Coastside Cuisine

One&Only Desaru Coast recently kicked off the first edition of Ember Curates: Andrew Friends. The one-night-only dinner was a celebration of fun, food and friendship by Michelin-starred chefs Andrew Walsh and Julien Royer. Here’s why you don’t want to miss the series’ future instalments, says Nafeesa Saini.

- Nafeesa Saini

Once a sleepy seaside town, Desaru is seeing a renaissance sparked by the arrival of ultra-luxe hotel One&Only Desaru Coast. Now, its culinary landscape is officially buzzing with the launch of an exclusive epicurean experience that sees collaborations between Michelin-starred chefs.

Located on the southeastern shore of Malaysia, One&Only Desaru Coast sits between 51.8ha of lush rainforests and the South China Sea. It's located on the far end of the town's hotel hotspot, ensuring total seclusion for its well-heeled clientele. The resort is a haven for city folk-particularly for those from Singapore - and is accessible through a 90-minute ferry transfer or a two-hour car ride.

Now, its Ember Beach Club has become a destination of its own. A buggy ride from the hotel leads guests to a world of sleek loungers and parasols, with house music reverberating from the DJ's decks. A large open kitchen takes centre stage, putting diners into the thick of the action. Here, Irish Michelin-starred chef Andrew Walsh of Cure and other Cure Concepts such as Butcher Boy and Catfish in Singapore, leads the club's culinary concept of elevated barbecue food.

ONE NIGHT ONLY