Luxury Cambodia
Tours made for you

Meaning ‘green village’ in Khmer, Phum Baitang is set within eight acres of lush gardens and rice paddies away from the bustle of Siem Reap, yet still just minutes from the temples of Angkor. And indeed it does appear as a traditional Cambodian village on first sight, but you’ll soon notice intricate design touches and modern luxuries between the rusticity. There are 45 private stilted and thatched villas, each built in a traditional style with carefully considered contemporary touches, with extensive use of reclaimed wood, expansive terraces, handpicked furniture and wonderfully spacious bathrooms with egg-shaped baths carved from local stone. 20 of the villas have their own outdoor plunge pools. Two restaurants lie in the village, Hang Bay, which serves a fusion of cultural cuisine, and Bay Phsar, which has the feel of a local market and is the venue to try vibrant Cambodian flavours created using freshly picked ingredients including herbs from the organic garden and rice straight from the surrounding paddies. One of the bars sits alongside the scenic 50m infinity pool but our favourite is the cigar and cocktail lounge, housed within a reconstructed century-old farmhouse that has shelves bursting with vintage liqueurs, gin and whisky, surely one of the coolest bars in Southeast Asia. End a day of temple exploration at the spa, an ancient looking temple offering age-old healing techniques and beauty recipes using indigenous ingredients. Aside from temples, Phum Baitang offers a range of activities, including a kids’ club, private dining experiences and cooking classes, cultural excursions, trips to Tonle Sap and vintage jeep drives..

Song Saa is a beautiful eco-resort that sits across the islands of Koh Bong and Koh Ouen, which are affectionately known as the Sweetheart Islands. Accessible by a 45-minute speedboat journey from the mainland, Song Saa is the perfect place to completely unwind and explore southern Cambodia’s stunning coastline. The resort was built with sustainability in mind, and reclaimed timber and other materials from the mainland were used in its construction. Salvaged wood from old fishing boats and factory yards were turned into decking and beams, oil drums became lamps, and weathered driftwood was crafted into beautiful pieces of furniture. Set in a self-made marine reserve, Song Saa is also home to a team of marine biologists, implements recycling practices, and is involved in the funding and founding of sustainability projects in the area. The 24 luxury pool villas are scatted across the island, some nestled within the rainforest along the shoreline and others perched over the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The open-plan design of the villas creates a real sense of space and light and the natural decor and design compliments the surrounding environment. For the ultimate exclusive escape, the two-bedroom Royal Villa is reached by private boat and has its own pool, kitchen and indoor dining space for up to 12 guests. Locally caught seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables are used to create delicious Khmer cuisine at the overwater Vista Restaurant. Driftwood Bar on the beach is an ideal spot to grab a crisp beer or a mojito, along with a wood-fired pizza or some tapas as the sun goes down. Dotted around the resort are little sanctuaries where you can indulge in a spa treatment surrounded by nature. There’s also a large infinity pool, a fitness centre and yoga sessions for those that like to keep active while away. You’re surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, so grab a snorkelling mask, a paddleboard or a kayak and explore. Alternatively, take to the rainforest trails and discover the native plants and wildlife.

This luxurious boutique lodge is a serene hideaway set beside the Siem Reap River. Enclosed by tropical trees, this delightful art-deco haven, with a soothing white façade is ringed by a beautiful garden and centred around two turquoise swimming pools. Giving back to the local community is critical to this hotel’s operations, and it does so through the founding, funding and organising of various projects and NGOs. There are 36 rooms to choose from, offering either a balcony or direct garden and pool access. Contemporary furnishings, muted tones with the occasional bright pop of colour, and deluxe fabrics make each spacious room and suite a tranquil oasis in which to relax in the utmost comfort. Guests can revive their spirits at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serving both local and international dishes. Further rejuvenation can be sought at the idyllic spa after a day of venturing on tuk-tuks into town and exploring the magnificent Angkor Wat temples.    

