Koh Ses Island, Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Koh Ses or “Horse Island” is located off the coast of southern Cambodia, within the 21,000 hectare Ream National Park and Marine Reserve. The island is predominantly covered with mature rainforest, cliff edge forest, fresh water wetland and saline wetland areas. Identified as a unique opportunity for a high-end, environmentally responsible tourism destination, Koh Ses Island master plan has been formulated based on the strictest of minimal environmental impact and sustainable development criteria. Working within the islands existing environmental framework and local cultural assets, the vision for Koh Ses Island is to create a unique, but culturally specific destination that will accommodate low density, small scale resort development, with minimal/no negative environmental impact. A comprehensive master plan report, incorporating detailed site survey and analysis studies, development master plan options, architectural, landscape and environmental guidelines was prepared for this exceptional ecosystem. The island has been envisaged as an almost fully self-sustaining destination. An existing disused airfield provides the perfect opportunity to locate wind turbines, solar panels and rainwater harvesting. Carefully managed organic plantations integrated within existing vegetation will provide the resorts with a guaranteed quality food source, which is critical for the operation of a luxury island destination.