Stepping off a private speedboat onto Koh Rong’s powdery white sands, I felt like I’d arrived in a secret paradise. The Royal Sands Koh Rong greets guests with swaying coconut palms and a warm Khmer smile, offering a “right royal treatment” from the first moment.
This all-villa, five-star resort spans a private 400–550 meter stretch of beach on Koh Rong Island’s west coast.
As I walked to my villa, I noticed how secluded and serene the setting was. Just 67 villas spread along an immaculate shoreline, each tucked amid lush gardens.
It was immediately clear why this resort is being hailed as a rising star among Southeast Asia’s luxury retreats.
Island Luxury Redefined
The Royal Sands delivers “barefoot luxury” in spades. My spacious beachfront villa featured high thatched ceilings and contemporary Cambodian décor, plus its own private plunge pool just steps from the sand.
In fact, many villas boast private pools and ocean views, blurring the line between indoor comfort and the great outdoors. At sunset, I took a leisurely stroll down the beach as the sky turned tangerine – an experience the resort calls the “crowning glory” of each day.
Later, drifting off to the sound of gentle waves from my plush king bed, I appreciated the privacy and tranquility engineered into the resort’s design. Even when fully booked, it never feels crowded; it feels like your own slice of paradise.
Amenities and experiences are thoughtfully curated. The Senses Spa offers a range of traditional Khmer and Western therapies in open-air salas and private rooms. Uniquely, some treatment rooms have glass floors, so during a massage you can watch tropical fish darting below – a surreal relaxation bonus.
I indulged in a foot massage while gazing at fish through the glass, an only-in-Cambodia spa experience that left me utterly blissed out. Active travelers can hit the fitness center or join morning yoga, while a beachfront saltwater infinity pool (cleverly lined in black to keep it warm) invites lounging anytime.
For adventurers, The Royal Sands makes the most of Koh Rong’s natural splendor. The resort offers island-hopping boat trips and jungle trekking with local guides into Koh Rong’s untouched interior.
Snorkeling and diving reveal vibrant coral and marine life, including the island’s famous bioluminescent plankton that light up night swims like a starry sky.
Other activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and cooking classes ensure there’s always something to explore. Yet, the resort equally encourages dolce far niente: the sweet art of doing nothing, be it sunbathing on the sugar-white beach or napping in a hammock.
Dining at The Royal Sands is a delight for the senses. Ocean Restaurant, the open-air pavilion at the heart of the resort, serves a lavish breakfast buffet and transitions into a fine dining venue by night. Candlelit tables with sea views set a romantic mood, and the chefs showcase the best of Cambodian flavors alongside Western classics.
I savored fresh-off-the-boat seafood and local Khmer specialties (the amok curry was superb) with a balmy ocean breeze on my skin. For a more casual vibe, The Chill Lounge by the beach offers wood-fired pizzas, BBQ seafood, and craft cocktails in a breezy setting.
Whether enjoying a poolside smoothie or a sunset champagne by the bar, I found the service attentive yet unobtrusive, embodying Cambodia’s warm hospitality.
Notably, The Royal Sands is eco-conscious and community-minded – a trait it shares with the best resorts in the region. The property has earned an Eco-Certification (Travelife) for supporting local culture and minimizing environmental impact.
Solar panels line the walkways, a battery-powered buggy ferries guests, and villas eschew single-use plastics (you’ll find refillable glass water bottles and locally made natural bath products).
The resort even uses a special tractor to clean the beach, ensuring that the white sand stays pristine despite tides. Such sustainability efforts, combined with use of local produce in the kitchen and employment of local staff, show that luxury here doesn’t come at the expense of the environment or community. It’s a “luxury for good” approach in line with Southeast Asia’s top eco-resorts.
What Sets The Royal Sands Koh Rong Apart
After experiencing and researching these properties, I’m convinced that The Royal Sands Koh Rong earns its place among Southeast Asia’s best – and even might be the best luxury stay for a certain kind of traveler. Here’s why:
- A Truly Pristine Beach: Koh Rong’s sand and sea are world-class, often compared to the Maldives or the Philippines’ top isles. The Royal Sands fronts an enormous stretch of soft, white sand on an untouched island. Swimming in the glow of bioluminescent plankton at night was an experience I didn’t have at any other resort – a natural wonder that gives Koh Rong a special edge. Unlike more developed beaches, here you won’t dodge boats or beach vendors; it’s just you and the lapping waves. Even Amanpulo’s beach, as stunning as it is, felt slightly more “domesticated” with its perfectly placed loungers – whereas Koh Rong’s shore felt raw and alive (yet still with five-star comforts handy).
