Meet the sweethearts

There are two pristine islands lying alongside each other in Cambodia’s unspoilt Koh Rong archipelago. Known locally as Song Saa, which means ‘The Sweethearts’ in Khmer, they now form Cambodia’s first private island resort

Most of Cambodia’s islands scattered across the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand remain undeveloped offering deserted oases of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and white beaches. Song Saa resort spans the islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve that has been established to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life including dugongs, seahorses and exotic species of tropical fish.

With the recent opening of the international airport at Sihanoukville, tourism in this tropical paradise is a growing trend. Rising to meet this demand, Song Saa will be positioned at the top end of the market for luxury resorts in Cambodia as well as setting a high environmental precedent.

On location

Song Saa Private Island is just a one-hour flight by private plane from Siem Reap or 30 minutes by boat after landing at Sihanoukville International Airport. Siem Reap has direct, daily flights to Asia’s main airport hubs such as Bangkok and Singapore making Song Saa a remarkably accessible, yet remote property.

Away from home comforts

There are 27 intimate villas at Song Saa, all built from sustainable materials and in perfect harmony with the natural environment. Uncompromising on luxury, they are designed to reflect the simple beauty of the surroundings.

Highly individual in design, the resort is inspired by Cambodian fishing villages with features such as over-water buildings, thatch roofs, rough-hewn natural timbers and drift wood furnishings. Guests will enjoy uninterrupted sunrise or sunset views from their Overwater, Beach or Jungle Villas, complete with private pools and all the creature comforts Robinson Crusoe could only fantasise about.

Each villa promises a sanctuary where guests can shower looking out over the ocean, sip cocktails whilst watching the sun set from their private veranda or have the resort’s chef treat them and their guests to fresh seafood under the stars. A twobedroom Royal Villa comes complete with its own private jetty for speedboat arrival and offers exceptional luxury and privacy for those in search of a discrete island hideaway.

At your leisure

Song Saa is working closely with government and non-governmental organisations, conservation authorities, marine biologists and community leaders to protect the environment and safeguard local livelihoods in a sustainable way. All this makes its Dive Centre one of the island’s leading attractions. It has a fully fledged marine biology team which will arrange all sorts of activities to showcase the local villages, marine life, nature and neighbouring islands; some of which are mountainous so offer amazing hikes, nature trails, wildlife and waterfalls.

A beachside water-sports centre offers sailing, diving, kayaking and snorkelling, while more relaxing activities include a Cambodian cooking school, champagne sunset cruises, stargazing and a moonlit cinema. The resort also has a spa set on its own island, providing the perfect location to enjoy a fantastic array of treatments, alongside a wellness centre for yoga and meditation. Romantic dining can be enjoyed at the Overwater Restaurant, where guests can sample dishes created by Neil Wager, the former executive chef from North Island.

Must do . . .

Explore the rainforest wildlife and nature by taking a day’s walking tour with Song Saa’s English-speaking guides.

Costs

From £430 / €500 / $668 per person per night including all meals and drinks, laundry, mini-bar, speedboat transfer from the neighbouring island of Koh Rong and most watersports, activities and excursions.