Coastal retreat launches regenerative stay Kep, Cambodia

We’ve all been there: the “eco-friendly” hotel stay that mostly involves reusing your towel. Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West is aiming a little higher than that.

The boutique coastal retreat in Kep, Cambodia, has launched The Regenerative Stay: a year-long initiative that turns every booking into direct, on-the-ground environmental action. For all 2026 stays, Knai Bang Chatt will fund the planting of ten mangrove seedlings per booking, working alongside Marine Conservation Cambodia and local mangrove community members.

It’s simple. You book a stay. Mangroves get planted. The coastline gets stronger.

Mangroves are quiet overachievers. They protect shorelines, support marine life, and help coastal communities deal with the realities of climate change. Each tree planted through the program will offset around 308kg of CO₂ over its lifetime, meaning your holiday is doing more than just topping up your tan. Score.

The initiative builds on Knai Bang Chatt’s long-held belief that travel doesn’t have to be extractive. As founder Jef Moons puts it, regeneration only works when guests are invited to be part of it, not just spectators.

Partnering with Marine Conservation Cambodia ensures the work is locally led, properly managed, and rooted in real outcomes rather than good intentions.

So yes, you still get the ocean views, the slow mornings, and the Cambodian coastal charm. You just leave knowing your stay helped keep Kep’s coastline standing. And that’s a big win.

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