developed, including conservation,
education, healthcare and community
initiatives. Mangrove nurseries were
planted, children were vaccinated and
the local school celebrated their star
pupil winning a scholarship in Phnom
Penh. But all these initiatives (which
culminated in the establishment of the
Song Saa Foundation in 2013) needed
funding, and so the idea for a resort
to generate that income was born. In
2008 Rory and Melita started building
Song Saa Private Island, ensuring that
every aspect of the development was
underpinned by a deep commitment
to sustainability.
A new type of luxury
Designed by Melita and built with
sustainable materials, Song Saa
Private Island opened in March
2012 and has since won international
recognition and a host of key industry
awards. The islands of Koh Ouen
and Koh Bong are connected by a
wooden footbridge, but Koh Bong
remains completely undeveloped – a
haven for local songbirds. Koh Ouen
is also lushly forested, with 27 villas
set over the water or tucked amongst
the foliage on the hillside – all with
private plunge pools, sundecks
and expansive ocean views. Lucky
enough to stay for three nights, I’d
happily have spent all that time in our
breathtaking Jungle Villa, except that
there is so much else to do.
Eating is always high on my list
of priorities, and the all-in rates
structure offered by the resort proved
ideal. An open-sided restaurant
and lounge are set at the end of a
boardwalk, surrounded by the sea,
while another more casual restaurant
offers feet-in-the-sand dining with
a menu ranging from fresh sushi
to authentic wood-fired pizzas. All
the food is sublime, and the private
dining experiences with exquisite
multi-course menus were a real
highlight of our stay. As was kayaking
through the mangroves and hiking
to a waterfall on Koh Rong, visiting
the village of Prek Svay, sailing a
Hobie Cat from Song Saa’s white-
sand beach, lazing by the main
swimming pool, doing early-morning
yoga and relaxing in the spa. I also
loved interacting with Song Saa’s
staff members, who are as passionate
about the resort and foundation as the
Hunters themselves.
There is no doubting the
spectacular natural setting of Koh
Rong for a high-end luxury resort.
Consider that the popular
Survivor
series has filmed a number of
international seasons on the island,
and they tend to choose the most
photogenic (and remote) destinations
possible. But if I had to choose where
I was sleeping when exploring this
beautiful archipelago, it would be
Song Saa Private Island for sure:
luxury with a conscience, and an
inspirational story behind it. I might
just think about moving somewhere
exotic…
January 2016
57
