Fancy an easy getaway or a weekend by the sea? Malaysia’s integrated resort destination Desaru Coast has gone through a makeover, with new attractions and hotels popping up, and old ones being revamped. Loads of money is being invested, so it’s worth having a look. One new spot to check out is Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas. This beautiful beachfront property is aimed at couples, families and groups, with loads of room options and things to do in the resort and close by. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find.
Getting there
Desaru Coast is not too far from Singapore – you can get to the resort either by a two-hour drive by car or a ferry ride from Changi Ferry Terminal (30 minutes, plus a short shuttle or taxi at the other end).
Stay in style
Anantara’s first Malaysian property features a variety of rooms, villas and residences to choose from – 108 in total. Room designs echo the local cultural elements, traditional crafts, materials and textiles such as wicker all incorporated. Deluxe rooms overlook the ocean and gardens; some come with balconies to enjoy the views from. The deluxe sea view corner room even has a spacious wrap-around balcony with deck furniture to relax in.
Want your own private pool? Opt for a one- or two-bedroom lagoon pool villas. Inspired by traditional Malay-style kampong houses, the double-storey villas are located individually around a lagoon, with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden panels, louvres and wide doors. Both come with a spacious deck and dining gazebo by the pool. The one-bedroom villa has a plush king-sized bed upstairs, while the two-bedroom option has a twin room downstairs and a king room on the second floor, accommodating up to four adults and a child.
For those in a bigger group, take your pick from the resort’s three- and four-bedroom beach residences. Besides having beach access, the seaside accommodation also comes with an infinity pool, large living areas, a full kitchen, plus a chef and a butler you can hire on request.
Wine and dine
If good food is high on your list of holiday must-haves, Anantara has various F&B options for guests to enjoy, from grilled seafood and steak at alfresco joint Sea.Fire.Salt to Malaysian-Thai cuisine at all-day dining restaurant Turmeric. For a beer, wine or cocktail, head to Infinity Bar by the hotel pool or the Observatory Bar with great sea views. And, at tea-time, there are cakes and desserts to enjoy at The Lounge, which overlooks the gardens.
Celebrating a special occasion? Book a meal with Dining By Design, Anantara’s private dining experience. Enjoy a romantic meal or a hearty family feast at the beach or even on your villa deck. You’ll get to customise the menu to your liking, and then sit back and let the butler and sommelier sort you out for a memorable evening.
Things to do
The resort’s watersports centre offers a range of activities, from kitesurfing to paddle boarding and kayaking. If you’re not keen on ocean adventures, you can always just relax by the resort’s two pools. And of course, what’s a holiday without a spa sesh? We recommend treating yourself to one of the treatments and therapies at Anantara Spa.
If you’re travelling with little ones, drop them off at the Kids’ Club where they will enjoy fun activities such as kite-making and traditional games like congkak, batu seremban (five stones) and ceper. Tweens and teens are not left out – they’ll be entertained with all sorts of games (pinball machines, board games, you name it) at the Teens’ Club.
Keen to head out for the day? Play a round of golf at The Els Club (designed by world renowned golfer Ernie Els) or take on some of the thrilling rides at Adventure Waterpark, which has kid-friendly zones too! The hotel can also arrange for a trip to the Desaru Fruit Farm where can sample local fruit, feed farm animals and enjoy a lunch.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas
+60 7 8280 888 | desaru@anantara.com | anantara.com/desaru-coast
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