Situated in the southwest of the Indochinese peninsula, in the warm sapphire waters of Cambodia’s untouched Koh Rong Archipelago, two pristine islands lie side by side. Song Saa Private Island is as seductive as the name implies. Intimate. Luxurious. Nestled deep in the undeveloped, deserted oasis of virgin rain forests and tropical reefs.

Alongside its astounding beauty,  Song Saa’s raft of environmental initiatives are breaking new ground in Cambodia with a brand of ‘luxury that treads lightly’. The resort which spans the islands of Koh Quen and Koh Bong is connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve established by the founders to safeguard the island’s tropical reefs and marine life. Once inside the expansive, luxury Over-Water, Jungle and Ocean-View villas guests find recycled timber from disused fishing boats, furniture made from driftwood collected from local beaches and coves, and doors made from timber salvaged from old factories, warehouses and demolition yards around Cambodia and Thailand.

If the story of how Song Saa came to be isn’t inspiring enough, the journey of its co-owners Melita and Rory Hunter is certainly noteworthy in itself.  Rory and Melita’s desire to create a sustainable sanctuary of uncompromising luxury has underpinned their entire married life. After battling cancer, Melita returned to Cambodia with her husband Rory to realise a dream that would set new standards of luxury in this largely undiscovered archipelago. Melita worked tirelessly to hand pick every single item and finish on the island, from external cladding and landscape features to each detail in the interiors. Everything that a guest would sit on, eat on, lie in or walk on – was to be a sensorial experience that blends harmoniously with the surroundings.

We are delighted to announce that Song Saa has shortlisted for the International Hotel & Property Awards 2013, hosted by design et al in multiple categories: Hotel Suite and Hotel (under 50 rooms).

Reserve your space at the next International Hotel & Property Awards 2013 shortlist meeting by clicking here.