Desaru Coast has been described as “a sparkling gem by the South China Sea” and also as “four thousand acres of paradise along the tip of southern Malaysia”. We would have to agree with both of these sentiments, having been lucky enough to visit on a number of occasions in recent years. Being home to The Els Club Desaru Coast, which is considered to be one of the finest golf clubs in the country, and also the luxurious Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, makes Desaru Coast the perfect choice for your staycation or luxury golf vacation. For those of you who do not consider a round of golf on a championship course to be the way you wish to relax, please worry not, as Anantara Desaru boasts an expansive golden sand beach, refreshing swimming pools and Anantara Spa, a true oasis of peace and calm where you can relax, revitalise and rejuvenate.

Stay in an Executive Sea View Room at Anantara Desaru

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is a luxury beachfront property at Desaru Coast that offers a selection of 116 rooms, suites, villas and residences to discerning guests. The sweeping sand beach and inviting ocean create a sense of natural wilderness despite being just an hour from the bustling city of Johor Bahru, whilst the first rate service and attentive hospitality combine to create the perfect stay.

Our Executive Sea View Balcony Room was spacious and luxuriously appointed, with a supremely comfortable bed that made early starts for yoga or golf a real challenge. These were the type of challenges we enjoyed, meaning our days would start watching the sunrise from our balcony over the South China Sea before one of us headed to yoga on the beach and the other to the adjacent Els Club for 18 holes of golf.

Play 18 holes at The Els Club, Ocean Course

The Ocean Course at Els Club Desaru Coast comprises 27 championship holes designed by four time major winner Ernie Els. Your 18 hole round is made up of 9 holes on two of the Coast, Lakes or Ridge courses, offering even more variety and challenges at the stunning Els Club Desaru. The iconic ocean front par 3 on the Coast Course measures only 150 yards from the white tees, but the vast bunker will catch anything short and the beach waits for any wayward shots left.

Combine this with the shifting ocean breeze and the hole is far more challenging than it looks. One of us found the green with ease and two putted for par, whilst the other found the giant bunker and managed to scramble a bogey with a long putt. Being able to include the Coast Course in your 18 holes at The Ocean Course will allow you to play this iconic hole yourself and hopefully avoid the sand that seems to be everywhere you look.

Dine at Turmeric

Turmeric is the all day dining restaurant at Anantara Desaru Resort & Villas where we enjoyed breakfast and a post round meal which impressed us greatly. For breakfast, our avocado on sourdough with pomegranate, rocket and balsamic was a light and delicious start to the day, but we also enjoyed dishes from the vegetarian Indian section at the buffet which were not as light but equally delicious.

The a la carte menu at Turmeric featured a number of vegetarian options that could be easily veganised, whilst the Wellness Menu included an impressive baked cauliflower dish on a bed of sweet potato with tempeh crumbles and mixed nut salsa that was not only already vegan but also creative and nutritious. Executive Sous Chef Eddie looked after us during our stay and ensured that we certainly did not go hungry. In fact, every time we visited Turmeric for breakfast, lunch or dinner he was always on hand with exciting suggestions for even more plant based delights. From pomelo salad to pad Thai noodles, pad krapow tempeh to green curry with tofu, we were taken on a culinary journey to neighbouring Thailand which we enjoyed immensely.

Stay in a Lagoon Pool Villa at Anantara Desaru

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas boasts a selection of stunning private villas and residences ranging from one bedroom villas with private pools to their sprawling Four Bedroom Beach Residence which measures 380 square metres and comes complete with butler service, full kitchen, swimming pool and direct beach access.

This type of refined accommodation presents the pinnacle of luxury living on the Desaru Coast and is sought after by families who truly enjoy the finer things in life. Our Two Bedroom Lagoon Pool Villa was equally as luxurious and spacious, providing us with lavish living areas both inside and out. It was more than enough for us, offering a true luxury living experience. There is something special about relaxing on the day bed next to your own pool before slipping into the refreshing waters for a sunset swim as another wonderful day draws to a close.

Play 18 holes at The Els Club, Valley Course

The Valley Course at Els Club Desaru Coast was where we headed for our final round of golf, and it was also where all of our golfing experience was tested by this championship course designed by Vijay Singh in collaboration with Ernie Els. As a three time major winner including The Masters in 2000, the distinguished playing career of Vijay Singh is well documented, and this picturesque and visually inspiring course was no less than we expected. Small greens and undulating fairways made correct club choice and shot selection imperative, resulting in the ultimate challenge throughout the entire round. The ninth hole has water down the right to catch any wayward drives (one of us ended up there off the tee) whilst the scattering of fairway bunkers waited for anything long and straight (the other one of us ended up there off the tee). And if that was not enough, the green was surrounded by even more bunkers where we both put our approach shots. Despite the lost balls and frustration, we enjoyed our round immensely and cannot wait to return.

