Close To You

Forget staycations. With Malaysia's top-tier beach resorts, it is possible to feel like you are a world away without having to navigate vast geographical inconveniences.

- Alvin Wong

SOMETIMES, THE COMFORT you are desperately seeking is right in front of your eyes. Or more specifically, just across the border, where soft beaches, afternoon cocktails and otherworldly pampering beckon.

If you wish to unplug quickly and without hassle, a short chauffeured ride (or flight) to neighbouring Malaysia is the answer. While there are plenty of options spanning foodie-haven Penang to charming Ipoh, I decided on stays at the country’s renowned beach resorts to see how far—and rapidly—a well-appointed property could teleport me from a state of anxiety to one of bliss.

First stop: Desaru. I had all but dismissed this coastal town, perhaps unimpressed by childhood memories of its crowded family hotels and general lack of things to do. While Desaru’s reputation for uneventfulness largely remains (although it hosted its first big-scale music festival featuring the likes of Macy Gray and Nile Rodgers in September), its allure as a luxury resort destination has been polished of late.

The opening of renowned properties five years ago, which included One&Only, The Westin, Hard Rock Hotel and Anantara—all situated along Desaru Coast, a 17km stretch of beachfront facing the South China Sea—has given short-term vacationers who desire five-star trappings a healthy selection of options.