Cambodia’s luxury island resorts embody this new definition of luxury to a T. In these barefoot sanctuaries bespoke, mindful and personalised experiences replace the glitter of traditional opulence. Here among the talcum-soft sands and gin-clear seas of the country’s most beguiling landscapes, the old idea of luxury is transformed into something richer: peace nurtured through a sense of place and service that’s as warm as it is discreet.
When Covid lockdown restrictions were lifted, travellers didn’t rush to designer show rooms or hotels that offered merely lavish surroundings. Instead, they sought meaningful journeys that allow them to disconnect from the world in order to reconnect to their higher selves. On a private island, where people are outnumbered by birds and time is measured by the tide, conscious travellers find the space to do just that.
A private island vacation in Cambodia offers more than exclusivity. It promises a soulful escape where luxury is measured by how restored you feel after you return home.
More than just a collection of beachfront villas in Cambodia, Song Saa Private Island is a pioneer among the country’s luxury island resorts. Aside from being the first all-villa resort concept, female-owned and proudly independent, it is also leading the way when it comes to its regenerative ethos.
Far from being an afterthought, this is the green silk that weaves together all of our offerings, from the low-carbon treatments in our wild wellbeing centre to the fermenting programme in the kitchens of our flagship restaurant, Vista, which is designed to minimise food waste.
Song Saa’s vision to become Cambodia’s premier destination for eco-luxury travel was actually born after we discovered our passion for conservation . When she first bought the island in 2006, our founder Melita Koulmandas wanted to restore its coral reefs and to remove litter from the jungle. She began hiring people from the nearby communities on the island of Koh Rong Archipelago, thus beginning a proud partnership that continues to this day.
In 2013, we formalised our work in the areas of water, land and people in the Song Saa Foundation, an independent charity registered with the Cambodian government. From the use of recycled materials to the opportunity to accompany the team on Boat of Hope missions – delivering key education and medical supplies throughout the Koh Rong Archipelago – Song Saa offers a regenerative form of experiential luxury.
At Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia, each of our 24 beachfront villas is a sanctuary that appears to have sprung organically from the jungle. All have ocean views, infinity pools and open-air rain showers, as well as individual touches chosen by Melita, who led both the architecture and interior design. Crucially there is enough space between them that you will never be overlooked – except perhaps by our resident hornbills, who like to swoop between our two islands at sunset.
Earthy and innovative, Melita’s aesthetic is a tribute to Cambodia’s landscape, as well as the craftspeople who have called it home for centuries. Thatched roofs and panoramic windows allow the island’s raw beauty to take centre stage while upcycled materials including driftwood and oil drums reflect the resort’s commitment to eco-luxury travel without compromising elegance.
Privacy is paramount here. Whether you choose to dine beneath the stars on your deck, enjoy a massage at one of our open-air spa sanctuaries or float in our infinity pool, you’ll do so without ever encountering a crowd. Indeed, often our guests find themselves completely alone.
Saraan Sanctuaries by Song Saa, the island’s wild wellbeing centre, is where Indigenous wisdom meets modern science, foraged plants transformed into essential oils and sacred spaces are designed to reset body and soul. Saraan means ‘love’ in Khmer, inspired by the Buddhist concept of metta (‘loving kindness’) and our holistic programme invites you to embark on a soulful journey of rest and regeneration.
Among our signature offerings is the Spiritual Awakening Journey, a pathway grounded in ancient wisdom traditions. As mental clarity emerges and the nervous system resets, a renewed sense of purpose and presence blossoms, awakening the soul and aligning your energy toward true fulfilment.
The Chakra Wellbeing Night Ritual restores and awakens every sense through aromatherapy, massage, hot compresses with herbs from our organic garden and warm coconut oil being poured over the third eye.
As the most soulful of Cambodia’s luxury island resorts and one of the best hotels in Cambodia, Song Saa blends barefoot elegance with eco-luxury travel ideals. Here, the island’s 24 beachfront villas provide intimate sanctuaries where soulful luxury and sustainability intertwine, making every private island vacation a transformative journey for body, mind and spirit.
A private island vacation in Cambodia is a dreamy choice for those looking to reconnect in privacy during their honeymoon. However, it’s also for the solo traveller seeking soulful reflection, the wellness seeker yearning for deep restoration and small groups craving a truly intimate escape.
Guests drawn to luxury island resorts tend to be looking to reconnect with what truly matters. However, for those who cherish eco-luxury travel, Song Saa is more than just one of the best hotels in Cambodia; it is a transformative destination where luxury and sustainability walk hand in hand. In essence, this private island vacation is for those who long to ‘unplug to reconnect’, safe in the knowledge that every dollar of their holiday spend is a vote for the world they want to live in.
When it comes to private island vacations, Cambodia’s coast remains one of South Asia’s lesser explored regions. While the crowds beat a well-worn path to the Thai and Maldivan islands, Cambodia offers a quieter alternative.
Song Saa Private Island stands out as one of the best hotels in Cambodia, a jewel among luxury island resorts. Among our glorious beaches and deep, dripping jungle you can indulge your castaway fantasy – and yet Schnoukville port is only 40-minutes away and it’s easy to hop across to the neighbouring island of Koh Rong for village and temple visits.
For those prioritising eco-luxury travel, the marine and terrestrial ecosystems around Song Saa offer an inspiring playground that tell tales of the threats facing our oceans on a global scale, but also nature’s capacity for regeneration.
Fewer crowds mean more space to breathe, reflect and truly savour the gentle rhythms of island life – without accidentally ending up in someone else’s selfie at every sunset. With 24 exquisite beachfront villas providing intimate privacy, your escape to Song Saa is a rare chance to reconnect with nature and yourself in one of Asia’s most soulful sanctuaries. A private island vacation is an invitation to slow down, soak in Cambodia’s unique charm and return home with a suitcase of memories.
Ready for soulful luxury that offers complete privacy? Check availability for our private island villas or contact our friendly team for more information. We’re looking forward to welcoming you home.
