Review: Six Senses Krabey Island (Cambodia)

Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful trip in Southeast Asia. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Finnair A350 Business Class from Helsinki to Hong Kong
Review: Rosewood Hong Kong Hotel
Review: Cathay Pacific A330 Business Class from Hong Kong to Phnom Penh
Review: Six Senses Krabey Island, Cambodia (today)
Review: Rosewood Phnom Penh Hotel (Cambodia)
Review: Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Review: Song Saa Private Island (Cambodia)
Review: Thai Airways A350 Business Class from Bangkok to Munich

Review:

Hotel website: Six Senses Krabey Island
Location: Google Maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Set on a lush private island in the Gulf of Thailand, Six Senses Krabey Island is one of Cambodia’s most exclusive luxury resorts. Located five kilometers (3 miles) off the coast near Ream National Park, the resort combines sustainability, wellness, privacy, and understated elegance in a way few Southeast Asian resorts manage to achieve. With only 40 private pool villas hidden among tropical vegetation, the atmosphere feels intimate and deeply connected to nature. Unlike many luxury resorts that focus on extravagance, Six Senses Krabey Island embraces a refined barefoot-luxury philosophy inspired by Cambodian culture and slow island living. Sustainability is integrated throughout the experience, from the organic farm and refillable glass bottles to the use of local materials and eco-conscious architecture, creating one of Cambodia’s finest luxury island escapes.

Six Senses Krabey Island features in my top 10 list of the best Six Senses Hotels & Resorts in the world.

Have you ever stayed at Six Senses Krabey Island in Cambodia? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & Things I Like

Reaching Six Senses Krabey Island already feels like the beginning of an adventure. Guests arriving from Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh can choose a private car transfer of around three hours, while travelers from Siem Reap (home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex) usually arrive via a short domestic flight to Sihanouk International Airport. From there, it is only a 15-minute drive to the resort’s elegant mainland arrival pavilion. Check-in formalities are completed in the waterfront lounge while refreshments are served before boarding the resort’s speedboat for the short 10 minute crossing to Krabey Island. Approaching the island by boat is spectacular, with dense jungle rising directly from the sea and the resort blending discreetly into the landscape. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by the resort’s management together with their personal host, followed by a traditional Cambodian welcome ritual.

One of the greatest strengths of Six Senses Krabey Island is undoubtedly its spectacular private island setting. The resort occupies an entire 12-hectare tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, just off Cambodia’s southern coastline near Ream National Park. Although it is only a short boat ride from the mainland, the island feels wonderfully secluded and far removed from everyday life. Dense tropical forest covers much of the island, while the coastline alternates between jungle paths, rocky coves, wooden boardwalks, and some small sandy beaches. The west-facing orientation also makes the island ideal for sunsets, with the sky transforming every evening into shades of orange and pink over the Gulf of Thailand. Nature lovers will appreciate the island’s biodiversity, including 20 varieties of birds (such as the widely celebrated Oriental Pied Hornbill) and 35 of the 46 species of Cambodia’s butterflies.

The earthy design of Six Senses Krabey Island deserves particular recognition because it feels deeply connected to both the environment and Cambodian culture. Rather than collaborating with a large international design firm focused purely on aesthetics, Six Senses partnered with the Thai architecture studio DIN (Dimensional Interpretation), founded by architects Pitikorn Yoswattana and Pin Jitpratuk. Before developing the resort, the architects immersed themselves in Cambodian culture, studying traditional Khmer houses, local craftsmanship, fishing villages, and everyday life across the country. These influences can be seen throughout the property, from wooden wall panels inspired by traditional stilt houses to turquoise accents echoing the colors of the Gulf of Thailand. Decorative elements inspired by Cambodia’s national flower, the Romdoul, appear subtly in lighting fixtures, furniture, and artwork across the resort. DIN’s design philosophy centers around simplicity, sustainability, and harmony with the surrounding environment, allowing the architecture to blend naturally into the tropical landscape.

Accommodation at Six Senses Krabey Island consists of just 40 private pool villas scattered discreetly throughout the island’s lush tropical landscape. The relatively small number of villas contributes greatly to the intimate atmosphere of the resort while ensuring an exceptional level of privacy. Several villa categories are available, ranging from the Hideaway Pool Villas designed for couples to the larger Oceanfront Duplex Villas ideal for families or groups traveling together. During my stay, I experienced an Ocean Pool Villa, positioned higher on the hillside with beautiful views of the Gulf of Thailand through a clearing in the surrounding vegetation. The spacious layout included a separate sitting area and bedroom, both opening directly onto a generous sun deck with a private plunge pool, loungers, and an alfresco dining area. Inside, the design felt understated yet refined, combining natural wood, handcrafted details, and soft neutral tones. The bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a deep standalone soaking bathtub, single vanity, rain shower, and an outdoor shower immersed in tropical greenery.

