Koh Rong, CambodiaSok San
The Royal Sands Koh Rong
Thatched beachfront resort
Thatched beachfront resort
Guests arrive by boat to find open-air teak pavilions and sunken fire pits spread across a quiet white-sand beach.
“stay on the shores at a beachfront hotel like the villas at the Royal Sands Koh Rong.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
The open-sided lobby, with its rough-hewn reception desk and ceiling fans turning slowly overhead, signals the pace from arrival.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Sok San Beach unfolds across miles of undeveloped white sand, facing west over the Gulf of Thailand.
The rooms
Standalone thatched villas border sandy garden paths, and thirty include private lap pools measuring up to 18 meters.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Woven pod loungers sit directly in the black-tiled infinity pool, which borders the beach beside two Jacuzzis.
The spa and gym
Private spa suites host massages with Cambodian Bodia products, set alongside a timber-finished gym facing the forested hills.
At the table
Open-air pavilions host breakfast buffets, and linen-set terrace tables look across the Gulf of Thailand at sunset.
How it began
Swiss tourism executive Luzi Matzig partnered with Cambodia's Royal Group, building independent power and water systems before opening in 2017.
Koh Rong
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The Royal Sands Koh Rong
“A thatched beachfront resort”
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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.