Khmer for “The Sweethearts”
In Cambodia’s untouched Koh Rong Archipelago, two pristine islands lie side by side. They are known locally as Song Saa – Khmer for “The Sweethearts”.The Song Saa Private Island is as seductive as the name implies. Think intimate. Think luxurious. But above all think harmony – with all the elements of nature that makes this place so special.
The resort spans the islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve we have established to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life including dugongs, seahorses and exotic species of tropical fish. It features 24 luxury overwater, jungle and ocean view villas built with sustainable materials and with the deepest respect for the natural environment.At the resort’s heart is a world-class restaurant and lounge, spectacularly positioned just off the island’s shoreline and surrounded by sea. A short stroll on the boardwalk will leave you perfectly positioned to take in dramatic sunsets, seascapes and starry nights.Guests to Song Saa will be amongst the first foreigners to experience this untouched world, reminiscent of Thailand’s islands before its tourist boom.Rates (depending on season and number of guests): from USD 1,590 per day for up to 2 guests. Rates include tax, breakfast, lunch, dinner, house beverages (wines, beers, spirits) and daily snacks from the kitchen. Also included: welcome drink on arrival, 15 minutes foot ritual during guest stay, mini bar, high speed internet, transfers (from Sihanoukville to Song Saa and return), use of kayaks, sailing boats and snorkeling gear. Laundry is limited to 3 pieces of laundry per person per day.Location Song Saa Private Island is only a 30 minutes by speed boat from the city of Sihanoukville located near the south coast of Cambodia. Accommodation The resort features 24 one and two bedroom jungle, ocean-view and over-water villas, which are designed around the theme of a Cambodian fishing village, but with all the luxuries and modern conveniences you would expect of a world-class resort.
The use of natural finishes throughout helps the resort blend seamlessly into its surrounds and wherever possible recycled and sustainable materials have been used. All villas on Song Saa Private Island feature: – King-size beds, dressed with the highest quality linen – Exquisite bathrooms, complete with twin bathtubs and indoor shower – Outdoor showers to make the most of the tropical climate – Indulgent Aesop skin, hair and body care products – Wi-Fi access – Generously stocked minibar – Mini wine cellar – A safe for valuable possessions – Espresso machines in the two bedroom-villas. All villas are equipped with a French press. – Integrated Bose sound system complete with iPod dock
What makes Song Saa so special
Song Saa is a paradise unlike any other, it’s transporting. Everywhere you look, you can’t help but be in awe — this is the resort of your dreams you didn’t even know to dream of. It’s a place that you didn’t know could exist in real life. Everything is almost too perfect.
It isn’t ever crowded and is serenely quiet all the time, creating a romantic, relaxed vibe throughout the whole island. The island has only 24 villas, meaning, at Song Saa’s greatest capacity, you are one of maybe 40-something guests on the entire ISLAND. Which makes you priority number one for all of the Song Saa staff.
The attentive, yet unobtrusive, service is unlike any other I’ve ever experienced, as the staff seems to anticipate your every need before you even have a chance to ask for it. They’re graciously at your beck and call for anything and everything you should want or need while on the island, but they’re unnoticeable unless you need them. They want you to enjoy the island as if it’s your private island, but with all the amenities that make it your perfect trip.
The whole thing feels a little like heaven, and you’ll have to pinch yourself every so often to convince yourself it isn’t just a dream.
Should you not want to completely disconnect (because let’s face it, you’re going to want to Instagram every single part of this island), even the wifi here works better than my wifi at home. (Yes, on an island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand- don’t ask me how they do it, but they do). Song Saa makes sure that nothing is short of perfection for your entire stay here.
Client Testimonials
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future – 10/10- Anonymous, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I’ll always recommend you!- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!- Mr David Wallace, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We had a wonderful holiday – everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected… Everything was great!- Jaime Benitez, South India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!- Leslie Siben, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Activities at Song Saa
When you arrive, the staff gives you a long list of activities you can take part in during your time at Song Saa, ranging from activities you can do around the island, like paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing and snorkeling, to more adventurous waterfall hikes, sunset sailing trips and bioluminescent snorkeling (the water surrounding the island lights up with plankton at night, making for a surreal night-snorkel to remember).
On the island, they offer cooking classes and afternoon tea-making, where you can learn about Khmer traditions and have a relaxing afternoon sipping on freshly brewed teas and snacks made in the garden for you.
You don’t need to sign up for any of these ahead of time, just let the staff know what interests you, and they’ll make sure your itinerary is as booked (or as unbooked) as you want it. There’s plenty of activities to keep you busy, but it’s also easy to spend the whole time poolside in your villa if that’s your island vibe.
