Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH), a strategic owner and developer of world class resort destinations is proud to present the first Els Club in Asia at the world’s leading event for the travel industry; World Travel Market (WTM) in ExCel London from 4 – 7 November 2013, stand AS500. The Els Club Malaysia will be the third Els Club in the world, following The Els Club Copperleaf South Africa and The Els Club Dubai.
DRH has been entrusted by the investment arm of the Malaysian government to enrich Malaysia’s tourism landscape by developing sustainable resort destinations that will attract international travellers from around the world. DRH’s current portfolio includes the award winning luxury resort The Datai Langkawi, internationally recognized for its unsurpassed service excellence and DesaruCoast, the region’s first luxury integrated destination in Johor, Malaysia. At WTM 2013, DRH is pleased to announce yet another significant achievement for the country; the birth of the Els Club Malaysia that will represent a new benchmark of excellence for golf tourism in the region.
Created by one of the greatest minds in golf business landscape design, an established professional hall of fame golfer and founder of Els Design; Ernie Els partnered with DRH to strategically design and build three championship golf courses in Malaysia. “We are determined to ensure golfers will enjoy premier service and world-class playing conditions here at the Els Club Malaysia. It is more than just golf; the Els Club is an ideal place for the whole family to relax and unwind while enjoying world-class golf club facilities and impeccable personalized service,” said Darrell Metzger, Director of DRH.
Members will be able to enjoy premier clubhouse facilities including dining at the famous Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill restaurant. The restaurant places the utmost importance on serving exquisite food using the finest and freshest ingredients to produce world-class cuisine and enjoy fantastic wine in a relaxed setting, all inspired by the lifestyle and spirit of Ernie Els.
Located in three stunning destinations in Peninsular Malaysia, the Els Club Malaysia will comprise three championship golf courses that will be delivered in style and authenticity personally designed by Ernie himself. All golfers are promised a supreme golfing experience reflecting Ernie’s own personal tastes and inspired by some of the greatest destinations he has visited around the world as a well-known champion golfer.
Els Teluk Datai Course, an 18-hole championship golf course which will be opened by February 2014 is set in a beautiful island in the northern state of Peninsular Malaysia in Langkawi. Marked as one of the most incredible courses within the Els collection, Els Teluk Datai Course is nestled within a centuries-old rainforest with towering lush tropical foliage, offering the finest golfing experience to avid golfers. It is also located adjacent to the award winning resort, The Datai Langkawi that promises subtle elegance with best-in-class services and amenities that will be a perfect accommodation for golfers to unwind and relax.
Another two championship golf courses of the Els Club Malaysia will be located in DesaruCoast, the region’s first luxury integrated destination in southern state of Peninsular Malaysia. DesaruCoast presents seamless integration of four luxury resorts, hotels and golf residences, complemented with differentiated leisure and entertainment offerings to include a lifestyle retail village, two water theme parks, a convention centre and a hospitality institution within the same integrated vicinity. Offering 54 holes in total, Els Coast Course is a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Ernie Els while Els Valley Course is a 18-hole course designed by Vijay Singh. Both courses jointly developed with Els Design, offers differentiated experience and challenges that will be uniquely integrated with the natural surroundings. In addition to the golf courses, DesaruCoast will also be home to the Els Residences, exclusive villas resembling Ernie Els’ lifestyle with views overlooking the greens, which are ideal for golf-holidaymakers as they offer convenient accessibility to the club facilities for a complete premium golf experience. The entire golf facilities will be managed by Troon Golf, the global leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing.
Opening in 2016, both championship golf courses will be the key attractions for both business and leisure travelers at DesaruCoast.
Also in the state of Johor, DRH has recently announced the opening of Little Red Cube, an integrated retail lifestyle and family entertainment complex at the luxurious waterfront of Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya. Located strategically at the marina with a panoramic view of the Straits of Johor, Little Red Cube is ideal for family gatherings, offering a premier mix of retail, dining and entertainment outlets. It is also adjacent to an internationally renowned hotel brand, Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour and the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park that features Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Town and Little Big Club with household characters such as Barney, Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder and many more.
Destination Resorts and Hotels www.drh.com.my
Ernie El Design www.ernieels.com/design