DESARU – Past the entrance, the foliage thickens. Dense milkwood pines, figs and fishtail palms flank the meandering road to the reception, veiling the retreat that lies within.

 

Stepping into the airy reception, I do a double take. An extensive stone staircase cascades downwards – almost rice terrace-like – towards a glistening, cerulean 56m infinity pool, before a gap in the verdant treeline offers an alluring peek of the South China Sea.

 

One&Only Desaru Coast is a luxury resort located just 2½ hours from Singapore by road or 90minutes by ferry.

 

But nestled between a swathe of virgin rainforest and an untouched stretch of private beach, it feels like a world away...

 

Please click HERE to read the story on The Straits Times’ website.