In a crowded luxury hospitality segment, the One & Only resorts group is known for disrupting the market with their definition of “ultra-luxury”. This typically involves a spectacular location in a property designed by a renowned architect offering the kind of unique experiences guests were looking for, but didn’t know they were, until they’ve stayed with a One & Only. Malaysia’s Desaru coast is this glamourous group’s newest destination with a resort designed by the late Kerry Hill opening in March. Typical to Hill’s ethos of discreet luxury combined with a sensitivity to its environment, the resort offers only 42 Junior Suites, two two-bedroom Grand Suites and an exclusive 1,500 square metre four-bedroom villa. All of the accommodations feature private plunge pools and celebrate the pristine natural beauty of the South China Sea-facing location. As an added bonus, guests who want to own a slice of this enviable lifestyle may rent or purchase one of 50 Private Homes on the same premises, with service by One & Only.
Guests and residents will be thrilled by six of F&B options which range from the field-to-fork approach of Ambara with its Mediterranean-inflected cuisine. At the resort’s Japanese restaurant Hoshi – a contemporary spin on tempura is showcased right in front of diners at its open bar. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s multifaceted gastronomy is highlighted at Essential which commands a location by the 50-metre infinity pool. To wind down the day, the al fresco Dusky Monkey serves up cocktails, a selection of rums and gins which have been exhaustively sourced, and fine whisky. For a bit of entertainment with your meal, Ember Beach Club hosts live music, surf and turf barbecues, and food concepts from a celebrity chef across the causeway.
In keeping with the group’s experiential driven stays, the Desaru property will also see the launch of the very first One & Only Spa by Chenot. The Chenot group is a Swiss group specialising in refined wellness experiences and will offer Chenot’s revolutionary scientific and holistic treatments customised precisely for each guest’s individual requirements. This along with the resort’s world-class restaurants and bars aim to attract the discerning luxury traveller intent on experiencing the ultimate in luxury.
