There are some places that don’t just look beautiful, they feel alive. Song Saa Private Island is one of those rare destinations where the sea sparkles a little brighter, the sand feels cleaner, and every detail tells a story of renewal, care, and connection.
Located in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, this stunning resort is the country’s first true eco-luxury escape, and it’s more than just a getaway. It’s a love story between people and planet.
A Stay That Feels Like a Dream
Every villa at Song Saa has its own private pool, with views that spill out over turquoise waters or lush jungle. The design is rustic yet refined, with hand-hewn wood, flowing white linens, and soft candlelight that create a sense of warmth and calm.
The resort is built to blend into its surroundings, not dominate them. Wooden boardwalks weave through the protected waters, overwater villas stretch out across the lagoon, and the rhythm of the sea becomes your soundtrack, with fish jumping in the waters.
Book with Muse Bespoke Escapes for Virtuoso Perks
As a Virtuoso advisor, I can offer my clients exclusive benefits when booking Song Saa Private Island through Muse Bespoke Escapes, making an already extraordinary experience even more special.
Here’s what you’ll receive when booking through us:
- 🥐 Daily breakfast for two
- 💸 $100 ($200 for two bedroom villas) Resort or experience credit to use toward dining, spa treatments, or activities
- 🏡 Upgrade upon availability
- ⏰ Early check-in and late checkout (based on availability)
- 🌺 Extra spa or experience credits for stays of 4 days or more.
These thoughtful extras elevate your trip from wonderful to unforgettable, because at a place as unique as Song Saa, the details matter.
From Logged Land to Living Paradise
When Australian founder Melita Koulmandas first discovered the island in 2006, it was far from the idyllic paradise it is today. The land had been logged and littered with trash, the surrounding reefs were damaged, and the local community was struggling to get by. The couple that owned the island, struggling to make a living fishing, made her an offer to buy the island.
Melita bought the island and spent years restoring it. She worked hand in hand with local families, creating jobs, cleaning up the environment, and establishing Cambodia’s first-ever marine reserve to protect the coral and marine life surrounding Song Saa.
It took three years just to clean up the island and regenerate the island and sea around it. There’s also lots of driftwood used in the building and decor – that’s what gives Song Saa its Robinson Crusoe meets ultra-luxe aesthetic, the perfect blend of rustic charm and refined comfort. Today, the island stands as a living example of what sustainability can look like when done with heart.
Conscious Luxury in Every Detail
What makes Song Saa so special is that sustainability isn’t an afterthought here, it’s the foundation. From building schools in the local community, and waste reduction to coral regeneration projects, every choice has been made with care and consultation with the communities closest to Song Saa.
Most of the staff are local, trained through the resort’s community programs, and their warmth and pride shine through in every interaction. It feels like everyone here is genuinely happy you came, and somehow, by being here, you’re part of something bigger than a vacation.
Family Fun in Paradise
Even though Song Saa feels like a romantic escape, it’s also wonderful for families. The staff went above and beyond to make our son’s stay magical, setting up little games and surprises just for him.
There were ping pong ball tosses where he could win ice cream, hidden messages in a bottle that led to mocktail prizes and cookies, and endless sand toys waiting by the beach. The calm, shallow waters meant he could play freely, and having our own private pool made afternoons peaceful and easy.
We also got to have a private movie night with a projector in our room, and my son was included in such a sweet and lovely way during our sound bath when our host invited him to try out the singing bowls!
It’s rare to find a resort that feels this luxurious yet still so welcoming for kids, and Song Saa somehow strikes that perfect balance.
Pizza Making and Divine Dining at Driftwood
The food at Song Saa is divine, fresh and full of flavor, inspired by the region and the sea. We especially loved our dinner at Driftwood, where the ocean breeze mingled with the scent of grilled seafood and tropical herbs. Each dish felt light yet indulgent, and every meal was served with that signature Cambodian smile.
It’s worth noting that for parents of toddlers, some of the decks and walkways around Song Saa lack railings. We dealt with it by holding our son’s hand any time we were walking across one to a restaurant, but you can avoid them altogether by utilizing in-room dining and staying in a jungle or beachfront villa. We recommend avoiding the overwater bungalows until your children are old enough to swim.
Whether it’s breakfast overlooking the ocean or cocktails under the stars, dining here feels effortlessly romantic and always deeply connected to the island itself.
Our Beachfront Villa
We stayed in a spacious beachfront villa that perfectly captured the essence of barefoot luxury. A private sandy area led straight to the water, where gentle waves lapped against the shore just steps from our terrace.
The outdoor space had everything we could want: a large private pool, sun loungers, and both dining and lounge areas with overhead fans to keep things breezy. It felt private and peaceful, like our own secluded slice of the island.
Inside, the villa was just as impressive. A huge bedroom and sitting area opened up to the sea, with every detail crafted from warm, natural wood and soft textiles. The bathroom deserves a special mention — easily the best I’ve ever seen at a hotel, with a deep soaking tub, rainfall shower, and sliding doors that opened to nature. It was a sanctuary within a sanctuary.
Plan Your Stay
Song Saa isn’t just a luxury resort, it’s a story of transformation. From a forgotten, damaged island to a thriving, sustainable sanctuary, every moment spent here is a reminder that true beauty comes from care and intention.
✨ Book your stay through Muse Bespoke Escapes to enjoy Virtuoso-exclusive perks and let us design a seamless, soulful escape to this one-of-a-kind Cambodian island.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a place that blends eco-conscious travel with five-star comfort, where every wave and breeze feels like part of something sacred, Song Saa Private Island is that place.
(read our full Cambodia itinerary to see what else we did!)
*A big thank you to Song Saa for welcoming us. We have no hesitation recommending this lovely to other families.
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