- Exclusivity with Accessibility: The Royal Sands hits a sweet spot between exclusivity and convenience. It’s the only large luxury resort on Koh Rong, so you effectively have the island’s best area to yourself – similar to the private-island vibe of Song Saa or Amanpulo. Yet, getting there is relatively straightforward: a 40-minute private resort ferry from Sihanoukville (the resort arranges transfers from Sihanoukville Airport or town). There’s even an option for helicopter transfers if you splurge. Crucially, you don’t need a charter plane from a capital city as with Amanpulo, nor a multi-leg journey; many regional airlines now fly to Sihanoukville (or you can reach it overland from Phnom Penh in a few hours). This makes Koh Rong both remote and reachable. For travelers who want to avoid day-long transfers yet still feel “away from it all,” this is a big plus.
- Greater Value for Luxury: In terms of cost, The Royal Sands offers serious bang for your buck. Villas here start around $300–$500 per night depending on season and promotions – markedly less than the $800-$1000+ at Six Senses or Song Saa, and a fraction of Amanpulo’s rates. Even top-tier pool villas at Royal Sands often price below $800/night, offering large private pools and multiple bedrooms for what one basic room might cost elsewhere. This relative value doesn’t mean skimping on luxury: you still get spacious villas, fine dining, a spa, and personalized service, but your dollar goes further. It enables longer stays or the ability to combine Koh Rong with other regional stops. For many luxury travelers – especially families needing multiple villas – this makes The Royal Sands a very attractive proposition.
- Blend of Atmospheres: The Royal Sands manages to cater to different types of luxury travelers under one roof. It’s romantic and secluded enough for honeymooners (I met a couple who had the beach dinner of their dreams under the stars), yet it’s also family-friendly with two-bedroom villas, babysitting services, and kid-safe beaches. It doesn’t have a formal kids’ club, but children I saw were happily building sandcastles and spotting monkeys on jungle walks. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious – you can dine barefoot with a sundress or linen shirt (no need for jackets or high heels here) – which is refreshing for a high-end resort. It reminded me a bit of Amanpulo’s barefoot luxury ethos but at a more approachable level. In short, Royal Sands can be as private or as social as you want: you can hide away in your villa compound or join fellow guests for island excursions or happy hour at the bar.
- Emerging Destination Allure: Part of the thrill is that Koh Rong and Cambodia’s coast are still up-and-coming on the luxury circuit. There’s a sense of discovery and authenticity here. The resort can arrange visits to local fishing villages or hikes to waterfalls that very few tourists have seen. In contrast, places like Bali or Phuket, while wonderful, are well-trodden. On Koh Rong, you feel like a pioneer. The resort’s partnership with locals – many staff hail from nearby villages – also gives it a heartfelt touch. I learned a few Khmer phrases from the staff, and in turn they took pride in showing me Cambodian island hospitality. This cultural connection, combined with the resort’s comfort, left a deeper impression on me than some cookie-cutter luxury experiences elsewhere.
The Royal Sands Koh Rong sets itself apart through a combination of its natural setting, value, and balanced approach to luxury. It may not have the longest award list (yet), but it has the intangible magic of a place poised to be the next big thing.
If you’re a luxury traveler who has “done” the resorts of Thailand, Bali, and maybe even the Philippines, Koh Rong offers that rare feeling of a new frontier – without sacrificing the pampering you expect.
Practical Travel Information for Visiting Koh Rong
Planning a trip to The Royal Sands Koh Rong involves a bit of logistics, but it’s part of the adventure. Here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth journey:
Getting There:
Koh Rong lies off Cambodia’s southwestern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Most travelers will fly into Phnom Penh (Cambodia’s capital) or Siem Reap (home of Angkor Wat) first. From there, a short domestic flight (about 45 minutes) can connect you to Sihanoukville, the mainland beach town and gateway to Koh Rong.
The Royal Sands operates a private speedboat ferry from Sihanoukville Port (Pier 1) directly to the resort’s pier on Koh Rong, which takes around 40–60 minutes. They have a comfortable lounge at the pier where staff welcome you with refreshments.
