One & Only opens its first Asia property in Malaysia

One and Only resort with swimming pool outside and trees — (Image credit: TBC)

For various historical and infrastructural reasons, Malaysia’s resorts have all tended to cluster along its west coast, leaving the eastern flank in a remarkably pristine condition, thick with virgin rainforests and soft sanded beaches.

Capitalising on this natural bounty is the One&Only group’s first Asia property. Set on a 128 acre estate, the resort’s 45 breezy bright suites are the work of the Kerry Hill Architects. Fans of the Aman resorts, with whom the Singapore-based studio has been a long-time collaborator, will recognise, amidst the swathes of stone, linear perspectives and dense landscaping, a familiar layout of cascading terraces and pools – the centrepiece being a vast network of lawn and boxed gardens that leads, temple-like, past a 50m infinity pool and down to the 1.5 km stretch of private beach and the South China Sea beyond.

Special applause, especially, for the capacious Chenot-managed spa, and the manicure and pedicure salon run by the ever-fabulous Bastien Gonzalez.

Outside view of resort with swimming pool, greenery and trees surrounding it

Bedroom with bed in and double doors opening to private pool and sun lounger

Outdoor swimming pool with view of trees and the ocean

High ceiling room with table and chairs inside

Outside pond with view of trees at the end

ADDRESS

No. 7, Persiaran Damai
Desaru Coast
Kota Tinggi
Desaru
Johor
Malaysia

VIEW GOOGLE MAPS

Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.