After exploring Malacca, its cultural and gastronomic tradition and heritage, there is nothing better than heading to the Desaru Coast for a few days of total relaxation. Desaru Coast is a beach destination in the district of Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia, close to the border with Singapore. A jewel where we can find some of the best resorts in the country, a pristine beach, amusement parks and world-class golf courses. At this latitude, our choice was the fantastic and surprising Anantara Desaru Coast resort, an oasis of tranquility, refinement and hospitality that won us over from the first second.
Arriving at Anantara Desaru Coast and checking in at a place where we can see the entire resort immediately shows us that we are in a special place, the architecture, the lush green of the gardens and the infinity pools that guide us to the sea make it believe that we will be very happy here. This is the first Anantara in Malaysia, a luxury retreat inspired by a traditional fishing village, consisting of 111 accommodation units, 90 tastefully decorated luxury rooms in low-rise buildings overlooking the gardens, lagoon and ocean. 13 luxury two-story, one and two-bedroom villas located around the Lagoon.
The project was inspired by traditional kampung houses that are built to suit Malaysia’s tropical climate, with floor-to-ceiling windows, slanted carved wooden panels, shutters and ventilation openings under the roof and open doors that allow the flow of natural air to ventilate and refresh the interior. The three and four-bedroom Beach Residences offer large, modern areas with private pools and some of the Beach Residences have direct access to the beach.
The gastronomic experience is rich, diverse and of the highest quality, the “Turmeric” Restaurant offers us the fusion flavors between Malaysia and Thailand. It was here that our days began with one of the best breakfasts ever. It is open for a la carte lunches and sumptuous buffet-style dinners. “Sea, Fire, Salt” is the paradise of charcoal grilling, from the best seafood to premium cuts of meat, all of them grilled to perfection, in an idyllic location and literally on the beach. A list of homemade salts from around the world and the extensive list of organic wines make this space even more special. The resort also has four more bar/snack bar spaces in strategic locations, from an observation point, to the beach, through to the Instagrammable lobby.
The award-winning Anantara Spa marks the space with its signature massages and special programs such as the artisanal production of exfoliants and other products used for our well-being and balance. The swimming pools located centrally in the resort made our days even more relaxing, they are well sized for the number of guests, impeccable service and a stunning design. The kids loved the bikes and we loved the long walks, bird watching and cooking classes. A special highlight is the open-air cinema, a “must have” at the resort that attracts children and adults alike.
The service and staff are impeccable, a kind of fusion between the best of Malaysia and Thailand, that know-how that warms our hearts and souls from the first second. Attention to detail prevails here, whether in terms of accommodation where luxury amenities, high-quality organic cotton, large bathtubs and balconies are a good example, as well as gastronomy that emphasizes quality and respect for local ingredients. and the entire staff, it feels like an orchestra where everyone knows their space and role in this theater of pleasure and relaxation. Thank you Anantara Desaru Coast, it was so good that we still wonder if it was real!
By Edgar Correia
INFO: www.anantara.com/en/desaru-coast