Woodfire Desaru and Resort Hopping
I blog about food, fashion, my travelogues and utter randomness – updated daily for your reading pleasure! Here we were bright and early on a Saturday morning at the coach bay over at Suntec City, embarking on my long-awaited post-birthday trip to Desaru, arranged by my thoughtful partner.
Booked through Klook, the round-trip bus fare from Singapore to Desaru was approximately $91.20 for two, including a 5% discount using my code {MITSUEKIKLOOK}. The coach departed Suntec at 9 AM, with an additional pick-up stop in Jurong, before reaching our first destination at Four Points by Sheraton in Desaru.
After an hour and 40 minutes of comfortable travel, we arrived at our home for the next three days – the modern and airy Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast. Though this particular property does not have a Hard Rock Café onsite, the hotel itself exuded the brand’s signature rock-and-roll vibe, with iconic designs and artwork throughout the lobby and common areas.
Despite the official check-in time being 3 PM, we were able to complete the process earlier, receiving a complimentary room upgrade to a spacious 6th-floor suite. The room was bright, clean, and well-appointed, with thoughtful sustainable touches like a water dispenser and reusable tumbler instead of single-use plastic bottles. We also appreciated the separation of the toilet and bathroom areas, though the lack of a bathtub was a minor downside.
One of the highlights of our stay was the warm hospitality and numerous complimentary perks offered by the Hard Rock Desaru team. From the free guitar rental and yoga mat usage to the nightly live music performances, we truly felt the “rock star” treatment throughout our visit. The attentive staff, who even remembered the mister’s name, added a personal touch that made our experience all the more memorable.
After settling into our room, we headed out to explore the nearby dining options, starting with the popular Woodfire Desaru burger joint. This outlet of the Malaysian burger chain offered a delectable selection, with the mister indulging in a towering brisket burger and I opting for a more classic gourmet beef burger. Both were satisfying and well-portioned, with the mister’s brisket burger, in particular, impressing us with its thick, juicy patty and generous toppings.
Fueled by our hearty burgers, we then embarked on a “resort hopping” adventure, exploring the neighboring properties along the Desaru coastline. First, we visited the Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort, which, while offering direct beach access and ATV rentals, seemed a bit dated and less well-maintained compared to our home base at Hard Rock.
Our next stop was the Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort and Spa, which had a more inviting and well-kept appearance, with an attractive pool area that evoked nostalgic memories of past visits to similar resort destinations. Though the overall aesthetic felt a bit dated, the property still exuded a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
Returning to Hard Rock, we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the hotel’s facilities, including the small but modern infinity pool, the well-equipped gym, and the Constant Grind café, where we redeemed our complimentary cake and enjoyed a refreshing coffee. As the evening approached, we indulged in a delicious takeout seafood dinner from Grab, which we savored while listening to the live band performance that runs from 8:15 PM to 11:45 PM every night.
Mindful Menus and Sustainable Practices
The Hard Rock Desaru’s commitment to sustainability and wellness was evident throughout our stay. In our room, we found a water dispenser and reusable tumbler, encouraging us to reduce our plastic waste. The hotel also offered complimentary yoga mats and access to a daily yoga program, catering to guests seeking to maintain their mindfulness practices during their getaway.
Beyond the physical amenities, the hotel’s dining options also reflected a focus on nourishing, well-being-centric cuisine. The breakfast buffet, which was included in our stay, featured a wide selection of local and international dishes, with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce and balanced nutrition.
The salad bar, in particular, caught our attention, with an array of vibrant, colorful ingredients that tempted us to load up our plates with wholesome greens and vegetables. We also appreciated the variety of vegetarian and healthy options, ensuring that guests with diverse dietary needs could find something to satisfy their palates.
Alongside the impressive breakfast spread, the hotel’s other dining venues, such as the Constant Grind café, showcased a commitment to sourcing high-quality, sustainably produced ingredients. The menu featured a range of specialty coffee drinks, artisanal teas, and freshly baked pastries – all crafted with care and attention to detail.
