Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ first luxury hotel in Malaysia – has opened its traditional kampong doors, ready to welcome discerned travellers to the golden shores of Malaysia’s south-eastern coastline with authentic Anantara luxury and indigenous-inspired hospitality.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is located along a pristine 17-kilometre beachfront facing the South China Sea, in a new high-end resort development that offers a range of luxury accommodation nestled in lush tropical gardens.
For those who seek a superior holiday experience that can be as spirited, laidback or personalised as their heart and soul desire, the new-build resort offers a serene luxury seaside escape where adventurous voyagers and armchair travellers alike can enjoy first class services – from plush contemporary surrounds to gourmet meals and bespoke experiences.
Desaru Coast, Malaysia’s rising-star luxury resort destination, is located in Johor Darul Ta’zim and spans over 16 square kilometres. It is near Iskandar Malaysia and is easily accessible via a 45-minute drive from Malaysia’s Senai International Airport (JHB) and a two-hour drive from Singapore. Additionally, visitors from Singapore can travel to Desaru Coast by ferry, followed by a short drive.
The resort’s 108 accommodations comprise 90 tastefully decorated en-suite deluxe rooms in low-rise traditional Malay buildings that overlook the gardens, lagoon and ocean. They are adorned with indigenous materials and fabrics, such as woven textiles, renowned Malaysian wicker elements and silhouettes of traditional Malay crafts.
Thirteen stand-alone double storey luxurious one- and two-bedroom pool villas are located around a lagoon. Their design draws heavily from traditional kampong houses that are designed to suit the tropical Malaysian climate with floor-to-ceiling windows, slanted carved wooden panels, louvres and vents under the roof, and wide-open doors that allow natural airflow to cool the interior.
Five expansive family sized three- and four-bedroom residences offer guests utmost privacy with an infinity pool, spacious contemporary living areas, full kitchen and chef and butler service.
Dining at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is a gastronomic nod to fresh coastal dining with an array of options ranging from freshly caught seafood to flavours from across Asia and gourmet international dining, to Dining By Design, Anantara’s signature private dining experience in exotic locales.
The resort’s signature alfresco beachfront restaurant, Sea.Fire.Salt., specialises in succulent grilled seafood and steaks served beachside, poolside, or adjacent to a show kitchen where diners can enjoy the action as the chefs demonstrate their culinary flair.
The Turmeric restaurant serves authentic local Malaysian fare and delicious Thai, Chinese and international cuisine. Menu highlights include Nasi Lemak that is considered Malaysia’s national dish and comprises rice made fragrant with coconut cream and pandan leaves – the light meal is traditionally accompanied by fried anchovies, sliced cucumbers, fried fish known as ikan selar, and a sweet chili sauce, and Otak Otak, grilled Malaysian fish cakes served in a banana leaf.
The elevated Observatory Bar is set to become everyone’s favourite hangout spot, enjoying 360-degree views of the lush resort and ocean and an extensive range of top vintages and spirit, and imported cigars.
Two swimming pools offer refreshing freshwater alternatives to the azure ocean, while kids and teenagers alike can laze the day away playing the latest high-tech games or partake in cross-cultural educational activities in separate dedicated clubs.
A signature Anantara Spa and well-appointed health and fitness centre offer wellness fanatics and adrenaline junkies a welcome respite to relax or reinvigorate. Here signature experiences include a 90-minute The Roots of Malaysia Massage treatment that combines the healing traditions and techniques of Malaysia; and a 120-minute Golfers’ Remedial Massage that focusses on sore areas that are a result of repeat movements, and features firm pressures combined with a signature oil blend to release tension and stimulate blood circulation for overall release.
Attractions in the area include The Els Club Desaru Coast that comprises two beautifully manicured golf courses that feature 45 holes in total: Ocean Course, a 27-hole golf course designed by four-time major champion, Ernie Els; and Valley Course, an 18-hole golf course designed in collaboration with another major champion, Vijay Singh.
Guests at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas can also partake in luxury leisure and sport adventures, including diving and island hopping. Heritage and food tours of Johor Bahru and eco tours of the local area are also on offer.
Additionally, an adventure waterpark; a waterfront retail village and a conference centre make Desaru Coast a premium integrated destination resort and one of Malaysia’s most anticipated new tourism developments.
Rates at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas start from USD 222 per room per night, inclusive of breakfast; rates exclude six percent Sales Service Tax. For further information or to make a reservation, contact +60 7 8280 888 or desaru@anantara.com