Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa

Desaru 1.56070000, 104.25311200 , Po Box 29, Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi (Show on Map)
7.1
Good


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Summary of reviewsSand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa earns high praise for its prime beachfront location, providing easy access to serene sandy shores and stunning ocean views. The peaceful ambiance and strategic proximity to dining, shopping and entertainment make it an ideal retreat for both relaxation and exploration. Guests enjoy the expansive and clean beach, beautiful scenery and peaceful environment, although some noted it could be rocky and less suitable for swimming during high tides.

The resort features a commendable breakfast variety with delicious options like made-to-order omelets and local specialties, although improvements in food supply, replenishment speed and seating arrangement are needed. Dinner experiences are highlighted by exceptional Malaysian cuisine, particularly at Spice & Herbs restaurant and the Teppanyaki grill. However, the Western food options received mixed feedback regarding taste and service speed with reports of slow service affecting some dining experiences.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable, many offering lovely views and modern designs. Guests appreciated the large beds, nice balconies and additional amenities such as swings for kids and bathtubs. Despite these positives, some guests reported issues with cleanliness and maintenance, including musty smells, dusty floors and occasional maintenance problems.

Cleanliness overall receives mixed reviews with guests praising some well-maintained areas while others highlight neglected rooms and public spaces, slow housekeeping and general maintenance needs.

Staff performance is similarly mixed. Many guests found the staff friendly, helpful and attentive, particularly the front desk and housekeeping teams. However, understaffing issues, instances of rudeness and delayed service were reported, indicating room for improvement in management oversight and staff training.

The WiFi service at the resort elicits varied responses. Some guests noted strong connectivity and good room signals, while others experienced slow speeds and unavailability in certain areas.

The spa, though appreciated for its facilities, faces operational inconsistencies with availability affected by staffing and closures. Positive feedback on treatments contrasts with comments on limited options and higher prices.

The gym receives mixed reviews. Its location within the resort is appreciated, but guests have concerns about its size, upkeep and occasional closures.

The pool is a popular feature, praised for its size and family-friendly amenities, including mini slides and comfortable lounging options. However, issues with cleanliness and maintenance were noted, suggesting the need for better safety measures and routine cleaning.

In summary, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa excels in location, offers spacious and comfortable accommodations and has a beautiful beach. Improvements in service efficiency, maintenance, cleanliness and overall dining experience could enhance guest satisfaction.
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Categories
Luxury Resort

Resort near Golf Courses

Beachfront Resort

Resort near The Beach

Resort for Honeymoon

Resort with Spa

Family Friendly Resort

Romantic Resort

Resort with Swimming Pool

  Pool Lap Lanes    Private Pool    Outdoor Pool  


Business Resort

Resort with Gym

5-Star Resort

Resort with Outdoor Pool

Resort with Private Pool Rooms

Resort with Pool Lap Lanes

Room Types
Superior Twin Room Featuring a contemporary, casual design, this spacious air-conditioned room offers plenty of natural light through the large windows. .

Deluxe Garden View Featuring a private bathtub in the balcony, this air-conditioned double room features views of the South China Sea and offers plenty of natural light through the large windows.

Deluxe Pool View The spacious air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as pool views. The unit offers 1 bed.

Premium Deluxe with Private Garden The spacious air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.

Sunny Deluxe Seaview The spacious air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.

Romantic Deluxe with Private Pool Guests will have a special experience as the double room offers a private pool. The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a minibar, a seating area, a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.

Couple Suite The spacious air-conditioned suite features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.

Family Room with Garden View The spacious air-conditioned family room provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as garden views. The unit offers 3 beds.

Family Room with Pool View The spacious air-conditioned family room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as pool views. The unit offers 3 beds.

Guest Reviews
7.1
Good
Location
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa receives high praise for its prime location. Nestled right on the beachfront, the resort allows guests easy and direct access to the serene, sandy shores. The strategic, centralized position offers the convenience of nearby dining, shopping and entertainment options, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring local amenities. Guests appreciate the peaceful, quiet ambiance, which provides a relaxing retreat while being steps away from beautiful sunrises and horizon views over the sea.

The property's expansive and clean beach, coupled with the stunning scenery viewed right from the rooms, accentuates the overall experience. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, enjoying the breeze from the private gardens or taking leisurely walks on the beach, the proximity to the seaside enhances every moment spent at the resort. Additionally, the geographical location is easily found on navigation tools, which ensures a hassle-free arrival.

Overall, the blend of beachfront beauty and convenient accessibility earns Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa strong endorsements for its location.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa has received mixed feedback. Guests positively highlight the good variety and wide selection of breakfast options, describing it as awesome, delicious and sumptuous. Omelets cooked to order and local specialties like nasi lemak are also appreciated. Many reviewers found the breakfast spread to be great, pleasant and sufficient with polite and friendly staff enhancing the experience.

