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.

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.