MTM to build residential resort in Cherating

KUALA LUMPUR: The well-heeled crowd that frequently jet sets across the globe to exclusive holiday destinations can soon add Cherating to its list of playgrounds.

MTM Millennium Holdings Sdn Bhd is developing a freehold, residential resort on 2.5 acres at the seaside town that faces South China Sea.

Groundwork kicked off in mid-August and the company aims to complete the project between 20 and 24 months.

Named Casa Dal-Hanaa (loosely translated as the house of tranquillity), the gated community and low-density development comprises Mediterranean-flavoured villas (20 units) and apartment suites (49 units), with tropical landscaping.

Datuk Seri Mohamad T. Al-Ozeir with a model of the Casa Dal-Hanaa residential resort project
Executive chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad T. Al-Ozeir described the development concept as a boutique hotel catering to the niche market. Planning took two years and involved marketing research with various consultants.

“It is an opportunity for one to own a vacation or beach home, which is similar to properties in locations such as Bali, Capri and Cannes,” he told StarBiz.

The properties are targeted at young Malaysians who have studied or lived abroad and want to enjoy a certain lifestyle when they return. MTM also wants to woo foreign investors to purchase its real estate.

Casa Dal-Hanaa has a gross development value of up to RM90mil. The villas are priced RM500 to RM750 per sq ft, while the apartment suites are tagged RM400 to RM650 per sq ft.

It will offer facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, a clubhouse and 24-hour security. MTM has sought permission from the state government to put up a marina near the project to facilitate water activities.

Pulau Ular, which is just across the residential resort, is expected to add value to the project.

Although a proper launch is only scheduled after the fasting month, Mohamad said the project had already attracted interest.

“An international company will manage and maintain the units at Casa Dal-Hanaa. We are talking with a few parties (those involved in hotel and residential management) from the US and Asia. We hope to finalise a deal before the launch,” he added.

As this is the company's maiden property development, Mohamad stressed that it wanted to create the right concept and management to attract purchasers. It is also planning a bigger project in Pahang.