The One&Only brand debuts in Asia with a Kerry Hill Architects-designed property on Malaysia’s pristine coastline.

For its first Asian launch, the One&Only brand has set up shop along Malaysia’s quieter south-eastern coast, away from the hub of resorts clustered on its western flank.

A quiet sanctuary spread over 128 acres

Called One&Only Desaru Coast, the tropical retreat is more precisely perched along a secluded stretch of coastline that is blanketed with soft-sand beaches and thick with virgin rainforest.

“One&Only Desaru Coast offers a sanctuary, a welcome respite for those in need of a change of pace,” said Jerome Colson, the resort’s general manager. “Guests can take a breath, relax and recharge in their own private enclave of nature, savour the best of local and regional produce at our restaurants or focus on their wellbeing at our signature Chenot Spa. The team and I are thrilled to welcome guests to One&Only Desaru Coast.”

Making the most of the natural surroundings, Singapore-based Kerry Hill Architects has created a modern interpretation of the traditional Malaysian ‘kampung’ (village). And so, 45 breezy suites – each with their own private plunge pools – and a Private Homes community, with homes available to own or rent, are all set over a sprawling 128 acres.

Among these are 42 junior suites, a pair of two-bedroom Grand Suites, and the spectacular 1,500 sq m Villa One. Here, set over two-storeys, there are four bedrooms, generous living spaces, a private spa treatment room, a home office, and a lush garden with ocean-facing lawns that surround a 27-metre swimming pool.

Expansive culinary and activity offerings

From the Mediterranean field-to-fork Ambara restaurant to Ember Beach Club, a buzzing beachside venue helmed by acclaimed chef Andrew Walsh, the culinary offerings – as with all One&Only resorts – are incredibly varied. Hotly tipped is Hoshi, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, where the master chef sends out dishes, like his contemporary take on tempura, from an open bar.

Elsewhere, Chenot Spa is an all-rounder wellness hub that focuses on a scientific and holistic approach to health. This means tailored nutritional menus, fitness schedules – including a specialist pilates studio and yoga pavilion – and targeted spa beauty treatments, with a Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez.

For the more active, there’s the nine-hole Els Club, designed by Ernie Els, and Club One, which offers everything from tennis and water sports to traditional Malaysian martial-art lessons. Meanwhile, for the more nature-orientated, experiences such as Call of the Gibbons, guided by the resort’s resident naturalist, will bring guests closer to the local flora and fauna.

While secluded, the resort is just an hour’s drive from Johor’s Senai International Airport, making it an easily accessible destination for those looking for a quick getaway from the rush of everyday life.