From Khmer-inspired spa rituals to Phnom Penh’s hottest restaurants by the beach, newly-opened JATI is a Cambodia private island resort that impresses on many levels.
Cambodia’s southern coast has long played second fiddle to its neighbours’ flashier beaches and mega-islands, but a new arrival may just shift that narrative. JATI, a private island resort by the creators of Shinta Mani Hotels, officially opened earlier this month on the island paradise of Koh Russey to offer yet another alternative for a luxurious island getaway.
Cambodia isn’t new to the luxury private island game — the ultra-luxurious Song Saa on Koh Rong pioneered this space over a decade ago, while Six Senses Krabey Island’s sustainability focus has since drawn international acclaim. Both occupy a distinctly high-end, wellness-forward niche.
JATI, which means ‘rebirth’ in Sanskrit, takes a different tack. Yes, it’s polished. Yes, the secluded island also offers wellness rituals and private villas (some with pools). A mere 10-minute speedboat hop from Ream Beach near Sihanoukville, this 82-key property leans into intentionality, local soul, and sensory immersion; it’s a retreat as much as a reset. But it’s also playful, accessible, and refreshingly connected to urban Cambodia through innovative dining partnerships, while recreational sports facilities provide an entirely different way to unwind.
JATI wears its philosophy on its sleeve. Its one- and two-bedroom villas are laid out in quiet elegance, located either right next to the beach or nestled against tropical greenery, with open-air lounges and breezy finishes that invite you to lose track of time. The design is grounded in Cambodian craft and texture, offering an immersion into traditional Khmer culture.
Recreational amenities are set to be phased in over the next few months; The Bamboo Spa & Gym, for example, already feature a wide range of Khmer-inspired wellness treatments and state-of-the-art workout equipment, but will unveil sauna and ice bath facilities from May.
For leisure, choose from pickleball and Thai-boxing to paddle-boarding and snorkelling, or explore the island on foot or bike. Otherwise you can join group sessions for sunrise deep breathing qigong and sound healing by the beach, morning yoga, or meditation exercises.
Dining is set to be a key highlight at JATI; the resort offers a wide range of culinary experiences ranging from lazy breakfasts by the beach and detox lunches to sunset seafood barbecues. It has also tapped dining concepts from operator HMD Asia’s portfolio, bringing in outposts of beloved Phnom Penh wine bar Le Manolis and destination steakhouse KoKo to its island setting.
Think of JATI as the Cambodia Riviera’s latest answer to barefoot luxury, just with fewer pretensions.
JATI Koh Russey is currently offering a 50% discount offer on its opening, with rates starting from US$168 for a one-bedroom villa for stays from now till 30 September 2025. April 1st to September 30th, 2025. There’s also a ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ promotion, with guests staying four nights receiving a complimentary fourth night.
To find out more, visit: stayjati.com.
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