October 19, 2018: Hailed as one of the most anticipated openings, Alila Villas Koh Russey is set to open in November, residing on its own private island in the Koh Rong archipelago in Cambodia. The journey from tarmac to resort takes just a 20-minute private car transfer and speedboat ride from Sihanoukville Airport.
EarthCheck, an Australia-based organisation, has benchmarked and certified Alila Villa Koh Russey's areas of operational and environmental sustainability, as well as carbon dioxide emissions. Most of the island's natural foliage has been preserved, with the low-density structures accounting for just 15% of the 60-acres of lush grounds. Villa systems automatically adjust lighting and temperature when occupants enter or leave and a fishing exclusion zone is set at 200-metres around the resort to preserve the marine environment.
The 50-pavilion, 13-villa (two and four-bedroom) boutique resort has a strong Khmer influence. 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. Beachfront Spa Alila offers classic Spa Alila holistic treatments that nurture mind, body and soul.
Master architect Chioh-Hui Goh, of Singaporean firm Studiogoto, comments: "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."
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.
