Song Saa Private Island

Song Saa Private Island Resort is located in the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand amongst 61 islands, most of which remain completely undeveloped and many are deserted. Song Saa Private Island has undergone five years of restoration and rejuvenation of its flora, fauna and coral to bring everything back to its natural beauty. It is located on Koh Ouen and Koh Bong – two small adjacent islands in the Koh Rong archipelago that are a 45-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville or a 1-hour flight from Siem Reap. The hotel stands as proof that Cambodia does have world-class beaches and luxury hotels.

Song Saa makes every effort to work in tandem with its environment and maximise its sustainability: restaurants cater seasonal produce, staff are predominantly local, and the hotel encourages guests to remove their shoes and enjoy “barefoot luxury”. Activities also take advantage of the idyllic tropical surroundings. Guests can discover local wildlife and fauna through a guided island safari, try their hand at sea kayaking or get a glimpse into the underwater ecosystem through snorkelling off the island shores. For those interested in local culture, the hotel also offers excursions to a local village on a neighbouring island.

This desire to protect and celebrate their environment also emerges through their wellness programs. Alongside yoga and meditation, the resort offers more niche rituals that place nature at centre stage; from marine flora immersion experiences to rain forest facials and massages under the Cambodian night sky. Wellness programs are tailored to guests needs and are available for a length of five or seven days.

In terms of dining, guests will not find their tastes limited by the remote island location. For traditional Khmer cuisine alongside a quirky mix of Western comfort dishes and stunning sea views, head for the Vista Bar – the Samlor Koko dish here is a favourite of James’ and not to be missed! For lighter meals and a healthy array of sun-downer options, however, we recommend the island’s ‘Driftwood’ bar; located on the island’s stretching white sand beach, it is an idyllic setting to while away an evening sipping on Brut and taking in the incandescent night sky. Private island dinners as well as champagne cruises can also be arranged.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson