Located in northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap is the access point to the ruins of Angkor, seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th–15th centuries. Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple. This week we explore the top suites at its best resorts.
1. Amansara
2. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angor
3. Shinta Mani Bensley Collection Pool Villas
4. Anantara Angkor Resort
5. Park Hyatt Siem Reap
1. Amansara
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “another creation of prolific 20th-century builder King Norodom Sihanouk, Amansara has had many different names over the years. When it first opened in 1963, it was christened Villa Princière, its modest yet stylish low-rise buildings welcoming members of the royal family and their guests. In the 1970s, it became Villa Sokha, before it was devastated by war, then the 1980s saw a slight rebirth as Villa Apsara, before abandonment in the ’90s. By the time Aman arrived in 2002, there was not much left but a shell, though an extensive and painstaking restoration was made using old photos as reference, resulting in the return of the 1960s glory years. Modern design elements bring it into the 21st century, as do a new lap pool, spa and gym. However, the mystique remains — after passing through an unmarked black gate, you are welcomed at the original reception building, while the K-shaped pool still provides a refuge after a day spent touring the ruins of Angkor, before a dinner under the dome of the resort’s distinctive circular restaurant.”
Pool Suite
Offering a private plunge pool and outdoor seating in a private garden courtyard, Amansara’s expansive 1523 sq. ft. Pool Suites offer seamless open-plan living, where both the inside and outside celebrate the resort’s beautiful natural surroundings. Finished in pale terrazzo and timber, the suites have a contemporary design appeal, each with a king-sized bed alongside a spacious living area with sofa, writing desk and an informal dining space. The light-filled bathroom invites guests to relax and reset, with twin vanities and a deep-soaking bathtub alongside a separate shower and toilet.
More suites at Amansara.
2. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angor
French art deco elegance meets Cambodian hospitality in luxurious fashion within the lush grounds of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Steeped in rich history and architectural splendor dating back to 1932, the historic grande dame was the first luxury hotel to open its doors in Siem Reap, providing a sumptuous stay for globetrotters eager to explore the nearby archaeological site of Angkor Wat. A beautiful balance of authenticity and modernity is a hallmark of the classic hideaway. Towering palms frame both the luxury hotel’s colonial facade and its Instagram-worthy pool. A sleek marble lobby is anchored by a grand staircase lined with a wrought-iron railing and the very swish Elephant Bar serves classic hand-crafted cocktails with a twist. It’s this attention to detail that has drawn the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Onassis, Michelle Obama and Angelina Jolie to Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s regal front doors for more than 90 years.
Two-Bedroom Royal Villa
The 3,422 sq. ft. residence features master king and twin bedrooms, spacious living/dining room with private terrace, three bathrooms, and kitchen with views of the landscaped gardens and the iconic swimming pool.
More suites at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angor.
3. Shinta Mani Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Springing from the wonderful imagination of noted Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas is a stylish blend of modern elegance paired with Khmer traditions, all layered with his distinctive style. Approaching from the road, a long, high-ceilinged corridor fronted by lotus ponds echoes the hallways of Angkor Wat, though the black and white color scheme that permeates the resort is a bold, untraditional palette choice. While it is always difficult to unpick Bensley’s thought process, one imagines this is his conception of what an Angkor temple might look like if built in the modern day. Beyond the design, Shinta Mani has much to offer: rooms, set around gardens and a pool, are accessed via a combination of stairs and paths evoking the underground passageways of Bayon. Inside, the monochrome theme continues from the bedspread to the furnishings, though special mention must be made of the ceiling-mounted photos of Angkorian temples, which transport you to the ancient complex as you drift off to sleep. The other highlight is Kroya, an all-day restaurant where you can sway on swing seats, indulge in a menu of local organic ingredients and international classics and, of course, reflect on the design.
Bensley Pool Villas
Each 1,679 sq. ft. villa has a private 30-foot swimming pool as well as a secluded outdoor tub and shower for bathing in the tropical air. The rooftop sky lounge is an entrancing setting for breakfast, cocktails, dinner — or sleeping under the stars. Six of the villas can be combined into (3,358 sq. ft.) two-bedroom villas (with two pools) to accommodate a family or group of friends traveling together.
More suites at Shinta Mani.
4. Anantara Angkor Resort
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “A short drive from Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the most mesmerizing archeological sites in Southeast Asia, Anantara Angkor Resort provides a luxurious home base from which to explore the UNESCO-listed ruins, picturesque Tonle Sap Lake and charming town of Siem Reap.
Combining Khmer design elements with colonial touches, the all-suite property is surrounded by lush gardens and fringed palm trees for a back-to-nature experience. While they vary in size and design, each of the 39 suites features its own private courtyard or terrace and a dedicated butler, while some of the upper-level suites also include private plunge pools and expansive living rooms.”
Henri Mouhot Two Bedroom Suite
Named after the intrepid French explorer who brought the myth of Angkor to the West, the 2,529 sq. ft. Henri Mouhot Suite offers a private garden and pool. Dine indoors or out. Perfect for in-suite spa treatments.
More suites at Anantara Angkor Resort.
5. Park Hyatt Siem Reap
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Park Hyatt Siem Reap exudes peace, with its tranquil pools, Khmer design flourishes and tropical wooden furnishings. What makes it stand apart from its luxury competition is its location in the heart of town, just a few hundred feet from central attractions like the Old Market, the royal residence, Pub Street and Kandal Village. The hotel keeps with Park Hyatt’s reputation for high-end urban retreats, but with the bold creative input by celebrated Bangkok- and Bali-based resort designer Bill Bensley. The American was behind the original art deco look and feel of the property when it opened back in 2002, and he was brought in to update it a decade later, retaining many of the aspects that had made it so fun (1930s-style door signs), but adding a touch of sophisticated opulence (elephant tusk bar tables). The smart entry-level rooms either look out into the gardens or onto the city, but it’s the Pool Suites that deserve your attention, with their private plunges and courtyard providing another level of escape. While guests will enjoy the all-day Dining Room, with its mix of international and Khmer cuisine, and the dark wood Living Room — Bensley’s ode to an explorer’s boudoir — it’s the bright and airy Glasshouse Deli that brings the French charm.”
Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite at 2,669 sq. ft. has two gardens, dining and living areas, and two bedrooms with indoor bathrooms and an outdoor rain shower.
More suites at Park Hyatt Siem Reap.