Itinerary View Trip Map
Day
1
Arrive Song Saa Private Island
On arrival in at Sihanoukville airport, you will be transferred to the pier for you shared boat transfer to the island. The speedboat transfer is around 45mins before arriving in paradise.
After check in at your hotel, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
| Meal Plan | All Inclusive |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Accommodation | Song Saa Island Resort |
| Location | View map |
Song Saa Island Resort
View map
In the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia’s islands nestle like dazzling natural jewels. Song Saa Private Island lies secluded in this magnificent seascape, just 35 minutes by boat from the port of Sihanoukville. As our guest, you’ll be among a handful …
In the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia’s islands nestle like dazzling natural jewels. Song Saa Private Island lies secluded in this magnificent seascape, just 35 minutes by boat from the port of Sihanoukville. As our guest, you’ll be among a handful of lucky adventurers to experience this beautiful, untouched paradise. Walk among old-growth rainforest, watch dazzling reef fish swim under your villa or see rare hornbills land on your balcony.In this private intimate setting, you will lose yourself in the natural world..As Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort, we are committed to maintaining the natural assets that make this location so unique. Private Island is as seductive as the name implies. Think intimate. Think luxurious. But above all think harmony – with all the elements of nature that make this place so special.
- Lounge
- Restaurant
- Scuba Diving
- Shop
- Spa
- Swimming Pool
- Watersport Activities
- Yoga Studio
-
Days
2 – 3
Private Island Time
Created with sustainability in mind, Song Saa Private Island reflects the beauty of the Cambodian coastline. It’s a place that breathes in time with nature, built from local materials, by local hands, and infused with local art and soul. An evolved tropical getaway with a pristine private beach, spacious wooden villas, heavenly spa sanctuaries and a preserved coral reef, Song Saa Private Island lets you detach from the world and tune into simple luxuries.
You have two full days to take this all in and experience all the activities and relaxation the island has to offer.
Day
4
Other Information
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Shared return transfers from Sihanoukville Airport
- Shared return speedboat transfers to and from Song Saa (as per resort schedule)
- 3 nights deluxe villa accommodations at resort
- Access to non-motorized water sports equipment such as snorkeling gear, wing surfing, paddle boards, kayaks and hobie sailboats
- 3 pieces of laundry per person per day, non-accumulative
- Complimentary long tail boat excursion to Sala Song Saa Village Tour (subject to resort schedule)
- 15 minutes foot ritual & 15 minutes Neck/ Head/ Shoulder massage (once per stay, from 10:00 to 13:00)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner in any dining venue – Vista, Driftwood bar, private dining locations
- Unlimited house wines, house beers, house spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages
- In villa dining (based on in-villa menus)
- Destination dining once per stay, shared, based on availability & weather (private is an additional fee)
- Minibar restocked daily (morning upturn) – with alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages and selected snacks
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
All prices are per person, based on twin share accommodation. Subject to availability. For airfare, upgrades or extensions please inquire.
Song Saa’s Commitment to a Better Cambodia: The Song Saa Foundation
Aside from the gorgeous luxury bungalows, endless water activities, top notch all-inclusive food & drinks, and absolutely dreamy sunrises and sunsets, there is another part of this magical paradise island that really stuck with me, and that’s their commitment to building a brighter future for Cambodia through the Song Saa Foundation.
Many five-star resorts come into a developing country like Cambodia with only their own interests and goals in mind, not making an effort to do their part in making the country they’re stepping into a better place. The Song Saa Foundation, on the other hand, is dedicated to doing just the opposite.
Through countless conservation and humanitarian initiatives that are at the heart of their mission, Song Saa is able to bring fresh water filters, medical care, and educational programs to the villages of neighboring Kho Rong Island, and has pioneered lasting programs for initiatives like trash clean up and marine conservation. In fact, they’ve created Cambodia’s first marine preserve in order to protect the island and promote sustainable fishing in the beautiful waters. And, unlike most resorts that are largely staffed by ex-pats, Song Saa has made it a priority to partner with the local villages to foster a partnership in tourism, hiring around 80% of all their employees from Cambodia, and largely from the local villages. This creates a wonderful opportunity for those in the villages to pursue careers in tourism, which is a hugely prestigious career path in Cambodia (those in the tourism industry tend to make as much as doctors or lawyers in Southeast Asia).
