“Err, why does this room NOT look like Hard Rock room,” the thought comes hurtling through my mind the moment I swing open the door to what is to be my haven of respite for the next few days of my holiday at Hard Rock Hotel, Desaru Coast, Johor.
Somehow, the room’s pleasing pastel colour scheme and exquisite design elements are more pretty than rock star chic. I couldn’t help but recall my previous stay at the music-themed Hard Rock Hotel Penang several years ago, where there was no mistaking the rockin’ vibe the moment you stepped into the room.
I remember exclaiming in delight at the sight of the “welcoming committee”, which comprised an open guitar case that revealed a white Fender and a bunch of vinyls lined invitingly on the table. Meanwhile, Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stone’s frontman wailed like a banshee in the background.
Fast forward to today... Flopping myself onto the generous-sized bed with its plump pillows, and reaching for the remote control to indulge in some mindless channel-hopping, I remind myself to seek out the hotel’s PR person later to find out more about this property, which opened its doors less than a year ago and is the latest addition to the Hard Rock Hotel stable.
SAME BUT DIFFERENT
“Some people do have a perception of what a Hard Rock property is or should be like. They expect that in-your-face Hard Rock branding everywhere. But we’re more subtle,” begins Grace Chiam, the director of Marketing and Communications for Hard Rock Hotel, Desaru Coast, whom I’d managed to corner as she’s blithely doing her rounds with guests dining at The Elephant & The Butterfly.
This stylishly eclectic Mexican poolside bar and grill offers a culinary experience that’s inspired by the fiery romance between two of Mexico’s greatest artists, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. The story goes that when Kahlo and Rivera, who painted each other for 25 years, married, the former’s mother called them “the elephant” and “the dove.” Hence the restaurant’s name.
I’m not quite sure where the “butterfly” fits in but the “elephant” was a nod to Rivera’s large size compared to his more diminutive wife. Whatever the story, the spread here, as I soon discover, comprises a dramatic blend of traditional flavours paired with a modern take on Mexican cuisine. Head over to the bar counter for some really good specialty cocktails.
The gentle evening breeze is creating light ripples on the water, and the sky has transformed into a magical canvas of twilight blue. Somewhere in the background is music, but not the sort to make you want to rock out. Come to think of it, it’s the perfect ambiance for an evening wind-down. Somehow, the absence of buzz and bustle that’s usually the staple of the Hard Rock brand is suddenly so, so welcomed.
Continuing from where she left off, Chiam explains that the Hard Rock Hotel, Desaru Coast is what’s known as a “managed” hotel and not a franchise. “We’re trying to move away from the Hard Rock Cafe WITH rooms concept into something that’s a slightly more upscale product. Think Ritz Carlton etc, but with a little twist.”
The “twist” that she’s referring to is the music element, something that a Hard Rock brand will always be synonymous with. Enthusiastically, she reels off: “Music in the room, music in the pool, music in the bars, music in the spa... As a guest, you can request for a premium Fender electric guitar to be sent to your room together with headsets and an amp for you to rock out!”
Ahhh, so I need to request for that Fender, I nod as I recall my arrival earlier. It seems that this amenity, together with many others, including the vinyls and player, can be requested from the concierge when you check in. There are a total of 20 guitars and 10 sets of record players available for “hire”.
“We even go as far as tailoring the vibes in your room,” Chiam’s voice slices into my musings, as she continues with her explanation. “We’ll ask you what’s your preferred genre of music and then we’ll make sure that’s what you get when you enter your room. Essentially we want to infuse music into every element of your stay.”
SOUNDS JUST RIGHT
The hotel has its own Vibes Manager to create the right “sound” for guests. This “vibes expert” is tasked with marking the different music zones throughout the hotel. The music is curated on a daily basis and different types of music are played at different times of the day to suit the mood.
Music continues to be the main thrust even beyond the guest experience. The Hard Rock Hotel, Desaru Coast celebrates the music industry by its support to Johor’s talented musicians and music makers.
Shares Chiam: “Johor Bahru has an amazing music scene. There are so many talented buskers and music makers. But a lot of them don’t have the platform to perform. So we want to provide them with one.”
The hotel is looking to launch a programme where the musicians will be hosted just like a rock star for the duration of the weekend. “They can come here, rock out, get their 60 minute of fame, and we’ll arrange the meet and greet sessions for them and their fans. This is a project that we’ll be embarking on and the auditions will start soon,” adds Chiam, excitedly.
