Cambodia’s Koh Rong islands: Secret’s out on ‘the Thailand of 20 years ago’

[geovalin]

Alila Villas Koh Russey is among Cambodia’s new island resorts.

 

MOVE over Thailand. A new set of South-East Asian islands is hitting the limelight among travellers.

A host of luxury hotels about to open in Cambodia are making the once war-torn nation one of the “it destinations” of 2017.

And the country’s southern islands — until recently a relatively well-kept secret among backpackers and budget travellers — are the stars of the show.

 

Koh Rong Sanloem is among the Koh Rong island group, off Sihanoukville in southern Cambodia.Source:istock

Two stunning five-star resorts, Alila Villas Koh Russey and Six Senses Krabey Island, are set to open this year. Both islands are located just off the coast of Sihanoukville.

With international flights having begun servicing Sihanoukville last year, the area is set to emerge as one of Asia’s next hot island destinations.

 

Alila Villas Koh Russey is described as the “absolute height of contemporary comfort and luxury”.Source:Supplied

Promising “stunning coastlines, dramatic headlands, powder sand beaches and tropical forests, all framed by the emerald waters of the gulf and the azure sky”, Alila Villas is set to open in the second half of the year.

It will feature a beachfront swimming pool, yoga studio with complimentary classes, outdoor cinema and an organic garden.

Alila Villas Koh Russey promises a “villa community infused with Khmer culture and charm”.Source:Supplied

Meanwhile, the 12ha private island of Krabey is being transformed into a Six Senses eco-resort, expected to open late 2017.

Each of its 40 villas will have a private plunge pool, and some have mini wine cellars and outdoor showers. Resort facilities include a spa offering ancient Cambodian healing traditions, observatory for stargazing and poolside outdoor cinema.

Six Senses Krabey Island is scheduled to open late this year.Source:Supplied

Each Six Senses pool villa bathroom includes a generous bathtub.Source:Supplied

Six Senses offers dedicated sleep ambassadors to guide guests in achieving the best night’s sleep.Source:Supplied

Cambodia’s Krabey Island is the latest addition to the Six Senses portfolio of resorts.Source:Supplied

Nearby, luxury resort Song Saa Private Island opened a few years back and has already taken its place among the world’s top hotels.

Conservation-based luxury resort Song Saa Private Island opened in 2012.Source:Supplied

 

Song Saa Private Island was listed among Mr & Mrs Smith’s top local hero hotels for 2016.Source:Supplied

Cambodia’s southern islands have been likened to Thailand 20 years ago, with Lonely Planet describing them as a “tropical Shangri-La”, saying “the time to go is now” before major development changes the region.

Other island resorts mooted for the region include Morakot Island, the only tropical island connected to mainland Cambodia by a bridge.

Cambodia’s Koh Rong islands remain relatively undeveloped.Source:istock

But it’s not just the islands that are getting the luxury treatment in Cambodia, with new five-star openings in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap too.

Ultra-luxury brand Rosewood’s new Phnom Penh hotel is set to open midyear. It will take up 14 storeys of a new city tower, which will also house Cambodia’s first luxury retail mall.

The new ultra-luxury Rosewood Phnom Penh will feature 175 rooms and suites.Source:Supplied

In Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, new five-star hotel openings in 2016 included the J7 Hotel, next to the Royal Residence, and Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center, the largest resort in Angkor.

The 776-room Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center opened in September 2016.Source:Supplied

Meanwhile, one of the area’s top luxury hotels, Belmond La Residence d’Angkor, recently underwent a major refurbishment, reopening as an all-suite hotel.

Luxury Siem Reap hotel Belmond La Residence d’Angkor is set around a peaceful garden and pool.Source:Supplied

 

Belmond La Residence d’Angkor has undergone a full refurbishment, with interiors inspired by the classical Khmer era.Source:Supplied

 

The saltwater pool is the centrepiece of the Belmond La Residence d’Angkor hotel.Source:Supplied

 

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source http://www.news.com.au/travel/world-travel/asia/cambodias-koh-rong-islands-secrets-out-on-the-thailand-of-20-years-ago/news-story/f4d944a6c9b6f3447de194405435bb1a

[plachon]

"Cambodia’s southern islands have been likened to Thailand 20 years ago, with Lonely Planet describing them as a “tropical Shangri-La”, saying “the time to go is now” before major development changes the region. "

 

Too late - as these resorts prove, major development has already changed these islands. While the places look nice superficially, they have displaced locals and smaller resorts that were previously there catering for backpackers on a low budget i.e. the kind of people who might read the LP Guides. Now these resorts have sprung up, the atmosphere and character of the islands has been ruined, and judging by the photo of the resort overhanging the sea at "Song Saa Private island", has encroached over the beach and into the sea. Apart from wrecking beach access, I have no doubts that a few powerful storms will wreck this resort, eventually leading to a pile of builders rubble on the beach. 

Greed seems to know no bounds across SE Asia, and one more island group has been grabbed by a small greedy elite, leaving virtually nowhere left unspoiled. Thailand 20 years ago was crap in any case in the vast majority of island resorts. Had to be there over 40 years ago to see true natural beauty on the coasts and clean beaches.

[wirat69]

On 2/1/2017 at 3:03 PM, geovalin said:

Six Senses offers dedicated sleep ambassadors to guide guests in achieving the best night’s sleep.

Hmmmm presumably these are different from the Pattaya people we keep reading about on ThaiVisa .... never a "Happy Ending"

[abab]

Yes, same as Thailant, without electricity and internet !

 

 

[freebyrd]

11 hours ago, abab said:

Yes, same as Thailant, without electricity and internet !

 

 

There was no electricity or internet (what's the internet?) in places like this in Thailand 20 years ago.

[Mike555]

Been there. Not impressed. The boat routes are monopolized by a group of Greek / Turkish dudes. I paid for the fast boat...which was broken down...so took the slow boat with no refund. Then when you get to their pier, it looks like they've been using the bay there as a garbage tip for some time. Direct sewage from their bogs, and just layers of crap floating in the water. Depressing. I stayed 2 beaches away -- 2000B a night for a freaking bungalow with no electricity except for about 4 hours a night. 

 

No thanks! 

[abab]

11 hours ago, Mike555 said:

Been there. Not impressed. The boat routes are monopolized by a group of Greek / Turkish dudes. I paid for the fast boat...which was broken down...so took the slow boat with no refund. Then when you get to their pier, it looks like they've been using the bay there as a garbage tip for some time. Direct sewage from their bogs, and just layers of crap floating in the water. Depressing. I stayed 2 beaches away -- 2000B a night for a freaking bungalow with no electricity except for about 4 hours a night. 

 

No thanks! 

 

 

Yes, totally useless and only people who know nothing keep talking about Cambodia islands !