JATI brings Khmer-inspired elegance and barefoot bliss to Cambodia’s untouched southern coast.
JATI doesn’t announce itself so much as it arrives—with the hush of a speedboat throttling down, the gleam of shallow water over pale sand, and the soft sway of bamboo against a cobalt sky. Stepping onto Koh Russey, or “Bamboo Island,” We immediately felt the hum of calm—the kind that seems to seep into your bones before your mind even registers it.
Set just ten minutes from Ream Beach, this newly opened private island retreat, from the acclaimed creators of Shinta Mani Hotels, embodies a gentler rhythm of luxury: Khmer in spirit, modern in silhouette, and utterly devoted to unhurried days.
The name says it outright. JATI—Sanskrit for “rebirth”—perfectly captures the sensation of shedding the noise you didn’t know you were carrying. Walking across the sandy paths, past hand-finished textures and generous open spaces that frame the sea and sky like living artworks, we felt like we had been given a tiny, perfect pause from the world.
Private Villas for Ultimate Comfort
The resort features a total of 82 villas, some nestled among lush greenery, while others are situated gently along the coastline. We stayed in a villa with a private pool, thoughtfully designed down to every detail— from the furniture to the bathrobes, featuring abundant natural materials and local craftsmanship.
As evening fell, we watched the sun slowly sink below the horizon through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The gentle breeze, swaying bamboo, and a glass of wine made everything feel perfectly in place.
Sun, Sea, and Play
Mornings at JATI are deliciously slow. Breakfast at Bai Sor became my ritual: a steaming Khmer comfort bowl, eaten while the tide lazily turned, and a chance to watch the day wake in colors I’d only imagined.
Afternoons found me alternating between mini golf with friends and paddleboarding on glassy waters. I also introduced my friends to her very first snorkeling experience—a surprisingly fun adventure that quickly became a milestone in our friendship, one we still laugh about and remember fondly.
Wellness and Relaxation
The Bamboo Spa & Gym is a transformative experience. We sank into lemongrass-scented oils and long, languid strokes that slowed my heartbeat, then braved the blissful sauna-and-ice-bath combo that left me tingling and renewed.
The gym, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, tempted me to push harder; yet, the most satisfying workout was always the barefoot walk back along the beach, book tucked under my arm, with the salt air in my hair.
Dining Experiences to Remember
Each of JATI’s restaurants has its own character. The Beach Club sets the island’s evening rhythm with live-fire cooking, lazy sunset playlists, and seafood so fresh it feels like a gift from the tide. Bai Sor, a beloved name in Phnom Penh, brings Cambodia’s traditional flavors to the island, reimagining cherished home-style dishes in an exquisitely refined way that makes every bite feel both familiar and special. Meanwhile, KoKo brings the capital’s signature steakhouse swagger to the shoreline. It’s a delightful two-step—an island setting with an urban lens—that turns dinner into an experience without ever breaking the spell of the sea.
Perfect for Every Type of Traveler
Families slip effortlessly into the story. At Seahorse Kids Club, children embarked on treasure hunts and sandcastle diplomacy, returning sun-dappled and triumphant, while parents took advantage of spa hours or late lunches. Couples find their corners, friends flow between pool, beach, and bar, and somehow the island manages to keep its pace mellow, even as options multiply. We found ourselves sipping a second coffee, taking a nap, or having conversations that forgot the hour—luxuries we hadn’t realised we’d been missing.
Luxury That Feels Reasonable
Conversation on the island often circles back to value, a word that in luxury too often feels slippery. Here it’s direct. Private island access and standalone villas are undeniably indulgent, yet JATI Koh Russey’s pricing feels remarkably reasonable. Many of the island’s activities are included at no extra cost, with only a few select experiences requiring an additional fee.
The resort is calibrated to deliver first-class experiences—serious sports facilities, generous villas, a dining lineup with personality—at price points that feel refreshingly grounded. That sensible indulgence frees you to say yes more often: to the extra night, the extra course, the extra hour in a hammock while the world conducts itself elsewhere.
JATI Koh Russey doesn’t try to dazzle; it invites you to remember what really feels good and then gives you more of it.
A Chinese version of the article appeared here.
Are you looking to discover more fun places in the world? Click here.
ADVERTISEMENTS