Alila Villas Koh Russey in Cambodian will be welcoming guests from November.

The property resides on its own private island in the Koh Rong archipelago and the journey from tarmac to resort takes just a 20-minute private car transfer and speedboat ride from Sihanoukville Airport.

This will be brand Alila’s first resort in Cambodia, sharing the group’s philosophy of innovative design, personalised service and unique guest experiences that has made its hotels – including Alila Villas Uluwatu, Alila Seminyak, Alila Yangshuo and Alila Fort Bishangarh – successes.

Alila Villas Koh Russey is set to serve up pristine bays, dramatic peninsulas, copper-sand beaches and tropical forests.

The 50-pavilion, 13-villa boutique resort has a strong Khmer influence.

Master architect Chioh-Hui Goh, of Singaporean firm Studiogoto, commented: “Like the relevance of the Krama (a patterned cloth widely used in Khmer life) to the Cambodian people, it has inspired much of the geometry in our design concept, in fusing the architecture, landscaping and interior works with the destination while paying tribute to the local artisans.”

For foodies, there will be two specialty restaurants: Horizon – which will serve à la carte breakfast and dinners with an emphasis on French and French fusion fare – and the Beach Shack a place for guests to kick back and enjoy Khmer cuisine, seafood and light dishes.

Those looking for wellness and rejuvenation will love the beachfront Spa Alila, offering classic Spa Alila holistic treatments that nurture mind, body and soul. 

Signature treatments will include Khmer healing techniques and local ingredients such as virgin coconut oil, to reflect its locality.

Thanks to the two and four-bedroom villas, Alila Villas Koh Russey is a great option for families looking to enjoy the privacy of their own space, terrace, pool and garden as well as optional chef and butler services while the one-bedroom villas offer an exclusive honeymoon experience for couples.

The magical, intimate island of Koh Russey (Bamboo Island) is described by some as ‘a jewel by the sea’. 

Its dramatic headland is covered in lush, tropical forest with a kilometre of coppery powder-sand beaches bordering its stunning coastline.