Last June, Destination Resorts & Hotels (DRH) — a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd — confirmed the entry of Mandarin Oriental into its sprawling 4,000-acre Desaru Coast district, adding to a growing elite hospitality portfolio that already includes Anantara, Hard Rock Hotel and The Westin.
In late January, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) officially assumed stewardship of Desaru Coast’s iconic Kerry Hill-designed estate. The property, which originally debuted as the ultra-luxe One&Only, served a brief interim as The Sirēya before returning to its full splendour under the Mandarin Oriental banner. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the resort’s new chapter and management. In attendance were members of the hotel group’s senior leadership team, including CEO Laurent Kleitman. Representing DRH were chairman Mohamed Nasri Sallehudin and CEO Darhim Dali Hashim.
“The fact that we’ve come in as part of the community of Desaru Coast is a big vote of confidence that Mandarin Oriental can attract guests from all over Asia and around the world, and really contribute to the initiatives of the local authorities to make Desaru Coast, and Johor in general, a destination of choice,” Kleitman tells Options.
“To be honest, we really believe in the potential of this particular destination and this is why we are so keen to take over the resort, and invest in a renovation programme and new experiences that are complementary to all the efforts by the authorities. We are now part of the journey.”
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Tucked amid 128 acres of ancient rainforest, Desaru Coast boasts excellent regional and international connectivity and is easily accessible from major airports and key cities in both Malaysia as well as Singapore. It has also been identified as one of the flagship areas of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, which will see world-class infrastructure upgrades.
Comprising 44 secluded suites — each curated with its own private plunge pool, courtyard and veranda overlooking either greenery or the sea — and a majestic four-bedroom pool villa, the property was cleverly designed to mirror the contours of the ancient rainforest and the rooms, living rituals of a Malay kampung. These will see gradual enhancements through 2026 as Mandarin Oriental brings in aesthetic refinements and weaves its signature hospitality into the guest experience.
Further elevating its presence, the resort will debut the region’s first collection of luxury branded residences — a limited enclave of 40 private homes. Here, a fortunate few will enjoy unfettered access to the group’s legendary service amid Desaru Coast’s sun-drenched shores anytime.
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According to Kleitman, these homes will follow the stylistic language established by the late Kerry Hill. “We believe [the resort] is so well blended into the landscape, so respectful of the nature around that there is no reason to depart from his design. We want to respect the legacy of his architecture,” he says.
Particular attention will also be paid to reinforcing its wellness offerings. Inspired by nature and time-honoured traditions, two signature rituals encapsulate the essence of Desaru Coast. Find balance with Ocean Homecoming, which uses indigenous natural elements such as coconut, sea salt and algae to restore harmony to the body and mind. On the other hand, Jungle Wild Surge starts off with a guided breathing ritual, followed by a revitalising scrub and massage infused with herbs and spices foraged from the surrounding rainforest.
These experiences are complemented by science-led facial rituals by Augustinus Bader, alongside a 24-hour fitness centre furnished with Technogym equipment, an open-air yoga pavilion overlooking the sea and, of course, the iconic 56m infinity pool at the heart of the resort.
“Also, we will continue to work on the culinary experiences, using local ingredients even more and making sure we honour the Malay culture as well,” Kleitman says.
Culinary offerings at the all-day dining restaurant and lobby bar will be further strengthened under the helm of executive chef Ahmad Fazli Abdul Rahman, previously posted at Mandarin Oriental, Riyadh. A new beach club concept is slated to debut in late 2026, serving as a lifestyle hub that will buzz from day to night.
Kleitman says the Desaru Coast project sits squarely in Mandarin Oriental’s development plans, referring to the group’s broader strategy of doubling its footprint by 2033. “We want to have more resorts around the world. For example, this year, we’re also going to open in Mallorca, Spain, which will be beautiful.”
Kleitman is confident that, five years from now, the hotel will be exactly as it is today. “Some of the rooms will have been renovated and so on, but fundamentally this view and the characteristics of the resort and the landscape will not have changed. I’ll have a feeling of being back home in a way.
“The welcoming nature, care and generosity of Malaysians will be what makes a difference here.”
