ORLANDO, FL—Hard Rock International is planning to expand its hotel brand throughout Asia-Pacific with the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast in the state of Johor, Malaysia.
Following plans for properties in Dalian, Shenzhen and Haikou, China, the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast is slated to open fall 2017.
The 365-room hotel will be part of the country’s integrated destination resort, Desaru Coast, encompassing entertainment, restaurants, shopping, a waterpark and 45-holes of golf, among other leisure offerings.
The project is in collaboration with Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd (TAR&H), a tourism group established by the Malaysian Government’s strategic investment fund, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, to develop, manage and operate attraction destinations in Southeast Asia.
“With more than 25 million arrivals last year, Malaysia is recognized as one of the leading destinations in Asia where Hard Rock has a strong following and brand recognition. We are confident we will continue to build upon the phenomenal success of the Hard Rock Hotel Penang with this unique property,” said Leong Wy Joon, SVP of hotel development in Asia and India at Hard Rock International. “In TAR&H, we have a partner that shares our brand vision and we look forward to our collaboration to bring the Hard Rock Hotels experience to Desaru Coast.”
The property will be centrally located in Phase 1 within Desaru Coast, overlooking and providing access to the Desaru Coast Adventure Water Park, as well as the Retail Village, the resort’s waterfront shopping and social hub. There will be access to the fully equipped Desaru Coast Conference Center and two championship golf courses designed by golf professionals Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.
“The Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast will complement the premium integrated destination resort’s offerings and lively atmosphere, while bringing a unique flavor and brand experience to be enjoyed by locals, international and domestic travelers alike,” said Muhammad Zainal Ashikin Rejab, CEO for Destination Resorts & Hotel Portfolio of TAR&H. “This collaboration reaffirms our intent to offer an amalgamation of diverse offerings that succinctly position Desaru Coast as the new choice of destination in Southeast Asia.”
Amenities will include a pool, complete with poolside bar and grill, as well as an all-day dining restaurant and fast-casual eatery. In addition, the hotel will feature a full-service Rock Spa equipped with two outdoor treatment rooms and Rhythm & Motion, the brand’s differentiated music-infused spa treatments.