DESARU COAST : REVIEW – WESTIN DESARU

A beach getaway is always a good idea. But the golden question is, which one? Malaysia is slowly (but surely) getting known for its tropical, paradisal beaches and Desaru Coast should easily be at the top of your list. This dream destination is a home to four pristine accommodations that would suit every traveller’s wanderlust!

Let’s dive deeper into one of the best — Westin Desaru.

ABOUT

Westin — world renowned hotels & resorts by Marriott International, a brand that is no stranger to travellers all over the globe. Westin Desaru opened its doors back in 2019 and will be celebrating its 3rd anniversary in April.

Nestled along the coast of South China Sea, this resort offers a revitalising haven to globetrotters visiting Johor. Relax and unwind at the beach under the warm Desaru sun or recharge your senses at their truly heavenly spa, here — the world is your oyster!

A total of 275 rooms & suites on the premise, each beautifully adorned featuring local decor and a touch of Westin’s signature customer service, you’ll find comfort in every corner. Located about 1 hour drive away from Senai International Airport, it is fairly assessable by car I would say.

FACILITIES & SERVICES
This modern accentuated resort offers various service and facilities such as :
– Air conditioning & fan
– Complimentary high-speed wifi
– Smart LCD TV
– Sea-view and Garden-view rooms
– En-suite bathroom with separate shower & tub
– Complete bathroom amenities
– Private balcony & seating
– Complete bathroom amenities
– Iron & ironing board
– Hair dryer
– Safety deposit box
– Robe & slippers
– 24 hour room service
– Laundry & Dry Cleaning service
– Daily housekeeping
– Wake up calls
– Outdoor pools with cabanas
– 5 F&B Outlets
– Heavenly Spa
– Meeting & Event space
– 24 hour Gym
– Seasonal Watersports
– Family Kids Club
– Direct beach access
– and many more which you can read about here

As you pull up to the front of the spacious lobby, the friendly, smiling hotel staffs would be ready to welcome you with a refreshment drink as you check-in at one of the many desks made available.

Westin is known for its wellness initiative for their guests so expect a healthy welcome snack in your room like dark chocolates, granola bowl, fresh fruits and more!

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are many types of room at Westin Desaru to suite your fancy and budget. Choose from the garden view to rooms and suites overlooking the South China Sea, there’s bound to be the perfect room for your trip.

I happened to stay in the Premier Seaview Room, which was incredibly spacious with an oversized King bed, large desk, beautiful bathroom and of course a balcony overlooking the blue ocean. Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and the waves rolling over, oh, dare I say pure bliss!

The bathroom comes with a separate shower and a luxurious tub where you can soak and melt your stress away. You can also find complete amenities including bathrobes and slippers for your comfort.

So each room comes a balcony (or patio for the ground floors) that will give you the most scenic view. Throughout my stay I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing various wildlife like hornbills, eagles and many more, soaring the sky and resting at the nearby trees. A true experience that you will not find in the city!

Room rate starts at around MYR 690 ++ per night, depending on seasons.

DINING

You will be spoilt with choices for food and beverages at Westin Desaru, trust me. As mentioned, you have 5 outlets to choose from :

• Seasonal Tastes
  An all day dining experience where you’ll have your breakfast buffet and ala carte menus for lunch/dinner.
• Prego
  An authentic Italian restaurant (which can also be found in Westin Kuala Lumpur), serving crowds favourite dinner. Casual and family friendly, I personally love the atmosphere here. Service here is top notch too!
• MIX Lounge
  A space situated right across the lobby, perfect for an afternoon tea and refreshing drinks.
• Splash
  If you dream of dining & chilling by the pool, this pool bar is perfect for you.
• Beach Bar
  Savour freshly grilled seafood as you sit by the beach, enjoying the sea breeze. This is my personal favourite spot at the hotel.

You can also opt to order the room dining service, where the menu is conveniently available by scanning a barcode which is provided in your preferred room.

ACTIVITIES

You come to a beach resort so of course, you’re looking for some fun in the sun — and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Westin Desaru!

Dash Outdoors
Enjoy the sun, the sea and the sand with various watersports activities a couple step away from the beach, such as jet skis, paddleboats, kayaks and so much more!

RunWestin
Get your heart pumping and choose between the 3KM or 5KM route for a run around the resort guided by Westin’s RunConcierge (subject to availability).

Run With A View
Alternatively, why not go for a run with a view of the South China Sea at The Els Club! Just register yourself at the Concierge 24-hours prior and you’re all set to go!

Kids Cooking Class
Unleash the mini Masterchef in the young hearts at Prego on Saturdays for MYR 55 nett per child.

Family Kids Club
If the little ones are into arts and crafts, there’s a space specially dedicated for them to unleash their creativity just nearby the pool.

24/7 Gym
You read that right. The gym is open for use 24 hours a day, so no reason to skip your daily workouts. You can also request to arrange for a yoga session with the instructor based on availability. So get your zen on!

Scenic Pool
Go for a swim at their spacious pool with amazing views or relax by the cabanas, read a book or just chill — either way you’re bound to find tranquility here.

Indoor Recreational
When you’re ready to take a break from the sun, you can always check out their indoor recreational area just outside the gym where you’ll find various activities to do such as play the ping pong, foosball, billiards and many more!

SPA

The Heavenly Spa at Westin Desaru is just like its name, heavenly! After a long day in the sun, choose from various type of massages to rejuvenate yourself and spend some ‘me’ time at the sauna & jacuzzi for a revitalising moment. Truly a piece of heaven in paradise!

And after your relaxing massage, enjoy a cup of tea and dark chocolate in the spacious wind down room. Believe me, I did not want to leave but when I (finally) did, I felt like a whole new person!

HYGIENE/CLEANLINESS
Good hygiene and wellness is a top priority at any Westin resorts. Our room was dust free and constantly cleaned. The resort is also constantly disinfected to meet or exceed the regulatory requirements and the recommendations of the government or health regulatory bodies. Happy to report that the premise was also regularly cleaned so no rubbish were spotted even at the beach area.

OVERALL

I am absolutely pleased by the service and hospitality that Westin Desaru prides itself for. Everything that you need is at your fingertips and reasonably priced. The resort is sophisticated and well beyond comfortable — an affordable luxury for everyone!

Book your stay with Westin Desaru to elevate your experience at Desaru Coast!

Westin Desaru – Website
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Agoda Westin Desaru
Booking Westin Desaru
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