However, there are frequent mentions of areas needing improvement. Common critiques include insufficient food supply, slow replenishment and the breakfast area being overcrowded, particularly on weekends. Some guests noted the breakfast as below average or not meeting the resort's rating, mentioning the limited selection, lack of Western dishes and food sometimes being cold or not tasty. Issues like cleanliness in the breakfast hall and service efficiency also drew criticism. Despite the mixed reviews, the majority found their breakfast experience generally satisfying with room for enhancement in variety and service.

Dinner
At Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, the dining experience presents a mixed bag based on guest reviews. While some guests rave about the exceptional Malaysian cuisine at the Spice & Herbs restaurant and the delightful offerings at the Teppanyaki grill, others find the overall variety and food selection in need of improvement. The local dishes like char koay teow and bamboo lamb biryani have been particularly praised for their flavors.

Guests frequently highlighted the quality and taste of the food, describing it as delicious and generously portioned. The Teppanyaki restaurant and the room service also received commendation for their quality and taste. However, the hotel’s Western restaurant, Herb n Spice, seems to be hit or miss with some guests finding the food good but overall a bit salty and others mentioning that the taste could be improved.

Service seems to be a significant point of contention. Many reviews indicate slow service with some diners experiencing waits of up to two hours for their meals. The service quality at the poolside and Japanese restaurants was specifically criticized for being slow and inattentive. The in-room dining service also faced negative feedback regarding delivery times and food quality.

The variety of dining options available at the hotel is somewhat limited and the food served at some of the restaurants, including Chinese and Western options, didn't meet expectations. Nonetheless, the hotel does offer some dining highlights that left a more positive impression, such as the excellent dining environments and reasonable pricing at certain venues like the Spice & Herbs restaurant.

In summary, while Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa has some standout dining options and dishes that impress, there are notable areas where the food variety, service speed and overall value for money could see significant improvement.

Rooms
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa offers spacious and clean rooms, which are especially appealing for families. Many guests appreciated the considerable room size, some even describing them as massive. The rooms are comfortable with large, cozy beds and many feature nice balconies with views of the beach or pool. The modern design and tasteful decorations add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the rooms.

However, the reviews also highlighted several areas for improvement. There were frequent mentions of rooms being smelly, musty or damp with some guests noting that rooms were not adequately cleaned, mentioning issues like dusty floors, sandy surfaces, sticky stains and leftover food from previous guests. These issues were exacerbated by poor lighting in some rooms and occasional maintenance problems, such as ceiling leaks and choked basins.

On a positive note, other aspects such as smooth check-ins, good room layout, air conditioning and helpful staff were often praised. Guests also enjoyed the additional amenities like swings for kids and large bathtubs on the balconies. Despite some critiques on cleanliness and maintenance, the resort's spacious rooms and overall comfort generally provided a satisfying stay for many visitors.

Beds
Sand & Sandals Resort & Spa in Desaru offers mixed reviews regarding their beds. Guests appreciated some positive aspects such as clean beddings, comfortable beds and large twin beds that can easily accommodate two persons. Some found the beds to be super comfy with a few describing them as offering good support due to medium firmness.

However, there were several notable issues. Many guests found the beds and pillows regarding comfort to be lacking, often describing them as hard, uncomfortable and musty. Cleanliness was another significant concern with reports of dirty linens, stained bed sheets and even bed bugs. Some noted that their rooms had a peculiar smell on the beddings, further contributing to an overall poor sleeping experience.

While there are certainly elements that some guests enjoyed, Sand & Sandals needs to address these cited concerns to enhance overall guest satisfaction.

Cleanliness
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa has received mixed reviews concerning its cleanliness standards. While some guests praised the spaciousness and the comfortable, clean aspects of their rooms, many others highlighted significant issues. Common complaints involved dirty floors, dusty furniture and neglected bathrooms. There were numerous accounts of moldy and stained linens, unpleasant odors and instances of cockroaches. Housekeeping services were often described as slow and inadequate, leading to unclean rooms and common areas. Improvements were also suggested for the hotel's general maintenance, especially in public areas and facilities. On a positive note, some guests appreciated the large and clean room interiors and found certain facilities to be well-maintained. However, the consensus suggests that the overall cleanliness of the resort needs substantial enhancement to meet guest expectations.

Staff
The staff at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa have received mixed feedback from guests. On the positive side, many guests highlighted that the staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. Specific commendations were given to the front desk, maintenance and housekeeping teams, who were often described as wonderful, understanding and quick to address issues. Some guests also appreciated the professionalism and efficiency of the front desk staff and the warm welcome they received upon arrival. Additionally, staff in general were praised for their politeness and responsiveness.

