Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has kicked off 2026 with the launch of its first beach resort in South-East Asia. Located in Desaru Coast, a tourism destination in Johor, Malaysia, the property is expected to attract multi-generational travel groups as well as travellers seeking to blend business with pleasure.
Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast takes over the former One&Only Desaru Coast. Refurbishments as well as new dining, spa and recreational concepts will be rolled out progressively across the 44-key all-suite resort.
Speaking at the launch party on February 5, Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said the resort marked “the beginning of a new chapter” in the company’s history.
According to Kleitman, Desaru Coast is a valuable and strategic addition to the group’s portfolio, as it is “genuinely unspoilt and increasingly dynamic, benefitting from rising tourism activity, improving accessibility, and very strong state-level in sustainable and cultural preservation”.
“Set across 128 acres of ancient rainforest, the property offers something exceptionally rare – space, tranquility and authenticity. This aligns perfectly with our brand and reinforces our commitment to destinations with character, edge and long-term potential,” he added.
Kleitman also expressed confidence in the southern state’s growing prominence in the Malaysian tourism industry.
He revealed that a new residence project will soon rise adjacent to Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast. It will not only bring the brand’s reputable lifestyle and service quality to future residents, but also “contribute significantly to the long-term vibrancy of Desaru Coast”.
Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin, chairman of Destination Resorts and Hotels, the Malaysian-based company that develops and operates premium tourism projects in Desaru Coast, said the arrival of the Mandarin Oriental brand “enriches” the southern Malaysian coast “as a vibrant, year-round destination for fine resort living,” and sets a new luxury benchmark in the region that is “firmly rooted in its natural surroundings and cultural heritage”.
Nasri added that Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast also “creates a meaningful career pathway for local talents to gain exposure to skills and global opportunities to one of the world’s most distinguished hospitality brands”.
The resort is helmed by experienced hotelier Christian Gerart. He told TTG Asia that Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast would appeal to both leisure and corporate guests. He added that the Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, which is expected to come into service by January 1, 2027, will further spur interest and demand.
Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast offers spacious suites and villas, with a number of connecting suites for extended families. Daily complimentary activities, such as guided nature walks and archery, along with children programmes, will keep families entertained.
The resort’s Grand Ballroom and two function rooms, proximity to a world-class golf course, and accessibility from Singapore by car and ferry make it an ideal destination for executive retreats, opined Anthony Tyler, area vice president, operations at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
“I believe that this resort will do so well because it is such a close getaway, one that offers a complete change of pace, scenery and rhythm from the big urban centres around us,” said Tyler.
