Explore the Wonders of Malaysia
The ultimate sanctuary in nature, One&Only Desaru Coast is an ultra-luxury retreat positioned on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia between lush rainforests, an expansive white sand beach and the South China Sea. Designed to be an escape from city life, the easily accessible resort is located just a few hours by car transfer from Singapore, and close Senai International Airport in Johor, transporting guests to the serenity of luxury beach living surrounded by wild nature, golden sands and azure waters. The all-suite resort offers privacy and discretion for guests to enjoy One&Only’s first resort in Asia, the signature warm service, a wide variety of culinary experiences, unparalleled family offerings, a world-class holistic wellness and fitness programme and numerous water sports and active excursions.
Steeped in natural beauty with wildlife on its doorstep, the resort has curated a bespoke itinerary of activities allowing guests to unearth a side of Malaysia they never knew existed. The collection of illuminating excursions and hands-on experiences have been designed exclusively for One&Only and are tailored to each individual guest’s preferences, whether it’s an exploration of the natural wonders of the nearby Panti Forest Reserve, the thrill of competitive sports like tennis on a state-of-the-art court, or learning the mindful art of traditional Silat Melayu.
Guided by the resort’s resident Naturalist, Call of the Gibbons is an exciting jungle trek where guests can discover exotic flora and fauna, and hear the morning chatter of the White-Handed Gibbons in the Panti Forest Reserve, also home to magnificent creatures like the Dusky Leaf Monkeys, Pig-Tailed Macaques and Oriental Pied Hornbills. After an early rise to see these primates in the wild, a beautifully prepared tropical picnic surrounded by nature completes the experience. The Panti Forest Reserve is also a bird sanctuary, and avid bird watchers and nature lovers can catch a glimpse of White-Bellied Eagles, Short-tailed Babblers and Finsch’s Bulbuls.
Specially designed with an expert tree arborist who has scaled up some of the tallest trees in the world from Canada and Brazil to Borneo, 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. Carefully rigged for safety, the tree-climbing experience atop a viewing platform within the lush canopy provides breathtaking views that only Southeast Asia’s beautiful birds are accustomed to.
Closer to the ground, the quarterly Bonfire Legends brings together lively conversation around the crackling fire under the stars. The curated series of exclusive evenings introduces guests to new perspectives from visionaries and gamechangers from around the world on topics ranging from fashion, wellness, art and conservation, all whilst savouring flavourful bites and refreshing beverages.
Practiced since the 7th century, the UNESCO listed Silat Melayu is one of Asia’s best kept secrets with origins shrouded in mysterious local folklore and preserved only through oral traditions. Guided by a highly-trained Silat Master in collaboration with PESAKA Malaysia, guests will have the rare opportunity to flow through the steps of the bunga – or the flower – and discover the history behind this ancient martial art, and learn about the intricate weaponry and traditional medicinal practices also used by these warriors.
Adventures on water include expeditions to one of the world’s top ten deep sea fishing spots, teeming with the biggest sailfish and black marlin in the region. The Reel Catch is a seasonal experience available early August to early November on a local fishing boat. The resort’s secluded beach also provides an array of exhilarating water sports for guests to enjoy; from hobie cats, to stand-up paddleboards, jet-skiing, kite surfing and fundamental skills to gain the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification.
For those that want to focus on their personal wellbeing and vitality, the resort’s Chenot Spa offers a true wellness experience that extends far beyond the walls of the spa - focusing on the ‘whole self’ by really understanding the individual needs of each guest. Built around four pillars - Sport & Physical Activities, Emotional Wellbeing, Nutrition and Aesthetics – a range of science-based diagnostics allows therapists to deliver an integrated wellness journey designed in synergy with the wide array of sports and experiences on offer at the resort. Treatments incorporate the best of science and ancient wisdom, and are further enhanced by revitalising dips in the hot-and-cool pools and detoxifying sessions in the steam facilities. The state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor Fitness Studio is equipped the latest equipment from Technogym® with instructors on hand to personalise fitness programmes and lead kickboxing, TRX and HIIT classes. Those seeking mindful movement can stretch and strengthen muscles in the specialist Pilates Studio, or unwind with yoga and meditation in the beachfront Yoga Pavilion overlooking the azure waters.
Gourmands can visit the Chef’s Garden and learn the wonders of the region’s ancient food traditions, discovering the lost and forgotten herbs of Malaysia, as well as other fragrant herbs and chilli varieties from around the world. Simple ingredients and cooking techniques can be seen at the Chef’s Demonstration Table, whilst cooking classes are available for budding chefs and kids can take part in baking and chocolate-making with the in-house pastry chefs.
At Club One, the resort’s exciting hub for all things active and home to KidsOnly and One Tribe, guests of all ages can enjoy the thrill of competitive sports including basketball and foosball, and with PBI-certified coaches, players can elevate their tennis game or try their hand at padel, a fusion of tennis and squash on the first padel court in Malaysia. At the Cycle Hub, guests can choose from a selection of bikes that suit a range of terrains to explore the resort’s verdant surroundings on two wheels.
At KidsOnly, young ones can dive into an extensive array of action-packed activities and fun experiences designed to exhilarate and engage them with the destination. Highlights include The EcoLab, where kids can learn about the local ecosystem; the Creative Studio, which encourages youngsters to unleash their inner Picasso; and The Fisherman Hut, a pond for fishing; as well as an ice cream cart and soda bar for refreshing treats. Plants and flowers such as Peacock Flowers, Golden Dewdrops and Hibiscus have also been planted at KidsOnly, creating a natural butterfly habitat where children can marvel at the colourful winged creatures. For teens, One Tribe features an art studio, bicycle riding, sports facilities such as basketball, foosball, archery, badminton, football, volleyball, padel, tennis with certified tennis coaches and golf lessons at The Els Club.
Avid golfers can tee off in style at two championship level golf courses at the nearby Els Club, featuring both the Ocean Course, a 27-hole layout and the Valley Course, a further 18-holes designed by Ernie Els in collaboration with Vijay Singh. Guests can also hone their game with a private golf class taught by an international PGA golf coach.
The resort’s 50-metre pool is located just outside the reception area, extends towards to sea, and is surrounded by lush foliage. There are also two infinity pools at Ember Beach Club, a vibrant destination of culinary flair helmed by acclaimed international chef Andrew Walsh, who brings his signature Asian touches to the art of barbecue, to be enjoyed alongside live music and action-packed water sports such as wakeboarding, kayaking and jet-skiing.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit: oneandonlydesarucoast.com.