Cambodia’s southern coast is a wonderful place to relax, unwind and enjoy its beautiful beaches and sleepy fishing villages. Knai Bang Chatt is located just two hours from Phnom Penh in Kep, and the perfect spot to enjoy this untouched part of Cambodia. This resort pays special attention to giving back to the local community through several programmes and has a reflective ecological consciousness, priding themselves on being leaders in environmentalism, and funding preservation and low-impact projects. Kep-sur-Mer, as it was known in the 50s, was a popular seaside retreat for the colonial French elite, and later wealthy Khmers. In the 70s much of the city had fallen into disrepair under the influence of Khmer Rouge forces. Among the abandoned buildings were the three original villas of Knai Bang Chatt – originally owned by the Governor of Kep, a relative of the king and the Head of Customs. The villas were purchased in 2006 and a further two villas were built with the whole property undergoing a full renovation 2012. Knai Bang Chatt consists of five villas with 18 rooms in total. The decor is inspired by the ancient Japanese philosophy, Wabi Sabi, which places emphasis on purity and simplicity. The rooms are simple and elegant with polished teak beds, ceramics and soft, earthy tones. Some of the rooms offer garden or sea views. Throughout the property, you’ll find cultural artefacts and historical works of art and the lush grounds are an oasis of calm with swaying palms and pebbled pathways. The Strand restaurant specialises in locally caught seafood, which can be enjoyed at the open-air restaurant by the beach or in the dining pavilion. There’s also the option to indulge in some really special dining experiences, including a private candlelit dinner at the end of the hotel’s jetty. The Sailing Club, located in a former fisherman’s cottage, is another option for food and drink and is also a centre for kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. There’re daily yoga and meditation sessions and spa treatments available, as well as a beautiful infinity pool, ideal for lazy days in the sun.

Shinta Mani Wild is an incredible luxury camp nestled within a 350-hectare protected area along the river valley on the southern border of the Cardamom Mountains. It’s the very definition of experiential travel, from the lodging itself to the activities on offer. Shita Mani Wild is the vison of world-renowned designer, Bill Bensley, who purchased the land and whose mission it is to protect this beautiful part of the country from poaching, mining and logging. The camp has partnered with the Wildlife Alliance, whose rangers have a station on-site, to help conserve this precious wildlife corridor. The camp consists of 15 luxury tents positioned along the Tmor Rung River. Their location ensures guests enjoy the best possible views and the tents are positioned so everyone has their own little part of the forest. The walk from some of the tents to the main camp can be quite long, so there are rangers on hand with lamps to help you back at night. Each tent has a story to tell, from the Botanist’s Tent to the National Geographic Tent and while each one is unique, they are all impeccably styled with gorgeous textiles, artwork, fascinating artefacts and one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. Many have freestanding bath tubs on the decking for the ultimate soak. At the heart of the camp is the Headquarters, where guests enjoy their meals. The team here are passionate about using local, seasonal produce, much of which has been foraged from the surrounding forest. For something really special, there is the option to enjoy a waterfall picnic. The Landing Zone Bar overlooking the Big Raging Sister Waterfall is the place for truly exquisite cocktails. And, if you don’t want to walk there, you can always zip line in! The camp’s pool has been designed to look like a cistern and the lining was painted jet black so the water reflects the details of the forest. The Khmer Tonics is the camp’s spa nestled amongst the rocks, and here you can indulge in a river-stone foot massage while soaking in a waterfall pool. There is so much to do during a stay at Shinta Mani Wild, from mountain biking and kayaking to fishing, foraging and cooking classes. There’s even the option to head out on an
anti-poaching patrol to experience the vital work being done by the Wildlife Alliance.

With the feel of a rural Khmer village, Sala Lodge’s luxury lies in its calm simplicity and service. The eleven stilted wooden houses were purchased from nearby villages, dismantled, transported and beautifully restored, now providing tremendously comfortable lodgings with their individual character intact. The communal areas provide a contemporary feel to the hotel, the modern lines of the restaurant, bar and swimming pool contrasting and enhancing the traditional architecture of the houses. Though located some 11km (7 miles) away from the hubbub of Siem Reap, residents will have an appointed tuk-tuk with a driver at their disposal to drive them into town. Other personal services, such as in house massages, private dinners and a range of tours can also be arranged.