Knai Bang Chatt Resort in Kep
Resort hotel ·
Elegant villas, infinity pool, spa, yoga, fine dining, beachfront eatery
Information
F7RQ+VQ, Krong Kaeb, Cambodia Get directions
Elegant villas, infinity pool, spa, yoga, fine dining, beachfront eatery
F7RQ+VQ, Krong Kaeb, Cambodia Get directions
"Located in the seaside town of Kep, once known as the St. Tropez of Southeast Asia, Knai Bang Chatt is a throwback to the glory days. The hotel is centred around three renovated colonial villas designed by New Khmer architectural trailblazer Vann Molyvann, a student of Le Corbusier. Fully restored, each of the 18 photogenic rooms features a polished teak bed, ceramic lamps and vases, a spacious bathroom, and a private terrace, most overlooking the Gulf of Thailand." - Mark Fedeli
"Seaside vacationers have returned to the country’s southern shore since the opening of this stylish compound a three-hour drive from Phnom Penh along bumpy country roads. Comprising three Le Corbusier–influenced villas built by Khmer industrialists and one modern house that stylistically links the historic buildings to form one intimate retreat, Knai Bang Chatt offers 11 minimalist-chic rooms with elevated beds that face either the calm Gulf of Thailand or artfully landscaped gardens. Though there are excursions such as hikes to ancient Buddhist cave temples and snorkeling around Rabbit Island, many guests opt to stay put, thanks to poolside and beachfront canopy beds, Mediterranean-influenced seafood menus, and expert traditional Khmer massages from a therapist. The hotel sponsors a nearby agricultural cooperative through a micro-credit program, which can help guests feel at ease about enjoying world-class luxury in a struggling country."
"Knai Bang Chatt, snapped up in 2006 by a Belgian traveler named Jef Moons, is made up of three Molyvann-esque buildings previously owned by the head of customs, the governor, and a relative of the king. There’s a busy restaurant with tables and chairs along the jetty, and the Sailing Club harbors a fleet of Hobie Cats. Moons, the owner, has plans to create a marine national park."
"Located along the South-eastern coastline of Cambodia, Knai Bang Chatt Resort features an outdoor infinity pool, a private area with views of the sea, and offers exquisite accommodations surrounded by nature’s tranquility. It operates a 24-hour front desk and provides free WiFi access in the entire property. The resort is just a 5-minute walk from the famous Crab Market, and within 1.2 mi from the Public Bus Station of Kep City. Phnom Penh International Airport is approximately 93 mi away. Featuring a large terrace with breathtaking views of the garden or sea, air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a personal safe, a mosquito net and seating area. Private bathrooms come with a hairdryer, shower facility and free bath amenities. Knai Bang Chatt Resort provides luggage storage, laundry and massage services on request. Guests may rent a bicycle/car to explore the area, while the tour desk can assist with sightseeing and travel arrangements. Activities such as fishing, windsurfing and diving are also available. The in-house restaurant serves a variety of delectable Cambodian and Western dishes, while the bar offers a selection of cocktails, wines and local drinks. Room service is possible." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"After stumbling off the beaten track on these beautiful modernist villas - built by pupils of Vann Molyvann, (Minister of Urbanism and protégé of Le Corbusier) - the now owners snapped them up, converted and subtly added new houses to them, with an impeccable sense of when enough is enough. The result is a serene but visually stunning resort on the Cambodian coast.The renovation brings out the individual character of the light, airy and perfectly proportioned houses full of elegant rooms, with their playful rhythm of geometric shapes, ship’s railings and combination of warm natural stone and concrete austerity. A great deal of thought has gone into what may look like the simple décor of the resort as a whole. The trees along the seafront have been kept from the original mangrove - gnarled ficus branches now hold hammocks while almond trees shade the reclining platforms on the lawn - and their interplay of shapes and shades of green are very attractive. An infinity pool, tiled in muted turquoise, leads on from the terrace and Khmer restaurant to the boathouse bar with its long jetty, which adds timeless, maritime charm. A true gem. Highs Three beautifully converted modernist villas from Cambodia’s 50s heyday, matched with new houses built by a contemporary French architectLovely minimalist rooms and generous communal areas, with plenty of relaxation space plus an infinity pool with lots of loungers and spaceCharming Cambodian staff, well managed by JoffreyA sailing school with catamarans, surfboards and waterskis for hire; the hotel also arranges excursions and boat tripsExcellent food and cooking courses; plus those after private romance can dine on the rooftop or on the jetty Lows Not a lot in the way of entertainment in the vicinity - Kep is a quiet beach town. However, the area is on the up so this may soon changeNo real beach by the hotel (it's more muddy then sandy); even from the jetty it’s a bit of a walk till you reach swimmable depth" - Nicolas Buchele
