Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

This luxurious beachfront retreat is celebrated for its impeccable hospitality and tranquil atmosphere, offering a serene escape from urban life. Its signature feature is the breathtaking panoramic ocean views available from various points, including the reception area, setting a remarkable tone upon arrival. Guests consistently praise the exceptional staff service, noting their attentiveness and genuine warmth, which contributes significantly to a memorable stay. The hotel is an ideal fit for couples seeking a romantic and peaceful getaway, as well as families due to its welcoming environment, dedicated children's facilities, and engaging activities. To maximize your experience, it is advisable to book activities in advance and consider utilizing the hotel's app for seamless requests and information.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort offers a comprehensive range of facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests highly commend the two swimming pools, including a family-friendly pool with slightly warm water and a refreshing infinity pool, both noted for their cleanliness and ample space. The spa is a standout feature, providing fabulous and rejuvenating treatments in serene surroundings, with many guests highlighting the skill of the therapists. For younger guests, the kids club and teens club are well-furnished and offer engaging activities, including movie nights. A well-equipped fitness center is also available. Most guests appreciate the complimentary minibar items that are replenished daily, adding a thoughtful touch to their stay. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests experienced inconsistent or slow in-room connections. The expansive and well-maintained gardens and grounds contribute to the resort's beautiful ambiance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and clean, contributing to a comfortable stay. The comfortable beds and large balconies, often featuring a daybed, are frequently praised, providing ample space for relaxation. Many rooms boast spacious bathrooms equipped with bathtubs and separate showers, along with quality toiletries. While the overall comfort is high, some guests reported minor issues such as occasional inconsistent air conditioning, non-functional doorbells, or difficulties with door handles. A few reviews mentioned isolated incidents of peeling paint, scratched wooden floors, or mold in certain areas, suggesting some rooms may require maintenance attention. Noise levels are generally low, allowing for a peaceful environment, though some guests noted that rooms are not entirely soundproof.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a variety of dining options, with the breakfast buffet consistently receiving high praise for its extensive spread and quality. Guests appreciate the wide range of local and international specialties, including delicious baked goods, fresh fruits, and made-to-order items. While many find breakfast to be excellent, some guests felt the quality could be improved or did not meet their expectations for an upscale property. The Turmeric restaurant is frequently mentioned for its delicious food, particularly its Asian cuisine. However, feedback on other dining venues, such as the Sea Salt restaurant and Rock, Fire, Salt, is mixed, with some guests finding the food basic or overpriced. The Observatory Bar provides a nice view for drinks, though some noted an unpleasant smell in the area. In-room dining is available and generally well-regarded for its convenience and quality.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's secluded beachfront location is a major draw, offering a peaceful and tranquil environment surrounded by nature. Guests appreciate the direct access to a private beach, which is often described as clean and ideal for leisurely strolls. While the secluded setting enhances the sense of escape, it also means there are limited options for dining or entertainment outside the property, and getting a taxi or ride-share can be challenging. Most guests rely on the resort's amenities for their needs. The hotel is conveniently accessible from Singapore, often noted as a short two-hour drive, making it a popular choice for weekend getaways. Shuttle services are available, including transfers to and from the ferry terminal and between other hotels in the area.

Staff & Service
The staff at the resort consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional service and warm hospitality. Guests frequently highlight their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in process is often described as impressive, with welcome drinks and cold towels provided. Many guests commend the staff for their proactive approach, anticipating needs and providing thoughtful touches like surprise birthday cakes or assistance with requests. However, during peak periods, some guests reported issues such as delayed responses to requests, difficulties with room access cards, or unfulfilled membership benefits. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall sentiment is that the staff's dedication significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
The resort demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, utilizing an on-site drinking water facility to reduce plastic waste and supporting local conservation efforts. Guests appreciate the convenience of the hotel's mobile application, which allows for easy communication with staff, ordering room service, and accessing information about amenities and activities, including a pillow menu. For families, the resort is well-equipped, offering various complimentary activities for both adults and children, such as nature walks and yoga sessions. Some guests noted concerns regarding room access protocols and guest privacy, where staff entered rooms without explicit permission for maintenance. The hotel also provides prayer mats and schedules in rooms, catering to Muslim guests.