Six Senses Krabey Island

Cambodia, like Vietnam before it, is following Thailand’s lead and opening itself up to high-end hotel and resort development. It might not be good news everywhere, but it would be difficult to find fault with Six Senses Krabey Island. The island itself, a private speck of a place, is a short boat ride from the mainland, in the spectacular Gulf of Thailand. And if you don’t yet know Six Senses, take it from us: you can trust them to do luxury villas right.

Here there are 40 of them, but from within your own, you’d be forgiven for thinking you had the island all to yourself. Bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms all look out over native greenery, and come with, at minimum, private plunge pools — many have ocean views as well. And not only are they visually stylish, but, fittingly enough, they’re pleasing to the other senses as well, from their Organic Pharmacy to their sprawling emperor-sized Naturalmat mattresses. You’ll even have a “sleep ambassador” on hand, in the event you need to troubleshoot your shut-eye.

Six Senses spas are typically first-rate, and this one is true to form. The main infinity pool is impressive as well, thanks to its hillside perch. The cuisine is a high-end mix of modern and traditional Khmer cooking and other Southeast Asian flavors. And on Krabey Island, water sports are particularly relevant; offerings include snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and a variety of excursions to the neighboring islands and Ream National Park.