One&Only Resorts have officially opened their first luxury resort in Asia: the One&Only Desaru Coast. Located in a secluded corner of south-east Malaysia, the property enjoys scenic isolation, while also benefitting from convenient transport links to nearby Senai International Airport in Johor. Described as a spectacular, ultra-luxurious tropical resort, it is ideally suited to weekend getaways and extended nature-inspired retreats.
Spread out over 128 acres, One&Only Desaru Coast offers guests an immersive experience; they can indulge in the restorative beauty of nature, savour the best of local and regional produce at the many restaurants on offer, or focus on their wellbeing at the signature Chenot Spa.
“One&Only Desaru Coast offers a sanctuary and a welcome respite for those in need of a change of pace,” says Jerome Colson, who is General Manager at One&Only Desaru Coast. “The team and I are thrilled to welcome guests at One&Only Desaru Coast,” he added.
The resort provides 42 Junior Suites, two expansive two-bedroom Grand Suites and the exclusive four-bedroom Villa One. All include private plunge pools, abundant indoor and outdoor living spaces, decadent bathrooms and design featured inspired by Malaysian history and culture.
One&Only Desaru Coast pays tribute to Malaysia’s architectural heritage, with a modern interpretation of the traditional Malaysian ‘kampung’ environment, reimagined with a modern twist by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects. The resort’s range of self-contained suites (available with either ocean or forest views) has been designed to accentuate its natural surroundings, while also offering unparalleled levels of privacy.
For sun-seekers, a wide range of beach facilities are offered, including the resort’s Ember Beach Club, shaded beachfront cabanas and an open-air terraced bar that overlooks the resort’s two infinity pools. Water sports such as wakeboarding, kayaking and water skiing are available at the adjacent beach.
The resort also provides a range of unique nature encounters, designed to connect visitors with the biodiversity on their doorstep. Call of the Gibbons is a signature experience in which guests can explore the Panti Forest Reserve and hear the morning song of the white-handed gibbons. The View from the Top is guided by the resort’s very own expert arborist, who takes guests into the treetops for an unforgettable canopy experience.
A variety of restaurants and bars are also offered: Ambara embraces the ethos of field-to-fork, using produce from local farmers and the Chef’s Garden; Hoshi is the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, with an open bar where guests can watch the master chefs preparing dishes right in front of their eyes; Essential features local specialities, served up next to a spectacular 50-metre infinity pool; and the Dusky Monkey bar serves a selection of straits-inspired bites with tailor-made cocktails, regional rums, curated gins, artisanal tonics and fine whiskies.
The resort boasts a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness studio, a specialist Pilates studio and a yoga pavilion that overlooks the ocean, providing an inspiring space for yoga and meditation classes. The Chenot Spa lets visitors benefit from the latest advances in research and diagnostics, based around four central pillars of health and wellness: sport and physical activities; emotional wellbeing; nutrition; and aesthetics. Their curated menu of treatments includes tailored nutrition, fitness schedules, targeted spa treatments and stress relieving activities designed according to individual needs. A range of beauty therapy is also available, including bespoke nail care at the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez.
Created exclusively for the ultra-luxury market, One&Only resorts can be found in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. From Malaysia to the Maldives, Dubai to Capetown and Montenegro to Mauritius, each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style and personality inspired by its locale.
