Cambodia's Sihanoukville may top the backpackers' hitlist, but it's what lies offshore that's caught our eye. Song Saa Private Island hotel in the Koh Rong Islands is an eco-luxe escape spread over a pair of pristine isles, with thatch and stone villas dotted among the jungle canopy or lolling above the sea. Being green-minded has never been so glamorous.
All of the villas offer ocean views, private pools and an effortlessly luxe blend of thatched roofs, rustic timber beams, earthy stone and polished marble walls. Four-poster beds, Moroccan lanterns and carved tribal statues add flair to each eco-chic space. Perched among the canopy, the two-bedroom Jungle Villa scores points for its crescent-shaped layout and generous kitchen and living area. Its seclusion makes cheeky dips in the outdoor bath tub a must.
Gym, Ila spa, gardens, free WiFi throughout, free tea, coffee and unlimited bottles of house drinking water, three pieces of laundry a person a day. In rooms: flatscreen TV, iPod dock, indoor and outdoor showers, sunken bath tubs, Aesop toiletries . Not content to offer just sunrise or sunset views, the infinity-edge pool cleverly straddles the east and west sides of the island. Each villa also has it's own sea-view plunge pool.
Song Saa’s open-air spa is made up of private spa pavilions dotted across the island; it embraces the Buddhist philosophy of metta bhavana – the cultivation of loving-kindness and the spa menu is divided into three sections: stillness, healing and blessings. Choose from soothing Kundalini back massages, coconut oil rituals, Khmer leaf herbal massages, mudwraps and rainforest facials. Fancy a spa session under the stars? Nighttime spa sessions for two – soothing relaxation rituals – can be arranged with a day’s notice.
Thanks to Mr, and Mrs. Smith for this great write-up!