The communal heart of Six Senses Krabey Island is located on the northwestern side of the island, where a striking multi-level structure elegantly cascades toward the ocean. Inspired by a traditional Cambodian fisherman’s house, the impressive building houses several of the resort’s key social and dining facilities. Enjoying sweeping ocean views, the top floor is home to the reception and concierge area as well as the Earth Lab, where guests can explore the resort’s sustainability initiatives and conservation programs in more detail. Below this level are AHA Restaurant and the Sunset Bar, one of the island’s most beautiful settings for evening cocktails overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The next level features the Double-Dip Hangout serving light fare and complimentary homemade gelato, alongside a spacious outdoor dining terrace. The lowest level is home to the stunning infinity-edge swimming pool, framed by dense tropical greenery. Because of the layered architectural design, and partly because many guests prefer the privacy of their villas’ pools, the communal areas never feel crowded.

The main beach at Six Senses Krabey Island is located on the southern tip of the island and offers a peaceful tropical setting framed by dense jungle vegetation and rocky coastal edges. Although the beach is semi-artificial — originally a smaller natural cove that was expanded for the resort — and protected by carefully placed boulders to reduce erosion and preserve the shoreline, the atmosphere remains calm and inviting. Several wooden platforms provide easy access to the sea, while loungers with umbrellas and shaded daybeds tucked beneath the trees create comfortable spaces for relaxation throughout the day. Nearby, the water sports center offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling activities in the calm surrounding waters. What truly defines the coastal experience, however, is the spectacular wooden boardwalk that runs along much of the western coastline, ending near the infinity pool. This scenic walkway offers uninterrupted ocean views and becomes especially atmospheric at sunset, when the sky transforms into warm shades of orange and pink over the Gulf of Thailand.

The Six Senses Spa is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Six Senses Krabey Island. Located at the island’s highest point, it combines striking design with holistic wellness experiences inspired by Khmer healing traditions and the region’s deep cultural relationship with water, which has long been central to purification rituals and spiritual ceremonies. The spa features treatment rooms, a rooftop yoga pavilion, aerial yoga studio, meditation cave, Crystal Water Room, Alchemy Bar, and a fully equipped gym. One of the signature experiences is the Integrated Wellness screening, which creates highly personalized recommendations focused on sleep, nutrition, movement, and recovery, while treatments blend local Cambodian herbs with Ayurvedic and Chinese influences. Architecturally, interior and exterior spaces are finished with lava stone referencing Angkor Wat, while treatment rooms feature undulating wooden ceilings inspired by water ripples, indigo-toned walls, and sculptural wooden forms representing abstract air bubbles.

Dining at Six Senses Krabey Island is a central part of the overall guest experience and strongly reflects the resort’s philosophy of sustainability. Much of the produce used across the restaurants comes directly from the resort’s organic farm and herb gardens on the mainland, reinforcing a farm-to-table approach that shapes every menu. The resort features two main restaurants alongside a casual dining venue and a sunset bar, each offering a distinct atmosphere and culinary identity:
- AHA, housed within the main complex, serves international cuisine in a relaxed all-day setting overlooking the ocean. Breakfast here is a highlight thanks to its mix of à la carte dishes, healthy selections, tropical fruits, fresh pastries, and Khmer specialties.
- Tree Restaurant, the signature dining venue located near the beach, offers a more refined culinary experience focused on Khmer and Southeast Asian flavors reinterpreted with a modern touch; set among the trees, it feels especially atmospheric in the evening and was my personal favorite.
- Adjacent to the horizon-edge pool, the Double-Dip Hangout provides light bites, refreshing drinks, and a daily selection of housemade gelato and sorbets, adding a playful element to the dining offering.
- The Sunset Bar completes the experience, perfectly positioned for evening cocktails overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, serving creative drinks and light dishes in a relaxed, open-air setting.
- For guests seeking deeper culinary immersion, the resort also offers Khmer cooking classes, farm visits, fishing excursions, and private dining experiences along the boardwalk, all reinforcing the sense that food here is not just dining, but an integral part of the island journey.

While many guests visit Six Senses Krabey Island simply to relax, the resort also offers a range of activities and excursions that allow travelers to explore both the island itself and Cambodia’s southern coastline. Water-based experiences include kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, fishing trips, and speedboat excursions to nearby islands. One particularly memorable experience is visiting neighboring islands at night to witness luminescent phytoplankton glowing in the water beneath the stars. The resort also organizes snorkeling and reef protection activities in collaboration with local dive instructors, combining marine conservation with guest education. On land, activities focus heavily on wellness and nature. Daily yoga sessions, meditation classes, jungle fitness circuits, wellness consultations, and aerial yoga are all available Culinary experiences include visits to the organic farm, Khmer cooking classes, and excursions to Kampot’s famous pepper plantations. In the evening, Cinema Paradiso transforms part of the island into an open-air movie theater under the stars, adding another memorable dimension to the resort experience.

