Private island hidden gem JATI opens in southern Cambodia

Laze the days away on a Cambodian private island

Cambodia’s secluded Koh Rong archipelago is hotting up as a must-do destination with the opening of another luxury resort on its sandy shores.

JATI is an 82-villa barefoot resort on the private island of Koh Russey. Guests access the resort via speedboat from a private jetty at Ream Beach, just minutes from Sihanoukville airport. The resort is a boatride of about ten minutes away. If you're travelling from Phnom Penh, the new Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville highway will have you in the port town in just over two hours.

JATI is owned and operated by HMD Asia, the same hospitality group that runs Southeast Asian resorts including Shinta Mani hotels in Cambodia and Park Hyatt and La Residence d’Angkor in Siem Reap.

Stylish accommodation at the family-friendly resort on Koh Russey runs to one and two bedroom Khmer-inspired villas, some with private pools located directly on the sand. There’s also a gym and spa and a soon-to-be-opened Seahorse Kids Club, welcoming youngsters with beach adventures and games.

Recreation facilities are being introduced in phases over the first few months of operation and will eventually include a racquet and sports club for tennis and pickleball, basketball, mini golf, badminton, Thai boxing, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling and bike riding along island trails.

“JATI is designed for active couples and families, or for those wishing to simply relax under a tree or enjoy an array of pampering wellness treats,” said Anthony Lark of HMD Asia. 

Dining includes traditional Khmer cuisine and international dishes at Arun beach cafe, cocktails at Banyan Lounge in the shade of a banyan tree and seafood and barbecue options at Beach Club.

The resort officially opens on April 1; opening offers include a JATI renewal experience with sunrise deep breathing and sound healing by the beach, morning yoga and a spa treatment, plus full board meals with a healthy breakfast, detox lunch and dinner. Prices start at US$150 per person for two nights, in addition to the room rate. From April 1 to September 30, enjoy a 50% discount with rates starting from US$168 for a one-bedroom villa, including round-trip speedboat transfers, daily breakfast and free non-motorised water activities.