Architecture and Design Inspired by Malaysian Culture
Designed by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, One&Only Desaru Coast is an architectural marvel, inspired by the beauty and traditions of southeastern Malaysia. Hidden in lush greenery, local art and influences are celebrated throughout the resort, and the surrounding nature takes centre stage. Set in blissful seclusion along Malaysia’s pristine coastline, the tropical retreat is set within 128 acres of unspoilt wild flora and is flanked by an expansive 1.5 kilometres of golden sands lapped by the South China Sea. The first One&Only resort in Asia is an easily accessible, ultra-luxury beach sanctuary, located just a few hours by car from Singapore and nearby to Johor’s Senai International Airport.
A piece of undisturbed natural paradise surrounded by native jungle and a seemingly endless stretch of beach, One&Only Desaru Coast is home to over 80 species of flora and fauna, immersing guests in Mother Nature’s most colourful sights and sounds. Known for modern, urban designs within exotic settings, the renowned architects at Kerry Hill have conceptualised a stunning collection of private havens that blend effortlessly into the wild surroundings. The resort’s design is a celebration of the traditions of Southeast Asia, evoking the feel of a Malaysian kampung or village, but with a contemporary aesthetic. “The resort is designed as an escape from the city, where nature is woven into every aspect of the experience, from planted green roofs to the rainforest-framed walkways,” said Justin Hill, Director, Kerry Hill Architects. “The guest suites bring about a seamless connection with the outdoors, while affording exceptional levels of privacy so that guests can relax in their own secluded space,” added Angelo Kritzitios, Director, Kerry Hill Architects.
At the end of a coastal road fringed by dense natural foliage, visitors arrive at One&Only Desaru Coast through a discreet entrance. Upon entering the resort, guests are greeted by the rhythmic beats of the Malaysian Jidor, a large double-headed barrel drum, and the breathtaking views out to the resort’s infinity pool, framed by two soaring pavilions. The 50-metre cerulean swimming pool draws guests’ gaze towards a break in the coastal trees, allowing a glimpse of the glittering sea and horizon beyond. Amidst the soft waves of the sea and the hypnotic calls of the birds, a wide stone staircase descends to pool terraces and lawns below, heightening the intimacy and peace of the immediate surroundings.
Natural materials and colour palettes complement the overall architectural concept, which is contemporary and relaxed. The nostalgic feeling of a Malaysian village is brought to life in the central courtyard, with pathways to individual suites passing through towering trees and beds of verdant greenery. The resort hints at coastal Malay architectural heritage, recalling a strong sense of the local environment.
Clad in timber, the resort buildings are separated by courtyards, trees and gardens, forming two distinct but complementary landscapes; one peripheral, shaded and natural, and another garden-like and fringed by vibrant tropical blooms. Open-plan layouts and lofty ceilings flood the spaces with light and air, whilst sand-coloured stone walls, platforms and walkways are enveloped within mature Banyan, Penaga Laut and Jambu Laut trees to further connect with nature. When designing the resort, Kerry Hill Architects preserved as much of the forest as possible, building around existing trees that influenced the layout of the resort and then became natural design features. The water garden at Chenot Spa was created to pay tribute to the beautiful Banyan tree at its epicentre, emphasising the resort’s connection to both the sea and the land, whilst in the grounds of the resort, large trees were protected and elevated pathways designed around them where needed.
Set between the verdant rainforest and untouched beach, the resort’s suites are standalone hideaways that boast world-class amenities and round-the-clock butler service from the warm and genuine Team. Embellished with fascinating local art, the 42 one-bedroom Junior Suites feature private plunge pools in outdoor courtyards, separate bathrooms and generous living spaces filled with natural light that are reminiscent of a traditional Malay kampung house. Embracing the outdoors whilst ensuring unparalleled comfort, all guest suites are designed to allow fresh air through the space - timber screens open to facilitate the flow of the gentle sea breeze. Green roofs are planted on every suite to increase cooling, as well as adding a layer of lushness to the design and promoting a sense of being enveloped by the existing landscape. Natural materials are seamlessly integrated into the suites, including locally sourced stone, handpicked for its durability, and yellow balau timber from sustainable farms. Both materials are employed throughout the interiors, reflecting the light tones of coastal sands and driftwood, and emphasising the feeling of spaciousness and affinity with nature.
