Kerry Hill Architects creates a stunning luxury resort—One&Only Desaru Coast in Malaysia
Positioned on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia between lush rainforests and the South China Sea, One&Only Desaru Coast extends expansively across 128 acres of unspoilt wild flora and a pristine 1.5km stretch of private white sanded beach. Designed by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, the first One&Only resort in Asia is an architectural gem, weaving local art and nature into every corner, offering a true retreat from city life.
One&Only Desaru Coast showcases the region’s architectural heritage with a modern interpretation of the traditional Malaysian ‘kampung’ or village. Each standalone suite is perfectly framed by greenery, offering exceptional levels of seclusion, and generous space to relax or entertain. Facing the stunning ocean or wrapped by the jungle, the resort has a collection of 42 Junior Suites, two expansive two-bedroom Grand Suites and an exclusive four-bedroom residence, Villa One. All boast private plunge pools, abundant indoor and outdoor living spaces, separate decadent bathrooms and thoughtful Malaysian-inspired design features.
The most exclusive address at One&Only Desaru Coast, Villa One offers 1,500sqm of luxury living, perfect for larger groups and unforgettable celebrations, from intimate dinners to parties under the stars. Located in its own enclave, the two-storey villa features a private spa treatment room and generous indoor and outdoor living spaces including a central courtyard garden with ocean-facing lawns surrounding the shimmering 27m swimming pool.
The resort’s signature restaurant, Hoshi, marries traditional Japanese sensibility with modern culinary techniques. Guests can enjoy the theatre-style preparation of seasonal tempura, sashimi, nigiri and maki sushi, and sip from a menu of Japanese sake and whiskies at the intimate counter seats. Ambara embraces dishes from the Mediterranean coasts using produce from local farmers and the Chef’s Garden, in an airy and light setting for breakfast and dinner. Guests are welcomed into the open kitchen to watch chefs preparing dishes including woodfire-baked breads and grilled meats and seafood.
Guests that wish to improve their vitality and performance can visit the Chenot Spa and experience a revolutionary scientific and holistic approach to health and wellness.
At Club One, the resort’s exciting hub for all things active, guests can enjoy the thrill of competitive sports like tennis, padel and basketball, or gain insight into local culture with a lesson of Silat Melayu – a traditional Malaysian martial art. Young ones can dive into an array of fun and action-packed activities at KidsOnly, whether it’s learning about the local ecosystem at the EcoLab, discovering local aquatic life at The Fisherman Hut or unleashing their artistic skills at the Creative Studio, there is something to suit every child’s interests and passions.
Next to the resort, avid golfers can tee off in style at two championship level golf courses at the Els Club, featuring both the Ocean Course, a 27-hole layout and the Valley Course, a further 18-holes designed by Ernie Els in collaboration with Vijay Singh. Golfers can hone their swing and game with a tailored golf class taught by an international PGA golf coach.