Koh Russey Resort

This place is close to paradise. Reading some comments beforehand we were -like others- a bit bewildered. After having stayed at the koh russey for four nights in a two bedroom beachfront suite, we are nothing but amazed. It's a tranquil haven with beautiful architecture and views, wonderful staff, an exceptionally large and gorgeous pool, good food (esp breakfast) etc. etc. 100% recommendable. Thanks for everything.

We debated whether this was worth 2 stars or 3 and feeling generous we have given three stars. In summary, we would not recommend this place - there must be better chill resorts to stay at. Starting with the positives: We had a lovely beach view apartment which was spacious, well equipped and had a private pool and a great view of the sea. The views from the two restaurants were lovely and the restaurant and bar service was very good. Now the negatives: you are stuck in the resort with very little to do apart from walk along the litter strewn beach. We asked about walking around the rest of the island but were told that this was not possible. The menus don’t change and with few guests they alternate between the two restaurants for dinner. The menu selection is very poor and the quality of the food is awful - worst club sandwich I’ve ever seen and beef and squid were tough. We asked about trips but they were eye-wateringly expensive and didn’t sound as good as similar trips that we had already experienced in Cambodia. The beach is strewn with litter and the resort’s response to another guest about regularly removing litter is completely untrue - we saw plastic bottles, lighters, plastic rope and a load of other debris still in the same places for three days. It’s not an attractive resort - the architecture is dreadful. The photos on their website make it look great but, whilst genuine, they give a misleading impression. The resort looks tired and despite several people meeting us on the jetty, we didn’t feel particularly welcome.

I truly do not have the words to capture how perfect an experience my stay here was. From the peaceful and serene island, to the incredibly kind, warm, and accommodating staff, to the delicious food. incredible spa and water sport options, there is just so much packed into this one tiny island. One huge highlight of my trip: learning to scuba dive under the informative guidance of Ali. He was an absolutely phenomenal teacher, and though I was very nervous, I felt safe as I learned thanks to Ali’s very knowledgeable approach. By the time we started diving and exploring the incredible world of life underwater, I felt so comfortable being underwater I hardly wanted to ascend. Truly, it was life-changing. I’d also highly recommend the spa. Every time I went to the spa was such a treat, and I will crave the beautiful lemongrass tea they serve before and after your treatment forever. Lastly, truly, the staff are so wonderful here. I was greeted warmly and had the pleasure of getting to know the incredible team behind Koh Russey during my stay. Some of the most wonderful people you could ever meet! I cannot recommend Koh Russey enough. I’ll be dreaming of my return to this island, and hope to come back soon!

Where to start!! This place is heaven I would say. You got everything you need for your holiday. Beautiful and clean Beach, awesome pool, play area,mouth watering food and not to forget the welcoming and super sweet team of Samantha. 100% will visit again. Do Not Miss the Sunsets !!

Samantha the manager and Cholsa had nothing to say after I asked to speak with her regarding a horrible transfer experience despite promises otherwise. I wasn't informed of any service recovery being offered and no apology was provided despite being given the opportunity. Disappointing "welcome" to a supposedly five-star resort you pay a premium for.

It’s taken me a while to review this hotel, as I left with so much anger and disappointment I couldn’t write anything of value. Many of the staff are kind and lovely. So I’d like to try remain constructive in my criticism, but ultimately my view of this place is mostly negative. There’s a really weird atmosphere and vibe here. The management try to sell you paradise, but ultimately it’s like being in an episode of black mirror - a futuristic setting that gaslights you. My first criticism is the rules. The rules you encounter on booking, on arrival, on the menus, and in the rooms. The rules translate to “you are not allowed to spend your money anywhere but here”. In fact, you can’t, as there’s nowhere else to spend your money. But they keep reminding you that you will be fined if you bring food/drink on site. Then there’s the subversive approaches to make you spend more money. There is only one way on/off the island, which you have to pay for. The only food is what’s on their menu, which is more expensive than some of the best restaurants in the capital. They highlight on arrival that you will get board (proudly displaying board games at the front desk) and then offer activities that nearly all cost more than a whole day private registered tour guide of Angkor Wat. You can even use their bikes, but only in the grounds of the property as it’s too dangerous outside - unless you pay for their guides to take you. We get it, you are a business. But I felt like I was bringing treated like a cash cow being squeezed dry if any cash. Wasn’t a pleasant feeling. You will be trapped on this island and at this resort. So be prepared to not leave for the stay. The beach is man made. There’s overflow pipes, rubbish, broken glass, and “bags” of sand on the beach. We all know rubbish appearing on the beaches of south east Asia is a constant battle. But the end of the advertised long beach is not cleaned. I got very angry about the boat fees. They have a staff boat. An option should be provided to offer choice if you want to pay more for the speed boat. The food menu is very limited and the two restaurants have the same menu for both lunch and dinner every day. So you quickly cycle out of options in a short time. I’ve seen his this hotel resounds to negative reviews. I’m anticipating personal attacks on my character. But I believe that if this place wants to survive (it was pretty much empty our whole stay) they should listen to criticisms. To improve they should make a free boat transfer option for all customers, provide a wider diversity of food options beyond the restricted repeated menus, sort out the beach rubbish and pipes, reduce the cost of food to reflect the average quality provided, cut out the rules that gaslight guests, consider the wear and tear in rooms (see photo of bed side tables coming away from the wall) and think about strategies to enable people to not feel trapped due to high costs of any activities or ways off site. I’ve added