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The story behind Song Saa, Cambodia's first private island resort

Song Saa Private Island was set up by Australian couple Rory and Melita Hunter, whose vision was born from a desire to create a sustainable sanctuary of uncompromising luxury in their adopted home of Cambodia.

It was during the couple’s honeymoon, while exploring some of the more remote parts of Cambodia, that they came across the untouched islands of the Koh Rong Archipelago, which sits just off the coast of Sihanoukville. They fell in love with the white sand beaches, the turquoise waters and the vibrant and friendly fishing communities.

But it was two small islands in particular that captured their hearts – Koh Ouen, meaning ‘woman’, and Koh Bong, meaning ‘man’. These two discreet islands sit side by side in the sparkling sea like lovers, and so earned the local name ‘Song Saa’, meaning ‘the sweethearts’ in Khmer.

The Hunters immediately saw the potential of these stunning untouristed islands. Having both spent time backpacking in their younger years, the islands reminded them of what Thailand had been like before the tourist boom. And with that example in mind they developed a vision of sustainable luxury tourism that would bring benefits to the local communities and ensure the islands maintained their natural beauty.



Their vision was ambitious, made more so because it was the first time a private island had been developed into a resort in Cambodia. They reached out to local villages for advice and assistance, and found ways to help these communities improve their living standards and livelihoods. They also hired expert conservationists from the James Cook University in Australia to advise them on the construction of the resort to safeguard marine life. For example, where they had to build pipes under the sea floor the coral was replanted elsewhere. And now, after a year in operation you can see seahorses in these waters where there were none before.

After many years of painstaking work, the couple’s persistence and determination paid off and Song Saa Private Island was finally launched in March 2012.

Conservation is a major theme at Song Saa Private Island, and guests can visit the resort’s Life Centre to learn about the local environment and the work being done to protect it. Conservation tours are available for adults and kids, which gives them a chance to see how coral is grown, experience the local mangrove forests or visit some of the projects the resort has started in the local village, where they have established waste management systems and sustainable farming projects.



The success of Song Saa Private Island is underpinned by a strong team of local and expatriate staff – many from acclaimed posts abroad. The general manager Greg Williams is from the Alila; the executive chef Neil Wagner is from the renowned resort North Island in the Seychelles; the pastry chef is from the Ivy; the sales and marketing team are from the Burg Al Arab and Hotel de la Paix; and the head of HR is from Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives.

The style of the resort draws its inspiration from the Cambodian fishing villages found throughout the Koh Rong Archipelago. Melita has picked up unusual things from her travels and used them in the hotel – from old oil drum tops lovingly displayed in their weathered state to wheels of an old buffalo cart, driftwood and timber from discarded fishing boats.

All 27 villas have an indoor and outdoor bathroom and a private infinity pool, and there is high-speed internet across the island. The most luxurious villa on the island is the 2-bedroom Royal Villa, but every dwelling on the resort oozes comfort and sophistication. The villas are either 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom and are spectacularly positioned in the jungle, by the ocean or perched over the water in the style of traditional fishing shacks.

The 2-bedroom villas sleep six guests and they have a very large living room, which is a great venue for parties of up to 100 people. Guests arrive at the resort by speedboat from Sihanoukville and complete their check-in on the boat so they can head straight to their villas upon arrival. Once there, they change their watches to 'Song Saa time', which is an hour forward - or better yet, remove it altogether to get into the Robinson Crusoe experience.



Most food and drink is included in the price of your stay – the only exception being the Reserve List of premium spirits and wines – and the contemporary Khmer fusion food here is a major drawcard.

The resort has its own organic garden and the chef’s exploration of Cambodia and its food is evident in the spices and flavours on offer. The attention to detail is amazing. Forget your standard salt and pepper, for example. Here there are six different types of salts and six types of pepper to choose from at your table.

The centrepiece of the resort is the Vista Restaurant and Bar, which sits over the sea, accessed via a wooden walkway, with 360-degree ocean views. This is more of a fine dining restaurant where you will get a selection of three different things for starters, main course and desert - and the food is absolutely superb.

The Driftwood Bar is a more casual dining experience, situated on the beach and offering BBQs, wood-fired pizzas and tapas. 'Destination dining' can also be arranged free of charge for those who wish to dine in a private location, such as beach, a fishing boat or with their feet dangling in the swimming pool.

During the day there is a trolley offering drinks and snacks like Malaysian satay. And there are often special events like wine tasting sessions or parties, like the Song Saa Full Moon Parties that feature a delicious tasting menu of cocktails.

The resort takes a maximum of 68 guests and seems to have struck a special chord with Brits, with the majority of guest thus far coming from the UK.

It is not cheap to stay at Song Saa but it is good value for money for such a top notch and unique experience, particularly considering that all of the luxuries of food, drink and many activities are included in the price.

Unlike the Maldives, there is a lot you can do here, which makes it all the more authentic and interesting. You can take cultural village tours on a buffalo cart, you can hike through the jungle along nature trails or you can take island excursions for private picnics on the beach. You can go snorkelling on the island’s private reef, take a sea kayaking expedition to explore local coves and bays, or head off on a nature safari by boat - all complimentary.

To experience Song Saa for yourself, please get in touch with one of our consultants who can tailor-make your holiday to Cambodia. This experience works wonderfully when combined with a trip to Siem Reap first to explore the temples of Angkor Wat and a night or two in Phnom Penh before your beach holiday at Song Saa.

+44(0)20 7 289 6100  / info@ampersandtravel.com


To view more photos visit our Song Saa Facebook gallery



Client Testimonials

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

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