Song Saa has been recognized for its efforts by National Geographic as a leader in sustainable tourism, and has received numerous awards for eco-tourism and sustainability by publications like Travel & Leisure. They are funded through donations, grants, and volunteers, and even offer incredible, meaningful volunteer opportunities while you’re on the island, such as their monthly Boat of Hope missions, should you choose to take part, which give you the opportunity to add an incredibly rewarding experience to your time at one of the most beautiful places on earth. There are also longer programs run by the Song Saa Foundation for those interested in creating an entire trip out of volunteering. If you can’t make it to the island but still wish to donate to these dedicated conservationists and humanitarians that are making a real difference in the developing country, please check out the Song Saa Foundation donation link here.
Five-star dining at Song Saa
The food at Song Saa is the best you’ll find anywhere in Cambodia. Much of it is farm-to-table, and grown right on the island in the “chef’s garden”. Even their sea salts are hand made on the island! The seafood is fresh and so delicious, (I had poolside sushi and sashimi at least once or twice a day) and even the pizzas are to-die-for for those times you just feel like a little tropical ‘za.
In-villa dining is provided around-the clock should you want it, and dinner is adorably called ‘destination dining’, and served in a different surreal location around the island each night, so you can experience everything from a moonlit dinner on the sands of the beach to a candlelit one in their restaurant, to a romantic meal beneath the stars by the pool. Every menu is different, and is delivered to your door in a message-in-a-bottle style scroll each day.
After all, this is the hotel has earned such honors as a Top 20 Resort in Asia by CondeNast, The Top Resort for a honeymoon in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand by Brides Magazine, a top 10 Resort in The World award by Traveller’s World Awards in 2016, and a Top 100 Best Hotels in the World by Town & Country. It is one of the very best in the world, and deserves every accolade.
Cambodia couldn’t quite challenge other countries in Southeast Asia as a complete holiday destination until it boasted a truly luxurious boutique beach resort—and Song Saa Private Island may be exactly that.
We were very excited to learn about a project set to transform two tiny islands into a haven of exclusive, authentic luxury. Soon enough, we found ourselves boarding the Song Saa speedboat, ready to transport us from Sihanoukville to the resort. Half an hour later we were greeted by its smiling staff, serving us chilled welcome drinks and handing around cool face towels—with the Cambodian friendly attitude.
Luxury meets responsibility
Song Saa Private Island was born from a desire to create the first eco-chic luxury resort in Cambodia. Behind the project are Australian couple Rory and Melita Hunter, who honeymooned in these remote parts—and fell in love with the picturesque islands of the Koh Rong Archipelago.
Captivated by its beauty, Rory and Melita took the greatest care in making as little impact on the environment as possible when building the resort—for example hiring scientists from abroad to advise on the best conservation methods.
The Australians also recognized that their responsibility extends to local communities, thus the Song Saa resort has been involved in various development programs in the area.
Eco-logic
The waters around islands are declared a marine reserve and conservation is an important theme at the resort. The Life Centre provides information about the local environment and the efforts to preserve it and organizes conservation tours—through the range of activities and excursions extend well beyond the eco experiences.
Proximity to nature goes well with Song Saa’s focus on relaxation and slowdown. The spa and gym are built in the dark, tranquil part of the larger island, along the water edge. Nearby, the footbridge leads to the smaller island: a haven of dense rainforest, available for walks and birdwatching.
The twin isles of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong are locally called The Sweethearts—or Song Saa. This name fits the hotel’s low-impact design and the tailored private experience.
Check availability for Song Saa Private Island: Booking.com | Tablet Hotels | Hotels.com | Agoda | Mr And Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Rustic Chic
The resort’s design draws some inspiration from local architecture. Built from sustainable materials, they have a rough-hewn aesthetic, with recycled driftwood used to make furniture and tree trunks to support the stone slabs of washbasins.
The twenty-seven villas are comfortably spacious, with an open-plan bedroom organized around a four-poster muslin-draped bed. Bathroom with rain-shower and sunken bath, outdoor shower and a private infinity pool with an outdoor daybed right by complete the picture of a perfect holiday villa.
Of course, some villas are more equal than others. The exceptional two-bedroom Royal Villa is the largest, and offers the best privacy—and its own jetty for arrivals and departures.
The cuisine spectacular
The cuisine is absolutely sublime. Each serving different, each day unique—the kitchen creates mouth-watering sensations from local produce in his “Deconstructed Cambodian” cuisine.
We loved the casual meals at the beachside Driftwood Bar, but the focal point of the hotel is the overwater complex containing Vista Restaurant, bar and lounge. Here the menu may include things like Bowl of Birds (Tamarind and Honey Roasted Quails), banana blossom salad or frogs’ legs.
