perspectives places By Olha Romaniuk FRESH TAKE A new breed of Malaysian hotels ups the ante With tourism in Malaysia facing fierce competition from neighboring countries, its hotel industry has been working to keep up. The number of hotels have reached an all-time high of 3,404 rooms in December. However, since the entry ban into Malaysia due to COVID-19, many hotels are struggling to survive, with the Malaysian Hotel Association predicting a loss of 60 percent of the country's tourism business in 2020. Nevertheless, a handful of recent hotel openings signify the need for more distinct lifestyle offerings and a new breed of luxury hotels. One&Only Desaru Coast Among those is One&Only's first property in Asia on the Desaru Coast where Kerry Hill Architects' signature approach to tropical design takes centerstage. Located on Malaysia's 054 June 2020 hospitalitydesign.com Natural materials and earthy hues bond indoor and outdoor spaces at the One&Only Desaru Coasthttp://www.hospitalitydesign.com