One&Only Desaru’s exit clouds Johor’s high-end tourism ambitions even as SEZ hopes rise

[KUALA LUMPUR] The ultra-luxury tropical resort One&Only Desaru Coast – hailed as Johor’s crown jewel in global tourism when it was unveiled five years ago – has quietly vanished from Malaysia’s tourism map, dropping its branding without fanfare. 

The official One&Only website now states that the Desaru Coast resort is no longer under its management. The property is owned by Desaru Peace Holdings, a subsidiary of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels (TARH), which is fully owned by Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund.

A favourite among well-heeled Singaporeans for its lush rainforest setting and easy weekend access, the resort featured suites with private plunge pools, a 50-metre infinity pool, and a destination beach club by Andrew Walsh, the chef behind Singapore’s one-Michelin-starred Cure.