Vacation at Desaru

S up to its image as the perfect family holiday destination for

a. selections of Asian and western cuisine with entertainment from a live band.

The Thai-inspired cuisine we are served is tasty and fresh. To my relief, my mother, who is one of the most discerning of food critiques I know, seems to agree. The service is warm and friendly, and one of the waiters even produces a plate of cherries,

The Water Park’s lagoon. Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment at Lotus Suria Spa.

which we did not request, when my niece throws a mini temper tantrum after trying to steal her brother’s cherry that came with his fruit drink.

With its lighting and music, the ambience of the Rhu Seafood Restaurant is airy and casual. But for those who are seeking a more intimate and romantic dining experience, The food portions here are quite generous, which is welcomed when feeding a family on holidays.

The buffet spread at Teratai Coffee House.

the restaurant also offers a special candlelight dinner by the beach upon request.

FUN CONTINUES

With the waterpark and other outdoor activities closed at nightfall, much of the resort’s guest activities shifts towards the fun fair near the Recreation & Activities Centre. Brightly lit, the atmosphere is warm and exciting.

There is a myriad of indoor games to chose from, ranging from table tennis, pool tables and arcade-style video games. Clustered in one corner of the games area are cute little coin-operated children rides in the form of cuddly animals in pastel colours.

Located next to the indoor games area is a well-stocked convenience store that sells snacks and even swimwear.

One can even buy a smartphone charger if they have forgotten to pack theirs. Browsing the store’s aisles I can’t help noticing the prices. Rather than taking advantage of being the only convenience store within the vicinity and charging premium prices, the prices here are surprisingly reasonable, similar to other convenience store in towns.

Thanks to their slightly neurotic and protective grandmother who thinks my nephew and niece are too young to go splashing in the sea, I find myself alone on the beach as the others restrict themselves to indoor activities.

With time on my hands and without the responsibility of watching over the safety of

There are various indoor games to choose from at the resort.

two small children, I opt for a little thrill-seeking with a jet ski ride. Skimming the water’s surface and occasionally powering through the waves, the jet ski ride is a fun experience which also affords a different view of Desaru’s sweeping beach.

Other than jet ski rides, other sea sports activities are also available at Lotus Desaru’s sea sport centre such as banana boat rides, family tubes and also parasailing.

RIGHT CHOICE

Thanks to its strategic location, guests staying at Lotus Desaru can choose to visit a plethora of places of interest, including the Desaru Fruit Farm, Desaru Ostrich Farm, Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm and the nearby fishing village of Sungai Rengit which is famed for its cheap fresh seafood.

But Lotus Desaru’s wide range of indoor and outdoor actives prove more than enough to occupy our time, specifically the children’s. As the final night of our stay rolls in, I am thinking that a return visit is in order.

With its apartment style accommodations, delicious food offerings that come in generous portions and children-centric attractions and activities, I can say that Lotus Desaru Beachview Resort & Spa is an ideal choice for a memorable family vacation.

What’s more, the resort is reasonably priced, which means that one does not have to dip deep into his savings for a truly remarkable and enjoyable family holiday.