The Royal Sands Koh Rong

Set on the soft white sands of Cambodia’s Koh Rong Island, The Royal Sands offers refined beachfront living in charming whitewashed villas with traditional thatched roofs that sit sympathetically against their jungle backdrop. With warm aquamarine waters just steps from the villas, days here can be spent luxuriating on the pristine sands, snorkelling, island hopping or jungle trekking.

The 67 villas of The Royal Sands offer a rustically elegant escape, just moments from the beach. The whitewashed walls and traditional rattan ceilings offer refined simplicity with much of the furniture built into the very structure of the villa from the same white stone. Wooden accents and a calming, neutral colour palette create a restful, serene retreat which continues in the bathrooms with a separate rain shower and bathtub in addition to an outdoor shower. Smart TVs, complimentary WIFI, coffee machines and minibars add home comforts, while the outdoor sala lounge areas provide a comfortable spot from which to admire the ocean views.

While its oceanfront setting brings the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand almost to your doorstep, the resort also boasts a picturesque infinity pool that looks out over the white sands of the beach to the dazzling ocean. The nearby Chill Beach Bar keeps guests refreshed with juices, cocktails, and champagne while the Grill serves light lunches and refined Asian dishes for dinner. The Ocean Restaurant looks out over the resort to the waters beyond, a scenic spot for a breakfast buffet and seasonal Mediterranean flavours at dinner. After indulging in the restaurant, work out with a view of the mountains in the well-equipped fitness centre or head to the spa for a Thai massage in the partially open-air sala or a tailored therapy in one of the private treatment rooms. With a number of the rooms boasting transparent floors, you can be entertained by a rainbow display of tropical fish as trained therapists work on tired muscles.

Much of your time at The Royal Sands is likely to be spent on the beach, strolling along the soft sands or dipping a toe into the clear waters. Laze on your sala with a book, or by the pool where the Beach Bar will keep you refreshed. With a number of superb dive and snorkelling sites within reach, and the jungle-clad hills of the island offering trails for mountain biking and hiking, there’s a wealth of activity for guests who prefer a more active escape.