Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast

The location is absolutely stunning and the pool area is just as beautiful as the photos. Staff are friendly and kind.

Unfortunately there is much room for improvement in the service, and it’s simply not yet at the standard one would expect for a Mandarin Oriental. There was no initiative and lots of standing around chatting with the large number of staff servicing the resort. Ordered items were frequently forgotten, despite being confirmed. Chicken was sent in a meal confirmed to be ordered as vegetarian. The food is simply average at best, and there is very limited variety for a longer day with only one real place to eat, and lots of the flavours are very similar. The wine list is ridiculously short and expensive. No one seemed to be able to tell us what was and wasn’t included in the mini bar, we were told many contradictory things by various staff members. At check in we were told all non alcoholic drinks were included only to be told this wasn’t the case and all drinks needed to be paid for but there was no price list available. In the end they honoured the complimentary non alcoholic drinks and snacks as a good will gesture for the misinformation. Our biggest disappointment came at the end of the trip with the private transfer which was arranged by the hotel. Despite explicitly requesting 1 rear facing baby seat and 1 forward facing toddler seat, the driver arrived with a booster seat and a baby capsule which could not be fixed to the car. This resulted in our return to Singapore being delayed by 4.5 hours while other seats were obtained. This resulted in us crossing the border in peak hour, and we subsequently arrived at our hotel well after 8pm (instead of 3pm as planned). This was very stressful and really ruined the day with the kids being so overtired from the late arrival. Everyone at MO was very apologetic but it really was completely acceptable, especially with the driver fake installing the car capsule over and over only for me to have to demonstrate that it remained completely unfixed to the car.

Loved the property expanse and the calmness. Suites are very spacious with beautiful views. The recreation center is amazing with quality tennis and paddle courts. Food quality is pretty decent.

The service staff and in-room service can be improved.

Everything was perfect - in particular all the staff were professional, attentive and friendly

Very clean villas, very big property with all the facilities you would expect in a resort. Buggy rides from main lobby to recreation club made it easy to travel around. And it was a nice change of impression - compared to other hotels I stayed in - when the games and equipment such as the pool table and the foosball table were all in very good condition. At the main lobby area, the pool was very nice to relax in, and the trees helped to shade us from the sun. The beach was clean, private, and exclusive so it was really peaceful, especially in the morning when I went to watch the sunrise on the clean sand. It was a pleasant surprise that all activities were complimentary, like kayaking and archery which the kids thoroughly enjoyed. The guided tour of the compound was also very educational. The rooms were very well maintained and allowed us to directly access the forest for a walk. There were thoughtful touches as well with a complimentary mini-bar that’s restocked daily, a high quality Bose sound system, and a nice Bluetooth-enabled radio-alarm-clock for relaxing with nice music from my phone. Excellent food for breakfast as well. The focus on quality rather than quantity made the eating area look posh, and everything we ordered on the menu was delicious. Also loved the bread and pastry baked fresh daily, as well as the udon and the laksa station.

While it is definitely a luxurious experience, the price was rather steep compared to any other property in the entire area.

1. Awesome service from start till end. 2. Ample parking. 3. Short 10 mins drive to Hard Rock Hotel. 4. Staff are all customer orientated. 5. Awesome breakfast & complimentary mini bar.

Nil. Keep it up!

We had a fantastic stay at the hotel and would like to thank the entire team for making our family holiday so enjoyable. The resort is beautiful, peaceful and very well maintained. Our children had an amazing time at the Kids' Club and looked forward to the activities every day. They especially enjoyed the batik painting and bead ironing craft sessions What stood out most was the service. Every staff member we met was friendly, helpful and attentive. We especially appreciated the Front Office team for always being ready to assist. A special thank you for helping to deliver our Grab food orders to our room, which was very convenient when travelling with young children. We were also grateful for the kind arrangement of a late check-out, which allowed us to enjoy our last day without having to rush. We truly felt welcomed and well taken care of throughout our time here.Thank you once again to the team at Mandarin Oriental Desaru Coast. We left with wonderful memories and will definitely be back. This has been one of our favourite family resort stays in Malaysia.

Love the hospitality and afternoon tea.

The check in time is rather long waiting

First and foremost, the staff at this hotel are wonderful. A few in particular to mention - Andy at Ember, who looked after us so well. Rahman the nature guide who took us on such a great nature walk and was so enthusiastic and passionate about the trees and wildlife. And Attila who heads up F&B, who seemed to be in every restaurant at all times checking on guest experience. I was so impressed with their attention to detail. The room is beautiful, the bed so comfy, the bathroom gorgeous with a big soaking tub. The highlight of the room for me was the outdoor terrace which is huge and perfect to stay warm but sheltered from the sun in the heat of the day. The minibar is well stocked and complimentary, and little snacks are provided daily. Cleaning and room service was immaculate. Food was delicious in all the restaurants - we particularly loved the Nasi Goreng and Mee Siam Goreng. The breakfast menu was extensive and really good quality (the smoothies are delicious). We also loved the beach access and easy access from Singapore.

