Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast

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.