Alila Villas Koh Russey
Cambodian Islands

Chic, exotic and contemporary, Alila Villas Koh Russey is a luxurious haven in the Koh Rong archipelago in southern Cambodia. With uninterrupted views of the crystalline Gulf of Thailand and over one kilometre of pristine beach, this really is the remote island getaway modern travellers are in search for.

Clean and beautifully sleek lines, the hotel’s design is from the brainchild of Singaporean architect Chioh-Hui Goh, with the aim to harmonise the island’s surroundings, with the lush green jungle as its backdrop. This paradise resort comprises of 63 rooms, including 13 beach villas, each one is very open planned, allowing plenty of space in which to unwind. Each room is privately tucked away with outdoor seating areas which have beautiful views over the junglescape and the glittering bay beyond. The rooms are simply decorated, with cool muted tones and gossamer drapes which flutter lightly in the sea breeze. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and come equipped with organic amenities and double vanities. The beach villas have either one or two bedrooms and provide the ultimate escape, with spacious outdoor seating and a private pool, right on the beach - one need never leave their own private sanctuary.

There are two restaurants; the Horizon is the poolside formal dining restaurant, serving fine cuisine mainly with a French focus, along with some Asian and Italian flavours, and the Beach Shack, a slightly more casual spot on the beach which serves more authentic Khmer food, as well as freshly-caught seafood grills. The chef uses ingredients that are freshly picked straight from the hotel’s organic garden, and one can also often find the daily-catch on the menu too. Breakfast is also served at the Horizon and offers a daily changing a-la-carte menu, serving everything from freshly baked pastries to huevos rancheros.

The beach stretches over one kilometre long, and the soft sand is gently lapped by the calm gin-clear waters, sheltered by the natural curve of the lagoon. Sadly, there is an issue with plastic being washed up on the shore, but the hotel makes a fantastic effort in clearing the beach everyday – guests can also help with the beach clean-up if they wish – and guests will not find single use plastic in the hotel, from biodegradable paper straws to glass water bottles and refillable bathroom amenities. It is certainly refreshing to see such great ecological steps being made. There are plenty of complimentary activities to enjoy the beautiful beach however, such as kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling, or one can relax in the swaying beach hammock, listening to the sounds of the waves. There is also a beach front infinity pool, as well as a spa, daily morning yoga and a well-equipped gym.

Alila Villas is located on the tropical island of Koh Russey, just 20-minutes from Sihanoukville airport by boat and private car, and is the perfect spot to begin or end a tailor-made itinerary to Cambodia.

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller