Six Senses Krabey Island
As the Six Senses speed boat arrives at Krabey Island, it’s clear you’re in for something special. Filled with lush green jungle and lined with soft sand beaches, the island sits like a droplet of paradise in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. Sustainable planning, including a design brief to protect the jungle environment allows the resort to blend into the natural setting while maintaining the highest levels of luxury for an unforgettable stay.
There’s a feeling of unmistakable Cambodian identity as you move around the island, with a feeling of modern Angkor in the architecture. Worn stone blocks line the winding pathways and form the steps up to the Sky Lounge that can’t help but leave you feeling as though you are climbing Angkor Wat. The main heart of the resort, known as the Khmer House, is a large sunset-facing building that has been modelled on traditional fisherman’s houses. Here panels are made from the recycled wood and fabrics use colours taken from the traditional Khmer scarf. Meanwhile, the gentle sea breeze, combined with the lapping waters and tropical flowers throughout give the island a calming sense of wellbeing.
Location
Six Senses Krabey Island is located on the edge of the Ream National Park, in the south of Cambodia. The Six Senses pier is located just 10 minutes from Sihanouk airport, where daily flights arrive from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh as well as other major Asian cities such as Bangkok, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh. On arrival, the Six Senses team are waiting to welcome you for the short ride to the pier where your luggage is whisked onto the Six Senses speed boat ready to sail you the 10-minutes across the calm Gulf of Thailand waters.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of operations at Six Senses Krabey Island. Six Senses Hotels is a brand that is known for their commitment to sustainability and they seem to have taken this the extra mile here on Krabey Island.
The 40,000 square foot organic farm, located on the mainland, grows as many vegetables, herbs and fruits as is possible in the climate; salad, corn, bananas, lemons, papaya, mango, pomelo, beetroot and the longest 'long beans' I have ever seen. Meanwhile, coconuts are converted to make coconut oil. Most of what is grown is used in the hotel kitchen, as well as in the cookery school at the farm where guests can learn how to create local dishes.
Six Senses supports the local community by educating on organic farming practices, allowing them to farm produce that the resort then purchases directly from them. Being limited with space, a 'vegetable bank' has been set up where local villagers can bring their vegetables to sell. Further sustainable initiatives are set up on the farm such as food waste from the resort being used for composting.
Back on the island, a visit to the Earth Lab teaches about what is happening on and off the island to maximise sustainability. Sustainable planning has made the island a paradise for birds and butterflies. Take a nature walk where you can spot from the 23 species of butterflies, the family of langurs, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a hornbill from the hornbill conservation project.
The Crystal Room serves as a bottling plant, providing drinking water through reverse osmosis in reusable glass bottles that are used throughout the island. Meanwhile, the Grow with Six Senses project creates activities to encourage future generations to also become responsible.
Rooms
Each of the 40 villas come with their own pool and garden. They are all discretely placed, complimenting the surrounding flora and fauna with grass roofs and natural construction materials. Our Ocean Pool Villa was perched on the edge of the hill with a clear sea view, giving an exclusive feel of absolute privacy. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls combine with electronic blinds to reveal the the most stunning sea views that you could dream of waking up to.
Spacious villas combine a separate living room, bright, airy bedroom and connecting bathroom with separate rooms for the shower and toilet. The use of glass walls blends the space between the villa and the jungle, bringing the outside in, allowing you to connect even more with nature. Everything is controlled by the in-room iPad, from blinds and air con, to in-room dining and spa reservations.
As with most of the areas on the island the bath comes complete with it’s own stand-out panoramic view, making a long soak, gazing into the horizon an absolute must. The bathroom has a very natural finish using the same dark stone and natural wood that can be seen all over the island, that complements well with the natural bath products from The Organic Pharmacy.
The private sundeck is perfect for time spent lounging by the pool, a front-row view to the sunset, or some alfresco dining in the evening.
The Beach Retreat is the ultimate accommodation for families or couples travelling together. Two spacious villas share the use of a large infinity pool and a private, white sand beach. One villa has a large dining area while the other has a cosy living room, meaning guests could spend their entire stay in the comfort of their villa.
The stand-alone bath tub at the Beach Retreat puts all other baths to shame as it sits out away from the island, into the sea. What better way to soak away your thoughts and fully unwind?
Dining
AHA Restaurant
AHA Restaurant is a laid-back, all-day dining space where you can relax on the cushion-filled seating and enjoy from the pan-asian menu.
AHA Restaurant is also where breakfast is served daily. Opt for a table on the outdoor terrace where sipping tea - or tucking into pancakes in my case - as you take in the expansive sea views is what mornings are made for.
Tree Restaurant
Tree restaurant is a more elegant option for evening dinners where the menu is all about Khmer cuisine. The restaurant has a treehouse feel, with glass walls and wood-crafted interiors, while the whole space feeling perched high up in the surrounding tree-tops. Our four course Khmer tasting menu was one of the standout experiences of our stay with local dishes such as the coconut, pumpkin and spinach soup, mushroom and bean curd dumplings, and a Cambodian chickpea curry.
Sunset Bar
There has never been a more appropriate name for a bar - if there is one thing that the Sunset Bar was made for, it’s enjoying the sunset over the expansive waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
The open-walled bar has creatively taken inspiration in it’s design from local restaurants where fisherman hang in hammocks facing out to the sea and wooden fish hang from the ceiling above. Sunset Bar’s own hammocks are set up to offer prime front row spots to watch the spectacular sunset show, lounging in the cushions with a creative cocktail in hand.
Sky Lounge
Dinner under the stars at the Sky Lounge makes for a special, private dining experience. Begin the evening with cocktails as the sunset lights up the sky in every shade of pink. After sunset, a delicious three-course meal is served, while you gaze up at the stars above, ideal for celebrating something special or just a romantic night under the stars.
Double-Dip Hangout
Close to the main pool, the Double-Dip Hangout serves sweet treats and serves as the famous Six Senses ice cream parlour. Choose from the range of creative flavours and get creative in combining them with all of your favourite toppings for a sweet afternoon treat.
Cooking Demonstration
Learn more about traditional Khmer cuisine with a cooking demonstration with the Six Senses chef, using fresh herbs and vegetables grown in the organic garden. Not only did I learn how to make the dish, but I also got to enjoy the creation for my lunch.
Spa
Often one of the main highlights at Six Senses Hotels are their spas and the spa at Six Senses Krabey Island is really something to be proud of. Located at the highest point on the island, the building emerges with an Angkor temple feel from the surrounding jungle. You can undertake a wellness screening to have a personalised programme created or select from one of the Khmer-inspired massages or scrubs that use herbs plucked from the garden.
The yoga pavilion in the tree tops above the main spa building offers stunning views that will ease you mindfully into your practice. Hatha yoga, tai chi, and Himalayan singing bowls are all on the menu in the twice-daily wellness activities. Or you can practice flying with an aerial yoga class, that will have you swinging from the roof to stretch your body far beyond what is usually possible.
The meditation room is available all day for tranquil relaxation, removed from the outside world. Sessions can be guided or you are free to use the space for self practice throughout the day.
Mix and match different ingredients to make your own natural products in the Alchemy Bar. I made a herbal compress which gave an insight into Cambodian culture and traditions as I learnt the valuable properties of different ingredients. It was neatly wrapped so I could have a small experience of traditional khmer relaxation even after I arrived home.
Activities
Take a stand-up paddle board or kayak from the hotel’s water sports centre to circle the island, or swim out to snorkel amongst the surrounding coral reefs.
If you manage to drag yourself away from your own private pool, the main infinity pool at the Khmer House, lined with loungers, has stunning views across the sea. It is conveniently located next to the ice cream parlour in case you need to cool off from the warm Cambodian sun.
The small, soft-sand beach with it’s loungers and oversized bean bags is ready for a day of relaxation. The waterspouts centre is on hand here if you are feeling adventurous. Or fresh coconuts can be ordered to complete the beach day itinerary.
