Preah Sihanouk province’s Six Senses Krabey Island resort is slated to reopen its doors to tourists on December 2 after ceasing operations during the Covid-19 slump in the tourism industry.

“Post-pandemic recovery in Cambodia will rely in part on a business-enabling environment for higher-value travel and tourism,” the Six Senses said in an October 12 statement.

“Beyond the Angkor complex and Siem Reap, Cambodia is also endowed with beautiful coastlines, important conservation areas, and a significant number of heritage and cultural sites, many of which are easily accessible from Six Senses Krabey Island.

“With the mainland reception just a 10-minute drive from Sihanouk International Airport, it is then a short 15-minute water transfer to the resort,” it said.

General manager Ateeb Shrestha confirmed to The Post on October 20 that Six Senses Krabey Island is scheduled to reopen in December 2022, in anticipation of an influx of tourists to Cambodia as travel restrictions ease around the world.

“The resort will reopen on December 2 with a renewed focus on community-based experiences to interact with locals, nature and wildlife. Guests booking the Festive Getaway by November 30 will save 20 per cent on the Best Flexible Rate.

“The resort will operate and follow strongly the brand’s guideline in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 to ensure the health and safety of the guests, and our hosts are attended at our top priority.

“With the ever-changing situation around the world, Six Senses aims to present higher-value travel and tourism to the global travellers. This will enable us the opportunity to welcome those who look forward to reconnecting and reinvigorating their senses with meaningful experiences, natural beauty, empathetic hospitality, wellness and sustainability,” he said.

Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy governor Long Dimanche told The Post on October 20 that the Six Senses’ reopening reflects recovery in the tourism industry and the potential of the coastal province.

“The resort was closed during the spread of Covid-19 which severely affected the tourism industry.

“Now, they’ve decided to reopen their resort, emphasising that they see a potential recovery in the tourism industry, because [it] targets foreign tourists rather than locals as their rooms are a bit expensive for local tourists,” he said, voicing appreciation for investment in the province and elsewhere in the Kingdom.

The statement added: “The 40 spacious pool villas offer a private island hideaway feel without forgoing guestroom amenities, guest services, and a spa, which crowns the island and offers a wide range of holistic rejuvenation therapies.”

An earlier statement noted that the resort “is set on a 30-acre [12.1ha] private tropical island located three miles [4.8km] off Ream National Park in southern Cambodia”.

Preah Sihanouk provincial Department of Tourism director Taing Sochet Krisna told The Post that the province is becoming more developed in terms of infrastructure, with the new Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway persuading tourism players like Six Senses Krabey Island to resume their businesses.

“Preah Sihanouk province is one of the key tourism destinations of our country. Six Senses’ decision to resume operations is a very positive point, and comes in response to recovery in the tourism industry.

“And, we do need this type of five star luxurious hotel, as we could attract more Western tourists, on the expectation for more flights from many other destinations soon,” he said.

According to Sochet Krisna, there are currently more than 80 hotels comprising 9,000 rooms, of which there are eight four- or five-star hotels with about 5,000 rooms.