BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
A refreshing stay at Belmond La Residence D’Ankor
Across the road from Siem Reap’s main river with the old town and markets about five minutes’ walk away, Belmond La Résidence D’Angkor is the perfect place to stay for a visit to this ancient capital of the Khmer empire.
The hotel felt like a surprise, especially to jaded travellers like me. Beyond the high walls and simple entrance reveals a tranquil moat and lush gardens that immediately made me feel like I’ve entered a secret sanctuary miles away from the city. Adding to the illusion is the world of wood that is the lobby and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re in someone’s courtyard, rather than in one of the most luxurious properties in Siem Reap.
Refurbished in 2016 by leading international designers and architects, GA Design and Beyond Design, the hotel strikes all the right notes. Lush greenery, tropical gardens, airy rooms and a salt water pool encircled by loungers, it’s a place that invites you to forget about everyday woes, unclench your shoulders and chill.
That’s a good word for Belmond Siem Reap. It’s the hotel to stay in if, after a full day of temple hopping, you just want to sit on a lounger with a book, preferably with a long, cold alcoholic drink in hand. Not to say that the place is all hush-hush and quiet. It has a lively and comfortable feel to it, while remaining intimate. It’s a good base to explore Siem Reap and beyond.
The staff is fantastic as well, and will gladly try to accommodate your requests, whether it’s arranging temple tours, expeditions to Tonle Sap Lake, bicycle tours, or even a spur-of-the-moment tour of artist Christian Develter’s studio. The artist, who is based in Siem Reap, has several of his famous Chin series paintings in the hotel.
The Angkor Wat temple complex is only about 10 minutes’ car ride from the hotel. If it’s your first time to go around the temples, take our advice and have the hotel arrange everything for you, including a guide. The hotel will even provide a lovely picnic breakfast for you to enjoy under the trees. Trust us, this is a luxurious experience you will remember, complete with mischievous monkeys scampering about, hoping to get a chance at your food. Tired of inspecting the ancient ruins? Then the markets and entertainment district of Siem Reap is only a few minutes walk away.
A culinary adventure
If you’re not up to diving into tourist crowds and finding a place to eat, then the hotel’s in-house restaurants are a delicious alternative. The main restaurant, Ember, offers organic Asian food, while Spice Circle will tempt you with authentic Khmer and Cambodian recipes. Light bites can be had at the Martini Lounge.
But reserve an evening for the Mystery Dinner Safari by Tuk Tuk. This unique dining adventure gives you a chance to dine at some of Siem Reap’s best and most interesting restaurants and eateries. The dinner safari is a five-course meal, but taken at different restaurants. A tuk-tuk will take you around to five different places to enjoy one course per restaurants. These establishments are curated by the hotel and are different each time. Picky eaters and nervous noshers, don’t despair. The dinner is highly customisable depending on your dietary requirements and preferences.
For those who want a more in-depth exploration of Khmer culinary traditions, the hotel also offers a half- day cooking class, complete with a tour of a local market for ingredients.
Zoning out
Temple hopping is tiring and dusty work. While exploring the history and culture of Siem Reap and Cambodia through its magnificent temples and other attractions is fascinating, if you’re all templed out, coming back to a sanctuary like Belmond La Résidence D’Angkor feels like a vacation within a vacation.
The suites are fabulous. They’re airy and generously proportioned, so you’ll probably be debating whether to head out or stay in to enjoy the enormous tub. Decorated in what I’d describe as Khmer modern, with locally handwoven colourful silks, carved hardwood furnishing, and artwork from local artists, it has a king sized bed and all the modern conveniences. What’s nice is that all suites have outdoor spaces – Junior Suites have a balcony overlooking the pool while the groundfloor Garden Junior Suites have a secluded double daybed and direct pool access.
To get you even more chill, book a session or two at the sleek Kong Kea Spa, which has a steam room, sauna, and an impressive range of pampering treatments.
Bottomline, Belmond La Résidence D’Angkor is where you want to stay if you want a base to explore Siem Reap or you just want to eschew all outdoor activities and stay in. Either way, it’s got you covered.