The powdery white sand is the key draw here – one mile of pristine beach just round a headland from Serendipity Beach.

This 188 room hotel is as ‘beachfront’ as it can possibly get, set amidst an expansive 24 hectares of gloriously manicured garden. Sokha Beach Hotel is not small, intimate or boutique in any away, nor does it pretend to be. Instead, it has all the hallmarks of an international resort. And a reasonably good one, at that.

Rooms are spacious and smart. Most come with sea view, situated as they are in two low-rise wings, designed in consideration of Khmer style. They are certainly well-appointed, but they need some refurbishment – not because they are shoddy, broken or dirty … they can simply feel a little dated. Better are the Mohori Water Chalets and Private Villas.

The hotel has five bars and restaurants, a ‘lagoon’ swimming pool, fitness centre and a spa. Staff are invariably friendly and efficient. There are children’s activities, tennis courts and water sports – jet skis, a speedboat, banana boats, para-sailing, water skiing, kayaking and aqua cycle….etc.

Good reviews come out of Jasmine Spa – complete with sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi and beauty salon.

Sokha Beach Resort is also close by the restaurants and bars of Serendipity Beach if you want to head out for a meal or sample the cheap beers and dubious cocktails of the backpacker strip.