Song Saa, Cambodia
Song Saa Private Island Resort
Explore the stunning coastline
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.
Highlights
24 luxury pool villas
Song Saa Private Island is a Certified B Corporation
Infinity pool
Spa
Ecological programme
Diving and snorkeling
Guided rainforest treks
The impact of your stay:
- Established with the goal of safeguarding its unique locale, the hotel played a pivotal role in transforming the surrounding area into a marine protected zone. In their commitment to responsible tourism, Song Saa Private Island not only prioritises low tourist numbers to preserve the delicate ecosystem but also actively engages in creating alternative economies for local communities.
- Song Saa Private Island goes beyond traditional hospitality by deeply integrating into the local community through its foundation. Demonstrating a commitment to holistic well-being, the hotel actively contributes to providing safe drinking water, healthcare, and effective waste management systems.
- In its commitment to environmental conservation, Song Saa Private Island’s foundation has launched impactful initiatives to protect rainforests and mangroves. The establishment of a tree nursery and a dedicated mangrove replanting district marks a significant stride toward creating a new forest, with the planting of 500 saplings.
Positive Impact
This non-profit organisation was founded in 2013 and seeks to preserve the natural environment and improve the welfare of local communities through a series of programmes. These programmes are divided into water, people and land.
The Song Saa Reserve’s latest endeavour aims to develop a 200-hectare eco-tourism site, which will support hotels, villas, conservation and cultural heritage initiatives and hospitality training to promote local culture and attract international visitors in a sustainable and ethical way.
The organisation also plans to provide year-round freshwater to 5000 mangrove saplings, and it has planted mangroves, established coral reefs and collected data on marine health, as well as aided the local community to provide drinking water to one of their five local communities.
Land-based initiatives by the Song Saa Foundation cover the conservation of terrestrial habitats and species in the Koh Rong Archipelago and Banteay Srey. The organisation has implemented protection and restoration programmes for mangroves and rainforest systems, and an on-going solid waste management project in Prek Svay with plans to expand to three other communities on the island.
Another programme encompasses waste management and involves recycling and composting, helping keep Prek Svay clean and allowing local villagers to be proud of their community, and in Banteay Srey the organisation have commenced a pioneering rainforest restoration programme.
The Song Saa Foundation also supports medical missions, education programmes and organic farming, as well as social and economic development within the community through sericulture enterprises in Prek Svay and employment opportunities at the private island resort. The Boat of Hope, an on-going charity project provides much-needed medical care through its outreach clinics and their annual International Medical Relief mission. The latter brings up to USD 1 million in medical supplies to the region along with 40 US-based doctors every year.
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