- Published: 1/10/2012
- Bangkok Post
- Writer: Philip Heijmans
In the Koh Rong archipelago off the Cambodian
southwest coast is a little piece of paradise seldom known in the
country. White sandy beaches and luxury accommodations are the first
qualities that come to mind, but Song Saa Islands, affectionately known
as the sweetheart islands, also serve another purpose.
Schools of fish hop fearlessly above the glossy blue glare of the
water below, while colourful hornbills and sea eagles sit atop the
mangroves, confident and proud. It’s the result of a huge conservation
effort that is all the difference between your standard luxury resort
and a far more illuminating eco-paradise.
Located 29 kilometres from Sihanoukville Port, the two-island resort
is always all-inclusive, with unlimited access to its all-star kitchen
staff, designer villas and guided tours.
It also includes pickup by boat or helicopter, an experience worthy
of mention as you are overwhelmed with feelings of discovering of an
exotic yet luxurious landscape for the first time. It is a feeling that
harkens back to The Man with the Golden Gun, when James Bond arrives on
Thailand’s Koh Khao Phingkan. Koh Rong has all the feeling of Thailand
40 years ago, sans the three-nippled arch-villain and weapon of mass
destruction.
“It is the private island concept. You come and you’re in Cambodia
and get to do what you want to do,” said Dr Wayne McCallum, director of
conservation at Song Saa.
“People can come, who have an attraction with the environment and
community, and the opportunity to participate in that, but the island is
about you coming and then deciding to do what it is that you want to
do.”
Island by Design
The two islands of Song Saa stand not one kilometre apart and are
conjoined by a sleek wooden bridge. Surrounded by a large marine
conservation area, the main island has 27 designer villas, some of which
are located ocean-side, while the others are nestled in the rainforest
close by.
The island also has a number of great facilities, including a gym,
two different and equally amazing restaurants, a private treatment
centre and activities centre for booking guided tours and renting
basically anything you want to engage in water sport.
The second island, called Koh Bong, is just as stunning—an all
encompassing rainforest with little more than a few signs to give you
directions as you trek around and discover exciting birdlife and rocky
ocean views perfect for a tranquil moment. It’s a dramatic example of
unspoiled terrain that is becoming more and more of a rarity in
Cambodia.
Hand-designed by co-owner Melita Hunter, each of the 27 villas of
Song Saa is as elegant as it is charming. Fully stocked with wine, beer
and Champagne, your new home greets you with a charcuterie and cheese
platter and smoothing music. The bedrooms contain exquisite furnishings
down to the very last detail. The walls are lined with unique
decor—local paintings and sculptures made from driftwood — while your
bathroom comes with a rainfall shower and marble bathtub — all with
spectacular sea horizon views.
Stepping out the back of the villa is no less thrilling as you
explore your very-own private beach and infinity pool overlooking the
magnificent Gulf of Thailand. Have a gander at the room menu and enjoy a
light snack or meal at your outdoor gazebo any time of the day.
Otherwise, the island is equipped with restaurants featuring gourmet
western and Khmer, and sometimes fusion dishes invented by accomplished
chef Neil Wagner and his more than capable Khmer staff. Ready to cook at
a moment’s notice, some of Wagner’s signature dishes include a
magnificent octopus risotto and frog leg curry.
For the less ambitious, there are several terrific western choices
including steak doused with local Kampot peppers and freshly delivered
garden salads. At the Driftwood Bar, meanwhile, there order up any
number of cocktails, including one of Song Saa’s own infused vodka
blends, with a range of flavours from ginger to Mars Bar. There is also a
chef at the bar that can whip up a selection of delicious pizzas such
as duck and hoisin sauce or goat cheese and caramelised onions.
Activities and Conservation
You may be on an isolated island, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t
anything to do but eat and drink. In the early morning, an instructor
can guide you through a private yoga session and after the sun goes
down, the staff can turn your villa into a fully fledged cinema for the
ultimate in villa movie experience.
The island resort also brings romance and intimacy with Cambodia to a
whole other level, giving guests the opportunity to participate in
traditional ceremonies carried out by Buddhist monks, while an
experienced guide can take you to the nearby mangroves for an exclusive
kayaking tour through some of the country’s completely untouched
landscapes.
The resort has also organised an arrangement with the Cambodian
government giving the islands a conservation perimeter of 200 metres in
any direction, protecting its valuable and rich marine life, making
snorkelling around the local reefs especially excellent. You can also go
bird watching at several platforms on Koh Bong.
The green ambition doesn’t stop with the island’s immediate
surrounds. Song Saa’s on-site conservation scientists are currently
creating a regional-first carbon offset scheme for visitors. The offset
scheme will protect a valuable mangrove community and bastion bird
habitat along the coast near Koh Kong province.
Mangroves capture and store more carbon per square metre than land
trees in a more effective and long-lasting way. For what will end up
being an economical few dollars voluntary contribution, visitors can
offset the emissions for their entire stay to, from and on the island
while preserving a critical coastal ecosystem.
“Conservation is actually woven into the DNA of the whole project,”
said Mr McCallum, adding that Song Saa has five people who work solely
on conservation issues there.
“I think what we create is a template that outlines how sustainable development can be in coastal Cambodia.”
For more information, Tel: +855 236-860-360; www.songsaa.com
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