The saying “If you build it, they will come” is very true of Desaru Coast, an ambitious new resort area in the state of Johor. Spanning more than 3,900 acres along a pristine 17-km stretch of beachfront real estate, the area offers some of Malaysia’s most coveted luxury bolt-holes. In 2020, the One&Only Desaru Coast, the brand’s first property in Asia, debuted as a spectacular tropical sanctuary with a spa and golf course. Also newly opened is the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas, with lush gardens and lagoon swimming pools. Other draws include championship golf courses and cruises through the Sedili Wetlands, a freshwater swamp home to the endangered water trumpet. The imminent opening of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal will offer increased transit options for Singapore and Indonesia. —Duncan Forgan
World's Greatest Places 2021