Sustainability is deeply embedded in every aspect of the experience at Six Senses Krabey Island and goes far beyond the usual luxury hotel initiatives. The resort places strong emphasis on reducing waste, supporting local communities, and protecting the fragile island ecosystem. Refillable glass water bottles replace single-use plastics throughout the property, while an on-site water bottling plant reduces unnecessary transportation and packaging waste. Much of the produce served in the restaurants comes directly from the resort’s organic farm and herb gardens. Guests can also visit the Eco Center to learn more about marine conservation, reef protection programs, waste management, and sustainable practices implemented across the island. Architecture was designed with sustainability in mind as well, incorporating green roofs, natural ventilation, locally inspired materials, and energy-efficient systems that minimize the resort’s environmental footprint. Beyond the island itself, Six Senses actively supports nearby villages through educational programs and community initiatives.

Six Senses has established itself as one of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands by combining wellness, sustainability, design, and highly personalized service into a distinctive lifestyle philosophy. The brand was originally founded by Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, the visionaries behind Soneva, before later being sold and becoming part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Unlike traditional luxury brands that often emphasize opulence, Six Senses focuses instead on emotional wellbeing, authenticity, and a strong connection with nature. At Six Senses Krabey Island, this philosophy is visible everywhere — from refillable glass water bottles and eco-conscious architecture to organic farming and community support projects in nearby villages. Service feels intuitive and personalized without becoming overly formal, with each villa assigned a dedicated guest host throughout the stay. The result is a luxury experience ideally suited to travelers seeking privacy, wellness, sustainability, and understated elegance in one of Cambodia’s most beautiful island settings.

Cons & Things To Know

One aspect that may disappoint some guests is that Six Senses Krabey Island is not a classic “beach resort” in the traditional sense. The island is much more jungle-focused, with lush vegetation, elevated villas, and wooden pathways integrated into the landscape. While there are waterfront areas and beautiful ocean views, there is no long stretch of soft sandy beach surrounding the resort (except for the partly man-made beach on the island’s southern tip). Much of the access to the sea is via boardwalks and platforms rather than beaches. Guests expecting endless beach walks or a strong beach-club atmosphere may find the setting more jungle-oriented and secluded than anticipated.

Another potential downside is the resort’s steep and hilly terrain, which means most movement around the island requires calling a buggy. Going to breakfast, the pool, the spa, or even the beach area often involves waiting a bit (max 10 minutes) for transportation. Six Senses Krabey Island is definitely not the ideal place to realize you forgot your sunglasses, book, or charger in the villa. On the other hand, this setup works very well for guests who mainly want to stay in their private villa and only occasionally venture out to enjoy the resort’s facilities.

Because Krabey Island itself is a relatively small island, there is not a wide variety of activities. The resort does offer excursions and curated experiences on the mainland or nearby islands, but the overall rhythm remains intentionally slow and low-key. Travelers who prefer nightlife, shopping, or packed itineraries may eventually find the experience somewhat repetitive after several days. At the same time, many guests see this as part of the resort’s appeal: Six Senses Krabey Island works particularly well as the final stop of a Cambodia itinerary — a place to fully unwind and disconnect after more active destinations such as Angkor Wat or Phnom Penh.

Another potential downside of Six Senses Krabey Island is its remote island location. While the exclusivity and privacy are a huge part of the resort’s appeal, the isolation can also feel limiting. Guests are largely dependent on the resort for dining, entertainment, and activities, since there are no real alternatives nearby. Exploring local restaurants, nightlife, markets, or Cambodian culture requires arranging boat transfers back to the mainland, which adds extra costs and is not always convenient. That said, this sense of complete escape and separation from the outside world is precisely why many guests choose to stay at this sublime private island resort in the first place.

My Verdict

Layout: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Wow factor: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: exceptional /10

Tips & Save Money

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Six Senses Krabey Island through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD resort credit, to be utilized during stay
- Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 USD resort credit (for a total of $300 USD during stay)
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Six Senses Krabey Island is generally between November and April, during Cambodia’s dry season. This period offers the most reliable weather, with sunny days, lower humidity, calmer seas, and ideal conditions for enjoying the resort’s outdoor experiences, boat excursions, and ocean views. December through February is particularly pleasant, with slightly cooler temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it the most popular time to visit.

The rainy season, from roughly May to October, brings more tropical showers, humidity, and occasional rougher sea conditions. However, rain often comes in short bursts rather than lasting all day, and the island becomes especially lush and green during these months. Travelers visiting in the shoulder seasons can sometimes benefit from lower rates, fewer guests, and an even more peaceful atmosphere, although outdoor activities and transfers may occasionally be affected by the weather.

How To Get There

Getting to Six Senses Krabey Island is relatively straightforward, although the journey involves several steps. Most international travelers first fly into Phnom Penh or directly into Sihanoukville via Sihanouk International Airport. From Sihanoukville Airport, the resort arranges a private transfer of around 15 minutes by car to its mainland welcome lounge, followed by a short speedboat ride of approximately 15 minutes to Krabey Island itself. Guests arriving from Phnom Penh can either take a domestic flight to Sihanoukville or travel overland by private car, which usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. The entire arrival process is smooth and well organized, but because of the boat transfer, guests should keep flight timings and weather conditions in mind when planning their journey.