Scattered across the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia's islands combine white-sand beaches, tropical forests and a castaway atmosphere that feels increasingly rare in Southeast Asia.
Cambodia's islands offer a very different perspective on the country, where quiet beaches, turquoise waters and jungle-covered interiors create an escape far removed from the energy of Phnom Penh and the temples of Angkor. Relaxed and largely undeveloped, they remain amongst Southeast Asia's most appealing island destinations.
Islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are known for their long stretches of white sand, warm waters and laid-back atmosphere. Days are spent swimming, snorkelling and exploring hidden bays, whilst evenings bring spectacular sunsets and a slower pace of life centred around the coast.
Despite growing interest from international travellers, much of the archipelago retains a sense of simplicity and natural beauty that has become increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in the region. Boutique resorts, luxury beachfront hideaways and private island retreats provide memorable places to stay, combining barefoot luxury with the tranquillity of one of Southeast Asia's last great island escapes.
Moments of discovery often become the most memorable part of any journey, whether found through an exceptional hotel, a remarkable landscape or an experience that reveals a destination in a new light. The places that stay with us longest are those that create a genuine sense of connection.
Across islands, coastlines, mountains and vibrant cities, every destination offers its own character and rhythm. Some invite adventure, others encourage slower exploration, but the most rewarding journeys are often those that combine comfort, authenticity and a sense of place.
From luxury hotels and boutique retreats to safari experiences, rail journeys and small-ship voyages, our collection celebrates travel that feels considered, inspiring and memorable long after returning home.
The Royal Sands Koh Rong, a five-star resort nestled along 550 meters of powdery white sand near Sok San Village on Cambodia's Koh Rong island, epitomizes laid-back luxury with its 67 exquisite villas. Crafted with premium teak, bamboo, and natural stone, this beachfront property offers unparalleled 180-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and its legendary sunsets. Each villa, adorned in contemporary tropical style, features an outdoor Sala lounge area, flat-screen television, and spacious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers, double sinks, plush bathrobes, slippers, and fine toiletries. Select villas include private swimming pools, inviting guests to unwind in serene seclusion with the ocean as their backdrop. The Senses Spa delivers a range of rejuvenating treatments, from soothing massages to wellness rituals, while snorkeling and cycling adventures beckon along the pristine shoreline. Daily maid service and luggage storage ensure effortless comfort, with open-air venues designed to showcase the island's natural splendor. The Chill Beach Bar & Grill, perched right on the sand, delights with a fusion of Asian, European, and Mediterranean flavours, served against the rhythm of lapping waves. A beachfront bar pours refreshing drinks, perfect for toasting the fiery sunsets that define this coastal haven. Reachable via a 30-minute car ride from Sihanoukville International Airport to the main pier, followed by a 60-minute boat journey to the resort, The Royal Sands Koh Rong offers seamless transfer services at an additional cost, placing guests moments from the island's tranquil shores and vibrant marine life.
From £185 per night
Six Senses Krabey Island, a five-star resort seamlessly integrated into the lush canopy of trees and tropical terrain on its 12-hectare private island off Cambodia's coast, offers 40 free-standing pool villas for an intimate escape. This eco-conscious property, part of the renowned Six Senses brand, emphasizes sustainability and tranquility, providing a serene setting to reconnect with nature and oneself. Each fisherman's house-style villa unfolds with spacious seating areas, desks, flat-screen televisions, and private bathrooms, all framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the island's verdant surroundings inside. Private pools and decks extend the living spaces outward, blending rustic charm with modern comforts for a deeply restorative stay. The extensive Six Senses Spa serves as a wellness cornerstone, featuring a sauna, herbal steam tent, Khmer foot massages, and personalized treatments that draw on local traditions. An outdoor fitness circuit and daily yoga sessions invigorate the body, while the horizon lap pool and beachfront sundeck offer gentle ways to embrace the sea breeze and endless horizons. Two distinctive restaurants present a symphony of flavours, from fresh seafood caught nearby to innovative Khmer-infused dishes, with a buffet breakfast setting a nourishing tone each morning. The sunset bar captures golden-hour magic with crafted elixirs, and an inviting ice cream parlor adds a playful note, complemented by the open-air cinema for starry-night screenings and the sky observatory for celestial wonders. A peaceful 15-minute cruise from the mainland jetty, Six Senses Krabey Island lies 7.9 kilometers from Sihanoukville International Airport, with Occheuteal Beach 11 kilometers away and Serendipity Beach 12 kilometers distant, making it an ideal launchpad for water activities, island hopping, boat trips, and excursions to nearby coastal gems.
From £465 per night
Song Saa Private Island, a five-star resort embracing sustainable luxury across the twin isles of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong in Cambodia's Koh Rong Archipelago, invites guests to an all-inclusive paradise of pristine white sands and tropical reefs. This eco-focused property champions environmental and community initiatives, ensuring every stay contributes to preserving its untouched allure. Luxurious one- or two-bedroom villas, crafted from natural materials, unfold into comfortable living rooms and expansive sun decks framing endless ocean vistas. Each retreat includes flat-screen televisions, iPod docks, well-stocked minibars, and en-suite bathrooms with double sinks and deep soaking bathtubs, all designed to harmonize with the island's serene rhythm. The Song Saa Sanctuary nurtures inner peace through gentle yoga and meditation sessions, complemented by restorative spa massages that draw on local wellness traditions. A grand infinity pool overlooks the Gulf of Thailand, while the beachfront beckons with invigorating water pursuits like sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking, all set against breathtaking sunset panoramas. The resort's restaurant artfully blends Western favorites with authentic Cambodian dishes, served fresh from the sea and garden in an open-air setting that captures the island's essence. Evenings unwind at the Lounge, where sea breezes mingle with sips of fine cocktails or wines, perhaps leading into a private beach barbecue under the stars. Accessible via a 30-minute drive and 45-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville International Airport, with transfers available at additional charge, Song Saa Private Island also welcomes arrivals from Phnom Penh through a 2.5-hour expressway journey followed by a complimentary shared speedboat transfer, placing this coastal sanctuary within reach of mainland adventures.
From £515 per night