Desaru Coast, Malaysia
Opened
2020
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
The house
Mandarin OrientalTropical modernist hideaway
Ancient banyan trees canopy linear pavilions along the South China Sea, where coastal rainforest meets quiet, discreet luxury.
“Mindful, minimalist décor with just the right touch of Malaysian flair creates the air of barefoot luxury your next vacation needs.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Kampung-inspired tropical modernist pavilions anchored by centuries-old banyans, detailed with woven songket, batik, and artisan ceramics.
Remarkable
Sprawling suites with secluded plunge pools, open-air verandas, freestanding soaking tubs, and discreet Mandarin Oriental service.
Remarkable
A 128-acre rainforest estate with an uninterrupted coastline, padel and tennis courts, naturalist walks, and a 50-metre oceanfront pool.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Forbes Travel Guide.
this resort is one of the final works of the late Kerry Hill, whose lush, verdant beach resorts are legendary all across Asia.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set across 128 secluded acres of Johor coastline, walking trails wind through pristine jungle where dusky leaf monkeys roam.
The rooms
Every suite features a private plunge pool and open-air veranda, accented by woven songket fabrics and deep soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 50-meter swimming pool stretches toward the South China Sea, lined with cushioned loungers and cabanas under the rainforest canopy.
The spa
Treatment pavilions overlook a reflective pond, offering signature wellness therapies rooted in traditional Malaysian healing philosophies.
The fitness studio
Hardwood fitness studios look into lush gardens, equipped with a Pilates reformer, weight racks, and an open-air yoga pavilion.
Restaurant
Ember Beach Club
Set right on the sand, this open-air venue prepares fresh seafood and prime cuts over open charcoal grills.
At the table
Ambara serves Mediterranean and Malaysian dishes on open verandas, and Dusky Monkey Bar pours cocktails overlooking the coast.
How it began
Conceived by architect Kerry Hill, the low-slung pavilions reframe traditional Malaysian kampung dwellings to sit lightly within the surrounding ancient rainforest.
Good to know
Stay here
Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Desaru Coast
More like this
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas
“Kampong-inspired coastal resort”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.