Effective 30 January 2026, The Sirēya Desaru Coast became Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, under the management of Mandarin Oriental.
To mark the resort’s new chapter, a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony took place on 5 February 2026 with a floral garland consisting of local flora. The ceremony was attended by members of Mandarin Oriental’s senior leadership team including Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive; ShaoWei Ong, Chief People and Culture Officer; Matthew Bishop, Chief Financial Officer; Kande Camara, Chief of Staff and Group Director of Sustainability, Mandarin Oriental; Anthony Tyler, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, and Area Vice President Operations; Christian Gerart, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast; Dato’ Mohamed Nasri Sallehudin, Chairman of Destination Resorts and Hotels; and Mr. Darhim Dali Hashim, Group Chief Executive Officer of Destination Resorts and Hotels, owners of the resort. As the reimagined floral ribbon was cut, bubbles drifted to the sky, symbolising transformation and renewal.
With the addition of this landmark property, Mandarin Oriental strengthens its global portfolio with its strategic expansion across Southeast Asia. Located along the southeastern shoreline of Johor, Malaysia, Desaru Coast has been featured in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places. Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast is tucked within 128 acres of ancient rainforest and a 1.5 km beachfront, easily accessible from major international airports and key cities in Malaysia and Singapore. With its excellent regional and international connectivity, Desaru Coast is an attractive destination for travellers seeking to disconnect in a hidden sanctuary and reconnect with nature.
Under the Group's management, the resort captures the essence of the destination through Malaysian culture and craftsmanship, harmoniously integrating the natural environment into its design, dining, recreational and wellness experiences, while offering guests Mandarin Oriental's legendary service and exceptional experiences, shaped by its dual-Asian roots.
Inspired by the Malay meaning of Desaru, which is “village of soft palms,” the resort is a hidden sanctuary that feels like a world away. Conceived as a natural extension of its surroundings, the property is situated within rainforest and shoreline, anchored by 300-year-old banyan trees that bear witness to its natural legacy.
The resort features 44 suites and one exclusive Four Bedroom Pool Villa. Each suite is generously proportioned from 105 square metres and features a private plunge pool, courtyard and veranda overlooking either the rainforest or the sea, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the surrounding natural sanctuary without leaving the resort.
Designed for togetherness, Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast features enriching family experiences to connect every generation. The Kids Club welcomes young explorers with flexible spaces for play and rest. The Creative Studio provides a space for imagination to run freely. Outdoors, the Pelagu Laut playground brings imaginative storytelling to life through movement, climbing and free play. Immersive programmes include Junior Chef experiences, Young Gardener sessions and Nature Detectives to spark curiosity, encourage teamwork, and instil a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Culinary offerings at the all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar and beach club will be further strengthened under the helm of Executive Chef Ahmad Fazli Abdulrahman. Chef Fazli was trained in classic French fine dining and has worked in Dubai, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and his native Malaysia, where he started his Mandarin Oriental journey at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur. Prior to his appointment, Chef Fazli was the Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Riyadh, where he applied his deep knowledge and expertise in its rebranding, resulting to culinary recognitions and awards. With Chef Fazli’s guidance, the signature restaurant Ambara will focus on seasonal provenance from Malaysia’s abundant ingredients. Dusky Monkey will feature Straits-inspired bites and handcrafted cocktails and beverages. Ember Beach Club will continue to offer Asian-style barbeque, with a new beach club concept slated to debut in late 2026, elevating the destination as a signature lifestyle hub for day-to-night coastal living.
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