Cambodia’s 443-km coastline is the place to go to slow down after fast-paced adventures in the capital and temple-hopping in the northwest. Focus Cambodia shares our guide to where to stay when visiting the south, with Kep boasting luxurious hillside resorts and Kampot as the ideal riverside sanctuary to spend lazy days in the sun
Veranda Natural Resort
This mountaintop retreat offers unrivalled panoramic views of Kep’s coastline and the rocky cliffs that soar above it. Nestled within the luscious jungle of Kep National Park, the family-friendly resort showcases Cambodia’s bountiful landscape, boasting peaceful gardens, trees dripping with fruit and rustic wooden furnishings. Take a dip in the infinity pool, or head over to the spa for an afternoon of unabashed pampering. The Secret Bar and Restaurant serves a mixture of dishes from throughout Asia and the West.
Samanea Beach Resort
Inspired by the ruins of a seaside cottage that stood in what is now a private botanical park in Kep, Samanea Beach Resort is an oasis of peace and pleasure. Fusing rustic charm with contemporary luxury, 12 Khmer-style villas with exposed stonework are scattered among the gardens. A wooden boardwalk, leading from a saltwater infinity pool into a mangrove forest, emphasises the resort’s environmental awareness. Dinner may be served on the panoramic rooftop terrace of the Chankiri restaurant or on a private beach.
Hotel Old Cinema
An Art Deco-era icon dating from the 1930s, this quaint eight-bedroom hotel in Kampot was once among four theatres that served a thriving creative community in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The aftermath of the Khmer Rouge time left the heritage jewel in desperate need of the careful restoration recently provided by French owners. Once again bright and beautiful, the midtown hotel is now decked out with retro-cool furnishings, even if it no longer plays the Hong Kong kung fu films for which i t was once known. Its restaurant has garnered a reputation for its wines, cheeses and gourmet tapas.
Phoumrumduol Bungalow
Charming, budget-priced and adjacent to the Kampot railway station, with service to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, these individual bungalows are spaced throughout a lush garden beside a lovely swimming pool. An open-air restaurant and lounge serves Western or Asian breakfasts daily and other meals by arrangement. Rooms are clean, quiet, comfortable and great value for money. Guests have access to bicycle rentals and free WiFi.
Amber Kampot
A luxurious riverside resort, Amber promises peaceful relaxation despite its location directly opposite the town centre. Each premium one- and two-bedroom villa, spacious and tastefully decorated, has a private pool. The Arvi Restaurant serves international fusion cuisines along with creative Khmer fare, and the Amber Spa offers a menu of world-class therapies. The resort also has a fitness center, a hot tub and free bicycles for guest to use as they explore the Kampot area.
Tip
The coastal town of Sihanoukville has in recent years become better known for its casinos than its beaches, so head straight to one of Cambodia’s pristine islands for a true taste of luxury living.
