Nestled along the pristine Pagoda Beach on Koh Rong Island, The Secret Garden Koh Rong has quickly emerged as a top destination for travellers seeking a tranquil, luxurious escape.
Opening its doors in December 2019, the resort marks a new beginning after eight successful years at Otres Beach. The Secret Garden offers a refined and secluded getaway, emphasising privacy, understated elegance, and an unwavering commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
The resort’s serene location on Pagoda Beach is distinctive, offering breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters and white sand shores. This idyllic setting allows guests to immerse themselves in nature while indulging in world-class amenities and services.
According to Janne and Maria Suikki, owners of The Secret Garden, moving from the bustling Otres Beach to this untouched corner of Koh Rong was driven by a desire for a more exclusive, nature-focused experience. “Pagoda Beach provides the perfect setting for a serene, nature-focused resort, allowing us to create an intimate and luxurious environment that reflects Koh Rong’s untouched beauty,” Janne explains.
The architecture at The Secret Garden embraces Scandinavian influences, which resonate with the Suikkis’ Finnish heritage. It blends seamlessly with the tropical surroundings, enhancing guests’ sense of peace and relaxation. The design features clean lines, natural materials, and a minimalist design.
Koh Rong offers a variety of room types, from absolute beachfront views
to lush garden
settings.
“We chose Scandinavian design for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. It creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the tropical surroundings,” Maria says.
The Secret Garden Koh Rong stands out not only for its luxury but also for its commitment to sustainable tourism. The resort actively works to preserve Pagoda Beach’s natural beauty, with policies designed to reduce plastic use, support local businesses, and create job opportunities for the surrounding community. Glass water bottles replace single-use plastics, and local sourcing is emphasised across all aspects of operations.
“Environmental and social responsibility are guiding principles in our daily operations,” Janne notes. “We strive to create a luxurious experience that respects and enhances Koh Rong’s natural beauty, positively impacting both the environment and the community.”
In addition to its eco-conscious practices, The Secret Garden offers an array of luxurious accommodations to suit various preferences, from beachfront rooms with stunning views to garden settings that offer tranquillity and privacy. The resort also caters to families and groups, balancing privacy with communal spaces for quality time.
For those seeking relaxation, a swimming pool and beach bar provide ample space to unwind. The on-site restaurant, perched on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, offers fresh, local ingredients with regional and international influences. Guests can indulge in a unique dining experience, such as the resort’s exclusive “Dinner Under the Stars,” where a private beachfront setup enhances the evening.
The Secret Garden’s dedication to personalised service sets it apart. With a high staff-to-guest ratio, the resort tailors each experience to individual needs, from private excursions to customised dining options.
“Our personalised service is all about attention to detail,” Maria says. “It makes guests feel truly special and sets us apart from other resorts.”
Operating a resort on Koh Rong, an island known for its untouched beauty, does come with unique challenges, particularly in logistics and utilities. Despite these hurdles, the rewards are significant, as Janne notes: “Guests are drawn to Koh Rong’s exclusivity and natural beauty, making it the ideal setting for our vision of a secluded, luxurious getaway.”
Opening just before the pandemic brought its own set of obstacles. However, The Secret Garden adapted by emphasising its private, expansive beachfront, allowing for natural social distancing and enhanced guest safety. The resort also implemented rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols to ensure the safety of its guests. Support from the local community and returning guests from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap bolstered the resort during this period, underscoring the importance of community connections and loyalty.
