A Cambodian getaway imagined by an adventurous husband and wife
focuses on personal well-being, sustainability, and local outreach.
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| Song Saa is a 24-villa resort located on Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago. Created by Rory and Melita Hunter, the luxury retreat features design motifs—such as thatched roofs and driftwood furnishings—inspired by local fishing villages. |
By Jenny Bradley Pfeffer, Town & Countrymag
The sweethearts. It’s the English translation of the Khmer phrase
“Song Saa”—a name chosen by adventurers Rory and Melita Hunter for the resort conceived after the then-newlyweds spent two weeks exploring Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago.
“We instantly fell in love with the islands’ remarkable tropical
environment—with their pristine beaches, rain forests, and vibrant
communities,” Melita says.
Honoring that landscape—and the area’s
rich heritage and artisanship—was paramount for the couple when they
designed the retreat that occupies two islands linked by a wooden
footbridge.
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| An infinity pool beckons. |
Inspired by the region’s fishing villages, Song Saa is made up of
outwater buildings with thatched roofs, rough-hewn timbers, and
driftwood furnishings.
“We felt that it was important for Song Saa
to hold a strong sense of place,” Melita says. “We wanted the hotel to
fit in with its surroundings. This meant working alongside local
craftsmen, taking inspiration from traditional techniques, and
implementing them throughout the resort’s design.”
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| Guest villas—situated to offer both sea and jungle views—take full advantage of Cambodia’s abundant natural beauty. Linen-clad beds, flooring salvaged from old fishing boats, and thatched roofs create an aura of sustainable luxury. Reclaimed materials—driftwood, oil drums, and old fishing boats—were used for furniture, sinks, and flooring. |
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Perhaps the product of Song Saa’s embrace of the local environment, tranquility, and wellness come naturally here.
Guest accommodations—24 luxury villas outfitted with linen-draped
beds, sunken bathtubs, outdoor showers, and sun decks with private
pools—offer panoramic views of the lush jungle and jewel-like sea.
“Guests
can come here and totally switch off from the outside world,” Melita
says. “We want each guest to leave feeling refreshed, revived, and
rejuvenated.”
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| Song Saa’s wellness programs (including spa treatments, private yoga, and meditation) are based on the Buddhist principle of metta bhavana, or loving kindness. “We promote a holistic approach to personal well-being based on stillness, healing, and blessing,” Melita Hunter says. |
Aiding in that effort, the spa and wellness retreats are based on the
Buddhist principle of metta bhavana, which translates as loving
kindness. Treatments take place in sanctuaries sprinkled throughout the
island and emphasize stillness, healing, and the surrounding natural
beauty. For romantics and soul searchers, nighttime spa services can be
booked under vast, starry Cambodian skies.
Dining under those same dreamy skies is an experience in itself. Chef
Michael Pataran’s focus on sourcing local seafood, herbs, spices, and
produce (organic whenever possible) encourages partnerships with local
farmers and fishermen, and means guests will dine on only the freshest
of scallops, fish, and rock crab.
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| Earthenware used in the resort’s restaurant was handmade by local artisans. |
“Our focus is on combining unique Khmer flavors and age-old Cambodian
techniques with fresh, sustainable, and locally produced food,” Melita
notes.
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| The best of both worlds—an island-style afternoon tea. |
Having long ago fallen in love with this little piece of paradise,
Melita and Rory have also taken it upon themselves to ensure that they
leave as positive a footprint as possible. Through their Song Saa Foundation,
they have worked to clean up the islands’ reefs and have put in place
programs for the conservation of the area’s mangroves, sea grass
meadows, and sea turtles.
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They’ve also spearheaded initiatives to
encourage education, organic farming, and the improvement of local
medical care.
“Song Saa is so much more than just a hotel,” Melita says. “Guests
can interact with the local community, getting a truly authentic
experience and being a force for good.”
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