Dine at Sea. Fire. Salt

Sea. Fire. Salt is seafood and steak focused with limited vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. But the beachfront and poolside location should not be missed, so with the help of the excellent team at Anantara Desaru we made a reservation and headed there with high and hopeful expectations. From the main menu we selected the three vegetarian options and requested for them to be prepared vegan.

Our Edible Garden was a bountiful salad with baby sweetcorn, asparagus, sugar snap peas, baby carrots, pickled radish and potato puree. This was a fresh and vibrant, perfectly plant based start to our meal. We also enjoyed a Wild Mushroom Risotto and Eggplant Croquettes, both dishes packed with flavour and delicious. Our off menu dishes prepared by Chef Eddy and his team included more plant based delights such as an inspired dish of grilled jackfruit skewers and mango salsa which was quite possibly our favourite. The sweet jackfruit with smoky overtones from being grilled combined perfectly with the sweet and spicy mango chilli salsa. There was also a protein packed kidney bean curry, grilled vegetables served on a block of Himalayan sea salt and a vegan bowl with quinoa and a simple olive oil and lime dressing. All of our food at Sea. Fire. Salt was refreshing, healthy and light, which was just perfect for this refined beachfront dining destination.

These two visits to Desaru Coast showed exactly why it should be the destination for your next luxury (golf) vacation. Els Club Desaru boasts 45 holes of championship golf designed by the Masters winning duo of Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, we know you will most certainly enjoy navigating the fairways, greens and bunkers of this stunning golf club. With golf courses having such an impact on the environment, we were also impressed that Els Club Desaru are members of the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation and have made a series of sustainable commitments to lessen their impact. And where better to stay when you next visit Desaru Coast than the luxurious Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, which is quite literally next door to Els Club Desaru, meaning that none of your valuable time is wasted travelling between the two locations. The excellent hospitality, the varied dining options and the well appointed rooms, suites and villas make Anantara Desaru the perfect place to relax before and after your rounds.

Langkawi is the Malaysian holiday island that continues to call us back. We’ve been lucky enough to visit many times, staying in everything from luxury hotels to boutique hideaways and budget friendly guesthouses. There’s so much to love, past trips have seen us explore the island on a motorbike, chasing hidden beaches, soaking up breathtaking views, and always on the lookout for a fresh coconut, an oat milk latte, or something perfectly plant based for lunch. But this trip was different. This time, our only goal was to slow down, unwind, and savour a carefully curated vegan staycation, choosing a vegan friendly luxury resort that felt like home and restaurants that proudly fly the vegan flag.

Stay at Ambong Pool Villas

By choosing to stay at Ambong Pool Villas, we gifted ourselves a peaceful escape that felt both indulgent and deeply restorative. From the moment we arrived, the friendly team made us feel like family, offering the kind of warm hospitality that turns a hotel stay into something truly memorable.

Our villa, Kuang, came with a private pool that was not only huge but boasted the most incredible views over the jungle canopy and distant sea. We spotted dusky leaf monkeys, macaques, hornbills and black giant squirrels foraging in the surrounding trees, a reminder that we were sharing this tranquil retreat with the island’s native wildlife. Waking up to nature and dipping into our pool before vegan breakfast quickly became the perfect way to start each day.

Dine at Pegaga

Dining at Pegaga is a must when visiting Langkawi, this 100% vegan restaurant is nestled within Ambong Rainforest Retreat but welcomes guests from both resorts and the public too. We discovered it on a previous trip when searching for the best vegan options on the island and knew we had to return. This time, staying with Ambong away meant we could work our way through their creative menu at leisure. One of our dining highlights was surprisingly simple: hummus and falafels. The hummus was wonderfully creamy, topped with lightly fried falafels full of flavour, and sautéed peppers and onions that brought the whole dish together. The smoothie bowls offered a healthy start to the day, vibrant and nourishing. But we couldn’t resist the indulgent side of the menu either, the vegan carrot cake and French toast (served with homemade coconut ice cream) were utterly delicious.

The true standouts, though, were the veganised versions of classic Malay dishes. The jungle laksa was hearty and comforting, while the masak lemak combined rich coconut flavours with herbs picked from the onsite garden. The nasi lemak was so good we had it twice, a bold and beautifully balanced plate of sambal, rice, curry, and tempeh. The congee was another favourite, far surpassing other vegan versions we’ve tried elsewhere. Clearly, the menu at Pegaga has been developed with thought, creativity, and respect for traditional Malaysian flavours, all while keeping it plant based.

