Amansara
This secluded enclave was built in the 1960s as the guest villa of King Sihanouk.
Most of the stylishly decorated suites are set around a central, grassed courtyard with a pool and sundeck at one end. Half of them have private courtyards and soothing water features, while the twelve pool suites come with additional private pools and dining areas.
Facilities at Amansara include a library with complimentary Internet access, a spa offering a range of massage and beauty treatments and a roof terrace that makes an ideal spot for early morning yoga sessions or evening drinks. Fine cuisine is served in the circular dining room (which features a walk-in wine cellar where guests may select a bottle) or by the poolside.
Amansara is located just ten minutes from the gateway to the Angkor complex, and the hotel offers a variety of temple tours and cultural walks with English-speaking guides. Visiting scholars are also invited to give informal house talks on subjects such as history, archaeology and architecture.
Why We Love It
Each suite comes with its own custom-made remork (moped-powered trishaw) and driver for personal expeditions into the surrounding area.
Belmond La Residence d'Angkor
Set within a leafy walled garden on the riverside in central Siem Reap, the hotel is just 15 minutes drive from Angkor Wat.
The hotel is built in a traditional style and the rooms all come with large bathrooms, satellite TV, free wireless internet connectivity and private terraces overlooking either the pool, the river or the gardens.
As well as the large swimming pool and gardens, facilities include a library with an array of travel guides and international newspapers. In-room massages and spa treatments are also available.
The main restaurant serves Khmer and international cuisine and there is also open-air dining on the terrace, a barbecue restaurant in the gardens and a pool bar for light meals and snacks.
Why We Love It
For keen foodies, the Mystery Dine Around is not to be missed! You'll be let in on the local secrets as you visit some of the town's gourmet highlights in one evening; visit five different locations for five different courses, travelling by private tuk tuk between each.
Jaya House River Park
Jaya House River Park is a luxurious boutique hideaway located on the Siem Reap riverbanks. Although the hotel is located on a tranquil part of the riverfront, it's only a few minutes' drive in a tuk-tuk to Angkor Archaeological Park and to the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
There are 36 spacious rooms which are designed to provide a relaxing space, with neutral tones and soft fabrics. They are decorated with sustainable wood, local stone and art work of Siem Reaps local artists. Each of the rooms and suites come with a balcony or terrace overlooking the tropical garden or the pool, and the four junior suites have their own alfresco plunge pool.
The all-day dining restaurant at the hotel offers international dishes with a gourmet spin, or dinner can be enjoyed privately in your room. For drinks the rooftop sky bar is a great place to enjoy an amazing sunset while sipping a cool G&T.
After a busy day exploring the surroundings, retreat to the small River Park Spa, which offers a steam room and rejuvenating massages with aromatic oils. Alternatively, the two swimming pools are perfect for a refreshing swim or to lounge around during a quieter day. Of course the local area with its many impressive ancient temples is the real pull here, and exploring the likes of Angkor Wat is an absolute must.
Why We Love It
The environmentally conscious should note that Jaya House River Park consider sustainability in several ways and honour their responsibility towards the community and the area - for example, their ReFill not LandFill initiative is fantastic and has made them the country's first plastic free hotel.
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