However, there were notable criticisms regarding the management and service quality. Several reviews mentioned that the hotel appeared understaffed, resulting in slow service and delayed housekeeping. Some staff members were reportedly unresponsive and exhibited poor attitudes with instances of rudeness and a lack of proper training being highlighted. Guests also noted specific issues such as staff not wearing masks indoors, poor communication about room readiness and a lack of hospitality from some front desk employees.

The management was frequently mentioned as needing improvement with guests expressing dissatisfaction with how problems were handled and a need for better oversight to ensure staff performance meets expectations. Additionally, several reviews pointed out that certain staff seemed overworked and tired, which might have contributed to the inconsistent service experience.

Overall, while many guests found the staff to be amiable and cooperative, the mixed reviews suggest that there's significant room for improvement in staff training, management oversight and general service quality to enhance the guest experience at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa.

Wi-Fi
Guests of Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa have had mixed experiences regarding the hotel's WiFi. Many appreciated the strong WiFi signal in their rooms, noting good connectivity that contributed positively to their stay. However, several reviews indicated issues such as WiFi not functioning properly, slow internet speeds and a lack of WiFi in certain areas, including the reception. These problems sometimes led to interruptions in TV programming. While some guests enjoyed good WiFi service, others faced significant challenges with connectivity throughout their stay.

Spa
The spa at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa has received mixed reviews from guests. While several found the spa services to be satisfactory and loved the spa facilities, there were a number of mentions about the limited options available. The spa had been open on certain occasions but closed at other times, largely attributed to the COVID-19 situation, which left some guests disappointed as it impacted their overall experience.

When operational, the spa was described as good, although some guests mentioned that the treatments were slightly expensive. There were also instances where services such as massages were unavailable, either due to a lack of workers or certain areas being closed off.

Despite these inconsistencies, the availability of spa services was appreciated whenever the facility was open, contributing positively to the guest experience. Unfortunately, guests also pointed out room for improvement in the overall resort experience, including long wait times for check-in and check-out with some lasting until almost 6pm and other facilities such as restaurants frequently being closed, which detracted from a seamless vacation experience.

Gym
The gym at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa has received mixed feedback from guests. While the location of the gym is appreciated, highlighting its good placement within the resort, other aspects have not fared as well. The facility has been described as small and concerns have been raised about the maintenance and cleanliness with some guests noting the equipment and general area are not properly kept up. Additionally, there are mentions of the gym being closed on certain occasions and suggestions for more gym activities. Despite these drawbacks, some positive notes point to the gym being overall satisfactory for general use.

Pool
The pool at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is frequently highlighted for its size and appeal to various guests. It is described as large, spacious and well-suited for families, particularly with children who enjoy the mini slides and fun activities. The pool area features comfortable lounging options, including large, lazy sofas and an outdoor jacuzzi next to the poolside bar. Many guests appreciated the friendly pool lounge staff and the serene, relaxing atmosphere.

However, there are issues with cleanliness and maintenance with several reviews mentioning dirty or murky water and garbage at the bottom of the pool. Some guests noted a lack of safety measures, such as no lifeguards or towels available at the pool and the pool area being dark and unattended at times. Despite these drawbacks, the size of the pool and its location near the beach, along with its family-friendly environment, make it an enjoyable spot for many visitors. In summary, while the pool is a popular feature due to its size and amenities, it could benefit from enhanced cleaning and safety protocols to improve the overall guest experience.

Beach
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa boasts a prime location with direct access to a private beach that guests find scenic and peaceful. The beach area is described as beautiful with stunning ocean views, lovely beachfront settings and pleasant, clean sand. Many reviewers appreciated the resort's easy access to the beach, emphasizing the relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere provided by the uncrowded, spacious beachfront. Sunbeds, huts and a beach bar add to the comfort and convenience, making it a great spot for relaxation.

Despite its strong points, some guests noted that parts of the beach could be rocky and were not ideal for swimming due to high tides. However, the private nature of the beach still made it a peaceful retreat. The proximity of the resort's large, beautiful pool and kid-friendly amenities further enhances the overall experience, making it a fun and safe environment for families.

In summary, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa offers a beautiful and easily accessible private beach with clean, scenic surroundings, though it may not always be suitable for swimming. The combination of the beach and excellent pool facilities presents a delightful option for those seeking a relaxing coastal getaway.

Family
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa stands out as a premier destination for family vacations, earning widespread praise for its kid-friendly amenities and family-centric atmosphere. The resort offers a variety of family rooms and spacious suites, ensuring comfort and convenience for families of all sizes. Parents particularly appreciate the extensive facilities designed for younger guests, such as the kids' play area, the game room and the kiddy pool, which contribute to a fun and engaging environment.

