Review: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful trip in Southeast Asia. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Finnair A350 Business Class from Helsinki to Hong Kong
Review: Rosewood Hong Kong Hotel
Review: Cathay Pacific A330 Business Class from Hong Kong to Phnom Penh
Review: Six Senses Krabey Island, Cambodia
Review: Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Review: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia (today)
Review: Rosewood Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Review: Thai Airways A350 Business Class from Bangkok to Munich

Review: Song Saa Private Island

Hotel website: Song Saa Private Island
Location: Google Maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Located within Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa Private Island is a stunning luxury resort spread across two small tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The name “Song Saa,” which means “The Sweethearts” in Khmer, reflects the resort’s intimate island setting and focus on privacy. Opened in 2012, the property was developed with sustainability as a central concept and has since become one of Asia’s most high-end resorts. Featuring just 24 villas, Song Saa combines barefoot luxury with natural surroundings, allowing guests to experience the archipelago’s beaches, rainforest, and marine environment without sacrificing modern amenities. It is a destination that appeals equally to honeymooners, couples, and travelers seeking seclusion, nature, and a slower pace.

Song Saa Private Island features in my top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in Cambodia.

Have you ever stayed at Song Saa Private Island? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

Pros & Things I Like

Song Saa Private Island is situated in the magnificent Koh Rong Archipelago, a collection of islands situated in the Gulf of Thailand off the country’s southern coast. While Cambodia is best known internationally for the temples of Angkor, its coastline remains relatively underdeveloped compared to many neighboring destinations in Southeast Asia. The archipelago is characterized by turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, tropical forests, and a rich marine ecosystem. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are the most well-known islands, but the region also includes numerous smaller islands and uninhabited islets that contribute to its sense of remoteness and natural beauty. Unlike some heavily developed beach destinations in the region, much of the archipelago retains a relatively untouched character, making it particularly appealing to travelers seeking a closer connection with nature. The surrounding waters support diverse marine life, while the islands themselves provide habitat for a variety of birds and tropical vegetation.

Although the location of Song Saa Private Island feels remote once on the island, it is relatively straightforward to reach the resort. Guests traveling from Cambodia’s capital city Phnom Penh can choose between a helicopter transfer and a combination of private car transfer and boat transportation. The overland journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes around three hours, followed by a 40 min speedboat transfer to the resort. Visitors arriving from Siem Reap can take a domestic flight to Sihanoukville and then transfer to the port for the final boat journey. While waiting for the boat, guests are welcome to use Song Saa’s small private lounge at the Sihanoukville Port. The speedboat crossing itself is comfortable and provides views of the surrounding islands and coastline. As the islands come into view, guests gain a first impression of the resort’s natural setting, characterized by clear waters, tropical vegetation, and limited development. The transfer process is well organized by the resort and operates smoothly.

One of the defining features of Song Saa Private Island is its location across two separate islands, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, connected by a wooden footbridge that spans a protected marine reserve. Koh Ouen serves as the main island and is home to the resort’s villas, restaurants, swimming pool, reception area, and most guest facilities. Accommodation is carefully positioned along the shoreline (overwater) and within the tropical vegetation, ensuring a sense of privacy while keeping all amenities within easy reach. In contrast, neighboring Koh Bong has been left largely untouched. Apart from a handful of spa treatment pavilions and walking trails, the island remains in its natural state, covered in dense tropical forest and surrounded by rocky coves and secluded stretches of coastline. Guests can cross the bridge at any time and explore the undeveloped island on foot, particularly in the cooler morning hours when wildlife is most active and the forest is at its most atmospheric.

Song Saa Private Island’s architecture and interiors were overseen by founder Melita Koulmandas, while the landscape masterplan was developed by the Singapore-based firm Coopers Hill. Together, they created a rustic design that draws its inspiration from the Cambodian fishing villages found throughout the archipelago. Reclaimed timber, salvaged wood from old fishing boats, driftwood, recycled materials, and locally sourced stone are used extensively throughout the resort, giving the buildings a distinctive sense of place. High-pitched roofs, open-sided structures, natural ventilation, and expansive windows help maximize light, sea breezes, and views while reducing the need for artificial cooling. The villas, restaurants, and communal spaces combine rustic textures with modern comforts, creating interiors that feel elegant yet relaxed. Wooden boardwalks connect different parts of the property, while mature vegetation has been carefully preserved to maintain a strong connection with nature.