Stay at Ambong Rainforest Retreat

Consider Ambong Rainforest Retreat for your vegan vacation in Langkawi if you’re looking to disconnect and recharge in a truly special setting. This private estate, with only 11 suites, studios and cottages, offers a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by towering jungle trees and the sounds of nature. The shared pool is a refreshing oasis in itself, perfect for a post breakfast swim or simply to relax under the jungle canopy.

What makes this place truly special is the combination of adult only tranquillity, a fully vegan restaurant onsite, and a wellness programme that includes daily morning yoga with Ms Sugu and restorative treatments at Amaala Spa. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and breathe deeply, an ideal escape from the noise of everyday life.

Dine at The Fat Frog

Dine at The Fat Frog to enjoy their ”healthy and earthy dining in a stunning setting” including some of the most delicious vegan desserts we’ve ever had. Located about 15 minutes away from Ambong by taxi, this vegetarian restaurant offers sweeping views over a golf course and the lush surrounding hills.

We started our visit with drinks and snacks on the sunset terrace, a peaceful spot that set the tone for a memorable meal. From the remarkable vegan rendang to the wholesome falafel bowl and the rich spaghetti with homemade vegan meatballs, every dish was full of flavour and flair. But the desserts really stole the show. The key lime pie and pecan slice, both served with coconut ice cream, were so good we were already planning our return to eat them again before we’d even finished.

We loved our perfect vegan vacation in Langkawi. Feeling blessed to be based just a short flight away from this tropical paradise, we know we’ll be back again soon. This visit might be hard to beat though, the combination of luxurious stays, inspiring jungle surroundings, kind hearted people and mouthwatering vegan food has set a new standard for future holidays. Whether you’re vegan, plant curious, or simply love good food and peaceful places, Langkawi is most certainly a destination that delivers.

With over 200 courses to fit all budgets and handicaps, Malaysia is a golfing destination waiting to be discovered, from hill country courses away from the heat and humidity to city centre courses and beautiful landscaped courses next to the ocean there truly is something for everyone. Once you’ve chosen where to play you’ll have no problem finding somewhere to stay with luxury hotels and resorts up and down the country to choose from. For our most recent golf trip in Malaysia we carefully selected two of the finest courses and two luxury hotels that were just a short drive away which when combined demonstrates exactly why Why Malaysia should be your next luxury golf vacation. Malaysia boasts a number of top tier courses, many of which are situated between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, offering easy access from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and also convenient for golfers heading over from Singapore explore Malaysian golf offerings.

Stay at Renaissance Johor Bahru

Renaissance Johor Bahru is where we stayed prior to our round at Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, which being just a short drive away allowed us to enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading to the course. This five star luxury hotel is located in the thriving township of Permas Jaya, making it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike as there are countless restaurants, spas and eateries just a short walk from the hotel. Easy access to the highway and less than 10km from Johor Bahru city centre and the crossing to Singapore further enhance the excellent strategic location. Our Bayview King Room boasted modern amenities and views over the straits of Singapore, whilst the exceptional service from the moment we arrived ensured for a very enjoyable stay. We enjoyed a post golf unwind in the outdoor pool but didn’t find time to make use of the well equipped gym during our stay, instead we decided to explore the various dining options on offer within the hotel.

Dine at Renaissance Johor Bahru

We enjoyed all of our dining experiences at Renaissance Johor Bahru, whether it was during long and leisurely breakfasts at Cafe BLD, healthy and nutritious plant based bowls of goodness for a light lunch, or indulgent Cantonese feasts for dinner at Wan Li. The menus are clearly marked with vegetarian options, with many dishes that can easily be adapted to be vegan. They even offered a fully vegan set menu at Wan Li, which we of course we indulged in during our stay. With the multiple dining options to choose from at Renaissance Johor Bahru, and a staff team happy to make changes where required, we most certainly didn’t go hungry. Executive Chef Fiffi and his excellent team were the perfect hosts and made sure we had breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that were exciting and delicious. We even enjoyed vegan cakes from the breakfast buffet, a ‘naughty but nice’ treat that we made the most of!

Play at Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club

By choosing to play eighteen holes at Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club you are selecting one of the best courses in southern peninsular Malaysia. Located in Iskandar Puteri, this 18 hole championship course presents a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golf lovers of all handicaps. Designed by renowned golf course architect Ross Watson, the course is known for incorporating natural elements like lakes and elevation changes to further enhance the experience.

