Knai Bang Chatt, Kep

Three coastal villas built in the 1960s by proteges of Vann Molyvann, the renowned Khmer architect, have been exquisitely restored to their former glory and transformed into a peaceful and secluded seaside resort.

The three original villas were designed at the height of the Khmer cultural boom of post-independence Cambodia, combining ultra-modern art deco design with traditional Khmer characteristics. Kep was profoundly affected by the extended Cambodian civil war, and the villas were abandoned around 1970 and ended up housing an army general in the early nineties. In 2003 two intrepid Belgian travellers discovered the villas, and on sensing their potential, purchased them. An architect was hired to strip the villas back to their original state and design an additional villa with similar characteristics. A further villa was renovated in Dec 2012 and offers an additional 5 rooms. History resonates strongly in the thoughtful renovation.

The resort has 18 individually decorated rooms, which are stylishly and minimally furnished with Cambodian antiques. The stone bathrooms, high ceilings and large windows give a refreshing and relaxing feel to the rooms, while the villas have large terraces with views over the garden and out to sea. They are certainly some of the best rooms you’ll find in this region.

The garden has a glorious, tropical array of lush vegetation. A lovely salt-water infinity pool is a highlight, with four-poster day beds on the edge of the sea, making the perfect spot to relax. The Strand restaurant faces out to the sea and the broad stretch of lawn. As the sea comes right up to the wall, there is no beach, though there is a stretch of sand and the setting negates the need for one. If you want to swim in the sea, however, you can wander out along the jetty and dive right in. 

The Sailing Club next door has a terrace above the water and is a beautiful location to watch the sunset over the islands, with Bokor Mountain across the sea. From here it is possible to hire sailing dinghies and kayaks too. It offers all-day dining, and the lounge bar provides a perfect spot to enjoy a drink in the evening. The resort offers yoga and spa treatments, as well as some insightful excursions to the nearby local sites of Kep, such as the famous crab market, and into Kampot to explore the pepper plantations. The food is an excellent fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, and the service is efficient and friendly, though if you want to venture out and try the delicious seafood in a local restaurant, they are merely a five-minute walk down the road. 

Knai Bang Chatt with its natural beauty, combined with its great location, relaxing setting and lovely Khmer hospitality, will make your stay in Cambodia unforgettable. We feel it is a great spot to simply chill out and relax at the end of your holiday!