Song Saa Private Island offers a collection of 24 villas divided between over-water, ocean-view, and jungle settings. Each category has been designed to provide privacy while maintaining a close connection to the surrounding landscape. The over-water villas extend directly above the sea and feature private decks, swimming pools, and direct access to the water. These villas offer uninterrupted ocean views and are among the resort’s most recognizable accommodation options, earning Song Saa Private Island the nickname ‘Maldives in Cambodia’. The jungle villas provide a different experience, positioned among dense tropical vegetation and offering greater seclusion. While the settings differ, all villas share a similar design approach that combines natural materials with earthy tones. Standard features include king-sized beds, open-plan bathrooms, sunken bathtubs and rain showers, outdoor showers, and daybeds. Biophilic design and sustainable materials create the impression the villas have sprung organically from the jungle.

During my stay at Song Saa Private Island, I was upgrade to the resort’s Two Bedroom Jungle Villa, one of the largest accommodation categories available. Set on a hillside above the coastline, the villa enjoyed a high degree of privacy while offering partial ocean views through the surrounding tropical vegetation. The villa’s layout was particularly well suited to families or groups traveling together. The two bedrooms were positioned on either side of a spacious central living and dining area. The latter was basically a large open-plan lounge complete with a mojito station, while the adjacent dining area could accommodate up to twelve guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows connected the interior with a decently sized outdoor terrace featuring a crescent-shaped infinity pool, sun deck, and comfortable loungers shaded by native plants. Inside, both bedrooms featured king-size beds, walk-in wardrobes, writing desks, and spacious bathrooms equipped with twin vanities, oversized sunken bathtubs, and both indoor and outdoor rain showers. Additional amenities included a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, espresso machine, mojito station and fully stocked minibar.

Dining at Song Saa Private Island is designed to be varied and closely connected to the natural surroundings. The resort offers several distinct dining venues spread across the island, with dinner served in a different location each evening. Depending on the night, guests may find themselves dining beneath the stars on the beach, on a deck suspended above the ocean, or within one of the resort’s thoughtfully designed restaurant spaces:
- The main venue is Vista Bar & Restaurant, an over-water thatched pavilion that serves as the culinary heart of the resort. Open from breakfast until late in the evening, Vista combines panoramic sea views with a menu inspired by contemporary Cambodian cuisine and fresh local ingredients.
- For more casual dining, Driftwood Bar & Restaurant provides a relaxed beachfront setting where thin-crust pizzas, Khmer-inspired salads, sushi, and cocktails are served throughout the day, making it a popular spot for lunch or sunset drinks.
- Across the footbridge on the undeveloped island of Koh Bong, the Raw Bar offers a more intimate experience focused on fresh, uncooked ingredients prepared to highlight their natural flavors and nutritional value.
- Another distinctive venue is the Chef’s Garden, where a handful of tables are positioned beside the resort’s organic herb and vegetable garden. Here, guests can enjoy seasonal Khmer-inspired dishes surrounded by the very ingredients used in their preparation.

Wellness facilities at Song Saa Private island are spread across the two islands rather than concentrated in a single building. Spa treatment rooms are located in both rainforest and beachfront settings, allowing guests to choose between different natural environments during treatments. The spa menu includes a range of massages, body treatments, and wellness therapies designed to promote relaxation and recovery. Many treatment spaces are open to the surrounding environment, incorporating natural sounds and sea breezes into the experience. In addition to the spa, the resort features a dedicated yoga and meditation area positioned near the shoreline. Scheduled classes are available, and the location is particularly popular during the early morning hours. Guests interested in more active pursuits can take advantage of kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and other outdoor activities offered by the resort. Song Saa’s wellness program focuses on encouraging a slower pace and greater engagement with the natural surroundings.