The clean pools and beautiful room interiors enhance the overall experience, while early check-in options and accommodating room setups are significant benefits. The beach facilities also cater well to family needs, making it a suitable spot for families looking to enjoy a seaside getaway.

Despite a couple of minor setbacks reported, such as issues with borrowing a wheelchair and inconsistent water temperatures, the majority of reviews highlight the resort as an excellent choice for a family holiday. The positive feedback emphasizes that Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is recommended for families seeking a comfortable, enjoyable and memorable vacation.

5 Star
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa offers some aspects that align with five-star accommodations, yet carries a mix of reviews when it comes to its facilities and services. Guests have praised it as a five-star resort, appreciating its amenities and categorizing it alongside other top-tier hotels in the area. However, there is a notable sentiment that the resort doesn't entirely meet the expectations set by its five-star rating.

Guests have observed that the service can fall short at times, pointing to an insufficient number of staff and management issues, affecting the overall experience. Some reviews compare the property unfavorably to other luxury hotels, suggesting that its status is somewhat overrated and misleading. For instance, certain service lapses, such as improper attire of management and subpar services during their stay, highlight areas of improvement.

Moreover, concerns have been raised about the appropriateness of certain features, like the type of flooring, in contributing to that high-end feel. While some guests have found the resort to be the best five-star option in Desaru, particularly lauding its competitive pricing, the consensus leans towards the notion that it might better fit within a three-star framework given the current level of service and facility quality.

Overall, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa stands as a comfortable destination, though visitors have differing opinions on whether it fully lives up to its luxurious five-star classification.

Private Pool
Guests at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa have shared mixed feedback regarding the private pools offered with some of the accommodations. Some reviewers appreciated the amenities of having a private pool, noting the convenience and exclusivity they provide. However, cleanliness and maintenance appear to be areas of concern. Several guests reported issues with not well-maintained and dirty private pools, including complaints about poor hygiene, outdated facilities and even smelly rooms associated with these pools. While the notion of a private pool in the room is attractive, it seems that the upkeep and cleanliness require improvement to meet guest expectations.

Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa receives mostly positive remarks from guests. Repeatedly described as big, large and even lake-like, the pool offers ample space for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests appreciate its cleanliness with many noting it as a key feature. The presence of slides adds an element of fun, particularly for children who reportedly enjoy the pool a lot. Despite a few mentions of the water being inconsistent and some instances of the pool area being dark at times, the overall sentiment about the pool remains favorable. Even though there is a noted lack of enough pool chairs and early pool closures, the outdoor pool still stands out as a highlight for many visitors, offering a pleasant and spacious retreat within the resort.

Honeymoon
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa offers an idyllic retreat for honeymooners seeking a serene and romantic escape. The ambiance is designed to be perfect for honeymoon celebrations, making it a popular choice for couples marking special milestones such as anniversaries and rejuvenating second honeymoon trips. The resort provides dedicated honeymoon suites and rooms tailored to enhance the romantic experience, ensuring that every detail contributes to a memorable stay. With its reputation as a premier honeymoon resort, Sand & Sandals stands out as an ideal destination for newlyweds and couples looking to relax and reconnect in a tranquil, picturesque setting.

Luxury
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa offers a luxurious experience for guests seeking an upscale retreat. Visitors frequently describe their stay as luxurious and mention the resort as a luxury hotel and resort. The breakfast served over the weekend is particularly highlighted for its sumptuous and luxurious spread, adding to the overall feeling of indulgence during the stay. Additionally, the on-site spa is noted as a nice amenity that enhances the luxury experience. Overall, those looking for a luxurious stay will likely find the accommodation to meet their expectations for comfort and opulence.

Beachfront
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa offers an enviable beachfront location, providing guests with direct and easy access to a beautiful and private beach. The proximity to the beach is frequently highlighted, making it an ideal spot for beach lovers who enjoy a less crowded and calming environment. Many visitors appreciate the clean and well-maintained beachfront areas, which offer pleasant views and a peaceful atmosphere.

The beach area is noted for its nice and private setting, enhancing the overall experience. The beachfront resort’s location is praised for being very close to the beach with some facilities even providing direct access. However, it is worth noting that swimming might not always be advisable due to high tides and there are some areas that might require a pathway or stairs to reach easily. Despite these minor considerations, the beachfront environment is largely regarded as excellent and adds significant appeal to the resort.


Yes, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Pool Lap Lanes, Private Pool, Outdoor Pool.

Yes, a spa is available at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa.

No, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa.

Yes, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa has a gym.

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