lisa shire travel

A luxury resort that offers “All-you-care-to-enjoy” included in your rates? Simply one of the fabulous locations unveiled in today’s Polkadot Travel Lounge, with our guest Lisa from Shire Travel. She has shared some very special spots from across the globe, and it has certainly made me long to get back to Asia!

What is your favourite region? 

I love Asia – so many incredible resorts that are so indulgent, such fantastic food, beautiful culture and great shopping!

Top Resort Recommendation? 

The Song Saa Private Island Resort in Cambodia. This resort is Cambodia’s only luxury beach property. It opened at the end of 2011 and is situated in a remote location in the pristine Koh Rong Archipelago on Cambodia’s south eastern coast. It is accessible from Siem Reap, you can also drive there or take a private plane from Phnom Penh and then take a 30 minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville.

If you are looking for a luxurious, elegant resort, in a unique location which is all about sustainable tourism, then this is it. The property is owned by an Australian couple in their early 40’s who have spent many years living in Cambodia. There are 27 jungle, oceanfront and over water villas each with a private pool. The resort blends in with the local Cambodian fishing villages with much use of rough timbers and driftwood, thatched roofs and local stone etc.

Song Saa Pic 2

The property has a casual elegance and guests are encouraged to walk around barefoot on the resort even in the restaurants. It’s funny, the no shoes suggestion actually forces you to relax and chill out….I loved it!

The heart of the property is the overwater restaurant and lounge area which is surrounded by the ocean and is just off the main beach. The large lounge area has an outdoor and indoor space (in case weather turns bad) with giant daybeds on swings.

The food at the resort doesn’t disappoint, and days can be spent enjoying the spa and water sports centre, doing yoga sessions, swimming in the infinity pool and visiting the neighbouring beaches and fishing villages.

Stay includes all meals (including snacks, beach picnics, afternoon canapés etc.), unlimited access to house wines and spirits, beer and non-alcoholic drinks, including villa mini bars which are restocked daily.

For an added element of adventure, I would personally recommend combining a break at Song Saa with a trip to Siem Reap to see the incredible temples of Angkor Wat, both are amazing locations and will guarantee an unforgettable honeymoon experience.

Song Saa PIC 4

Song Saa Pic 3

Suggestions for great honeymoon activities. 

A private picnic for two traveling by speedboat from Song Saa to one of the gorgeous white sand beaches in the same Archipelago. A perfect afternoon excursion.

The ideal location for a proposal? 

  • Top of Ayers Rock
  • Sunset at Cable Beach, Broome
  • In front of an open fire place at Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
  • Dinner at Guillaume at Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House
  • Surprise proposal over a bottle of wine in the Hunter Valley at Spicers Vineyard Estate 
  • Barefoot on one of Australia’s best beaches – Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsundays

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Spicers Vineyards Estate

Best kept secret honeymoon location? 

I would also suggest:

Hotel Punta Islita in Costa Rica

This resort has everything – located on a secluded beach cove, guests can enjoy horseback riding and a variety of eco-adventures including zip lining, river kayaking, golf, surfing, bird watching, sea turtle expeditions or guests can simply take it easy and lounge on the beach

Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

This part of the world is blessed with gorgeous white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. It is a premier destination for water enthusiasts and the exquisite Amanyara is stunning with low lying rooflines, timber pavilions and the grassy blue sea stretching out behind it. A beautiful destination

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Hotel Punta Islita

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Amanyara

 What breathtaking scenery! It was a joy to (virtually) travel along with Lisa today, and if you’d like to find out more how Shire Travel can assist with planning your dream honeymoon, head to their website!

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