As a businessman, what would you do when you find the beachfront property you always wanted to open is in a place where there already are dozens of other similar beach properties of huts, shacks, hotels and resorts? You will try to differentiate.
Moonlight Resort did exactly that. Else what would explain odd dome-shaped rooms with oval-shaped transparent roofs, circular pools, a huge semicircular lobby doubling up as the restaurant and color theme inspired by Santorini Island in Greece (white and blue)? With its quirky design and layout, Moonlight successfully manages to capture the visitor’s attention. Even the low-end rooms (semi-domes) are tastefully designed with each one of them having an al fresco shower.
The attention to detail with respect to room amenities, toiletries, mini bar etc is so precise that customers seldom feel the need to call for the 24-hour room service. Moonlight Resort and Spa emanates a relaxed vibe which conjures beautifully with the idea of a perfect beach holiday
Location
Saracen Bay is considered to be the most beautiful beach location in Cambodia. Located at the quieter end of the crescent-shaped beach, it’s away from the more crowded area, Moonlight Resort’s beachfront is beautiful and the water swallow.
Its walkable distance to many restaurants on either side of the property. However, there are several piers where ferries drop off passengers. Moonlight Resort is near the western end of the long beach. It will be a nightmare to carry your luggage on the sandy beach (there is no pathway). Please call the resort after you confirm with the ferry on the designated pier. The resort will then send its boat to carry you and your luggage.
The Property
Unlike most of the resorts and lodges on Saracen Bay, Moonlight Resort provides ample space in front of it. A huge dome sized enclosure serves as the reception and the indoor breakfast area.
The property starts with two small yet beautiful circular pools near the beach. Then there is the outdoor sitting area on the powdery white sand under the cool breeze and tree shades.
There are also aesthetically designed square-shaped sitting areas besides the pool to lie and relax with the pristine beach view. Koh Rong Sanloem has only one side open to tourists since it is the only developed area.
The central part and the western part are out of bounds. It’s imperative that the property you choose makes up for the lack of options in the small island. The open-air shower under the tree shades is an experience to remember. After a salty dip in the ocean, it is refreshing to have a shower with the indigenous toiletries.
The Oddly Shaped Rooms
The room choices are simple. Either you opt for the Dome Rooms which are independent entities or you choose the Deluxe Rooms (Semi Dome) at the rear end of the resort.
Dome Rooms
Most of the Dome Rooms offer a view of the beach. These are round shaped structures with a circular glass ceiling on the roof to watch the starry night sky. Spacious and tastefully designed, it will be a new experience for all visitors.
The small sitting area (called the private terrace by the property) in front of the room is lovely. It is replete with all amenities such as mini refrigerator, powerful AC, free wifi, 24 hours hot water and one King size bed and one Kid bed. However, the flat screen TV provided has few movies stored in it via a hard disk. There is no satellite connection here due to the island’s remote location.
Semi Dome Rooms
These are much smaller and compact than the Dome cottages. There is no view from here and the ceiling is closed as well. With one King size bed, the room gets a little congested. Rest all facilities are similar to the dome rooms. Despite their odd shape, once inside the room, it doesn’t feel anything out of the ordinary.
Culinary Delight – Blue Moon
The complimentary breakfast served here is from a limited menu. However, you can be sure that whatever you order, it will be delicious. You can opt to dine under the vibrant translucent blue colored dome restaurant/lobby or decide to sit on the powdery white sand under the tree shades facing the beach. The dinner menu varies from Italian to Mediterranean with some authentic Khmer dishes to choose as well. They brand their food as European style fusion cuisine. The Spaghetti Carbonara is one of the best preparations here. Almost in the same price range as other hotel restaurants, one can definitely try Blue Moon restaurant of Moonlight Resort even if you are not staying there.
The multilingual staff here speaks Khmer, English and French thereby catering to most of the tourists. The entire property has a chilled out and relaxed vibe right from the time of check-in. No one here tries overtly to impress here and that’s the best part of this resort.
Though the entire Saracen Bay is lined up with restaurants and resorts, this is one of the few resorts in this remote island which offers online reservation. They are quite prompt in responding to emails and queries which makes life much easier for visitors visiting this part of the world for the first time.
FACTFILE:
Getting There: Sihanoukville is a coastal town in Southern Cambodia and is the hub to visit the nearby islands. There are regular ferries to Koh Rong Sanloem which can be booked online. You can also choose to book on the spot. There will be several long tail boats (local) which will ferry you across at a nominal price. Both the options are used by tourists as per convenience and requirement. There are daily flights from Phnom Penn and Siem Reap to Sihanoukville.
Accommodation: Semi Dome Rooms start from Rs 5500 (May – September) onwards during the low season and Rs 9000 onwards during the peak season (Dec – Feb). Similarly, the Dome Rooms start from Rs 8500 / Rs 10000 onwards during low/high season respectively.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
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