Overview
When you catch yourself daydreaming about a seaside wellness escape, you're probably picturing Thailand, Vietnam or Indonesia. Yet Cambodia's Song Saa Private Island is one such dreamy destination where the idea of wellbeing has been baked in from the very beginning. Founded by Melita Koulmandas and Rory Hunter, the idea to transform the island began in 2006, when the pair came across its rubbish-covered shores while sailing an old fishing boat.
Now, 20 years later, this award-winning resort lives and breathes its holistic philosophy amid the Koh Rong Archipelago. Situated within a protected marine reserve — the work of Koulmandas and Hunter's Song Saa Foundation — guests are drawn to the resort's diverse collection of immersive, water-connected rituals that deliver immense relaxation and rejuvenation. The cuisine is equally considered, highlighting seasonal Khmer flavours across multiple restaurants and bars. And with dinner served in a different spot every night, you can experience them all.
Spanning two tiny islands — Koh Ouen and Koh Bong — the former is home to 24 scenic villas, each offering its own vistas. For instance, some perch above the pristine waterfront, where others have stunning ocean or jungle views. Plus, there's a single Royal Villa, an expansive two-bedroom stay complete with a breezy terrace, a kitchen, a spacious dining area and unmatched Gulf of Thailand views. Off-grid seclusion? You might just happen to lose your return ticket.
Yet where Song Saa rises above is its commitment to wellness. Crossing the footbridge to Koh Bong, this speck is dotted with myriad tranquil corners, hosting all manner of restorative experiences. Taking place in sanctuaries such as an over-water sala, a treehouse retreat, a jungle-side gym, a herbarium and a wellness centre, the selection of bathing rituals and Buddhist-inspired signature treatments includes salt room sound therapy, Khmer herbal steam and shirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic practice.
These relaxing endeavours extend to Song Saa's curated adventures, with the islands and their surrounding waters ripe for roaming. On the most peaceful end of the spectrum, experiences like morning yoga, private meditation and massages are unmissable. Yet it's also possible to get the blood pumping slightly faster by snorkelling the island's coral reef, taking a PADI-certified scuba diving trip or hopping aboard a bioluminescence boat journey that invites guests to discover phosphorescent plankton.
There are also thoughtful ways to get immersed in the local culture. Guests are welcome to join the Song Saa Foundation's team as they visit the neighbouring Prek Svay Village or take part in a mission to deliver medical goods and supplies to people throughout the archipelago. With the resort heavily involved in uplifting the lives of locals — 95 percent of the team is Khmer — this luxury experience is not only a stellar high-end escape but also helps empower the local community through Song Saa's enduring conservation initiatives and education programs.
Song Saa Private Island is now available for bookings, situated a 45-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville Port. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Supplied.