We were surprised how many children were staying at the hotel. So purely preference - if you're travelling with kids, there will be lots for them to do and it was nice to see children make friends with others and playing. And if you're used to adults only resorts like we are, it will feel a bit louder.

Welcoming and friendly staff definitely would be the reason for me to visit here next time.

Food at Ember beach club has room to improve.

The scenery and the ambience of the resort

Nil

Really this experience will be the new benchmark for my next stays. I loved the place, the atmosphere and the people.

I loved the place.

Quiet

Nil

Todo fue perfecto. Es un hotel increíble.

The landscaping was well maintained, and the overall resort design was beautiful. All the staff were kind, and especially Wana, who speaks Korean well, played very nicely with my child. I still remember the croissants from the breakfast buffet. The nasi goreng and prawn sauce prepared by the chef at Ambara were truly outstanding. Since we only stayed for two days, we couldn’t try a wide variety of dishes, but we plan to visit again. The pandan scones were also delicious. And I really loved looking out over the sea from the pool.There are many beautifully designed resorts in the region but not many that combine friendly staff with delicious food.

It would be nice if the leaves and insects in the pool could be cleaned more frequently

The new management and staff is not good. They were rude and unhelpful to us over the phone / text. In one example, they informed us that afternoon tea was not available for reservation because they did not cater for this (even though it is meant to be an option included in the stay). It was only when we expressed surprise that guests were not able to have afternoon tea, that they told us off and made it our fault for not informing them that we were guests at the hotel and that tea was now available. No logic and no apologies. We were also told the wrong timing constantly. On one occasion, they told us that our late checkout was at 4pm when it was at 2pm. On another, they directed us to a next-door beach bar at 5pm and told us that the pool was opened until 7pm, when it actually closed at 6pm. We had gone to the pool on their recommendation only to be asked to leave shortly after. We unfortunately booked this when it was still One and Only, and there was a management change before our reservation when the hotel was bought over. Would not recommend.

Amazing experience & amazing team! 👍

Top-tier service and kindness. Every request was handled like magic. Loved our 3D2N experience!

There are few TV channels not available

Love everything here

Our entire experience at One&Only Desaru was amazing, best resort I have ever stayed at. The staff, the service, the food, the facilities and location were all fantastic. We will be going back!

Having to leave, wish we stayed longer!

The service was good as was the food. The afternoon tee had amazing scones. All the dinners we had were good. The design is nice and common areas are well kept with attention to details. The rooms are not of the same high standard they are a bit of a let down. We also had to change room late one evening due to ac failure. No one apologize for that so it was not handled very well. The guy running the activity center was very good.

tennis, bicycle, table-tennis, pool, restaurants all nice

I spent 4 nights with my son, his fiancée and my six month old granddaughter at this beautiful hotel in the middle a two week visit to Singapore.

Amazing place, unique spot with a unique swimming pool. Food is poor for a place like this and the ice cubes, yes the ice cubes are very very low quality which destroys drinks.

Love the quiet resort with friendly staffs, unfortunately due to schedule maintenance unable to experience the Ember Beach Club and Hoshi restaurant.

For one of the most expensive resort in Desaru, everything should be ready even with no reservations. High tea at 3-5pm and when I requested for high tea at 4:45pm the server rejected the request saying they have finished serving high tea. Quite a shame for a luxury hotel. Been to others luxurious resorts and never get this kind of request turned down.

Most wonderful experience and more to relaxation 🥰

Clean and friendly staff

Our stay at One & Only Desaru Coast was nothing short of magical—a perfect romantic getaway for me and my husband. The room was an absolute dream, featuring a private dip pool and surrounded by lush tropical flora, creating a secluded sanctuary where we could truly unwind. The expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces offered the ultimate blend of comfort and luxury, making it hard to leave the room! The facilities were equally impressive, especially the gym, which was so well-equipped that we couldn’t resist making it part of our daily routine. This resort is the epitome of romance and tranquility. If you're looking for a luxurious escape to relax and reconnect, this is the perfect destination. Highly recommended for couples! 🌺✨

The bathtub water was yellow with sediments during our stay.

We had the most memorable weekends here in One&Only Desaru. We felt truly cared for, and it made our time at your hotel unforgettable. My kids were so happy and enjoyed their stay very much. Each aspect of our stay exceeded expectations, from the comfortable accommodation to the excellent service and the beautiful surroundings. OODC team went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed and it made all the difference in creating such a memorable experience.

Everything was perfect! Maybe less manpower at the receptionist but the rooms were amazing, the staffs were amazing, fabulous nights with christmas carols and christmas tree lighting, amazing room service.

Everything about One&Only Desaru Coast was perfect! The luxurious surroundings, impeccable service, and serene atmosphere made my stay unforgettable. The attention to detail, from the stunning decor to the thoughtful amenities, was top-notch. The staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, making me feel so special throughout my stay.

Honestly, there was nothing to dislike. Every moment exceeded my expectations!

The friendliness of the staff as well as the tailored service. Very impressive.

