Amansara

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.

It’s the very definition of experiential travel, from the lodging itself to the activities on offer. Shita Mani Wild is the vision 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.

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.

Hidden deep within the Cardamon Rainforest near the border with Thailand is Canvas & Orchids Retreat, a wonderful eco-lodge with a strong emphasis on showing off and protecting its natural environment. 12 tented villas sit on a pontoon over the Tatai River with large balconies from which to look out over the water and watch the sun set and rise from behind the trees. Lean over the decking with a morning coffee and watch the aquatic life beneath its surface or relax inside your villa, birdsong providing the perfect soundtrack to your time in the forest. There is a strong commitment to preserving the environment with solar panels providing energy, much of the furniture made from water hyacinth plants and the villas floors are made from a composite of wood and 100% recycled plastic to avoid having to replace whole wooden pannels due to heat and humidity. Waste water is treated and then released back into the river when clean. The lodge has also initiated a number of community projects in the Koh Kong region such as bringing uncontaminated drinking water to a local school. There is also an ongoing Tatai river and waterfall clean-up project to help preserve the flora and fauna. Guests can dine on delicious Khmer cuisine at the al fresco restaurant, enjoying locally sourced seafood and vegetables cooked with a unique blend of herbs and spices. The Cardamon Rainforest is one of south east Asia’s most pristine and it is ripe for exploring. Hike through the jungle, explore the coastal mangrove forests, take a boat trip out to Tatai waterfall and enjoy gliding through the still waters on a sunset cruise.