The highlight of our round was a perfect birdie on the par 3 third from Paul (my playing partner for the week) effortlessly hitting his 8 iron to with 15ft, then rolled the tricky downhill putt into the centre of the hole for a memorable two on his scorecard. That was the first and last birdie for either of us during what proved to be a challenging yet enjoyable morning of golf on this Johorean jewel of a course. The only other ‘notable achievement’ was us both avoiding the water on the par 5 eighteenth allowing us to end our rounds with a couple of pars, which left us wanting more, determined to return and post more respectable scores at the pristine Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.

Stay at The Westin Kuala Lumpur

We chose to stay at The Westin Kuala Lumpur during the weekend of our round at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club as we wanted to be in the heart of the city with easy access to the bustling Bukit Bintang district where we planned to spend the evening. But before that we wanted to enjoy the blend of comfort , convenience and luxury that this five star hotel has to offer offer guests who choose to stay in one of the well appointed 443 rooms, suites or residences.

Our spacious and stylish One Bedroom Residence boasted a separate lounge area, small balcony and a bathtub which was very welcome after our golfing adventures. Having stayed at a number of Westin Hotels and Resorts in the region we knew that we were guaranteed a restful and relaxing sleep, as each and every room is equipped with their signature Westin Heavenly® Bed. Our chosen room type granted us access to ‘The Westin Club’ which is open from 0600-2200 daily and offers drinks, refreshments and a changing selection of food offerings throughout the day in addition to the various F&B outlets within this luxury hotel.

Dine at The Westin Kuala Lumpur

The Westin Kuala Lumpur made a strong impression with its vegan friendly approach to dining. Starting each day with a standout Indian breakfast selection that quickly became a daily highlight. Mini uttapam, lentil vadai, aloo mutter, spicy tomato chutney, and rice were just some of the dishes on offer, with Mr Anil always on hand to ensure we had enough vegan options to enjoy in addition to the excellent Indian dishes. These included vegan pancakes, oatmeal with berries, vegan noodle soup and healthy salads with organic leaves from BoomGrow Farms who have partnered with Westin in Malaysia to offer fresh and vibrant salad leaves in each of their three resorts.

We were very excited to discover a dedicated plant based section on the à la carte menu at The Living Room which is where we also enjoyed breakfast. During our stay, we worked our way through the menu, trying everything from cumin spiced lentil soup and protein packed chickpea quinoa salad to a ‘no chicken’ burger served in a green tea bun. The vegan bolognaise and sweet and sour vegan meatballs stood out as favourites, while mango sago with coconut cream and gula Melaka provided the perfect sweet ending. These thoughtful menu inclusions made dining as a vegan at The Westin Kuala Lumpur an absolute pleasure.

Play at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club

Located in Shah Alam, just south of Kuala Lumpur, Kota Permai Golf & Country Club is easily accessible via the highway from central Kuala Lumpur or direct from KLIA, making it a convenient destination for a weekend of world class golf. Widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s best courses, it has hosted the prestigious Malaysian Open and welcomed legendary players including Francesco Molinari and Rory McIlroy, who famously aced the par 3 fourth during the pro am.

Our own round may not have been as headline worthy, but we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this exceptional course. Playing in a three ball with Mr Selva and guided by outstanding caddies, we were able to navigate the lightning fast greens and tricky pin placements with confidence. Their expert advice proved invaluable, and thanks to their support, we posted our best scores of the week, both comfortably in the eighties. Despite the strong performance, a few shots slipped away towards the end of our round. Reaching the green in regulation on the narrow par 4 16th kept us dry with the water hazard running left, but a frustrating three putt from 20 feet followed. On the par 5 18th, after reaching the green side in two on the 520 yard hole, a chip and another three putt left us with a disappointing double bogey to finish. But this didn’t take away what is a truly stunning course that should most certainly be part of your next Malaysia luxury golf vacation!

Being based in the region we are blessed with some amazing courses to choose from with those in Malaysia being some of the best. The value for money when compared to neighbouring Singapore where a round on one of the best courses combined with a stay at one of the finest hotels would be out of most peoples budget is truly remarkable, making Malaysia an excellent option for your next luxury golf vacation. Malaysia offers the perfect blend of world class golf courses, five star hotels, seamless connectivity between major cities and being adjacent to neighbouring Singapore further enhances the appeal. Whether you choose to tee off amidst the serene landscapes of Horizon Hills or navigate the challenging fairways of Kota Permai, your Malaysia luxury golf vacation promises memories to treasure, even if the golf lets you down. But this is golf right? If it was too easy we would all be turning pro and all of a sudden, the mystique and the never ending pursuit to improve your game would disappear which none of us want. But maybe we would? Touring the world in a private jet and playing golf on the best courses in the world doesn’t sound too bad after all…