The Royal Sands Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, Cambodia

A Cambodian island escape made for barefoot luxury

The Royal Sands Koh Rong sits on a paradise island off Cambodia’s coast, where coconut palms frame immaculate white sand and the Gulf of Thailand stretches out like a reason to slow down. Cane chairs swing in the breeze, the days feel sun-warmed and unhurried, and everything is tuned to the shoreline.

Architecture and interiors keep the mood light and coastal: crisp white walls, neat thatchwork, and contemporary spaces that feel fresh against all that tropical green. Villas are scattered through gardens for privacy, with private pools in many for quiet dips between beach walks.

Time here moves between sea and shade. A beachfront saltwater pool stays open day and night, lined with loungers for long, lazy hours. As the light softens, cocktails gather around the fire pit and sunset becomes the evening’s main event.