DESTINATIONS COASTAL CAMBODIA ASIA
LEFT: Six Senses Krabey Island
RIGHT: Wat Leu pagoda, Sihanoukville
experience; and people looking for a new take.” Western & Oriental and the Inspiring Travel Company are also seeing increased interest. “Cambodia bookings rose more than 50% between 2015 and 2016 and we expect it to continue,” says Erica Moore, Far East product manager at the Inspiring Travel Company. “Cambodia attracts a wide
range of travellers: those drawn by cultural wonders such as Angkor Wat; others looking to understand its dark history; and now luxury travellers attracted to its coastline by Song Saa and, soon, Six Senses and Alila.”
w SEE: TREASURE ISLANDS It’s the gorgeous islands that grab the imagination, with most resorts a speedboat ride or slightly longer ferry journey (from 30 to 90 minutes) away from Sihanoukville. The largest is Koh Rong, across the water from smaller Koh Rong
Diving, snorkelling and beach life are the main lures, but also jungle hikes, cookery courses and culture
Samloem. Diving, snorkelling and beach life are the main lures, but visitors can also enjoy jungle hikes, cookery courses and cultural activities. Island-hopping day trips often take in the more rustic Koh Ta Kiev with its castaway ambience, and several uninhabited islands offer sublime snorkelling. Sihanoukville may not be
the prettiest town but it has its attractions. Downtown, local market Psar Leu is a lively spot, and you’ll get good views over the bay from the hilltop Wat Leu
pagoda. Come early evening, enjoy cocktails and barbecues along busy Ochheuteal Beach, a quieter sunset drink on Serendipity Beach, or the more laidback vibe along the beaches of Otres 1 and 2, a few miles away. Inland, Otres Village is gaining a reputation for its excellent restaurants and bohemian vibe. Mainland day trips include the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls, and the mangroves, waterways and secluded beaches of Ream National Park. Island-hopping, diving and snorkelling excursions are easy to arrange, as are activities such as horse riding, quad-biking, cooking courses and paddleboarding.
w STAY: ON THE RISE Changes are afoot. For many years, luxury private island resort Song Saa has had the lion’s share of luxury bookings. “Song Saa is a fabulous resort – one to rival anything Thailand has to
offer,” says Robin Ball, director of Bamboo Travel. “But it’s at the top end of the price scale. Now, there are a growing number of affordable three-star resorts on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem that we can book as part of a tailor-made package.” It’s undeniable that Song Saa, off the northeast coast of Koh Rong, was a game-changer. It remains Cambodia’s most luxurious accommodation, mixing a strong conservation philosophy with high-end accommodation. But two new private island
eco-resorts will be opening in 2018 in the Koh Rong archipelago: Six Senses Krabey Island, an all-villa property with private plunge pools, signature spa, and detox and yoga workshops; and the Alila Villas Koh Russey, with a kids’ club, 50 suites, and 13 villas with butler and chef service. As Kate Edwards from Jacada Travel says: “Cambodia is a destination
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travelweekly.co.uk 17 August 2017
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