Conservation is a significant component of Song Saa Private Island’s identity and operations. The resort has established a marine reserve around the islands, helping protect coral reefs, fish populations, seagrass habitats, and other marine ecosystems. This protected area is managed in cooperation with government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities. Marine monitoring programs track reef health, fish stocks, and water quality, providing data that supports long-term environmental management. On land, studies have identified important habitats for native wildlife, including birds, bats, and plant species, leading to management plans designed to minimize disturbance. The resort also maintains a dedicated conservation team responsible for overseeing environmental initiatives and educating guests about local ecosystems. Beyond the islands themselves, Song Saa is involved in several community programs aimed at supporting sustainable livelihoods. These include educational initiatives for local fishermen, waste management projects in nearby villages, and support for organic farming and aquaculture.

Cons & Things To Know

One aspect that may surprise some guests is that Song Saa Private Island lacks a proper beach. There is a very small stretch of sand near the arrival jetty, complete with a few sun loungers, but it almost disappears entirely at high tide (or at least that was the case during my visit). If long walks on expansive white-sand beaches are a priority, this may be disappointing. That said, the resort offers half-day and full-day boat excursions to several stunning beaches on nearby islands, although these come at an additional cost.

While the food was consistently excellent throughout our stay, it did not quite live up to the almost mythical reputation created by some older reviews of Song Saa Private Island. The island has previously been shaped by renowned luxury chefs, including Neil Wager, formerly of North Island in the Seychelles, and Jeremy Simeon, known for combining macrobiotic principles with refined French techniques. Since those reviews were written, the culinary team has changed, and although dining remains a highlight, I personally did not find it quite as mind-blowing as some past guests have described.

Song Saa Private Island is often referred to as the “Maldives of Cambodia” due to its overwater villas, but the comparison is not entirely justified. Travelers accustomed to the ultra-polished luxury of the Maldives should be aware that Song Saa offers a different experience. The atmosphere is more rustic and nature-focused, which many guests will love, but it lacks some of the flawless refinement found at top Maldivian resorts. The water, while beautiful, is not as crystal-clear as in the Maldives, and the overall level of luxury feels more understated than at the highest-end Maldivian properties.

The island itself is very small, which contributes to its intimate and secluded atmosphere but also means there is not a huge amount to do. After a few days, some guests may feel they have explored most of the property, particularly if they prefer a wider range of activities, restaurants, or facilities. Song Saa Private Island is best suited to travelers seeking relaxation and tranquility after a journey through Southeast Asia rather than a resort packed with activities.

Finally, although the resort’s rustic design is part of its charm, it will not appeal to everyone. The natural materials and laid-back aesthetic create a strong sense of place, but some areas show a bit of wear and tear (e.g. the gym, some wellness areas), especially when compared with newer luxury resorts. Guests expecting immaculate, contemporary luxury may find certain details looking slightly dated, whereas others will appreciate the authentic barefoot-island character.

My Verdict

Layout: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Wow factor: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: very good 8.4/10

Tips & Save Money

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Song Saa Private Island through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD resort credit, to be utilized during stay
- Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 USD resort credit (for a total of $300 USD during stay)
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
- For stays of 4 nights or more, the following additional amenities will be included:
  - $100 USD equivalent spa services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  - One hour private yoga session per villa per stay. Valid for adults or children but not both at the same time

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Song Saa Private Island is generally between November and April, during Cambodia’s dry season. This period offers the most reliable weather, with sunny days, lower humidity, calmer seas, and ideal conditions for enjoying the resort’s outdoor experiences, boat excursions, and ocean views. December through February is particularly pleasant, with slightly cooler temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it the most popular time to visit.

The rainy season, from roughly May to October, brings more tropical showers, humidity, and occasional rougher sea conditions. However, rain often comes in short bursts rather than lasting all day, and the island becomes especially lush and green during these months. Travelers visiting in the shoulder seasons can sometimes benefit from lower rates, fewer guests, and an even more peaceful atmosphere, although outdoor activities and transfers may occasionally be affected by the weather.

How To Get There

Getting to Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia requires a bit more effort than reaching a typical beach resort, but that is part of its appeal. Most international travelers first fly into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap before taking a domestic flight to Sihanoukville. From there, Song Saa arranges a private transfer to its lounge at the marina, followed by a speedboat journey of approximately 45 minutes through the islands of the Koh Rong Archipelago. The seamless boat transfer, included in most bookings, serves as a memorable introduction to the resort, with turquoise waters and lush tropical islands setting the tone for the stay ahead.

Photos

Below is a selection of my photos from Song Saa Private Island. To view additional images, including breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurants, click here.