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5 Best hotels and resorts in Desaru Coast for a relaxing getaway

Sun, sand, and sea

22.09.2022

By Natalie Khoo

5 Best hotels and resorts in Desaru Coast for a relaxing getaway

One of the many things to celebrate about Malaysia is its abundance of beautiful beaches that offer a calming respite from the fast-paced city life. Johor’s Desaru Coast is one exemplary destination, boasting idyllic white-sand beaches and lush tropical jungles to bask in nature. It’s no wonder why it was named one of Time Magazine’s World’s Best Places of 2021—the only place in Malaysia that made the list that year. 

Once a sleepy coastal town in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Desaru Coast has been transformed into a luxury resort destination with world-class golf courses and the region’s largest adventure waterpark in recent years. Today, it draws travellers not only from all around Malaysia, but also Singapore, Indonesia, and other parts of the world.

If you’re planning to make a trip to Desaru Coast, here are five stunning hotels and resorts for a comfortable stay while you’re there.

 

1. One&Only Desaru Coast

One&Only Desaru Coast is the ultimate luxury destination resort for a private slice of paradise. Nestled on 128 acres of white powder sands, this secluded sanctuary is set amidst a lush tropical jungle that is home to more than 80 species of flora and fauna. The expansive property is designed by the late world-renowned architect, Kerry Hill, whose reverence for nature informed the resort’s seamless connection with the outdoors. 

This nature-inspired design can be seen in the accommodation, comprising five suite categories and one exclusive four-bedroom villa. All suites and villas come with a private pool, as well as indoor and outdoor living spaces that are ideal for couples, groups and families. Plus, there are three on-site dining venues catering to different tastes, from Mediterranean flavours (Ambara) to omakase menus (Hoshi) and local specialities (Essentials); in addition to a lobby bar (Dusky Monkey) and sleek beach club (Ember Beach Club). 

Address: Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar, 81930, Johor, Malaysia

Reservations: +607 878 3400 | [email protected]

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2. Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Situated along a 17-kilometre beachfront facing the South China Sea, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is an alluring “home away from home” destination for luxury travellers. The high-end development has 108 rooms, villas and residences in total, with direct access to the beach and facilities including two pools, as well as kids and teens clubs. Dining options are also aplenty, ranging from freshly caught seafood to Asian flavours to gourmet international dining. 

Guests can wake up to views of the resort’s serene gardens, lagoon, and ocean from their spacious room balconies. Alternatively, choose from one of the 20 spacious three- and four-bedroom pool villas for a more private escape. Meanwhile, larger groups can opt for the beach residences, complete with their own beachfront pool and butler service. 

Read our full review of the resort here.

Address: Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor

Reservations: +607 828 0888 | [email protected]

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3. The Westin Desaru Coast

For those who enjoy a fun-filled holiday, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort is the place to stay thanks to its close proximity to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, Desaru Coast Conference Centre, and The Els Club Desaru Coast. In terms of accommodation, the resort offers 275 guestrooms that come with large balconies and terraces serving breathtaking views of either the glittering South China Sea or beautifully manicured gardens. 

As for facilities, guests can take advantage of the 24-hour gym, refreshing pools, invigorating spa, and Westin Family Kids Club without leaving the resort. Come meal times, choose from Italian cuisine at Prego, local and international flavours at Seasonal Taste, or freshly grilled seafood at Beach Bar. For drinks, enjoy a cuppa Joe at Mix Lounge or sip on your preferred pick-me-up at the Splash Pool Bar.

Address: Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar, 81930 Johor, Malaysia

Reservations: +607 8383333 

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4. Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast

Music enthusiasts are sure to have a good time at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast. Living up to the Hard Rock name, the hotel features rooms and suites equipped with in-room blockbuster movies on demand, plus the signature Sound of Your Stay® experience with Fender® guitars, Crosley turntables, and a personal 10-track playlist. 

There’s also a plethora of dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant (Sessions), a Mexican poolside bistro (The Elephant & The Butterfly), a casual cafe cum coffee bar (Constant Grind), and a lobby bar (GMT+8). When not eating or rocking out to music, guests can swim in the Outdoor Music Pool (complete with underwater speakers), relax at the Rock Spa, or join the Roxity Kids Club (for the little ones!).

Read our full review here

Address: Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar, 81930, Johor Malaysia

Reservations: +607 838 8888 

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5. Four Points by Sheraton Desaru

While not exactly in Desaru Coast, Four Points by Sheraton Desaru is located strategically near some of the biggest arterial highways in Bandar Penawar—the main town in Desaru. This makes it an excellent choice of accommodation if you’re visiting the area for business and play. The hotel features 311 rooms designed with practicality in mind, offering well-lit work and social areas. 

Besides the spacious ballroom and well-equipped meeting spaces for formal events, the hotel also features an outdoor saltwater pool, an elaborate gym, children’s playground, and a game room for leisure. Meanwhile, there’s Mesh Restaurant serving delectable Malaysian-fused international cuisine, as well a range of craft beers from the Best Brews™ program. 

Read our full review here

Address: Jalan Kempas 2, Taman Desaru Utama, Bandar Penawar, 81930 Johor, Malaysia

Reservations: +607 8328888

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Find more travel destinations in Malaysia here

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