Mandarin Oriental launches its first South-east Asian resort in Desaru Coast

[DESARU COAST] Mandarin Oriental marked the opening of its first resort in South-east Asia at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday (Feb 5), and announced plans to progressively roll out refurbishments and expansions.

On Jan 30, The Sireya Desaru Coast, a white-label brand, became Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, under Mandarin Oriental’s management.

Owned by Destination Resorts and Hotels – a subsidiary of Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional – the resort previously operated as One&Only Desaru Coast, before the brand’s exit in May 2025.

Set within nearly 52 hectares of rainforest, Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast has 44 suites, sized from 105 square metres each, and one four-bedroom pool villa. 

Speaking at the resort’s launch, Mandarin Oriental group chief executive officer Laurent Kleitman said that the group will introduce a phased renovation plan at the property and develop branded residences on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia.

Time for change

Investment company Symphony International partnered Destination Resorts and Hotels and Mandarin Oriental on the rebranding.

Destination’s director and founder, Anil Thadani, said that the property first opened during the Covid-19 pandemic but struggled to gain momentum in a difficult time.

“Over time, it also became clear to the owners that the property was not receiving the level of focus and strategic attention that such a special asset deserved,” he noted, adding that this led to “a conscious decision to reset the future of this project”.

He said Mandarin Oriental “immediately understood” what made it special: “Its proximity to Singapore, its sense of space and nature and its potential to become a destination (where) people form an emotional connection.”

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The hotel group also has a strong presence in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, he added.

Kleitman called the opening “the beginning of a new chapter” for Mandarin Oriental.

Taking over the property is “both a privilege and a very strategic choice”, he added, highlighting that Desaru Coast is a destination that “remains genuinely unspoilt, but also increasingly dynamic”.

It is “benefiting from rising tourism activity, improved accessibility and very strong state-level investment in sustainable and cultural preservation”, he said.

The property also offers space, tranquillity and authenticity – “exceptionally rare” traits that align with Mandarin Oriental’s brand, and reinforce its commitment to “destinations with character, edge and long-term potential”, he added.

Each accommodation in the resort has a private plunge pool, outdoor courtyard and shaded veranda, as well as a bathroom with a soaking tub and rainfall shower.

Amenities include a spa, a 56 m infinity pool and facilities for activities including tennis, padel, cycling and Silat Melayu, a Malaysian martial art. Updates to the property will include enhancements to the lobby and arrival area, suites and beach club.

The upcoming collection of luxury branded residences, meanwhile, will be the region’s first, Mandarin Oriental said.

Kleitman added that the upcoming residences will allow owners to be part of the destination, while “contributing significantly to the long-term vibrancy and awareness” of Desaru Coast.

“With this coming transformation, we are not only elevating the result, (but) we are (also) contributing to the discovery of the destination.”

Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin, chairman of Destination Resorts and Hotels, said the resort is the “meeting of a globally respected luxury brand with a place that has its own unique identity”.

This partnership creates career pathways, allowing local talent to get exposure, skills and global opportunities, he added.