Mandarin Oriental sets its sights on Desaru Coast, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing resort destinations
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the opening of a new beachfront resort in Malaysia’s Desaru Coast. This marks the group’s second property in Malaysia and its first beach resort in Southeast Asia as it expands its presence in premier destinations across the region.
Set against the natural splendour of Johor’s southeastern coastline, the new Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, begins operations in June, with a full rebranding scheduled for January 2026. Spanning 128 acres of lush rainforest, the site fronts a pristine shoreline that overlooks the South China Sea.
“Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast represents a significant step in our strategic vision to bring the group’s legendary service and crafted experiences that resonate deeply with today’s luxury traveller to new and exceptional locations,” says Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental.
The resort is the final project designed by Kerry Hill, the revered architect who died in 2018. Its look is a tribute to tropical modernism, merging natural materials and open spaces to create a seamless connection between the built environment and the surrounding rainforest and ocean.
The property comprises 44 suites and villas, each designed with privacy and elegance in mind. Many come equipped with private gardens, plunge pools and sweeping views of the sea or forest canopy. For food, five culinary outlets blend global gastronomy with Malaysian flavours, including a beachfront club and an intimate lounge bar overlooking the coast.
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The resort fronts a shoreline that overlooks the South China Sea
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers the group’s signature treatments, rooted in Eastern traditions and holistic wellness. Facilities include a yoga pavilion, fitness centre, beauty salon, as well as tennis and padel courts. The resort also includes a Kids’ Club with indoor and outdoor play areas.
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Those seeking a destination wedding with a view can pick from an array of elegant indoor and outdoor venues, perfect for both intimate celebrations and grand occasions, all framed by Desaru Coast’s striking scenery.
Beyond its hospitality offerings, the resort will soon include 40 branded residences, offering a private retreat infused with the brand’s service excellence. This residential component, unique within Mandarin Oriental’s Southeast Asian portfolio, aligns with the increasing demand for high-end lifestyle investment opportunities that combine leisure, privacy and concierge-level services.
The announcement comes as Desaru Coast itself embarks on a new chapter under its “Next Level” expansion strategy. This master-planned, 4,000-acre destination is home to a growing roster of global brands, including Anantara, The Westin, Hard Rock and now Mandarin Oriental.
“This is more than a business alignment,” says Karina Ridzuan, interim group CEO of Destination Resorts and Hotels, which owns the property. “It is a bold cultural handshake between two brands — one an established global icon, the other an emerging destination on the rise.”
Supported by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Desaru Coast is expected to benefit from increased regional connectivity and investor confidence. Its accessibility via road, sea, and air, as well as direct ferry access from Singapore, positions it as a prime destination for high-value travellers seeking exclusivity and world-class amenities.
Facilities include a yoga pavilion, fitness centre and beauty salon
Developments in Desaru Coast will be driven by new investors and leading Malaysian hospitality players. Riyaz Group is set to deliver Dash Resort Desaru Coast and branded residences, while ECM Libra Group will introduce an Ormond-branded hotel along with managed branded residences. As these new projects take shape, Minor International — the destination’s first foreign investor and operator of Anantara Desaru Coast — is also exploring further opportunities to expand its footprint there.
In parallel, the destination continues to be a canvas for international events and curated experiences. Its recent partnership with ONE°15 Marina to deliver premium sailing facilities and curated yachting experiences is slated for launch by September. Meanwhile, cultural events such as the Ombak Festival and the Desaru Coast Multi Sport Festival presented by IRONMAN are helping draw global attention.