The villa we had was under a tree making its dipping pond prone to having leaves and other objects fall into it

Ember beach club the seafood is not fresh

the resort were very calm and private. The location was kinda hidden. the road also are quite dark during night. Resort can offer more activitiy with affordable price for their customer. Recommend for a couple who are looking for their honeymoon and also for people who needs a privacy.

We had no idea what to expect as we booked last minute without doing any research nor looking at pictures. Also the name, One & Only Desaru, is somewhat non-descript, it doesn't evoke much... This is a 5-star resort, an oasis secluded from the world, large luxurious villas, private beaches and all -- and also, I guess, from paparazzis! That kind of a place. Top, top, top. Will return for sure.

We begin our day with the exceptional breakfast provided by the resort. There is a wide array of freshly prepared and locally sourced ingredients with a variety of gourmet choices.

N/A

We stayed two nights at One&Only Desaru Coast with our baby. The resort anticipated all our needs with a cot, changing table, sterilizer and bottle warmer. The room and food were impeccable. However, we were rather disappointed by the patchy service during breakfast. For two mornings, we had our orders forgotten. For the first morning’s order we had to ask twice before we were served. In the second breakfast our ordered dishes didn’t even come, and we gave up asking. Simple requests like baby cutlery and tissue paper took 10 minutes to arrive. For all the great service elsewhere in the resort, the breakfast service was just simply not up to standards for a resort of this calibre. All in all it could have been a perfect experience if not for the frustrating experience at breakfast.

The location is perfect, the rainforest pool is truly unique and almost ends in the sea. It's the perfect place to relax as a couple or as a family. The staff is probably the best I've ever seen, ever. The second day they already remember you name and your preferences, I've never seen this kind of personalized service before, not even at the other One&Onlys I've visited. Special mention to Yoga for his kindness with our little one. The villas are extremely pleasant, the rainforest villas are very close to the beach with direct access within 1 minute walk through the rainforest. The beach is stunning, the beach club has a very relaxed vibe, with great food and impeccable service. The resort is not cheap, but I believe it offers good value for money overall.

The way the visit of the Royal family has been managed was disrespectful to the other guests. Nothing was done to compensate this. The management of the hotel didn't handle this situation properly.

Property is insanely beautiful, amazing food (Hoshi is the best, and the private beach dinner was worth it) and amazing staff (so friendly, welcoming and open to try to accommodate any request).

We were here last year and I felt like the service wasn’t at the same level (our daughter’s crib was never made, they left a new set of towels but didn’t take the old ones, towels looked a bit old/worn, they kept ringing the doorbell when we said not to because our daughter was napping…) everything was amazing don’t get me wrong but for close to $1k a night attention to detail is key

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Incredible service.

especially the beach, it was private and well maintained.

The air-conditioning in the room started leaking badly in the middle of the night, it took the hotel nearly 15 hours to rectify it, in the end we had to change rooms. we found a centipede in one of the two rooms, unfortunately we had to kill it. Most staff were extremely nice, only one chap in the breakfast hall had a bad attitude towards us, I'm not sure why but he was cold and at times quite rude.

QUIET AND LUXURIOUS

EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE

One of the best resort ever. The environment and the room is amazing. The staff are especially friendly and helpful, especially the staff named Noel.

We had an incredibly private and relaxing time at One & Only Desaru Coast. Cannot recommend this resort enough. Will certainly be back.

Great

Nothing

- The service staff were great. Well trained and informed. The WhatsApp responses can be delayed at times but overall we were extremely pleased with the staff. - The pool is uniquely beautiful and isn’t overly chlorinated. - Some of the food choices were really delicious. Local foods especially, and the house made yogurts and interesting spreads and jams at breakfast. The pastries were also delicious. Flatbreads at the beach club were also delicious. - We went during the festive season, and the festivities were very well planned and executed. - there are only 45 suites so even when they’re booked out the resort doesn’t feel overly crowded.

- layout of the suite is odd. Having to go outside and cross over the little plunge pool to go to the toilet at night is not ideal especially for some in our group who require assistance. The ocean view is barely there at the ocean view suites, and some rooms have broken screens that were not operable. - the bathtub seems to be for “show” only. When I tried to actually use it once, the flow rate is so slow (definitely not in line with the 5 star standard) and the water doesn’t really get hot, it was mildly lukewarm at best, even when the handle is turned to the full range. I had to boil water in the kettle 3 to 4 times and poured it into the tub to get the temperature up to decent bathing temperature. - friends of ours who went not long after opening have shared stories about monkeys in the resort, but we experienced no wildlife whatsoever. When we asked about the monkeys in the areas, it turned out that the security guards carry sling shots to make sure that the monkeys were too scared to be around the vicinity of the resort. I’m not sure how I feel about this violence.

Surrounded by wonderful nature we slept in beautiful villas with private little pools, had excellent food and could choose between asian and meditereanian dishes. The beach club offered white sands and fantastic food as well. Very friendly stuff also organised transfer from Singapur by car (2h drive) as well as to the beach club or other activities.

We'll have to come back to see the monkeys.

All staff were incredible! But stand outs were Mimi, Yoga and Shep.

We literally have not one complaint