Tourism & Destination: Song Saa, the Cambodian island close to paradise

One of the perks of living in Cambodia is that paradise is never too far away. Which means you never really have to board a plane to track it down.

Song Saa, the Cambodian island close to paradise

Sustainability and environmental protection

Choose a destination like the private island of Song Saa, and your holiday will be unforgettable — and you'll also be helping shrink the planet's carbon footprint, no small contribution to protecting the environment. When Song Saa opened its doors in 2012, it was one of only a handful of truly luxury resorts in Cambodia, and almost the only one built to make the most of the Kingdom's stunning natural coastline.

But as the owners discovered during the early construction work on these twin islands just off Koh Rong, that coastline is still a fragile one. It was this realisation that pushed them to put sustainability and environmental protection at the heart of the project.

Activities

With 24 private villas, each with its own private pool and ocean view, Song Saa offers a near-unmatched blend of sea, stillness and luxury. And while the temptation to simply do nothing all day is real, there's still plenty to do around the island: snorkelling, yoga, scuba diving, kayaking, jungle safaris or a nature treasure hunt, along with the chance to take part in a Buddhist ceremony for special occasions.

And if even that feels like too much, there's always the Song Saa Spa. Made up of small sanctuaries scattered across the resort, the Spa offers a range of individualised treatments designed around each guest's specific needs, whether that's finding stillness or recharging.

At every step, Song Saa keeps its commitment to the environment front and centre. That shows up in the sustainable beauty products used at the Spa (guests are also asked not to bring their own shampoo, given the damage it can do to the surrounding waters), and in the work of the Song Saa Foundation, whose mission is to improve the wellbeing of communities and natural habitats across the Koh Rong archipelago and beyond.

The first marine reserve

Song Saa's developers launched the first marine reserve to be officially recognised by the Cambodian government, one that has brought the reefs around the island back to life, with growing numbers of fish and other marine life such as sea cucumbers and giant clams.

Song Saa currently offers an all-inclusive "Stay-4-Pay-3" package, with the possibility of an upgrade if you book directly. Maybe it's finally time to take the plunge…

By Nikki

Photos by Song Saa (c)- More photographs here