Covid-19 Isn’t Stopping One&Only Desaru Coast From Opening in September
Unspoilt wild flora, lush rainforests and a secluded coastline of pristine golden sands await at One&Only Desaru Coast, the first One&Only resort in Asia. Nestled on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia, the ultra-luxury tropical retreat will begin welcoming guests on 6 September 2020 and is a two-hour drive from Singapore.
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, either facing the ocean or wrapped by rainforests. Spread across 128 acres, the resort has an intimate collection of just 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 and perfect for larger groups or unforgettable celebrations, Villa One offers 1,500m of luxury living, secluded from the main resort. The two-storey, four-bedroom villa boasts 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.
On the edge of a secluded coastline, Ember Beach Club is a buzzing beachside venue, unlike any other in Malaysia. Dining is helmed by critically acclaimed Chef Andrew Walsh who will unveil an exciting culinary programme inspired by the age-old tradition of open-fire cooking; elevated and infused with Asian flavours. A destination that is the very definition of relaxed luxury, guests can enjoy fresh juices or expertly prepared cocktails from sand-hued sun loungers, shaded cabanas or the open-air terrace bar which overlooks the two infinity pools and a pristine beach, where water sports such as wakeboarding, kayaking and water skiing are available.
Home to 80 species of flora and fauna, inspiration flourishes at One&Only Desaru Coast, with a curated range of active and mindful pursuits. Guided by the resort’s resident Naturalist, Call of the Gibbons is an exciting signature experience where guests can discover the jungle surroundings and hear the morning chatter of the White-Handed Gibbons in the Panti Forest Reserve. Specially designed with an expert tree arborist who has scaled some of the tallest trees in the world, The View From The Top is nature’s hidden sport that offers guests the opportunity to ascend the most majestic trees in the resort’s surrounding rainforest.
One&Only Desaru Coast is a 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 tailormade cocktails, regional rums, curated gins, artisanal tonics and fine whiskies.
Guests that want to improve their vitality and performance can visit the Chenot Spa and experience a revolutionary scientific and holistic approach to health and wellness. Focusing on the ‘whole self’ by understanding the individual needs of each guest through the latest advances in research and diagnostics, Chenot Spa offers a curated menu built around four pillars – Sport & Physical Activities, Emotional Wellbeing, Nutrition, and Aesthetics – all designed to work in synergy to reset and strengthen body and mind. One, two and three-day programmes 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 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.
At Club One, guests can enjoy the thrill of competitive sports on state-of-the-art tennis and padel 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.