Nestled on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia, between lush rainforests and the South China Sea, One&Only Desaru Coast is a spectacular tropical retreat that embodies the essence of her location, known as the ‘village of palms’. Spread across 128 acres of unspoilt wild flora and flanked by a secluded coastline of pristine golden sands, the first One&Only resort in Asia will begin welcoming guests on 23 March 2020. The resort is easily accessible from Singapore, just a two-hour drive by luxury car, or Senai International Airport in Johor. 

Designed by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, One&Only Desaru Coast celebrates the destination’s architectural heritage with a modern interpretation of the traditional Malaysian ‘kampung’ or village. Each self-contained suite is perfectly framed by nature, offering exceptional levels of privacy and generous space to relax or entertain. Facing the stunning ocean or wrapped by rainforests, the resort offers a breathtaking collection of 42 Junior Suites, two expansive two-bedroom Grand Suites and an exclusive four-bedroom Villa One. All boast private plunge pools, abundant indoor and outdoor living spaces, decadent bathrooms and thoughtful Malaysian-inspired design features. 

The ultimate address at One&Only Desaru Coast, Villa One offers 1,500m2 of luxury living, secluded from the main resort the two-storey villa has four bedrooms, generous living spaces, a private spa treatment room, a home office and a central courtyard garden with ocean-facing lawns surrounding an expansive 27-metre swimming pool. In addition, the resort will feature 50 Private Homes available to own or rent, perfect for couples or families who desire a spacious haven to call home. 

One&Only Desaru Coast is set to be the culinary destination, with a variety of restaurants and bars that showcase the seasonal bounty of the region’s land and sea. Ambara embraces the ethos of field-to-fork, serving cuisine from the Mediterranean coasts using produce from local farmers and the Chef’s Garden. 

Hoshi is the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant and will offer a contemporary take on the art of tempura with an open bar where guests can watch the master chefs preparing dishes right in front of their eyes. The diverse, vibrant flavours of Malaysia will be explored with inventive local specialities at Essential located next to the spectacular 50-metre infinity pool, while guests can take in the acoustics of the surrounding jungle and ocean at the open-air Dusky Monkey bar and enjoy a selection of creative straits-inspired bites with tailor made cocktails, regional rums, curated gins, artisanal tonics and fine whiskies. 

Ember Beach Club is set to become a revered destination for dining, an oasis for live music, a hub for water sports and a coveted place to be. Conceptualised by a celebrity chef based in Singapore, Ember Beach Club will serve an expertly prepared selection of prime meats and freshly caught seafood grilled over open fire, infused with intriguing notes of Asia. 

Guests will be able to awaken body and mind at the One&Only Spa by Chenot and experience a revolutionary scientific and holistic approach to health and wellness. This will be the first One&Only Spa by Chenot, extending beyond the spa and with an option to be woven into every element of a guests’ stay, bespoke programmes will include tailored nutritional menus, fitness schedules, targeted spa treatments and stress relieving activities designed according to individual needs. Guests will be able to further their wellness journey with a session of bespoke nail care by Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. The resort will also boast a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness studio, a specialist Pilates studio and a yoga pavilion that overlooks the azure waters, providing an inspiring space for yoga and meditation classes. 

Inspiration flourishes at One&Only Desaru Coast and across the scenic coastline, with a curated range of active and mindful pursuits. Guests can embark on incredible adventures through unspoilt landscapes and warm seas, discovering wildlife, local communities and cultural wonders. At Club One, the resort’s exciting hub for all things active, guests can enjoy the thrill of competitive sports like tennis on state-of-the-art courts, gain insight into local culture with Silat Melayu – a traditional Malaysian martial art lesson, or hone their swing at championship level golf courses at the Els Club. The resort offers an array of exhilarating watersports, from hobie cats, to stand-up paddleboards, jet-skiing, kite surfing and more. Young ones can dive into an array of fun and action-packed activities at KidsOnly – learning about the local ecosystem at the EcoLab, discovering local aquatic life at The Fisherman Hut and getting creative at the Art Studio. 

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 oneandonlydesarucoast.com.