Tiara Desaru Resort

Review by hotel critic

A Mixed Bag at the Tiara Resort As a marine biologist from the Bahamas, I typically gravitate towards ocean-centric destinations, and our recent stay at Tiara Resort was no exception. Arriving after a lengthy journey from South Africa, we were quickly greeted by friendly reception staff and refreshing welcome drinks, setting a positive tone. The apartment was comfortable, offered free Wi-Fi, and provided essential amenities like an electric kettle and a flat-screen TV. We appreciated the cleanliness of our room and the array of swimming pools, which catered well to our family, especially during a busy public holiday. Direct access to a clean private beach added value to our experience, allowing our children to play freely. It was evident that the resort faces challenges. The buildings and common areas carried a musty smell, hinting at inadequate maintenance. While the staff were notably kind—especially the hotel manager, Eugene Jansen—there seemed to be a shortage of personnel. Tiara offers decent value in a beautiful location but could benefit from improvement in upkeep and staffing for a more luxurious experience.