A resort being built on Koh Krabey which has been touted as Cambodia’s “first ultra luxury, private island wellness retreat” has changed management, with the renowned Six Senses chain taking over operations.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas recently announced it had expanded its portfolio of resorts to Cambodia, declaring it will open Six Senses Krabey Island in 2017. The island is a 20-minute boat transfer south of Sihanoukville.

Labelling Cambodia “a country steeped in history and remerging onto the world stage of exotic destinations”, the resorts arm of the Six Senses brand is well-established in some of the most idyllic beachside destinations around the world, notably Thailand, Maldives and the Seychelles.

The chain’s president, Bernhard Bohnenberger, said the company was eager to offer an enticing holiday option and new destination to travellers bound for Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

“Cambodia is becoming a destination of choice for many travellers,” he noted, “and we want to be there to service the high-end market niche.”

“Six Senses has a very loyal and ever-growing guest base that knows that when Six Senses develops a new resort, it will be in an inspiring, unique and beautiful place,” Bohnenberger said, adding that Krabey Island was identified as the ideal fit for their mission.

The resort will offer the ultimate in luxury living, with all 40 villas boasting a private plunge pool and decking set around the naturally landscaped 30-acre island. In addition, some villas will also feature outdoor showers.

Resort amenities include an all-day restaurant, spa, nail bar, gym and a full-service retail boutique with clothing, beachwear and local products available to purchase.

While the resort will be open to the public next year, it has been in construction since late 2011 and was initially expected to be open mid-2016 by the Akaryn Hotel Group under the management of Arovada by Akaryn.

When contacted by Post Property, Akaryn kept mum on any specific reasons for its decision to abandon the resort.

“We regretfully no longer work on the hotel in Cambodia as there is a change of direction,” the company said over email.

Nevertheless, Six Senses’ Bohnenberger said, “It is a great pleasure to align with a like-minded and committed owner [RPB Investment] when it comes to sustainability and wellness.”

The private island retreat is expected to attract guests mainly from China, Japan, Korea and other Asia markets, as well as from the US, UK, and European markets.