The One&Only brand makes its first foray into Asia, on Malaysia’s south-east coast.
Desaru, on Malaysia’s south-eastern coast, is a relatively popular destination for travellers from nearby Singapore for day trips or even weekends, but has never offered much for the luxury traveller, though that is changing.
Opening its doors in October 2020 is the first One&Only resort in Asia – One&Only Desaru Coast.
Occupying a 52-hectare site with 1.5 kilometres of beachfront, the One&Only features 42 Junior Suites, two two-bedroom Grand Suites and a four-bedroom residence, Villa One. All villas have private plunge pools, indoor and outdoor living spaces, separate bathrooms and thoughtful Malaysian-inspired design features.
The property also features 50 Private Homes available to own or rent.
The decidedly modern design is expected, given Kerry Hill Architects – a practice that is responsible for a number of other iconic Asian hotels – is also behind the architecture here.
The One&Only Desaru Coast offers three restaurants – catering largely to international tastes – a bar and a beach club, which is also open to the public.
For guests who fancy leaving their villas, the resort is focusing on experiences, such as being guided through the nearby Panti Forest for a morning of birding and listening to the Gibbons’ calls, or ascending trees in the resort’s rainforest, chosen by a renowned arborist, for views over the resort and South China Sea.
Other activities include cooking classes, cycling, kid’s club, wellness programmes, a range of watersports activities, and a spa.
The resort is near the Els Club, with two championship level golf courses – a 27-hole Ocean Course and an 18-hole Velley Course – designed by Ernie Els in collaboration with Vijay Singh.
Opening in the middle of a pandemic may seem somewhat inauspicious, though if you’re in Malaysia already, you now have a new high-end resort experience available to you.
Check it out here