Song Saa Private Island Resort

Far less visited than the Thai islands, Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago offers an idyllic beach escape just off the Cambodian coast. Blanketed by virgin rainforest and hemmed by white sand beaches, Koh Rong Island is the largest within the cluster, though much of it still feels very rustic. (Roads and electricity are recent-ish arrivals.) For a five-star upgrade, look instead to nearby Song Saa Private Island Resort.  

An exclusive paradise just a 45-minute private boat ride from the coastal town of Sihanoukville, Song Saa stretches across two small islands (Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, known as Song Saa, or “The Sweethearts”) connected by a footbridge.  

There are just 24 luxury villas, either ocean-facing, jungle-set or over-water. Each boasts a private plunge pool, thatched sala, and sunken bathtub—as well as modern amenities such as Bose surround sound and Wi-Fi. Eight overwater villas are the indisputable crown jewels of Song Saa, stretched out like a string of pearls enveloped by emerald Gulf of Thailand waters. Peek-a-boo glass floor windows peer into the sea and a set of stairs stretches into the shallows for direct water access. A spacious two-bedroom Royal Villa handily accommodates eight guests and features a scene-stealing infinity pool, portholes, and a whimsical mojito-making station. Eight ocean-view villas offer luxury back on terra firma. Drink in the horizon-swallowing sunsets from your private slice of beach or take lunch in your dining gazebo. For a reclusive experience, enjoy total privacy in a jungle villa. Cradled by the rainforest canopy, your most difficult choice of the trip will be choosing a sunrise or sunset-facing view. 

Pass lazy days on Song Saa, snorkeling protected reefs, scuba diving, and kayaking. There are also opportunities for guided meditation, a monk-led blessing ceremony, yoga, a walking safari, and a visit to a local community. Enjoy a body scrub, wrap, massage, or bath ritual at the “spa without walls”—secretive sanctuaries in nature that dot the island.  

All meals are served with water views at Song Saa—your choice is whether to dine convivially in the Vista Overwater Restaurant & Lounge (overlooking the house reef and marine reserve) or in the privacy of your villa. For a sensorial meal, dig your toes into the sand while grazing on tapas and sipping a chilled tipple at the Driftwood Bar & Kitchen. A poolside bar delivers attentive service to the day beds next to the infinity pool. For the most memorable al fresco meal, let the team arrange a picnic in a surprise location on the island.   

A model example of regenerative tourism in Cambodia, Song Saa Private Island Resort takes great effort to tread lightly within the fragile environment it occupies. Much of the property’s construction uses salvaged timber; the resort gazetted and currently manages the country’s first dedicated marine reserve; and the Song Saa Foundation continues to engage the local community, creating meaningful employment while generating social, educational and health care-related uplift. It’s a travel-as-a-force-for-good ethos that travelers can support just by checking in.