One of the beachfront pool villas.

DESARU: Minor International, one of the largest hospitality, restaurant and lifestyle companies in Asia Pacific, is introducing its resort branded residences concept to Malaysia with Anantara Desaru Coast Residences. 

Comprising 20 beachfront pool villas designed for family-friendly luxury, Anantara Desaru Coast Residences presents an exciting investment opportunity in an up-and-coming destination on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.

Developed jointly with Themed Attractions Resorts and Hotels, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Anantara Desaru Coast Residences features three- and four-bedroom units.

Priced from RM7.5mil, the villas, with built-ups of 3,100 sq ft to 6,426 sq ft, offer fully furnished living space, a private infinity pool and direct access to the beach. 

The residences are managed, maintained and serviced year-round by the five-star Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas, offering owners full access to the resort’s world-class facilities, including a private beach, a lagoon pool, an ocean-fronting infinity pool, Anantara Spa, a fitness centre, kids’ and teens’ clubs and a variety of restaurants.

"Branded residences – those that are managed by a global hospitality brand through an adjoining hotel or resort – offer exceptional benefits and versatility,” said Minor International real estate vice-president Micah Tamthai. 

“Leveraging the developer’s and operator’s combined expertise, they offer assurance in terms of quality and service standards, including those governing the safety and well-being of residents, for additional peace of mind amidst the current global pandemic.”

The branded residences model presents an opportunity for investors to generate both short- and long-term returns, he said. 

Each unit has fully furnished living space, a private infinity pool and direct access to the beach.

“With a full complement of resort amenities, buyers benefit from hassle-free homeownership, and the opportunity to earn returns through a resort-managed rental program. In locations like Desaru Coast, they will also benefit from capital gains arising from being a first-mover in a pioneering destination with vast growth potential.” 

Savills, in its 2019 Branded Residences Report, estimates that the average premium for branded residences over a non-branded product starts at 35% – rising to as much as 70% in emerging destinations.

The branded luxury residence sector is growing around the world, especially in Asia Pacific. According to a March 2020 report by C9 Hotelworks on the sector, Asia now has a third of the world’s branded residences. 

While Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines lead Asia Pacific’s luxury branded residence development, it is just beginning to gain traction in Malaysia. 

The Savills report pointed out that of the 12 branded residences that were under construction in Asia Pacific in 2019, only three are located in Malaysia.

“Whether they’re purchasing a villa as a personal holiday home or as an investment property, Anantara Desaru Coast Residences offers owners a world-class luxury experience in a tranquil seaside resort, and the peace of mind that their asset will be well looked after to maximise returns,” added Tamthai.

Minor International’s real estate portfolio currently comprises nine branded residential developments in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the UAE under the Anantara, Four Seasons and St Regis brands. 

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