In December this year Cambodia will open the first of several private island resorts that will combine luxury and conservation. Known as Song Saa, which means ‘The Sweethearts’ in Khymer, the eco-retreat extends to two tiny pristine islands joined together by a footbridge over a marine reserve.
Way off the beaten track in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago, just off the coast of Sihanoukville, are Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, the two islands that together make up Song Saa Private Island.
On one island is the luxury accommodation: an array of 25 stunning overwater, rainforest and beach villas built with sustainable materials including furniture created from restored driftwood.
The other island will house the wellness centre and spa suspended among the rainforest, and a yoga and meditation centre on the eastern shore – ideal for yoga at sunrise. As well as a large infinity edge swimming pool straddling both east and west sides of the island, there are beachside water-sports with sailing, diving, kayaking and snorkelling. At the heart of the resort is the world-class Vista restaurant and lounge, spectacularly positioned just off the island’s shoreline with a 360-degree view of the sea.
Guests can explore the islands’ reefs, wander among virgin rainforest and lie on the pure white sands of Song Saa’s beaches. With more than 20 deserted islands close by, there are plenty of opportunities for offshore adventures.
A major focus for Song Saa is the protection and improvement of the local environment, marine life and communities, according to the Australian owners, Rory and Melita Hunter. Having established a marine reserve to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life – which includes dugongs, seahorses and many species of tropical fish – Song Saa will allow guests to experience the area’s flora and fauna by dipping into its fascinating ecological program.
It’s easy to combine a stay at Song Saa with a trip to Angkor Wat where, after four decades of closure, the Baphuon temple has finally re-opened. The £9 million project to restore the 11th century, three-tier step temple began in the 1960s but was disrupted by Cambodia’s civil war. The French-led team pieced together 300,000 sandstone blocks in an archaeological jigsaw and it is now open for all to see.
Bridge & Wickers (www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk 020 7483 6555) offers a 3-night stay at Song Saa Private Island from £1,259 per person based on two sharing a Hilltop Jungle Villa including return private plane transfers from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, speedboat to the island, all meals, most drinks, a foot massage on arrival, mini-bar, laundry, and use of kayaks, snorkelling gear, kite board, wind surfer and sailing boats. International flights are extra and start from £890 per person.
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