stunning 50 metre infinity pool and the dense jungle bush.
The One&Only Desaru Coast entrance
For Japanese, there’s Hoshi, which will serve contemporary sushi and tempura dishes. Ambara is Desura Coast’s Mediterranean, field-to-fork main attraction. While the dishes look to the Med, the food prep process relies on produce from local farmers, and the finest ingredients sourced from the head chef’s private garden.
The One&Only Desaru Coast infinity pool
For a change of pace, think live music and water sports, the Ember Beach Club is the place to be. Developed in collaboration with a Singapore based celebrity chef, Ember serves prime meats and fresh seafood cooked over an open fire, and is a brilliant way to end your evening.
The room view at One&Only Desaru Coast
Desaru Coast also offers an abundance of daytime activities with both adults and kids in mind. The One&Only Spa by Chenot promises to revitalise even the most beleaguered bodies and minds, with a revolutionary scientific and holistic approach, focused on developing personalised nutritional menus, fitness schedules, bespoke treatments and stress relieving activities. If you’re more into active pursuits, state of the art tennis and golf facilities, and classes in Malaysian martial art Silat Melayu, as well as every water sport under the sun.
The spa at One&Only Desaru Coast
While you relax/work up a sweat, KidsOnly offers great opportunities for kids to learn about the local ecosystem and aquatic life at The Fisherman Hut, or express their artistic side at Desaru Coats’s Art Studio.
One&Only Desaru Coast’s natural surroundings
Speaking on the location’s grand opening, Chief Operating Officer, Philippe Zuber, commented: “One&Only Desaru Coast will be our first resort in Asia as part of the continued strategic growth of the brand, and Malaysia’s secluded breathtaking coastline and rich regional heritage makes it the perfect location for us to introduce our brand to the region. We look forward to introducing the One&Only experience to the country, offering modern Malaysian elegance, warm and authentic service and the ultimate in ultra-luxury.”
One&Only Desaru Coast from the skies
by Charlie Navin-Holder
One&Only Desaru Coast will begin welcoming guests on 23 March 2020. Suites start from USD $835 (plus taxes) per night. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit this link