Finally had our first new normal #CutiCutiMalaysia beyond Kuala Lumpur, travelling down to Desaru Coast Johor for a 3D2N hotel staycation!
Happy to be back here after 2 years, this time checking out one of our favourite hotel brands under the Mariott Hotels group – The Westin Desaru Coast Resort.
Situated along the South China Sea, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Johor offers not only a serene, rejuvenate stay with coastal views, but also tantalizing treat of local and international flavours; relaxing spa therapies and wellness-focused amenities for “Sleep Well, Eat Well, Feel Well” experience. Not to forget, attractions visits to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and Kota Tinggi Firefly Park to make your trip more memorable.
It took us about 4 and a half hours to reach The Westin Desaru Coast Resort from Kuala Lumpur. So if you are residing in Kuala Lumpur or areas up North, it is better to begin your journey earlier, so that you can make it just in time for check-in at 3PM, rest a while and enjoy evening breeze with your favourite cocktails by the beach, followed by a lovely dinner.
Arrived! #VeryExcited
Warm greeting from hotel staffs upon our arrival. Followed the healthcare measures including scanning MySejahtera and body temperature, sanitizing our hand before checking-in.
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort offers several room types – Deluxe Room, Premier Room, Premier Garden Room, Premier Sea View Room, Executive Suite Sea View, Premier Suite Sea View and Presidential Suite.
3D2N Premier Sea View Room
Here for 2 nights! Spacious 52m sqr. ft. Premier Sea View Room, complete with a sofa, work desk, high-speed internet access, LED TV, laptop safe, outdoor furniture set and other contemporary amenities.
Look at the beautiful view from our balcony awwww! We don’t waking up to view like this every day.
The Heavenly® Bed – This is what makes sleep & rest in all The Westin Hotels exclusive. Guests can #SleepWell on their signature bed and bedding set that put together custom pillow-top mattress designed with a soft padded structure and individual pocket springs, layer on soothing Westin linens, plush pillows, cozy down blanket and custom duvet.
Hotel room with bathtub is always better. Lol. Couldn’t wait to have fun, fizz and bubbles moments with bath bomb we brought along for the trip. Much-needed self-care time to relax our mind & body.
Shampoo, shower gel, hair conditioner, lotion, toothbrush, hair dryer, towels, and other toiletries are all ready.
Welcome treats that features freshly-made chocolate – Wolfberries & Chia Seeds Milk Chocolate, Almond & Orange Peel Dark Chocolate and Cranberry & Pistachio White Chocolate. All taste good!
Dinner at Prego Restaurant
Taking prides in Italian fare, Prego Restaurant at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort welcomes diners to indulge into their signature pasta, stoned-fired pizza, main courses and desserts – carefully crafted by talented team of chefs.
A lot to try from the menu, and everything looks delicious by just looking at the name. They have from Prego Caesar Classico to Carpaccio di Manzo, Rucola, Parmigiano Reggiano, Insalata Caprese , Caprino e Erbetta Cipollina, Calamari Fritti, Spaghettoni Carbonara, Ravioli Polpa di Granchio e Pomodorini, Risotto alla Pescatora, Lasagne al Forno, Calzone Bomba, Regina Margherita Pizza, Salt-Crusted Seabass, Bistecca di Manzo, Agnello Scottadito, and Tiramisu, just to name a few.
Carpaccio di manzo, rucola, parmigiano reggiano – thinly sliced smoked Angus beef fillet, topped with rocket leaves, marinated mushrooms, sundried tomato, finished with aged balsamic and parmesan cheese.
Spaghettoni Carbonara, must-order at Prego Westin Desaru. All-time-favourite, prepared using freshly homemade pasta, tossed in Castelmagno cheese wheel with streaky beef slice, egg yolk and pecorino. It is oh-so-good we can have two plates of this. Very rich and creamy, but not cloying at all. Highly recommended!
Bigger-than-our-face Calzone Bomba.
Folded pizza, generously fillde with turkey ham, zucchini, artichoke, ricotta cheese, basil pesto, tomato sauce and mozarella cheese. Order to share.
End our meal sweet with classic Italian dessert, tiramisu. Smooth, creamy mascarpone mousse, espresso-soaked lady fingers, subtle touch of brandy. Just the way we like.
