Cambodia: A Hidden Gem in South East Asia
Cambodia: A Hidden Gem in South East Asia
Cambodia: A Hidden Gem in South East Asia
Cambodia: A Hidden Gem in South East Asia
Ask most people for a holiday destination in South East Asia and the majority would likely say Thailand.
Over the past 20 years, it’s become one of the most popular places on holiday for people from all over the world, and while its idyllic beaches and fun party lifestyle continue to attract millions the mass commercialization of some resorts isn’t for everyone.
While Thailand has been on the radar for a long time, its neighbor in Cambodia has remained behind the times when it comes to tourism because of the political climate in the Seventies.
But now tourism in the country is on the up, and the opening of various luxury resorts means it’s fast becoming one of the most desired luxury tourist destinations in that part of the world.
In my past experience of Cambodia, I wouldn’t have put it in a luxury holiday destination bracket. It’s a place steeped in history with plenty to explore but maybe somewhere you would stop at on your way elsewhere.
But not anymore.
The opening of Six Senses on Krabey Island allows visitors to Cambodia to pair the cultural temple visiting in Siem Reap with a five-star luxury stay on par with the best resorts in the world.
On arrival at the welcome hub on the mainland, you get the sense you’re somewhere special. The 10-minute transfer from Sihanoukville to the island has a very James Bond feel about it as you zip across the crystal clear waters via private speedboat towards the lush paradise.
As you get closer you can start to get a glimpse of the 40 glass private villas nestled into the side of the idyllic island each with their own infinity pool with picturesque views of the ocean beyond.
The best resorts pride themselves on exceptional service and when you step from the jetty to a private golf buggy to take you to reception it’s clear that’s what’s been instilled in the young, local staff since the resort opened its doors to the public in March.
The tranquil resort acts as the perfect antidote to a bustling few days visiting the impressive temples of Angkor Wat.
While it feels a world away from the busy temples, there are traditional Cambodian influences throughout – including in the spa, which is located at the highest part of the island. Six Senses prides itself on its spa experiences and Krabey Island is no different.
Treatments on offer focus on ancient Khmer traditions and there’s an Alchemy Bar where you can make your own products to continue your therapies back home.
Sustainability is a key feature to the resort and it’s reflected in everything from the design of the spa to the apartments to the food served in the two restaurants on the island.
Ingredients are sent from the resort’s own organic farm on the mainland with the aim of reconnecting guests with the natural world through homegrown produce and products.
And the result is a fresh, healthy and delicious variety of foods, giving a delicious take on traditional Cambodian delicacies with a modern twist.
Luxury resorts in Cambodia are sourcing the best and most sustainable food in a bid to give their customers the best experience.
A short journey away from Six Senses is the sleepy seaside town of Kep, which again shows a different side to Cambodia.
The boutique resort of Knai Bang Chatt provides the most authentic base to explore the town on the south coast.
Once a French colony and a retreat for the French elite back in the early 1900s, the area is peppered with beautiful modernist villas built in the 1960s. Some have been left in ruins after the Khmer Rouge regime in the Seventies, while others have been sensitively resorted to form part of the Knai Bang Chatt resort.
The owner has tried to create a luxury resort over 18 rooms which gives guests a cultural experience they may have missed in other parts of the country and harks back to the high society vibe which ran through the sleepy town in the Sixties.
Once a ghost town Kep has been developed into a tourist destination with Kampot pepper farms and the vast lush landscape popular with visitors.
Just like Krabey Island, Knai Bang Chatt pride themselves on sustainability, with no single-use plastic used in the resort. They also have an on-site farm where they grow their own ingredients.
While the service and concept are divine what is really astounding given the size of the resort is the quality of the food.
Fresh, tasty menus are crafted and served to guests in a beachfront restaurant, decorated with antiques, with the sounds of the Gulf of Thailand crashing against the rocks in the background.
It’s a world away from Krabey Island and the bustling streets of Siem Reap but the perfect place to complete a whole Cambodian experience.
