Countless hotels bill themselves as a “home away from home”. But every now and then, you come across one that might be even better than home. Welcome to Samanea Beach Resort, a luxe all-villa property on the tranquil shores of Kep, on Cambodia’s southern coast.
Just 30 minutes from the Vietnamese border, Kep was once the Saint-Tropez of the Far East, known for its pretty people and stylish villas during Cambodia’s modern “Golden Age” of the 1950s and 60s. Samanea embodies that carefree, sun-kissed spirit in its 12 spacious villas set amongst two hectares of neatly landscaped grounds, all of which are colossal at 75-150 sqm including Family, Junior Suite and Connecting villas. Villas also come with outdoor soaking tubs and showers in a gorgeous garden setting.
A destination unto itself, Samanea is all about doing everything, or nothing. Take a complimentary tuk-tuk to the nearby crab market (“We don’t want our guests having to fumble around for loose money,” explains the personable Hotel Director, Jonathan Manstein) and feast on seafood cooked-to-order with strands of Kep peppercorns, cruise the quiet countryside, or take a day trip to the nearby island of Koh Tonsay. Or simply relax by the sparkling 300 sq. m infinity pool, laze on the palm-fringed, private beach bookended by lush mangroves and watch the legendary sunsets, or walk out on the area’s longest sea pier and take in spectacular 360-degree views out to Phu Quoc on one side and Bokor Mountain and Kep National Park on the other.
Another reason you won’t want to leave Samanea is its signature Chankiri Restaurant, putting a modern twist on French and Cambodian flavors. The included breakfast is a mix of buffet items like fresh juices and delectable pastries along with gourmet a la carte items. Our selections were consistently excellent, including an Eggs Florentine and a scrumptious Breakfast Burrito.
In addition to being good to guests, Samanea is good to the environment, committed to a host of sustainable initiatives, including 70 sq. m of solar panels, biodegradable water bottles, rubbish bags and metal straws, and 100 percent locally-made bio-friendly bathroom amenities. And with 30 staff to look after just 12 villas, Samanea might very well be “better than home”.
Book directly with the resort and mention “Oi Vietnam publication” to receive up to 50 percent off your stay. Now through October 15, 2019, stay in a Deluxe Double or Twin Villa (usually USD165), for only USD 99 (if staying one or two nights) and only USD82.50 if staying three nights or more. A gourmet breakfast at the lovely Chankiri Restaurant is included. For more, see www.samanearesort.com
Images Provided by Samanea Beach Resort
