Knai Bang Chatt

Unique Knai Bang Chatt is a chic boutique hotel situated in the quaint fishing village of Kep, a beach destination on Cambodia’s South Coast, once the 1960s escape for the elite. Sensitively restored to its former glory, it is the ‘love child’ of Belgian, Jeff Moon, showcasing ground-breaking New Khmer architecture, inspired by the Cambodian trailblazer Vann Molyvann, who studied under Le Corbusier.

Set within manicured gardens running down to the sparkling ocean, 18 rooms and suites are spread across six architecturally striking villas. Interiors are minimalist and unfussy with earthy tones, polished stone walls, fluid wooden furnishings and mosquito nets strung above beds.

Open-air restaurant The Strand serves inventive Khmer and international and dishes or head next door is the waterside Sailing Club, also owned by the hotel, and formerly a fisherman’s house. Here you can enjoy sunset cocktails and casual all day dining with a terrific view. The hotel is just a 10 minute walk to Kep’s Crab Market with small local restaurants offering the freshest of crab, cooked with local Kampot pepper, so it’s well worth exploring the local area.

Whilst there is no beach, the hotel’s long pontoon leads out to deeper water for those that want more than the wonderful infinity pool offers. Catamarans and kayaks are available for trips out to sea and bicycles can also be rented to discover the local area. Plus the hotel has a small spa and library.

This remarkable hotel is also a leading model of sustainability and good practice, meeting stringent international certifications for everything from recycling to employment practices to organic produce. The ambience is wonderfully unpretentious, a fantastic blend of comfort and serenity – it really is one of a kind.