I am sure we all have been revving about the double holiday celebration every time we check the calendar, anticipating the Gong Xi Raya, which rhymes with ‘kongsi Raya’, translating to “sharing the holidays”, a combination of Gong Xi Fa Cai (Chinese New Year’s greetings in mandarin) and Hari Raya (end of fasting month’s celebration day) that happens in decades once.
This special celebration spirit is felt tremendously at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, when Maressa Esa, the F&B Marketing Manager invited The Iskandarian for their shared preview for Gong Xi Raya namely Ride into Fortune and Elegance for the Lunar New Year and Pesona Bayu Rasa for the fasting season’s buffet.
Known best for its close proximity and luxurious offering of vast, white sands on the beach of Desaru Coast, the resort presents a thoughtfully curated celebration that blends time-honoured traditions with Westin’s signature approach to well-being, comfort, and connection.
We started off with the customary Yee Sang tossing at Seasonal Taste outdoors, where it was nice and breezy and then moved indoors for a cosier setting and indulge in the festive offerings which were endless. Remember to take some time to savour at each aisle, or you’ll miss something profound!
For the seafood enthusiasts, the offerings are extensive. My friends were elated to enjoy the many choices of seafood from Chili Crab to fresh Slipper Lobster on ice!
I had their Hong Kong Steam Grouper with Lotus Fried Rice, to be in the CNY’s mood, before indulging into their Fried Nian Gao and Hong Kong Egg Tart, both are my family favourites and almost a staple in my Chinese neighbourhood. The dishes felt premium when we found we can have bird’s nest by the jar as much as we could!
As Ramadan would commence immediately after the CNY, the buka puasa ensemble showcases hawker styles foods such as Banana Fritters, Sup Tulang and Noodles. For the grills, Whole Lamb and Tomahawk are sure to satisfy you.
Remember to check out their lines of dishes on ‘kawah’ or big woks to cater to larger numbers. I had Wagyu Rendang for the first time in my life and couldn’t believe how vastly different it tastes compared to normal cuts of beef – I highly recommend this dish.
There are a variety of Malay kuihs, seamlessly offered with Arab’s sweets like the Halva. All of this goes so well with their Teh Tarik, which I love – You get a perfect foam on top, something not many teh tarik’s ‘baristas’ knows how to pull it off but ingrained in the actual ‘mamak’ corners.
We ended our preview by picking up on some childhood snacks that are propped up on a wooden warung-like style.
Book your seats for the Lunar Reunion Buffet Dinner from 16th to 18 February 2026. Dinner starts at 6.30pm–10.30pm, priced at RM288 nett per adult, RM144 nett per child (ages 6-12).
Meanwhile, guests can look forward break their fast at the Pesona Bayu Buffet Dinner at Seasonal Tastes, available from 19th February to 20th March 2026, from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm.
Early Bird Offer for the fasting season’s buffet is available until 17th February 2026 priced at RM158 nett per adult and RM79 nett per child (ages 6–12).
Normal prices are RM188 nett per adult and RM94 nett per child (ages 6–12)
For reservations and further information, kindly contact their F&B team at +6019 755 0561 or email fb.westindesaru@westin.com.
Extend the spirit of generosity with Rasa Tradisi Buat Famili, featuring a curated selection of Malaysian kerepek and exclusive handcrafted batik bags created in collaboration with Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO).
You can purchase Kerepek Malaysia from RM20 nett onwards and JARO Batik Bags from as low as RM8 nett onwards, made available from 19th February to 20th March 2026.
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort also offers personalised Lunar New Year and Hari Raya catering options.
Their bespoke menus allow guests to bring the spirit of abundance and togetherness to offices, homes, or event venues with ease.
For catering enquiries, contact dedicated Sales team at sales.desaru@westin.com.
