As Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort, Song Saa Private Island is an exclusive boutique eco retreat offering transformative wellness experiences that restore harmony in mind, body and soul. With an exquisite menu of local Khmer dishes, the food is just the first thing that has us wishing our stay would never end:
Location
Lying in a secluded pocket in Cambodia’s pristine Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa Private Island is a truly remote hideaway. Surrounded by sea and spanning across two islands, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, the resort is a 45-minute boat ride from the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville. Siem Reap Airport, Phnom Penh Airport and Sihanoukville International Airport are the closest connecting flight bases.
Accommodation
Song Saa features 27 sophisticated villas including nine one-bedroom Jungle Villas (measuring 1,450 square feet); two-bedroom Jungle Villas (measuring 3230 square feet); and six one-bedroom Overwater Villas (measuring 1,450 square feet). Designed to reflect the simple beauty of the natural environment, each villa is equipped with king-size beds, private pools, balconies, oversized sunken bathtubs, outdoor showers, sundecks with daybeds and all the high-end creature comforts you’d expect of a five-star resort.
The Overwater Villas also have a spacious lounge area with glass flooring so you can peep the ocean below and come with a dedicated ‘Guest Experience Ambassador’, who caters to every whim.
Food Programme
With a focus on fresh, sustainable, all-natural ingredients, the food at Song Saa reflects the pristine perfection of its natural environment. Locally-sourced from the nearby rainforests, organic farms, and crystal clear waters of the archipelago, fresh produce includes seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs (many of which are grown in the island’s organic garden), wildlife-friendly Ibis rice and locally-produced honey, sea salt and cashew nuts.
Reinventing age-old Cambodian traditions with a modern Western twist, the chefs serve up favourites such as Green Mango Salad, Fish Amok (fish curry), Grilled Squid and Stir-fried Morning Glory at the resort’s world-class restaurant. They also have a specially curated spa menu that has been mindfully designed to complement the retreat’s wellness programme. Brimming with superfoods and antioxidant, vitamin and mineral-rich ingredients, this healthy menu supports detoxification, while ensuring maximum nutrition. Vegans and vegetarians are catered to, along with other special dietary requirements including gluten-free meals.
Treatment Programme
The wellness retreats at Song Saa fall into three comprehensive categories: ‘Refresh’, ‘Rejuvenate’, and ‘Revive’. Beginning with a private consultation with the retreat’s head of wellness, each package spans five or seven days and includes holistic therapies, spa rituals and mind-body activities. The Refresh programme focuses on relaxing spa treatments and soothing wellbeing rituals that encourage guests to unwind and detach from stress. The Rejuvenate programme targets detoxification and purification via cleansing spa treatments, a healthy diet plan, and physical training. The Revive programme concentrates on ‘inner wellness’, restorative spa treatments and holistic healing rituals.
Each retreat is linked to its own unique spa menu: refresh with ‘Stillness’, rejuvenate with ‘Blessing’, and revive with ‘Healing’. Inspired by the Buddhist principle of ‘metta bhavana’ (loving kindness), each spa menu has been mindfully curated and embraces traditional and modern treatments from east and west. Executed by a team of local and international practitioners who combine traditional Khmer techniques with modern western practices, the therapies are top-notch.
Results
Expect to feel…like you’ve spent a week in Robinson Crusoe’s secret five-star sanctuary. The Khmer cuisine and treatments are a unique touch.