Fostering Community Connections
Beyond its focus on food and wellness, the Hard Rock Desaru also demonstrated a strong dedication to fostering a sense of community and connection among its guests. The hotel’s nightly live music performances, which could be enjoyed from the comfort of our room’s balcony, created a lively and engaging atmosphere, encouraging visitors to come together and share in the musical experience.
The hotel’s selection of complimentary activities, such as board game rentals and the opportunity to borrow a guitar, further reinforced this sense of community, offering guests a chance to bond and interact with one another in a relaxed, casual setting.
We also discovered that the hotel celebrated special occasions in a thoughtful manner, treating guests to personalized touches like handwritten notes, complimentary cakes, and small gifts from the Hard Rock shop – a gesture that made us feel truly valued and appreciated during our stay.
Embracing Sustainable Living
Throughout our time at the Hard Rock Desaru, we were continually impressed by the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Beyond the water dispensers and reusable tumblers in our room, the property also demonstrated a holistic approach to minimizing its environmental impact.
The hotel’s decision to forgo single-use plastic bottles in favor of refillable water stations was a notable example of their sustainability efforts. This initiative not only reduced waste but also encouraged guests to be more mindful of their water consumption and conservation.
Furthermore, the hotel’s use of energy-efficient lighting, smart temperature controls, and other green technologies contributed to its overall sustainability efforts, making it a truly eco-conscious destination.
Curating Exceptional Culinary Experiences
As avid foodies, we were excited to explore the culinary offerings at the Hard Rock Desaru, and the hotel did not disappoint. The breakfast buffet, in particular, was a standout, with its diverse array of local and international delights that catered to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.
From the fragrant nasi goreng and perfectly cooked eggs to the freshly baked pastries and indulgent kaya toast, each item on the buffet line was prepared with care and attention to detail. The salad bar, with its vibrant and nutrient-dense ingredients, also caught our attention, showcasing the hotel’s commitment to providing wholesome, nourishing options.
Beyond the breakfast spread, the hotel’s other dining venues, such as the Constant Grind café, offered a curated selection of specialty coffee drinks and artisanal teas, highlighting the property’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. The café’s cozy ambiance and relaxed vibe made it the perfect spot to unwind and savor a refreshing beverage.
Celebrating Artistic Expression and Cultural Diversity
The Hard Rock Desaru’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded guest experience extended beyond just food and wellness. The hotel’s embrace of artistic expression and cultural diversity was evident throughout our stay.
The property’s décor and design were punctuated by eye-catching artworks and installations that celebrated the brand’s rock-and-roll heritage, offering guests a glimpse into the brand’s rich cultural legacy. These artistic touches not only enhanced the visual appeal of the hotel but also served as conversation starters, encouraging guests to engage with and appreciate the creative elements that permeated the space.
Furthermore, the hotel’s nightly live music performances showcased a diverse range of musical talents, from local bands to visiting artists. These lively events not only entertained guests but also provided a platform for the celebration of different cultural influences and artistic expressions.
Crafting Memorable Family Experiences
While the Hard Rock Desaru caters to a wide range of travelers, the hotel’s family-friendly atmosphere and offerings stood out during our visit. The property’s thoughtful amenities, such as the kid-friendly menu items and the engaging water park, demonstrated a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for guests of all ages.
The direct access to the on-site Adventure Waterpark, which we thoroughly enjoyed, was a particular highlight, allowing us to easily transition between the hotel’s facilities and the thrilling water-based attractions. The seamless integration of these family-oriented features seamlessly woven into the hotel’s overall experience made it an ideal destination for those seeking a well-rounded, multi-generational getaway.
Conclusion
Our 3D2N stay at the Hard Rock Desaru Coast was a truly memorable and enriching experience, one that combined the best of exceptional hospitality, mindful living, community engagement, and cultural exploration. From the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and wellness to its vibrant artistic expressions and family-friendly amenities, every aspect of our visit left a lasting impression.
As we prepare to bid farewell to this Desaru oasis and head back to Singapore, we are filled with a sense of gratitude for the remarkable hospitality we experienced and the valuable insights we gained into the hotel’s holistic approach to guest well-being. This getaway has not only recharged our batteries but also inspired us to embrace a more balanced, mindful, and community-centric lifestyle – a testament to the transformative power of a well-curated travel experience.
