HOTEL BUZZ: Cambodia’s First Luxury Private Island Readies For Debut

Song Saa Private Island is to be Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort, located in the pristine Koh Rong Archipelago, and the dream project of Australian businessman, Rory Hunter and his wife Melita, who first honeymooned in the area before embarking on this ambitious project in March 2010. “The completion of the first one-bedroom jungle villa marks a key milestone for Song Saa and illustrates the quality of development that we aim to achieve at the resort,”said Hunter. The resort spans the islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, known to Cambodians as Song Saa, or ‘The Sweethearts’, and is connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve that they have established to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life including dugongs, seahorses and exotic species of tropical fish.

Upon completion in November 2011, the resort will feature 25 rainforest, beach and over-water villas, each featuring a private pool. Adopting a ‘Rustic Chic’ design, the resort is inspired by Cambodian fishing villages with features such as over-water buildings, thatch roofs, use of rough-hewn natural timbers and driftwood, while offering the amenities and services one would expect from a five-star resort. Some of the villas are also for sale and according to Hunter, “offer a unique opportunity to acquire a special piece of real estate that is rarely offered elsewhere in the region.”  (Contact CB Richard Ellis for more details at: songsaa@cbre.co.th )

At the heart of the resort will be an over-water restaurant and lounge, positioned just off the island’s shoreline and surrounded by ocean. Other resort facilities will include an infinity-edged pool, gym, spa & wellness centre, yoga & meditation centre and a beachside water sports centre offering a range of activities such as sailing, diving, kayaking and snorkeling.

Development on Cambodia’s coastline has been limited to date and tourism in Cambodia has been largely centered on Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. However, with regular flights from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville scheduled to begin in March, Song Saa will be within easy reach, and only a 20-minute boat ride from the Sihanoukville port. Alternatively, the resort can also be directly accessed by a one-hour seaplane flight from Siem Reap, which will run two daily flights to and from the island, making the resort extremely accessible for those wishing to enjoy an extended beach holiday following a visit to Siem Reap. Watch this space!

For reservations, phone: +855 77 777 439 or email: info@songsaa.com