Breakfast, Seasonal Taste All-Day-Dining
Wake up early for breakfast – another thing we look forward to during a hotel staycation. Buttery croissant, fluffy scrambled egg, juicy sausage and flavourful nasi lemak, here we come!
Buffet-style breakfast, at Seasonal Taste Restaurant. Dim sum, Asian soup noodles, stir-fried noodles, nasi lemak, ayam rendang, danish, toasted bread, pancakes, waffles, oat porridge, yougurt, fresh fruits, sausages, grilled tomato, egg in your ways, etc..
For hygiene purposes, food will be served by staffs at each counter instead of self-service. Just let the them know what you would like to have, and they will serve it to your plate. Also, due to social distance measures, breakfast dining time is separated into 3 different slots – 6.30AM, 8.30AM and 9.30AM. It is recommended to let the receptionist knows about your preferable slot during check-in, so that they can acknowledge earlier if it is already full or still available.
Our breakfast (*or brunch) spread. Hehehe.
What to do in The Westin Desaru Coast
Have a whole day to spend after breakfast. So what to do in Westin Desaru Coast?
1. Go for a stroll along the beach. Yes, The Westin Desaru offers direct access to the beach. Just less than 5 minutes walk!
2. Get a pampering spa at Heavenly Spa by Westin.
3. Take a refreshing dip by the pool while enjoying coastal views.
4. Have your “ME” time at the cabanas, lobby lounge or your private balcony
5. Form your team for beach volley balls and other water sports activities
6. Work out at the gym with TRX Workout Equipment or jog on state-of-the-art cardio machines
7. Have a fun-filled day at Desaru Waterpark, the home to Malaysia’s longest Lazy River with over 20 rides and slides.
Dinner, Beach Bar
Dinner today was at Beach Bar, a chic & casual restaurant located at the hotel’s private beach. Popcorn is a must here – freshly popped, beautifully dressed up with sticky sweet, thick caramel.
Asian and Western menu, offering both appetizers and substantial delicacies like Penne Arrabiatta, Spaghetti Bolognese, Crumble Fish and Chips, The Desaru Burger, Club Sandiwch, Healthy Pole Bowl, Desaru Pole Bowl. Vegetbale Poke Bowl, Malyasian Satay, Truffle Fried with Parmesan Flakes, Crispy Calamari Rings. Price starts from RM20, capped at RM50.
Thanks staffs for recommending this The Desaru Burger. No regret. Thick, meaty grilled angus beef patty stacked together with cheddar cheese, smoked beef, tomato, onion, lettuce and gherkins within two buttered, toasted sesame bun. Served with fries.
Lucky to be there on a weekend, as Beach Bar is having special charcoal grilled ala-carte menu, churning out Grilled Tiger Prawns, Fresh Squids, Snapper Fillet, Angus Ribeye, Lamb Chops. Choose your meat or seafood, followed by choice of mushroom sauce, black pepper, lemon butter, salsa picante. Sit back, relax with a pint of beer and get ready to tuck in.
Portion is real generous. We got 10 huge tiger prawns at RM70, 10 fresh grilled squid at RM60, 3 large pieces of lamb chops at RM55. And that included a side of grilled vegetables, corn on cob and grilled potato to complete the platter. Pretty worth the price for a resort hotel.
Day 3. The weather had been gloomy the day before, and the sun is finally out on our last day here. Managed to spent some time by the pool for sun-bathing moments after breakfast, and few shots at their Instagram-worthy corners. Packed, leave, goodbye. Till then.
Thanks The Westin Desaru Coast Resort for the great hospitality. Overall, we love the hotel’s stylish, beach-inspired guest rooms with bathtub. Food is great too. We are already missing the Carbonara Pasta tossed in cheese wheel from Prego Restaurant, and that famous Desaru Burger from Beach Bar. Environment wise, it can be rather quiet at night. But this is also what we love about this place. Tranquil, without the hassle and bustle of the city. Just nice for rejuvenate getaway.
Address:
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
Jln Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor
Contact: +60 7-838 3333
Website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/jhbwi-the-westin-desaru-coast-resort/