If your international flight arrives in Phnom Penh, an alternative is a 4-5 hour private car transfer to Sihanoukville – the road is much improved, and it’s a chance to see rural Cambodia.
For those who love arriving in style, helicopter charters from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap can be arranged, landing at the resort’s own helipad. Once on Koh Rong, the resort provides buggy service, but mostly you’ll get around on foot – there are no cars, which adds to the island’s peaceful vibe.
Visa Requirements:
Cambodia requires a tourist visa for most nationalities (including Americans, Europeans, Australians, etc.). The good news: it’s easy to obtain. You can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Cambodia’s airports and major ports of entry for around USD $30.
Just bring a passport valid for at least six months and a passport photo (though they’ll accept a few dollars extra if you forget the photo). An even simpler option is to apply for an e-Visa online before you travel – the official website issues electronic visas that you print out and present on arrival.
If you’re entering via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports en route to Koh Rong, the visa on arrival process is straightforward and usually quick. Visas can be extended in-country if you fall in love with Cambodia and want to stay longer.
Note: Some Southeast Asian nationals are visa-exempt in Cambodia for short stays, so check the latest for your country. As always, double-check current entry rules before your trip, especially in the post-2020 travel climate.
Best Time to Visit:
Cambodia has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The best time to visit Koh Rong is generally from November to April, when days are sunny and rain is minimal. During this dry season, you’ll enjoy calm seas (ideal for boat transfers and diving) and comfortable heat averaging 25–30°C (77–86°F).
December and January are peak months with idyllic weather – hot days, low humidity, and cooler evenings. By contrast, May through early October is the monsoon season. It becomes hot and humid, and heavy rain can occur, especially in June–August. That said, the island takes on a lush emerald beauty in the wet season, and resort rates are lower.
If you don’t mind the occasional tropical downpour (often short afternoon storms) and prefer more solitude, the green season has its charm. Just note that boat schedules might adjust during rough weather, and some activities like diving may be limited in the rainy months.
The resort actually mentions that August to September can bring unpredictable sea conditions, sometimes lengthening the boat ride or requiring schedule tweaks. In my experience, late October and early November can be a sweet spot – the rains taper off, the island is vibrantly green, and the high-season crowds haven’t fully arrived.
Whenever you go, Koh Rong tends to be a few degrees cooler than mainland cities thanks to ocean breezes, and the resort provides umbrellas, bug spray, and everything you need to stay comfortable.
Travel Tips:
Pack light, airy clothing – flip flops, swimwear, resort casual outfits – as the atmosphere is laid-back. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and a sunhat; the equatorial sun is strong.
The resort has a small boutique if you need any essentials or want to buy local artisanal products. Currency in Cambodia is the riel, but US dollars are widely accepted (in fact, prices at the resort and most tourist spots are quoted in USD). It’s handy to bring some small USD bills for tips or minor purchases.
The Royal Sands accepts credit cards for your bills, of course. Language: The staff speak excellent English (as well as Khmer, and some speak other languages like Thai or French), and they love when guests learn a couple of Khmer words – “susaday” (hello) and “akun” (thank you) usually earn you a big smile.
Health & safety: Koh Rong is generally safe; just use typical beach common sense (e.g., be cautious of strong sun and stay hydrated). The resort has a doctor on call and modern facilities.
Finally, connectivity: Wi-Fi is available and free (and quite good in my villa and common areas), but you may find yourself happily “disconnected” by choice, lulled by the waves and rustling palms.
Conclusion
As I departed The Royal Sands Koh Rong, waving goodbye to the staff gathered on the jetty, I felt that rare mix of complete relaxation and heartfelt connection. In a single stay, Koh Rong had given me ultra-luxury and raw nature, five-star comforts and genuine local flavor.
Southeast Asia’s luxury resort scene is a competitive one, but The Royal Sands demonstrates that Cambodia can stand toe-to-toe with the region’s best – and even, perhaps, outshine them by offering luxury with a soul.
For upscale travelers looking for the next great escape – one that marries high-end indulgence with the thrill of discovery – Koh Rong’s crown jewel might just be the paradise you’re seeking.
In my book, that makes The Royal Sands Koh Rong one of the most exceptional luxury stays in Southeast Asia today.
