Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Song Saa Private Island
Reclaimed-timber island resort
Reclaimed-timber island resort
Two islets linked by a timber footbridge form an intimate resort crafted from salvaged Cambodian fishing boats.
“Jewel-like Song Saa—far-flung, rooted in best-practice conservation—is the most talked about hotel in Cambodia.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Biophilic thatched ocean villas shaped by Melita Koulmandas with driftwood decor and private plunge pools.
Remarkable
Canopy-level treehouse treatment pavilions, and outdoor workouts in a timber jungle gym.
Notable
Private speedboat transfers across the Gulf of Thailand, followed by candlelit sandbar dining.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper* and AFAR.
some stand overwater on stilts, Fiji-style; others stand on the beach, with the ocean’s waters for a front porch, and still others nestle on the forested hillside
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On private twin islands in the Koh Rong Archipelago, reached by boat from Sihanoukville.
The rooms
Every thatched villa has a private plunge pool, and sunken bathtubs look straight out over the water.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A curved freshwater infinity pool straddles the island, lined with wooden loungers facing the open ocean.
The spa and gym
Open-air treatment salas sit above the water for herbal massages, and the air-conditioned gym faces the sea.
Vista Restaurant & Lounge
The thatched overwater pavilion sits at the end of a timber footbridge, serving Khmer curries and sunset cocktails.
Australian owners Rory and Melita Hunter took inspiration from the local fishing villages when designing the accomodation, which comprises over-water villas with thatched roofs, rough-hewn natural timbers and drift wood furnishings.
At the table
Driftwood serves wood-fired pizzas directly on the sand, with beanbag loungers scattered beneath the palms.
How it began
The name means 'The Sweethearts' in Khmer. The founders bought Koh Ouen from a local family for 15,000 dollars in 2006.
“The 24 villas are built with reclaimed timber from old fishing boats and have canopy beds, driftwood furniture, sunken bathtubs, and private infinity pools.”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.