Location
Located just a 10-minute speedboat ride from a private peer in Sihanoukville, Jati is the latest private island resort to enter Cambodia. Nestled on a pristine patch of Koh Russey – or Bamboo Island – this tropical haven comprising 82 one- and two-bedroom villas one- boasts postcard-perfect vistas of untouched jungle and azure waters lapping golden sand.
Accommodation
I was treated to a stay in the double beachfront pool villa, a dreamy 104m² space that features a separate living area and twin bedroom, and the largest walk-in closet with plenty of space to hang your clothes, and do cartwheels, as well as a large shower and separate toilet.
The villas embody understated luxury, with the rustic decor brought to life with bold splashes of colour and high-quality, locally-made products completing the look. Think ceramic cups made in Cambodia, woven mats, and stylish hand-made baskets that pay homage to the island’s fishing roots. Outside is a large deck overlooking the ocean, with a private plunge pool.
F&B
The resort boasts five F&B outlets. Breakfast is served at Arun beach café, which overlooks the sea. At the weekend, when the resort was almost fully-booked, a buffet breakfast taking in Asian and Western delights was served. While on a quieter week day, an a la carte menu was on the table.
The Beach Club is a stylishly casual affair, serving a separate lunch and dinner menu. Seeing as the resort is located on an island, it comes as no surprise that seafood features heavily on the menu. There’s also Banyan Bar, where you can chill poolside under a banyan tree with a cocktail in hand.
A few Phnom Penh favourites have also set up shop, with KoKo steakhouse serving a range of prime cuts, as well as mouth-watering seafood – the slipper lobsters are to die for – and Le Manolis Wine Cellar offering perfect wine pairings.
Facilities
The vast 46-hectare resort hasn’t sacrificed space for profit. Meandering paths wind in between villas, with plenty of foliage maintaining privacy and peace. Bicycles and electric buggies are available for those who don’t fancy a stroll.
The Bamboo Spa is a bright, breezy, and lofty space, home to several treatment rooms and a gym. The 90-minute signature massage is a must. There’s also a racquet and sports club for tennis and pickle ball, as well as paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkelling, and a large infinity pool that seemingly flows into the sea.
Other facilities to be added this year include the Seahorse Kids Club and a 300m² events and conference centre.
Service
The service was impeccable, from each member of staff remembering my name, to them cycling down the trails after noticing I was having trouble adjusting my bike seat, or asking if I wanted my morning espresso after noting my daily habit.
Verdict
While the term barefoot luxury has become a bit of a cliché, Jati perfectly embodies it. The villas are so divine, you really don’t want to leave, unless it is to savour food, dip your toes in the sea or unwind at the spa.
Contact details
Website: www.jati-resort.com
In his new role, Chandra will be responsible for managing pre-opening and operational activities, ensuring efficiency and supporting the brand’s focus on sustainability, community engagement and technology integration.
