Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Desaru was not initially our top choice for a vacation destination, as we never thought a Malaysian resort could have such a strong Thai vibe. After much searching, we finally found this highly-rated resort!

I think it’s perfect for family trips! This resort has a Kid’s Club and even offers guided activities for children to explore seashells on the beach.

Located 4.5 hours by car from Kuala Lumpur, Desaru is like a secluded paradise, far removed from the hustle and bustle. Along the coastal area, there are several resort hotels, and we chose the highly-rated Anantara Desaru Resort & Villas. Despite the high occupancy rate, the resort feels low-density—there’s hardly anyone on the beach, the hotel pathways, or even the restaurants (except during breakfast).

We stayed in two different room types: the Deluxe Seaview and the Corner Suite. However, we found that the Deluxe Seaview was already more than sufficient. If you’re planning a gathering with friends in the evening, the Corner Suite is a great choice, especially Room 330 on the third floor, which offers spacious accommodations and unique views from every angle.

🛏 Room Types We Stayed In
We stayed in two different room types this time (with member discounts for booking):

🌿 Deluxe Seaview Room:
This room is already very comfortable! It comes with a balcony offering sea views, a Nespresso coffee machine, and large glass windows—perfect for daydreaming while lying down.

🏡 Corner Suite RM1600+ per night:
The space is enormous, ideal for small gatherings with friends or family stays. The balcony wraps around the suite, offering different views from every corner!

✅ Tips: We stayed in Room 330 this time. The third floor offers the best views, with both privacy and a nice breeze. Highly recommended!

🏖 Upgraded Facilities
✨ Two large swimming pools (one is an infinity pool by the sea!)
✨ Free bicycles, a kids’ playroom, and a gym
✨ Outdoor cinema under the stars (check the schedule at the front desk)
✨ Additional activities like spa treatments, bird-watching tours, and mangrove adventures
✨ Observatory Bar, the best spot for sunset views—don’t miss the Happy Hour from 3-7 PM 🍹

🍎🥝 Desaru Fruit Farm 🍐🍊
One of Desaru’s famous attractions is the Desaru Fruit Farm, which offers various activities and packages. You can try ATV rides, archery, orchard tours, and enjoy a fruit lunch. The orchard tour is quite educational, as the staff explain the benefits and cultivation methods of different fruits. However, be prepared to walk for an hour under the hot sun—don’t forget to bring an umbrella! As for the lunch, it’s skippable; the food is just average, and the promised fruit buffet has limited options.

Anantara is a five-star hotel with a higher price tag, but it offers great value for money and an exceptional experience! With two pools, three bars, two fine-dining restaurants, a Kid’s Club, an outdoor cinema, free bicycles, and a beautiful beach, it’s perfect for family vacations. The beach is stunning and ideal for unwinding.

💕 Anantara Night Views 💕

Many friends have asked if two days at Anantara Desaru are enough. Honestly, it’s not! There’s so much to see and do that three days and two nights are just right. The resort has two pools—one with a trendy design near the restaurant and another infinity pool by the beach. On certain nights, there’s an outdoor cinema under the stars.

🥣 About Breakfast
The breakfast here is generally good, offering Western, Malay, and Chinese options, along with a variety of cold dishes, salads, and bread. There’s a dedicated beverage station where you can order drinks. The mocha, latte, and hot chocolate are particularly delicious!

🍲 About Lunch
For lunch, you can dine at Tumeric, an international Thai restaurant, but it’s not included in the room rate. The food is decent. We later discovered that the room service menu is also quite good, making it a convenient option for lunch or late-night snacks.

🍸 About Dinner
Sea•Fire•Salt, the seaside restaurant, offers a romantic ambiance and excellent service. Reservations are required upon check-in. While the views and atmosphere are fantastic, the food didn’t quite meet our expectations. After providing feedback, the chef personally came out to apologize and listen to our suggestions.

The hotel staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, paying attention to every detail. They make you feel at home, and you can chat with them anytime if you’re feeling lonely. 😉

Anantara’s breezy atmosphere is perfect for cycling. By the way, the skies in Malaysia have been stunning lately—so picturesque! This place truly has an international vibe. 💕 If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with no set itinerary, consider the resorts along Desaru’s coastline!