A NEW ERA BEGINS AS THE COAST OF SIRĒYA DESARU MANDARIN BECOMES ORIENTAL | News
Effective January 30, 2026, the Sirēya Desaru Mandarin Oriental Coast, Desaru Coast, became under the management of Mandarin Oriental.
To mark the resort’s new chapter, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on February 5, 2026 with a floral garland composed 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 Sustainability Director, Mandarin Oriental; Anthony Tyler, Managing Director of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok and Area Vice President of Operations; Christian Gerart, Managing Director 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 redesigned floral ribbon was cut, bubbles floated into the sky, symbolizing transformation and renewal.
With the addition of this landmark building, Mandarin Oriental strengthens its global portfolio with its strategic expansion in Southeast Asia. Located along the southeastern coastline of Johor, Malaysia, Desaru Coast has been included in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places. Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast is nestled among 128 hectares of ancient rainforest and 1.5 km of beach, easily accessible from major international airports and major cities in Malaysia and Singapore. With its excellent regional and international connectivity, Desaru Coast is an attractive destination for travelers looking to disconnect in a hidden retreat and reconnect with nature.
Under the Group’s leadership, the resort captures the essence of the destination through Malaysian culture and craftsmanship, harmoniously integrating the natural environment into the design, dining, leisure and wellness experiences, while offering guests the legendary service and exceptional experiences of Mandarin Oriental, shaped by its dual-Asian roots.
A hidden world, at your fingertips
Inspired by the Malay meaning of Desaru, meaning ‘village of soft palms’, the resort is a hidden retreat that feels like a world away. Designed as a natural extension of its surroundings, the property is nestled within the rainforest and coastline, anchored by 300-year-old banyan trees that bear witness to its natural heritage.
The resort features 44 suites and an exclusive four-bedroom pool villa. Each suite is generously sized from 105 square meters and features a private plunge pool, courtyard and veranda overlooking the rainforest or sea, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding natural sanctuary without leaving the resort.
Designed for togetherness, Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast offers enriching family experiences to connect every generation. The Kids Club welcomes young explorers with flexible spaces for play and rest. The Creative Studio offers a space where the imagination can run wild. Outside, the Pelagu Laut playground brings imaginative stories to life through movement, climbing and free play. Immersive programs include Junior Chef experiences, Young Gardener sessions and Nature Detectives to spark curiosity, encourage teamwork and instill a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Sophisticated wellness trips
Wellness at Mandarin Oriental is inspired by nature and time-honored traditions, transforming Malaysia’s rich natural resources into immersive journeys of restoration and balance. The essence of Desaru is expressed through two distinctive rituals. Ocean Homecoming restores harmony to body and mind using indigenous elements such as coconut, sea salt and algae, while Jungle Wild Surge awakens the senses through a guided breathing ritual, followed by a revitalizing scrub and massage infused with local herbs and spices from the surrounding rainforest.
These experiences are complemented by scientifically based facial rituals by Augustinus Bader, in addition to a 24-hour fitness center equipped with Technogym, an indoor yoga studio and an open-air yoga pavilion overlooking the sea.
Recreation continues the dialogue with nature. A 56-metre infinity pool offers stunning ocean views, while two additional pools are located at the beach club on the water’s edge. Mindful exercise is encouraged through activities such as tennis, padel, cycling and Silat Melayu, Malaysia’s revered martial art.
Guided nature walks, jogging trails, water sports and encounters with dusky monkeys and native wildlife deepen the connection to place and invite guests to slow down, explore and engage with the natural rhythms and biodiversity of Desaru Coast.
Reimagined culinary experiences
The culinary offering in the all-day dining restaurant, the lobby bar and the beach club will be further enhanced under the leadership of chef Ahmad Fazli Abdulrahman. Trained in classic French fine dining, Chef Fazli has worked in Dubai, the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and his native Malaysia, where he began 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 to its rebranding, resulting in culinary recognitions and awards. Under the guidance of Chef Fazli, the signature Ambara restaurant will focus on the seasonal provenance of Malaysia’s bountiful ingredients. Dusky Monkey offers Straits-inspired snacks and handcrafted cocktails and drinks. Ember Beach Club will continue to offer Asian-style barbecue, with a new beach club concept set to debut in late 2026, making the destination a signature lifestyle hub for coastal day and nightlife.
Future improvements and homes
Mandarin Oriental will introduce thoughtful updates to further enhance the guest experience. Improvements include the lobby and arrival area, suites and a beach club. As these updates are made, guests will continue to experience Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service and uncompromising quality. The resort will also introduce the region’s first collection of luxury branded residences. Tailored to the destination, Mandarin Oriental Residences offers discerning homeowners a sophisticated coastal lifestyle.
“Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast will become one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after coastal resorts, a sophisticated retreat for travelers who value space, nature and authenticity,” said Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. “Mandarin Oriental is proud to help bring this remarkable destination to the world stage, and we are committed to shaping its future with care, craftsmanship and excellence.”
Dato’ Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin, Chairman of Destination Resorts and Hotels, said: “Mandarin Oriental’s arrival on the Desaru coast marks a proud milestone for Johor and for the destination, bringing together a globally respected luxury brand with the warmth, character and spirit of Malaysia. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence, rooted in authenticity, where luxury is shaped by place, culture and purpose. We are especially proud that this collaboration is creating meaningful career opportunities for Malaysians with one of the world’s best most respected hospitality brands.”
Darhim Dali Hashim, Group Chief Executive Officer of Destination Resorts and Hotels, added: “As Desaru Coast enters its next chapter, our focus remains on delivering distinctive experiences that drive sustainable growth and long-term value. The upcoming launch of the Mandarin Oriental branded residences will further strengthen Desaru Coast’s position among iconic global destinations. With a limited collection of beautiful residences, owners will enjoy access to Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service, while enhancing the appeal of destination as an address for year-round luxury living.”
“With our partners at Destination Resorts and Hotels and Mandarin Oriental, we are creating more than a hotel on the Desaru Coast – we are shaping a destination. The addition of a collection of extraordinary properties, managed by Mandarin Oriental, will allow guests and owners to form a lasting connection to this place, combining lifestyle, convenience and long-term value,” said Anil Thadani, Chairman of Symphony Asia and Director and Founder of Symphony International.
Introductory offers
To celebrate the new chapter of Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, Desaru Coast invites guests to experience a new era of the resort, with two introductory offers from January 30 to June 30, 2026. Discover Desaru includes complimentary round-trip car transfers and a USD 100 spa or dining credit (for a minimum two-night stay). The Grand Life offer includes additional benefits including the convenience of round-trip car transfers, a private beachside dinner for four people and an Essence of Desaru spa treatment for two.