Immersed in greenery, and beautifully set up for sociable living, the vast 300m2 Rainforest Grand Pool Suite is the perfect place for entertaining; whether it’s an impromptu pool party by the 17-metre lap pool, a garden picnic expertly prepared, or freshly shaken evening cocktails sound-tracked by the calming rainforest choir. Wonderfully spacious, the two separate bathrooms feature double vanities, a stylish shower, standalone bath and calming infusers that scent the room with exotic fragrances like frangipani and orange blossom. With an expansive grand veranda from which to enjoy the sights and sounds of the azure horizon, the equally luxurious Ocean Grand Suite is a similarly restful sanctuary, set just a few steps away from the sea. Ideal for families or larger groups, the Rainforest Grand Pool and Ocean Grand Suites may be connected to a twin suite to create two-bedroom accommodation.
Great care has been taken to select impactful works by Malaysian artists for the resort, connecting guests with the heritage and essence of the culture. One&Only Desaru Coast has worked together with local artisans to create bespoke handmade pieces for the suites, such as songket atelier and social enterprise, Tanoti Crafts, who create luxurious woven fabric historically worn by the Malay ethnic groups in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei for ceremonies and celebrations. Adorning the walls of guest suites are handcrafted songket art pieces made with pure silk and patterned with intricate bunga cogan designs - a motif traditionally used by royalty. Rattan vines harvested by hand from the nearby rainforests are hand-plaited into a classic check-patterned floor mat, inspired by the traditional techniques of the Penan, an indigenous community from the Sarawak rainforest, providing added dimension to the outdoor terrace.
One&Only is renowned for its collection of private villas offering the ultimate in space and privacy within each resort. The ultimate address at One&Only Desaru Coast is Villa One – a 1,500m2 villa sprawled across one-acre of beautiful foliage, ideal for quiet family retreats or grand group celebrations. Located at the southern edge of the resort, the four-bedroom villa is set over two floors interconnected by expansive open verandas doubled as informal living spaces, in a contemporary take on early 20th century colonial houses in the region. At the sea-facing side of the property is a vast lawn and terrace, with a generous 27-metre swimming pool, the centerpiece of the villa, perfect for sun-drenched parties or casual gatherings under the stars. The large internal courtyard and lawn provides an alternative garden space to relax.
Inspired by its destination’s culture, the interiors of Villa One are beautifully finished with Malaysian details and soft luxuries to provide an idyll of understated style. Intriguing artworks have been carefully curated throughout, including the dining room’s abstract painting by celebrated artist M. Shafarin Ghani, and pieces of Shiboritik batik in the living room. Malaysian fabrics by Tanoti Crafts also feature in bed throws, wall hangings, kite frames, and cane fishing baskets.
Throughout the resort, local influences are celebrated elements of the design, with authentic Malaysian wood carvings, ceramic pots, mesmerising glass pieces, and masterful batik designs to be discovered around every corner. In the Lobby and Dusky Monkey bar, Penang-based artist Fuan Wong has created his signature botany-inspired fused glass pieces, while the entrance to the Lobby is flanked by two wood-carvings by Anniketyni Madian, a Malaysian sculptor who incorporates traditional Sarawak textile patterns into her modern wooden sculptures. Contemporary graffiti artist Abdul Rashade’s jungle mural graces the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, Hoshi, influenced by the rainforest surrounding the resort, and the ancient art form of ‘ukiyo-e,’ popularized in 17th century Japan.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit: oneandonlydesarucoast.com.