Cambodia / Song Saa Private Island

Cognoscenti of the Far East need look no further than Song Saa, Cambodia’s first genuine luxury beach resort, set on a pair of exclusive private islands amidst the sapphire blue Gulf of Thailand and reached by speedboat. Meaning ‘the sweethearts’, Song Saa is surrounded by untouched islands with private beaches fringed by palms – a blissful backdrop for the selection of twenty seven Ocean View, Jungle Villas and overwater stilted villas complete with thatched roofs, an eco-conscious design inspired by Cambodian fishing villages. Standards of luxury are uncompromising, every villa offering the height of cool, thatched comfort with light furnishings, private pool on the veranda and an array of deluxe touches from top of the range entertainment systems to Wi-fi broadband. The design pushes the concept of eco-chic: locally sourced timber from recycled fishing boats and shacks (purchased at a fair price from villagers) is used on every scale – from shaping exteriors to detailed photo frames. Driftwood from the coastline is transformed into unique pieces of furniture; a washed-up bamboo root proudly showcased as a sculpture; a lamp courtesy of recycled oil drums. Even the lost art of Khmer pottery was revived to create all guest crockery, and local people were taught these skills as a way to encourage sustainable livelihoods. Specially commissioned photography adorns the walls; canvas prints showcase hidden beauty, such as the grain of a longtail boat, and monochrome prints of local mangroves all add to the overwhelming sense of place. Just off-shore, the Vista restaurant combines delectable cuisine with panoramic 360 degree vistas and glorious sunsets. Dive, snorkel, kayak or take a boat ride to neighbouring Koh Rong for village and jungle visits. There’s an education centre for local ecological insights, and an irresistible spa offering outdoor salas and discreet treatment villas nestled in the serene rainforest.