Stepping into paradise, and setting your clocks to “Island Time”
The first thing we did when we set foot on the island was set our clocks to island time. That’s right- Song Saa operates on its very own time zone. Which is fitting for it feeling like a whole other world. It’s only an hour different from Cambodian mainland time, but “island time” is designed to align your body & mind with sunrise and sunset, tailored so that you won’t have to miss a single epic, cotton-candy-colored sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner throughout your entire trip. It also helps to get you into that sublime, mega-relaxed mindset… urging you to forget about everything that exists outside of the beautiful island utopia in front of you.
Monk Blessings on the island
Definitely don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to have a monk blessing while on the island. This beautiful ritual is performed by three monks from the local village, who travel to the island just to perform the intimate ceremony. The blessing is a Cambodian buddhist tradition that dates back to ancient times and the meaning of a monk blessing is to protect the blessed from harmful spirits and to balance energies, bringing you peace and happiness into the future. At the end of the blessing, you’ll receive a red woven bracelet from the elder monk, which is something you’ll notice often on locals and tourists alike in Southeast Asia, a representation that they’ve been blessed by a monk. It is a beautiful cultural experience and one of the many ways that Song Saa transports you to a spiritual calm and balance… something that we can all use on vacation.
The Villas at Song Saa
Let’s talk about my favorite part of my experience at Song Saa – the villas. Song Saa features 24 villas in total, a few jungle villas, overwater bungalows, and ocean-view villas. Each spacious villa is intricately designed in a beautiful modern-island-bungalow (or should I say jungalow ) theme, and features its own private villa pool, which makes an all-too-perfect setting for your long, relaxing island days.
You can’t go wrong with any of the villas. The overwater bungalows boast the ability to dive straight into the ocean off of your deck, but the ocean-view villas have their own private sand beach, and provide a little more space for eating and relaxing at the villa with their 230 square meters. The jungle villas may not be ocean-front, but they are ocean-view, and are nestled in the lush rainforest . Or, if you plan on bringing the whole family, you can splurge for the Royal Villa- a 2-bedroom stunner featuring a huge private infinity pool over the ocean, a beautiful terrace, a kitchen, and a spacious dining area to ensure indulgent island living and complete off-the-grid seclusion. This is the villa I imagine Beyonce stays in when she visits Southeast Asia.
Song Saa: The private island luxury resort you can’t miss in Cambodia
By
7:37 am
asia, hotels, islands, travel
A private island in Cambodia? Huh?
I thought the same thing when I was looking up where to stay for my 9-day trip exploring the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Of course I knew I had to see the iconic Angkor Wat, whose thousand-year-old temples make up the largest and arguably the most impressive religious monument in the world. But, being the beach-addict that I am, I desperately wanted to explore the Cambodian Coast, and experience the islands that I had been hearing so much about lately – the islands that were being called the next Thailand and deemed just as beautiful as Bali but still so undiscovered. I had to get there.
I had seen a few mesmerizing pictures of Koh Rong on Instagram, with its perfectly deserted-island-vibe beaches, so I knew that was one of the top spots to go on the coast. Koh Rong Island looked like nothing but beach bungalows, crystal-clear aqua water, and coconuts. Sign. Me. Up.
But when I started researching where to stay in Koh Rong, I was a little at a loss. Despite being a stunning, exotic Southeast Asian island, there weren’t many options. (More proof that Cambodia is on the brink of becoming the world’s next big destination, but is still relatively undiscovered). I found a few beachside bungalow-type guesthouses that you could stay in at incredibly reasonable prices (anywhere from $15-$80 a night), a couple hostels, and very few hotel options. I knew one of the beachside spots could be fun for a couple days living the deserted island dream, but, let’s be honest, I can only go so many days without good AC and good wine– I was looking for something a lot more luxurious.
Located just off the coast of Koh Rong, on an island all its own, this private island paradise resort seemed too good to be true – like somewhere I could only dream of.
Somewhere where the beaches are pristine, the infinity pools drop into endless shades of blue horizon, the hospitality and service is world-class, and everything from the five-star food, to the water activities, to the cocktails and wine, is all-inclusive. Yes… that’s right, I said all inclusive. And we’re not talking cheap-resort-in-Cabo all-inclusive (although, don’t get me wrong, I love a good Club Med), we’re talking 5-star, world-class, luxury all-inclusive. We’re talking freaking private island all-inclusive. Yes, on Song Saa, you may have to pay for the luxury you’re getting in the cost of your room, but you won’t have to touch your wallet your entire time on the island. In fact, you won’t have to put your shoes on either.
