NORTHERN RETREAT

Desaru Coast offers premium stays set amid the unsullied natural beauty of an era gone by.

Desaru Coast offers premium stays set amid the unsullied natural beauty of an era gone by.

Located on the south-eastern coast of Johor Bahru, Desaru was the de facto beach resort destination for many families in the ’80s. A twohour drive away from our little red dot, the promise of sparkling clear waters from the South China Sea never failed to draw Singaporeans.

Today, Desaru still boasts pristine beaches and tumbling waves, as well as world-class stays in the four-yearold Desaru Coast development.

The oasis most recently welcomed 20,000 bikers to the International Bike Week, graced by the Crown Prince of Johor, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Idris, which featured his extensive private motorcycle and vintage car collection.

Come April, it will play host to a multi-sport festival that includes two triathlons and sprint races run over scenic racecourses, in collaboration with Ironman Asia.

Luxury resorts Westin and Anantara opened last year (see sidebar). Joining their ranks this March is the One&Only Desaru

Coast, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Renowned for their classy opulence, One&Only properties pride themselves on setting up homes at enviable locations. Their beachfront properties can be found in Dubai, Maldives, Mauritius, Montenegro, Mexico and Cape Town – homes to the best beaches in the world.

The Desaru Coast property offers breathtaking sea views and is furthermore nestled in a lush tropical forest that offers respite for tired souls. Myriad dining options include healthy field-to-fork fare at the Ambara as well as fresh seafood at the Ember Beach Club. Better still, the resort’s location just beside the Els Club championship course means you’ll never miss another 7.30am tee time.