As the dinner table starts to heave with dishes prepared by the restaurant’s talented culinary team, Chiam excuses herself to allow me to savour the spread. I choose an interesting-looking burger to kick off my dinner, having recalled that the item is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Served in a home-made charcoal bun, the patty is beef and fittingly spicy, a la Mexican. The accompanying nachos and guacamole are wonderfully refreshing for a balmy night.
The hotel also has an all-day dining restaurant called Sessions on site. Spacious and contemporary, it serves a great buffet selection of both local and international spread. There’s also GMT+8, a lobby bar where you can sip on signature cocktails and mixes while enjoying some great music. Coffee lovers can make a beeline for Constant Grind, the hotel’s coffee bar, which unfortunately was closed during my visit. But it looks good nonetheless!
In no rush to leave my table, I take long, languid sips of my refreshing mocktail while enjoying the darkening panorama ahead of me. In the distance is a view of Riverside, the heart of Desaru Coast, a 23-acre waterfront landscaped retail and lifestyle village, which I remember Chiam telling me will, when fully completed, offer exciting retail outlets, restaurants, cafes and entertainment.
The blanket of silence, coupled with the occasional splashing sound from the pool, where there are still some energetic souls doing their strokes, is calming. Settling back into my seat, I make a mental note to explore more of the hotel tomorrow.
But then... a sudden burst of music, raucous and rocking, is heard coming from behind the walls. The lobby space, to be more precise. A live band! “Oh well, this is Hard Rock after all,” I tell myself, before making the decision to leave the comfort of my perch to check out what all the “noise” is about! Time to rock it!
WATERY FUN
Despite the late night before (yes, enjoying live music), I make it up in time for an early breakfast. I’d been advised not to miss Session’s abundant breakfast spread (I’m glad I didn’t!). And of course, there’s no skipping a day out at the Desaru Coast Adventure Park, located literally adjacent to the hotel.
Stretching over 21 acres, this impressive Waterpark, which features more than 20 rides, slides and attractions and has a unique mix of wet and dry rides, is said to be one of the world’s largest waterparks. Entry tickets to the waterpark can be obtained easily at the hotel.
Set against a backdrop of a Malaysian fishing village, here’s where you’ll find the one of the largest wave pools in the world with some of the world’s biggest man-made waves. Although I’m not a big fan of waterparks in general, it’d be a shame to miss out on this one. “Don’t leave without trying out the Kraken, the first water coaster in the region,” exclaims a hotel staff as I make my way to a private entrance into the Waterpark from the hotel.
The sun is already high up in the sky by the time I find myself looking on in awe at the gigantic ride in front of me. While my head throbs from the searing heat, my tummy is doing its usual watery wobble. I summon every ounce of “bravery” that I possess to make my unsteady walk to the grinning young man manning the entrance to Kraken’s Revenge – a combination of roller coaster and splashing flume ride that takes thrill seekers up 30 metres above the ground in rolling “boats” before swooping and spinning through a full 360-degree horizontal loop.
“The speed can reach up to 70km/h when you plummet down for the finish,” I overheard him share with other enthusiastic riders as they belt themselves up in their respective boats. Great. Making myself comfortable, I muse aloud that I hope I’d make it out intact as I’ve yet to explore the rest of the hotel.
Certainly, the rock star memorabilia tour isn’t to be missed and a visit to the Rock Spa, a full service spa that puts a musical twist with Hard Rock’s signature Rhythm & Motion treatment menu, sounds just like something the doctor might order!
Oh and my room! That funky white electric Fender, which reminds me of my own Fender back in the days when I had the hugest crush on Canadian rocker, Bryan Adams, is waiting to be picked! So much to do and so little time! Okay, bring on the Kraken!
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast,
Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar, Johor
Details at www.hardrockhotels.com/desaru-coast and www.dcawp.com
FEATURES TO ENJOY
PICKS: Premium Fender electric guitars delivered to the room along with headphones and an amp.
WAX: Crosley turntables and a collection of iconic vinyl records to amplify the in-room listening experience
ROCK SPA: A full service spa that puts a musical twist with Hard Rock’s signature Rhythm & Motion treatment menu.
HARD ROCK ROXITY KIDS CLUB: Daily fun and educational activities for kids.
ROXTARS TOY & SWEETS: From cuddly and musical toys to fashionable kids apparels designs, the children will love this shop.
ROCK SHOP: Featuring a diverse collection of clothing, accessories and music-inspired souvenirs for you to browse and stretch your wallet.
Daily Rock Star Memorabilia Tour
Going for a quick getaway to Johor Bharu with your friends? Book a car at the tip of your finger and get extra discount when you use SOCAR Promo Code.