There’s little hint of what to expect when you arrive at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. The long driveway leads to a quietly unassuming entrance flanked by two low-rise blocks. Water features gurgle as you step into the high-vaulted lobby, replete with local design elements. Beyond that, however, is the hook: a veranda with simmering reflection ponds and daybeds look into the stunning and endless expanse of the South China Sea. Below you, a pool glitters in the sun as the rest of the resort cascades down to the sandy beach. You’re mere feet from the rest of the world, yet here, already, is an unworldly tranquillity.
THE PLACE TO BE
With a portfolio that boasts stunning properties all over the world, Anantara Desaru is the Bangkok-based brand’s first venture into Malaysia. Located in Desaru Coast on the south-eastern tip of the peninsula, it opened its doors late last year, adding its fabled hallmark of lavish hospitality to the country’s burgeoning luxury hospitality sector.
While its entry into Malaysia might have been belated, Anantara Desaru has been worth the wait. The purpose-built resort is located in Johor’s Desaru Coast, the country’s rising luxury resort destination that spans over 16 sq km along a pristine 17km beachfront facing the South China Sea. It is easily accessible via a 45-minute drive from Johor Bahru’s Senai International Airport or a two-hour drive from Singapore. Visitors from Singapore can also travel to Desaru Coast by ferry, followed by a short drive.
Still a work in progress, Desaru Coast promises to be a premium integrated destination resort and one of Malaysia’s most anticipated new tourism developments. Already up and running are a couple of other hotels, an adventure waterpark, a waterfront retail village, and a conference centre. Golfers, especially, will be thrilled by the challenges of the greens at The Els Club Desaru Coast, which offers the Ocean Course, a 27-hole golf course designed by four-time major champion, Ernie Els, and the 18-hole Valley Course, designed in collaboration with another major champion, Vijay Singh.
THE SHAPE OF THINGS
Designed by Singapore architect firm WOW Architects & Warner Wong Design with interiors by Environment Design Consultants from Malaysia, Anantara Desaru’s architectural design resembles traditional Malay buildings and is adorned with indigenous materials and fabrics such as woven textiles, local wicker elements and silhouettes of traditional Malay crafts. The main sense you get is how expansive the space is, with low-rise buildings and stand-alone villas overlooking the gardens, lagoon, and ocean.
The pool villas, for example, are located around a lagoon and their design are drawn from traditional kampong houses built for 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.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Designing In Continuity
The Importance of Embracing Sustainable Design in an Increasingly Challenging World
Beyond Bali
Get to know Indonesia’s “new Balis” - five destinations set to bring in tourists and bolster the industry for the country in the next few years.
A World Apart
Discover unparalleled coastal tranquillity at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, where luxury and indulgence go hand in hand.
The Beat Of Their Own Dram
This luxury independent bottler just released an impressively high-scoring whisky from a distillery many have never heard of. Here’s why it should be the first of many to add to your collection.
Best Laid Plans
One of Malaysia’s legendary architects sheds light on being the latest recipient of the prestigious PAM Gold Medal.
DESIGNING A LEGACY
Eduardo Cosentino of Cosentino Group talks taking over the family business, embracing a global market as well as leaving behind a legacy for the next generation.
WHAT'S IN STORE
HOW DANG TAI LUK PUT MYNEWS IN THE NEWS.
SO FAR, SO GOOD
The city of Auckland has all the bustling excitement of a cosmopolitan hub with none of the overcrowded frenzy, and the SO Auckland sits at the very heart of it all.
UNITED IN BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19
It is not business as usual for luxury brands this year as their stores are forced to close due to strict government lockdowns and their supply chains disrupted. However, that does not mean the luxury industry has been rendered idle by the Covid-19 pandemic. Far from it, luxury brands are stepping up to offer assistance to combat the spread of the disease. It is a rare display of solidarity of fierce rivals coming together to face the current global health crisis.
Good Thinking
Our selection for the best in design marry form and function in outstanding conception and detail. Some have already gained accolades at the Red Dot Design Awards 2019, while others are quite simply stunning in creation.
Across the Pond
Overseas adventure camping gear shouldn't weigh you down
J.Lo's - THE ULTIMATE BRIDEZILLA!
DOOMED GROOM?
THE GREAT ESCAPE!
Hero dad dives into flames to save twin girls
Bangkok to Bali and Beyond
Sail to the cultural wonders of Southeast Asia.
Have «comfort foods» PUT YOUR healthy diet ON THE BACK SHELF?
Nutrition Myth Buster Jonny Bowden says toss out the old nutrition advice along with the junk food. It’s time to start fresh before you start having health issues.
PARANOIA
MAGGIE LINDEMANN SPILLS THE TEA ON HER UPCOMING EP, TRAN- SCENDING GENRES AND COLLABORATING WITH POP PUNK’S FINEST.
COVID-19 TURNS MALAYSIA'S GLOVE MAKERS INTO BILLIONAIRES
Owner of Riverstone Holdings is now a billionaire with his share prices going up, keeping up with the increasing demand in protective gloves across the world.
Offshore Safety
Voyaging on the boat they built together
The Virus Clips AirAsia's Wings
The region’s premier discount carrier may have to lower its ambitions
Plant Power
Dr. Jonny busts the palm oil myth and sheds light on an estrogen-affecting phytochemical.